Chemistry Course Outline
Columbia Illinois High School
Instructor: Mr. Brian Bidlack Contact Information: Columbia IL High School
618-281-5001 ext 2063 77 Veterans Parkway
Columbia IL 62236
Email is the best way to contact me. If you choose to call instead, phone calls will go to our voicemail. I will try to return all calls shortly after school gets out. The best phone contact time for me is before or after school.
Textbook used: Chemistry: Matter and Change. New York NY: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2008.
Accompanying website: www.glencoe.com. From this website, you can access practice problems for our version of the book: Chemistry: Matter and Change, 2008. You do not need a code to access these MANY practice activities. You may also access the textbook online. The code you need for this is: BBBB86CECE.
Course prerequisites: C- or higher average in Algebra AND Biology or Physical Science.
CHEMISTRY COURSE OUTLINE
SEMESTER 1
Topic 1: Introduction, Lab Safety, & Scientific Measurement
Chapter(s) 1 & 2
Topic 2: Structure of the Atom
Chapter(s) 4 & 24
Topic 3: Electrons and Periodicity
Chapter(s) 5 & 6
Topic 4: Ionic and Covalent Compounds
Chapter(s) 7 & 8
Topic 5: Chemical Reactions
Chapter(s) 9
SEMESTER 2
Topic 6: The Mole & Stoichiometry
Chapter(s) 10 & 11
Topic 7: Thermochemistry
Chapter(s) 12.4 & 15
Topic 8: Acids and Bases
Chapter(s) 18
Topic 9: Gases
Chapter(s) 12.1 & 13
Topic 10: Reaction Rates
Chapter(s) 16
Grading: Your grade will be based on attitude, effort and achievement.
Achievement will be measured on the following:
1. Labs (15-40 points per lab)
2. Projects (75-100 points). As time permits
3. Quizzes approximately 1 per week (10-30 points each)
4. Bellwork (3-15 points each)
5. Tests (usually 100 points)
6. Clickers/Smart Board work (5 to 20 points)
Final grade: Each quarter grade at Columbia will be calculated by finding your percentage out of all the possible points. At the end of each semester, your high school grade will be calculated with each quarter grade counting as 40% of the semester grade and your final exam counting as 20% of your final semester grade Columbia is on a semester basis; passing the second semester of a year-long course does not equal one-full credit.
Grading Scale: As per CHS handbook, the grading scale is as follows:
Keys to your success:
Some of the topics that we will study in chemistry are independent from other topics, but most of the topics build on knowledge from previous chapters. To be successful, you will need to stay on top of the material. In notes, I always try to give you examples and definitions that will help you with your homework. My tests and quizzes will contain questions that will build on what we have done for homework and/or lab work. If you have any questions, please come see me before or after school or during advisory period. You may also want to utilize the textbook website for review or clarification purposes. In class, and in life, if you want to obtain a goal, you need to know when to ask for help. I would encourage you to please ask for help when you need it. I enjoy chemistry and so would like to see you enjoy it too! I would also encourage your parents to contact me if they have any questions. The best way for a parent to contact me is through my email address.