ORHS Chemistry Syllabus 2013-2014
Course Description: In Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives. The use of computers and new technologies are an integral part of the course. Safety procedures, measurement, and research methods of science are stressed. One or more projects may be required each nine weeks. The projects will involve the unit being studied.
Success
The Chemistry course will require your commitment to doing homework, participating in classroom work and discussions, and taking notes during class. Please read this letter and sign. Your signature will indicate you are aware of the policies and expectations for Chemistry.
Classroom Rules
1. Be respectful of others. Inappropriate language and bullying behavior in the classroom is not accepted.
2. Classroom discussions of the chemistry topics should be at a reasonable volume and we take turns speaking.
3. Come prepared to work each day. This means that you must have your notebook, paper, and pencil/pen daily.
4. Come to class on time, I will count each tardy and follow ORHS policy regarding disciplinary actions.
5. Take notes every day. You are responsible for notes missed due to absences.
6. You will be assigned a seat which you are expected to stay in unless you are doing group work.
7. Do not sleep or put your head down on your desk.
Lab Rules
Safety is our number one concern, so absolutely no horseplay will occur in the lab. Each student must have a safety contract on file with me, signed by both the student and a parent/guardian.
1. Do not leave your lab station during the lab period, unless you are told to do so.
2. Report to me if supplies are missing or broken when you arrive. You are responsible for broken or missing supplies at the end of the lab period.
3. You are responsible for your own mess. Clean up after yourself.
4. Students will not be allowed to participate in a lab if they commit a safety violation. This will result in a zero for the lab, a referral to their AP and a phone call made to the parent.
Please realize that you are a guest in this classroom. You are to treat lab equipment, furniture,
etc. with your utmost respect.
Restroom Policy
I do not limit your restroom breaks, but you may not leave while I am lecturing. If you go somewhere other than the restroom or roam the hallways, you will lose the privilege to leave during my class.
Tardies
Yes, I count tardies. This means you must be in the classroom ready to start the warm-up for the day. Once you enter my classroom it is time to work. You may socialize with your friends in the hallway, but do not bring it into the classroom.
Grading Policy
Grades will be based on tests/projects (70%), labs (20%) and daily assignments/quizzes/homework (10%). Cheating will not be tolerated. This will result in a zero on the test/assignment, a behavior referral, and a phone call to your parent/guardian.
Test Corrections
One test correction is allowed per nine-weeks. This must be completed one week after the grade is returned. During corrections, the test and original answer document will be returned and you must correct the questions you missed. Each question you get correct will give you half credit back. The max grade you may receive after corrections is a 70.
Electronic Devices
No electronic devices including, but not limited to cell phones, I pods, blackberries, mp3s, etc. If I see them, I will take them up and turn them in to the assistant principal.
Late Work
All homework/daily grades will be accessible through my website. If they cannot be found the student can go to sciencegeek.net and perform alternate assignments that align with the topic of the original assignment.
For assignments being counted as Major grades, the ORHS Late Work Policy for Major Projects/Papers (provided below) will be adhered to:
“Students are expected to complete and submit assigned work on time. Major projects and papers will have a three day turn in window, decided by the teacher. The student may turn in the assignment at any time during this window. After the three day window, teachers will conference with the student and parents on the reason for not turning in the project. If the assignment is turned in after the three day window has expired, the work will be considered late. If the student has a documented, excused absence the last day of the turn-in window, the work may be turned in without penalty. Extenuating circumstances may also be considered.
If the student does not turn in the work on time we still expect the work to be done. Five points will be deducted from the graded assignment for each day missed with 25 points being the maximum penalty.
A rubric will be provided by the teacher explaining how the project will be graded when the project is assigned. Teachers may ask for projects to be submitted electronically. If so, the five days include the weekend as days counted. When students do not have access to the internet and have to turn in the project manually, weekends will not count in the five day penalty period.”
Absences
On the day of your return, you must provide me with an admit from the attendance office. Plan ahead. After being absent, it is the student's responsibility to get any make-up work on the day of your return. Timelines: If you missed one day of school, you have one day to make up the work. Make-up work includes missed labs. Labs are to be made up before or after school within the given timeframe mentioned above. If you do not follow this procedure, the assignments you missed on the day of absence will result in a ZERO (this includes tests). Please know that extenuating circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Absences due to truancy will obviously result in a zero. See student handbook for more info.
Supply List
1. Pencil or pen
2. Loose-leaf paper
3. Spiral notebook for warm ups
4. Calculator TI-30 or TI 30I preferred (Less than $15 at walmart or office supply store)
Lab Fee
1st period - box of tissues
3rd period – box of tissues
4th period - package of pens
6th period - package of pens
7th period - package of copy paper or colored copy paper
8th period – package of mechanical pencils
Tutoring
Tutoring is available M-Th 2:35 – 3:30 pm. Other times may be scheduled if necessary.
DAY / M / T / W / ThTeacher / Charles Lowery / Patricia Matte / Hansen / Diane Peterson
Room # / B216 / B217 / A210 / B209
*****Friday tutoring by appointment only***********************
*******AM tutoring available daily*******************
Parent involvement - I encourage each parent to register on line for Parent Access. Parent Access is a program in which you will be able to see real-time grades, discipline, and attendance for your child. I welcome emails from parents and will usually respond within the same day. I am available to talk with you on the phone, if that is easier for you. Please understand that when you call, I am usually in class and a message will be taken. By phone, I may not be able to call back until the next day. I promise to always get back in contact with you as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Jennifer Hansen Oak Ridge High School, Conroe ISD Teacher HS/Chemistry
Email:
Student Signature ______Date ______
Parent Signature ______Date ______