Earth Science II/ Astronomy Syllabus

Instructor:Mrs. Theresa S. Price

Primary Textbook:

Chaisson, Eric and McMillan, Steve. 2007. Astronomy: A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe (5th Edition). New Jersey, USA: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Chemistry (4410) with End of Course SOL TEST

Grade Level(s): 10-12 Credit: 1 unit

Chemistry is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the interaction of matter and energy. This interaction is investigated through the use of laboratory techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities, and problem-solving applications. Scientific methodology will be employed in experimental and analytical investigations, and concepts will be illustrated with practical applications. Technology including graphing calculators and computers may be used. Students will understand and use safety precautions with chemicals and equipment. The course emphasizes qualitative and quantitative study of substances and the changes that occur in them. In meeting the chemistry course requirements, students will be encouraged to share their ideas, use the language of chemistry, discuss problem-solving techniques, and communicate effectively. The course is designed as preparation for college chemistry or other advanced sciences. The SOL test for Chemistry is given in this course.

A complete list of classroom and safety rules and procedures can be found at my web site, You may also access the school website at

Classroom Supplies

Scientific Calculator

Marbled Notebook for homework

Notebook for notes (student preference)

1-roll of Paper Towels

1-box of Tissues (optional)

Distilled Water (optional)

AAA Batteries (optional)

Dry Erase Pens (optional)

Proper Laboratory Attire

Safety in the laboratory is the #1 priority for students, teachers, and parents. Students are required to dress appropriately for indicated lab days. To permit students to participate in laboratory activities, students and parents are required to read and sign in agreement the “Bedford County Science Student Safety Guidelines.” Advanced Chemistry students are required to arrive to class wearing closed-toed shoes and long pants (no shorts or skirts) on the day of a lab. For safety reasons students not appropriately dressed for lab activities will not be permitted to participate, which may be reflected in their grade.

Grading Policies

Note that the point value assigned to each task is NOT a % of grade but the value of each task individually. This grading scale is in accordance with Bedford County policy on grading scales in ALL courses. Progress reports will be sent according to Bedford County policy or when specifically requested by the parent or student. Grades will be updated by Monday morning in Powerschool. Please contact the school if you have not yet received your Parent Portal login information.

Assignments will be posted on the boardand the class web-site. Late work will not be accepted except for an excused absence.

ALL assignments and lectures are posted online. It is the student’s responsibility to review the schedule for missed material. Copies of all handouts are located in the Chemistry Folder on the wall in the front of the room. Students must make arrangements on the day they return to school from an excused absence to make up work based on BCPS Policy.

Absent 1-2 days, you will have 3 school days to make up work.

Absent 3-5 days, you will have 6 school days to make up work.

Absent 6+ days, you will need to talk with me to establish a date for the work to

be completed.

Homework assignments will only receive credit if submitted on time. If you anticipate any difficulties with meeting an assignment deadline, you must notify me BEFORE the due date. No credit will begiven for late homework. If you miss an assigned test or laboratory experiment, you must arrange with me a time before or after school to make it up.

The following grading breakdown is a guideline for the approximate weight of each assignment. Please note that Bedford County grading policy states that no single assignment can count for more than 25% of the overall grade.

Grading Breakdown

Summative: Tests70% of the final grade

Formative: Quizzes, Labs, Classwork20% of the final grade

Homework10% of the Final Grade

Grading Scale (%)

A / 89.5 – 100 / Outstanding
B / 79.5 – 89.4 / Above Average
C / 69.5 – 79.4 / Average
D / 59.5 – 69.4 / Below Average
F / Below 59.4 / Unacceptable
I / Incomplete

Classroom Expectations

Students are expected to follow the rules and regulations set forth in the Jefferson Forest High School Student Code of Conduct. These rules will be strictly enforced. Students are also expected to follow the safety guidelines for the laboratory. Classroom rules have been developed for both academic and conduct. These rules are posted in the classroom and on the web-site for review.

  • RESPECT; Respect the teacher, your fellow students, the classroom and materials. We will use the parliamentary procedure in the classroom for open discussions and debates. At all other times, the instructor shall not be interrupted;
  • Students will follow all safety rules. These rules comply with state and federal guidelines. Do not touch anything that is not yours or until instructed (including computers and equipment).
  • Students will complete all work individually and on time. All homework is due when the tardy bell rings. If it is not turned in at that time, it is considered to be late.
  • Work for other classes may NOT be completed in my classroom. All other work will be confiscated and returned at the END of class.
  • Be prepared for class; bring the necessary supplies, be seated before the tardy bell rings. This also means that all electronic devices must be silenced and properly stowed away in a purse, pocket or book bag. Lecture begins as soon as the tardy bell rings. Students are expected to take notes every day. If you are absent, you may ask me for a copy of the notes AT THE END OF CLASS.
  • All book bags, purses and other items must be placed on the floor or at a lab station and may not be left on the student desk.
  • NO food or drinks allowed in the laboratory. This is a state law. Bottled water or water in a clear container with a spill proof top are allowed to be on the desk.

