Chemistry I Syllabus

Mrs. Jenny Vicknair Room SC102

Planning Period: 10:20 – 11:30

Science and Math Academy

(985) 258-4600

Course Description:

Chemistry I is designed as a college preparatory course. It focuses on the properties and reactions of matter with emphasis on real world applications. Topics of concentration include scientific measurements, symbolic representation, properties and structure of matter, chemical reactions, and relationships between energy and matter. These concepts are developed through inquiry-based labs, demonstrations, problem solving, and other interactive activities. Mathematical skills through Algebra are used in problem solving.

Required Text:

Chemistry: Matter and Changes, Glencoe

Required Materials and/or Supplies:

The following supplies are recommended for success in this course:

  1. Either a 3-ring binder with loose leaf or a notebook with a pocket folder
  2. Pencils
  3. Black or blue pens
  4. Colored pencils or highlighters
  5. Charged Laptop
  6. Flash drive
  7. Basic scientific calculator

The persistent lack of preparation for class will result in a referral to the academic counselor.

Course Objectives:

The Learning Objectives Include:

  1. Gain an understanding of Chemistry standards and concepts
  2. Understand that science is a process and constantly changes the way we understand the world with new developments and inventions.
  3. Work productively and efficiently in group and lab situations.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of basic chemistry concepts such as the types of matter and the changes that matter can undergo.
  5. Prepare students for college science coursework.

Course Content:

Time(days) / *LCC Unit & Chapter No. / Topic
5 / Unit 1, Ch 1 / Introduction to Chemistry
5 / Unit 1, Ch 2 / Analyzing Data
5 / Unit 2, Ch 3 / Matter – Properties and Changes
5 / Unit 3, Ch 4 / Structure of an Atom
7 / Unit 3, Ch 5 / Electrons in Atoms
7 / Unit 3, Ch 6 / The Periodic Table and Periodic Law
7 / Unit 4, Ch 7 / Ionic Compounds
4 / Unit 4, Ch 8 / Covalent Bonding
5 / Unit 5, Ch 9 / Chemical Reactions
5 / Unit 5, Ch 10 / The Mole
5 / Unit 5, Ch 11 / Stoichiometry
5 / Unit 6, Ch 12 / States of Matter

*The Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum Units have been subdivided into smaller chapters due to large amounts of information that will be assessed.

**I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus to better serve the students needs.

Course Requirements and Methods of Evaluation:

This course is divided into 2 quarters. Each quarter is worth 40% of the overall grade. The Chemistry District EOC exam is worth 20% of the overall grade.

Quarter Grades will be based in weighted averages from the following categories:

Major Grades 60%

Tests and Projects (including Science Fair Project which is mandatory)

Minor Grades 30%

Labs, Quizzes, etc.

HW/CW/Part 10%

Homework will be assigned on a daily basis, with some due the next day and others on a long-term schedule. Students are expected to hand in homework first thing when entering class on the day it is due. The student will receive full credit when turned in on the due date, half credit if late, and no credit if more than one week late. Homework will be checked on the basis of effort most of the time. You can still receive full credit for attempting all the problems. Occasionally I will look at one particular problem and the student will lose points if it is not correct. All tests and quizzes are based off homework!!

Laboratory work will be scheduled generally with the corresponding chapters. During lab experiments, ALL safety measures will be taken. Safety for all students is our number one concern in the lab. The students must obey all safety rules. Failure to obey any safety procedures will be grounds for their removal from the class and they will receive a zero for the assignment. If the lab has a pre-lab assignment, it must be done for the student to participate in lab that day. A student who is absent on lab days will have other makeup work. If you do not makeup the lab assignment, you will receive a zero for that lab assignment. Lab assignments are always collected and graded. You will lose 10% of total points for each day late the assignment is turned in with a maximum of 50%. Once the unit is over, no lab assignment will be accepted for any credit.

Policies and Procedures:

Incomplete Assignment Policy

As stated in the St. James Parish Pupil Progression plan: A grade of “I” shall be given to a student on the report card for incomplete work. The academic grade assigned to the incomplete work shall be lowered as follows (excluding a student with extenuating circumstance):

Number of Days LateHighest Academic Grade Possible to Earn

1-2B

3-4C

5D

6+F

A student with extenuating circumstance shall be granted a period of time agreed upon by the student, teacher, and principal, without lowering the academic grade, after which time the preceding number of school date late shall affect lowering of academic grade. A grade of “I” shall be converted to an academic grade (A, B, C, D, or F) by the classroom teacher prior to the completion of the applicable term/school year.

