Pre-AP CHEM A/B

2017-18 Syllabus

Mrs. Anne Kline, InstructorRoom 138

Required Daily Materials:

Notebook:3-Ring Binder with Dividers (1” or 1 ½” Binder)

Paper:Notebook paper

Writing Utensils:PENCIL / Pen is fine when recording info that will not be turned in.

Scientific Calculator:TI-30 is sufficient (WalMart has them for a reasonable price)

Course Description:

The goal of Chemistry A/B is to provide students with an opportunity to explore and gain skill in working with the characteristics, composition and changes in MATTER which makes up all things.

This course is designed to develop the background knowledge and skills needed to be successful in their junior Biology course which includes taking an EOC at the end of the course. Pre-AP Chemis also designed to prepare students for more advanced science courses such as AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science and/or AP Biology. Students will be expected to perform mathematical calculations, using algebra, to support Chemistry concepts. The intent of this course is to also provide the opportunity for students to increase their awareness of chemistry in action in the real world.

Grading System:

Grading Scale:

40%Course Work60% Assessments90-100A

●Participation* - Quizzes80-89B

●Labs - Tests70-79C

●In-class tasks69-65D

●Notebook64-0F

●Presentations

●Homework assignments

*Every science teacher will be awarding participation points each week. Students will earn up to 25 points per week by being present, alert and involved with learning tasks.

Science Department Make-up/Late Work Policy:

School policy will be followed. Students will have 3 days to make up work with an excused absence or 3 days after parent contact. Otherwise, students may submit late work until the grade cutoff for each progress report or prior to the final exam for 65% of the original grade. The ability to turn in late work resets every 4 weeks; meaning if the work is not made up prior to the progress report or the final exam cut-off, a permanent zero is entered into the grade book.

Cell Phone Usage:

Visible cell phones are not allowed in this room. This means that cell phones are to be stored INSIDE a backpack, purse, etc. Phones laying on top of the desk, in between student legs on the desk seat or on top of a backpack/purse do not meet this expectation.

If I see your phone, I will ask politely for the phone to be put away. If you comply with my request, no further action will be taken. If you don’t comply or if I see the phone again, I will ask for your phone at which time I will hold it for the rest of the class period. If you choose to argue, you will be written up for defiance. Please initial below that you understand this directive.

I understand the cell phone policy and will comply with this directive. ______

Classroom Procedures and Expectations:

All ACHS policies outlined in the student agenda book will be followed.

  1. One free tardy is awarded to each student by the office. I must turn in a tardy form with every tardy. You will receive the appropriate disciplinary action from the administrator assigned to your class.
  2. Assignments are due on time. See the Science Department policy on late or make up work above.
  3. Laboratory exercises cannot be made up. It is not practical or cost effective to set up an extensive lab for one student. If you have an excused absence during a lab, you may do an alternative assignment.
  4. The required daily materials are exactly that, required for every class meeting. I will not allow you to leave the room to get forgotten materials. If you do not have a writing utensil or paper, I have both of these items available. You are also welcome to borrow these materials from your friends.
  5. You will start almost every day with an opening activity which will be posted on the board or screen. You are to be in your seat beginning this activitywhen the tardy bell rings. Your “Do Now” sheets can be collected and graded.
  6. On most days, we will end class with a summary of what we have covered and a brief introduction of what we plan to do the next day. On lab days, we will end class by cleaning up the work areas and answering any lingering questions.
  7. I do allow students to leave class to go to the restroom, see the nurse, etc. You will be given six (6) passes. You must submit a pass, your agenda book, and cell phone each time you leave the room. You must leave your cell phone with me in order to use a pass. If you cannot abide by this policy, don’t ask to leave the room. Use the passes wisely because once you are out of passes, you are out of chances to leave the room.
  8. You often will be working in groups to prepare materials for class. Any individual work assigned as a part of the group process must reflect your individual understanding of the work assigned. In other words, do not copy your answers from each other or from the book. I need to know your interpretation of the information, not the book’s or your best friend’s interpretation.
  9. When students are receiving direct instruction from the teacher, their attention is to be on the teacher. No talking should be occurring at this time.
  10. Students are expected to be polite and remain in their seats during direct instruction. If a student needs to throw away trash they can wait till a natural transition or the end of class. If a pencil needs sharpened, the student can quickly request permission.

Student Guidelines:

1.Be attentive and alert!

2.Be respectful and courteous!

3.Be responsible for your own actions!

Failure to abide by these procedures/expectations results in the following consequences:

-Verbal redirection

-Revised seating arrangement

-Student/teacher conference

-Parent/Guardian contact

-Discipline Referral

Tentative Units of Study:

*Discovering Matter

*Atomic Structure

*Behavior of Atoms (Bonding)

*Stoichiometry

*Factors Affecting Chemical Reactions (Kinetics and Equilibrium)

*Energy of Reactions

*Biochemistry

PLEASE RETURN THE FOLLOWING SIGNED AGREEMENT by MONDAY, August 12th, 2017.

Course Contract Agreement:

I, ______(print student name), agree that the teacher thoroughly covered this syllabus in class. In addition, I have read this syllabus and reviewed it with my parents/guardians. I understand the requirements of this course, and I also am aware of the consequences of not adhering to class guidelines and expectations.

Student’s Full Name (PRINTED, PLEASE)

Student’s SignatureDate

Student Email

I have read this course’s syllabus and my child has explained the policies and procedures for the class. I understand the requirements of this course, and I am aware of the consequences if my child does not adhere to class guidelines and expectations.

Parent/Guardian SignatureDate

Parent Email

Preferred Contact Phone Number