Students AND parents, when you have read and understand the materials and requirements of myscience class, please go to the following web address and complete the survey:

Course Timeline:

Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
1-4 / Nature of Chemistry, Math and Measurement
Standard
CH 1a-j
CH 2h,g / SWBAT conduct themselves in a safe manner with proper response to emergencies.
SWBAT identify and demonstrate proper usage of lab equipment and techniques.
SWBAT identify the SI base units and perform metric conversions.
SWBAT classify data as being accurate or precise.
SWBAT analyze data for error and calculate percent error.
SWBAT perform calculations using significant digits and scientific notation in measurements and demonstrate competency in algebra skills.
SWBAT perform density calculations and temperature conversions.
SWBAT perform calculations using dimensional analysis.
SWBAT graph data using proper skills and technology.
SWBAT show efficiency and variable manipulation through repeated trials.
SWBAT describe how chemists use the scientific method.
SWBAT identify chemical and physical properties
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
5-8 / Atomic Structure of Matter
Standard
CH 2a,b,c,g,i / SWBAT name key scientists and their contributions to early atomic theory.
SWBAT identify the atomic model and the scientist who developed it.
SWBAT identify the subatomic particles and the respective charges.
SWBAT identify the atomic number, atomic mass, and mass number for particular elements.
SWBAT describe isotopes and determine the number of each type of subatomic particle.
SWBAT identify the Quantum Mechanical Model.
SWBAT write electron configurations for elements and ions.
SWBAT identify emission and absorption spectra for elements.
SWBAT calculate the average atomic mass using percent abundances of isotopes.
SWBAT empirically define the average atomic mass of a sample.
(End of Q1 Material)
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
9-10 / Periodic Table
Standard
CH 2d,e,f,g,i
CH 3c / SWBAT name the scientists and their key contributions to the development of the periodic table.
SWBAT draw the Lewis Dot Structures for atoms and ions.
SWBAT identify the relationship between electron configurations and the periodic table.
SWBAT identify chemical families and periods on the periodic table.
SWBAT describe periodic trends.
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
11-13 / Ionic and Covalent Bonding
Standard
CH. 3a,c,d / SWBAT distinguish between ionic and molecular bonds.
SWBAT write chemical formulas for ions and molecular compounds
SWBAT write and name a variety of chemical formulas
SWBAT write and name key polyatomic ions.
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
14-15 / Advanced Bonding and Structure
Standard
CH 3c,d / SWBAT draw Lewis dot diagrams for compounds
SWBAT determine the polarity of bonds using electronegativity values.
SWBAT build bonding models for molecular compounds.
SWBAT understand VSEPR Theory and determine molecular geometry, bond angles, and molecular polarity.
SWBAT describe the characteristics of binding forces.
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week 16-17
Week 18 / Chemical Reactions
Standard
CH 3b,e / SWBAT describe the conservation laws.
SWBAT balance chemical equations.
SWBAT identify the five types of chemical reactions.
SWBAT identify and predict products of chemical equations.
Midterm Exams (Q2 Benchmark)
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
19-21 / Stoichiometry
Standard
CH 1g
CH 2a
CH 4a,b / SWBAT calculate molar mass.
SWBAT calculate the % composition of a molecule from the chemical formula.
SWBAT perform mole to mole ratios
SWBAT perform mass-mass, mass-volume, and volume-volume, mass-particle, calculations
SWBAT calculate stoichiometric proportions
SWBAT determine limiting reactant and calculate % yield.
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
22-24 / States of Matter
Standard
CH 2h
CH3d
CH5c,d,e / SWBAT distinguish among the states of matter and be able to classify it.
SWBAT understand separation techniques.
SWBAT identify physical and chemical properties and changes.
SWBAT describe the intermolecular forces.
SWBAT determine the relationship between states of matter and structure and properties.
SWBAT describe equilibrium vapor pressure.
SWBAT identify phase changes and the key components to phase change diagrams.
SWBAT interpret heating curve diagrams, with heat of vaporization and heat of fusion.
SWBAT interpret a vapor pressure graph.
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
25-27 / Solutions
Standard
CH 2h
CH 3e,f
CH 4c,d
CH 5g
/ SWBAT identify properties of water.
SWBAT describe the dissolving process and aqueous solutions.
SWBAT identify electrolytes and non-electrolytes.
SWBAT identify the differences among solutions, colloids, and suspensions.
SWBAT interpret a solubility graph.
SWBAT perform molarity calculations.
SWBAT perform dilution calculations.
SWBAT describe colligative properties.
SWBAT apply Le Chatelier’s Principle to changes in equilibria.
(End Q3 Material)
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
28-29 / Acids and Bases
Standard
CH 3e
CH 4d / SWBAT describe the properties of acids and bases.
SWBAT discern the differences among the acid-base theories.
SWBAT identify conjugate acid-base pairs.
SWBAT determine the strengths of acids and bases.
SWBAT perform pH & pOH calculations.
SWBAT perform a titration curve of a strong acid/base and interpret data.
SWBAT identify appropriate pH indicators
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
30 / Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Standard
CH 3f
CH 5e,f / SWBAT Calculate Specific Heat, molar heat of fusion, and molar heat of vaporization
SWBAT define calorimetry and understand how a calorimeter works.
SWBAT describe enthalpy and entropy.
SWBAT describe effects catalysts have on reaction rate.
SWBAT explain how and why concentration, pressure, and temperature affect reaction rate.
SWBAT describe the role of activation energy
Dates / Standards/Essential Questions / Essential Knowledge/Skills/Understanding
Week
31 (2 days) / Oxidation and Reduction
Standard
CH 2f
CH 3 e,f / SWBAT assign oxidation numbers.
SWBAT identify oxidize and reduced atoms.
SWBAT identify oxidizing and reducing agents.