First Semester Chemistry Core Ideas

SYLMAR HIGH SCHOOL

“A Community of Learners”

H Chemistry Fall 2016 Mrs. Labo

Course Description: Chemistry is a two-semester course, which involves the study of the composition, structure, properties, and behavior of matter. The class will emphasize the fundamental concepts and methods of chemistry and will include substantial lab work. Chemistry is a college preparatory course normally taken in the 10th or 11th grade. Chemistry fulfills the high school graduation requirement for physical science. It is expected that students enrolled in Chemistry will have passed Algebra I (or an equivalent course) because the material covered in Chemistry requires the mathematical skills learned in Algebra. The goals of this class are defined by Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core Standards.

Grading: First semester is divided up into 5 units, each ending with an exam called a Common Assessment (CA). These exams are based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core Standards. Students earn points for passing Common Assessment exams and for work done in their notebook. Each CA exam is worth 200 points (63% of the overall grade) and each notebook is worth 50 points (19% of the overall grade). There are also 10 quizzes that will be given throughout the semester that are worth 10 points each (6% of the overall grade). There is a final exam at the end of the semester worth 200 points (12% of the overall grade). This brings the total points for the semester to 1600. Students will keep track of their points on a score sheet in their notebook. Students are then assigned a letter grade based on the following scale:

Letter Grade / EL Assessments / Honors Chemistry
A / Score of 70% or higher on 5 EL tests / 1440 Points out of possible 1560 Points
B / Score of 70% or higher on 5 EL tests / 1280 Points out of possible 1560 Points
C / Score of 70% or higher on 5 EL tests / 1120 Points out of possible 1560 Points

The following common assessments will be given:

CA1 Atomic Structure and Periodic trends CA4 The Mole

CA2 Bonding CA5 Balancing Equations

CA3 Intermolecular interaction

Grading on exams: Demonstrating what you have learned is extremely important in this class. The exams make up 63% of the overall grade. You earn the most points by passing the exams with a 70% or higher because you earn a “bonus” for getting a passing score. A passing score is multiplied by 10 when it is entered in the grade book earning you more points. If you do not pass a test the first time, you will have 3 other opportunities to retake the test. I am here after school every day until 3:15 for tutoring . Longer tutoring sessions may also be scheduled and will be announced in class.

Grading Policies

1) No late work will be accepted unless the student has an excused absence. If absent, the student will have as many days to make up the assignments as they were absent

2) If caught cheating on an assignment or exam the student will get a zero for that assignment (this holds whether the student was copying from someone or allowing someone to copy from him/her). Parents will be notified.

Work Habits and Cooperation Grading Policies

Things that will result in a grade of “Unsatisfactory” for a grading period:

1) A referral5) Consistently using foul language in class

2) Tardy 3 or more times to class6) Consistently showing disrespect for others or for self

3) 3 or more unexcused absences7) Consistently refusing to participate in groups or labs

4) Breaking the lab safety rules

Textbooks: The text for this class is The World of Chemistry publisher McDougal Littell

Student Materials: In addition to the textbook, students are requested to bring a 100 page spiral notebook (preferably with a plastic cover) that is dedicated solely to this class along with a pen and pencil.

I Can Statements for Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends
  • I can identify the names, locations, charges, and masses of the three main subatomic particles
  • I can use atomic number and mass to identify elements and determine the number of each subatomic
particle.
  • I can identify common isotopes for elements and determine their masses.
  • I can identify the best model for the structure of an atom
  • I can locate the part of the atom that contains the mass, the greatest volume, and the highest density.
  • I can use the periodic table to identify groups and trends
  • I can predict traits of elements based on the element’s position in the periodic table
  • I can characterize trends using arrows that show an increase in the trend
  • I can identify correct Lewis Dot Diagrams that show the valence electrons for elements
  • I can use orbital diagrams and electron configurations to represent the electrons in an atom.

I Can Statements for Bonding
  • I can distinguish between ionic and covalent bonds and their properties
  • I can identify correctly drawn Lewis dot diagrams and know when to use them
  • I can identify a single, double, or triple bond.
  • I can determine whether a bond is polar or nonpolar.

I Can Statements for Intermolecular Interactions
  • I can identify the intermolecular forces at work between molecules
  • I can describe how intermolecular forces affect boiling point, melting point, and vapor pressure.

I Can Statements for The Mole
  • I can calculate the molar mass of an element or compound
  • I can perform molar conversions
  • I can identify the definition of the mole and use the definition to solve problems

I Can Statements for Balancing Equations
  • I can balance an equation
  • I can read and interpret a chemical equation
  • I can use the mole-mole ratio to solve problems
  • I can solve mass-mass problems
  • I can troubleshoot problems with an experiment based on the percent yield

Please sign below. These 2 pages will go in your notebook on pages 2 and 3.

Sylmar High School(818) 833-3700