Academic Dishonesty Policy

As per district student policy manual, if a student cheats on a test/assignment or plagiarizes he/she will receive one after school detention, no credit on the test/assignment, and an administrative conference.

Online Communication Policy

The word “netiquette” is short for “internet etiquette.” You should be aware of the common rules of netiquette for the web and employ a communication style that follows these guidelines:

  • Blog topics should be treated as serious classroom discussion only, unless noted by the teacher.
  • All electronic communication between the student and teacher shall be limited to the sanctioned sources, (i.e. SchoolFusion, Moodle, and gaggle accounts) created for the students.
  • Any electronic communication through any non-sanctioned means (i.e. texting, Facebook) is prohibited, per the district policy manual.

Procedure for Continued Learning following an Extreme Emergency

Please check the district, school, and class websites for announcements and information concerning continued learning following an extreme emergency.

Attendance Requirements:

  • If you are absent on the day an assignment/test is due, you are expected to turn in your work upon your return. You will be given the same amount of time to make up missed work as the number of days you were absent. Unexcused absences still require the assignment to be turned in when you return. If you know you will be absent, please plan to turn in your work early or have someone turn in your assignment so you don’t lose credit! Leaving early for a sporting event does not excuse you from turning in your homework or other assignments on time!
  • A student would is absent on lab days will have other makeup work. If you do not makeup the lab assignment, you will receive a zero for that lab assignment. Lab assignments are always collected and graded. You will lose 10% of total points for each day late the assignment is turned in with a maximum of 50%. Once the unit is over, no lab assignment will be accepted for any credit.
  • There will be a makeup basket for your assigned class period. You should check the basket on the day you return to school for makeup work.

Class Expectations:

  1. No food or drink (except water) will be allowed in the classroom.
  2. Do not touch any equipment in 101B unless you have my permission (this includes gas jets and water facets).
  3. Respect the rights of others and their property (this means no swearing, yelling, threats, or bullying).
  4. Please avoid disrupting the learning process (this means when the teacher is talking or other students are asking questions).
  5. Leave distractions like ipods, cell phones, makeup, etc. outside of the classroom unless you want them to go to the office.
  6. When the lesson is over, remain in your seats until the bell rings. Standing and waiting near the door is not acceptable!
  7. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated! Do your own work and take care of it. Do not let other students copy your work. All identical typed work will be considered cheating and will be dealt with according to the district’s policy.
  8. Claiming that threatening or intimidating comments, gestures, looks or physical contact occurred in jest will not absolve the student from the consequences of such actions. All threats, explicit or veiled will be taken seriously.
  9. Be aware that any information that is given to the instructor related to whether a student has been harmed in any way or intends to harm him or herself or another in anyway must be reported to the guidance office by law.

Consequences:

  1. A verbal warning is given
  2. A student conference with the teacher
  3. Conduct referral and parent call
  4. Conduct referral and conference with the counselor and parent is held
  5. Student is removed from the class.

(Severe Clause: Steps in the progression of consequences can be skipped due to the severity of the situation; examples: profanity, fighting, etc.)

Please be aware that any student sent out on a referral will NOT be able to make up any quiz or laboratory that missed as a result of missing class!

Changes to Syllabus

The above schedule, policies, and procedures in the course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. All students and parents will be notified of changes.

Chemistry I Syllabus

Mrs. Jenny Vicknair Room SC102

Planning Period: 10:20 – 11:30

Science and Math Academy

(985) 258-4600

Please detach this section, read the statement below, and sign where indicated.

By signing below, I am acknowledging that I have read the syllabus, and I understand its content. I understand that the syllabus should remain in the student’s binder or folder, and it is also accessible on the teacher’s webpage for the class.

______

Student SignatureDate

______

Parent/Guardian SignatureDate

______

Parent/Guardian email address, phone #, or any other contact information

Return to teacher by Friday, January 8, 2015.