Working Draft OHS August 2016

Oceanside High School

Course Syllabus

Chemistry 1

  1. Grade Level & Instructor Information:

Grade Level(s): 11-12 / Credits: 0.5 / Prerequisite: Biology
Faculty Member(s) Teaching this course:
Mary Gaudette

Room 27, Oceanside High School
Rockland, ME
  1. Welcome Message to Student & Parents:

Welcome to Chemistry 1. This course is based on the Next Generation Science Standards in Physical Science (see page 2 for the complete listing). We will be using a variety of hands on activities, videos, readings, and other activities in our class. Actively participating and doing all of the work are the keys to success in this course.
I am really looking forward to working with you this year, as the sciences are my passion. I have degrees in forestry and wildlife science and worked as a cartographer, an environmental consultant, and a researcher for many years before becoming a teacher. I taught Biology and Environmental Science at Penn State University and at Middlebury College, as well as biology, earth systems, environmental science, ecology, and physical science at high schools in Maryland (3 years) and Maine (11 years). This is going to be a great year!
  1. Course Description:

Chemistry 1 is a laboratory-based course based on the following core topics: properties of matter, chemical properties, nuclear chemistry, properties of waves, electromagnetic radiation and frequencies of light for atoms. Scientific knowledge will be gained from observing natural phenomena and by designing and conducting investigations. Instruction will focus on developing student understanding in a proficiency-based approach. This course covers the standard Structures and properties of Matter.
  1. Course Elements Unique to Honors Level Offering:

This is a college prep level course.
  1. Core Resources That Will Support Student Learning:

We will be using the Pearson Chemistry textbook.
Other resources will be made available during the school year.
A class website will be created.
  1. Student Assistance: Students encountering difficulties with assignments, course content, timelines for completing projects, etc., should initiate the following steps in seeking proactive assistance:

See your teacher as soon as you know you will need help, to arrange time to work with the teacher and for any deadline extensions (at the teacher’s discretion).
Ask to be tagged for assistance during the Targeted Learning block.
Your teacher is available for extra help after school. Check with the teacher to be sure which days are available.
  1. Premier Learning Targets:

Premier learning targets that will be attained by successful course completion include:
Target #: / Performance ExpectationDescriptor: / Standard Source:
CC/Common Core
MLR/ME Learning Results / Performance Expectation:
1 / Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms. / Next Generation Science Standards / PS1-1
2 / Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties. / Next Generation Science Standards / PS1-2
3 / Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the bulk scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles. / Next Generation Science Standards / PS1-3
4 / Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy. / Next Generation Science Standards / PS1-4
5 / Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs / Next Generation Science Standards / PS1-5
6 / Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction. / Next Generation Science Standards / PS1-7
7 / Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay. / Next Generation Science Standards / PS1-8
  1. Assessments and Other Strategies to Verify Success in Meeting Learning Targets:

Graduation Standards

Along with passing with a grade of 70% or higher Oceanside High School alsorequires each student to demonstrate proficiency in all graduation standards, as determined by RSU #13. Therefore, you will be receiving a proficiency score for predetermined assessments that evaluate your proficiency toward each of the relevant science standards.

Component: / Percent / Details & Basis for Grading:
Formative Assessments / 40% of your non-exam grade (36% of your course grade) / Quizzes, smaller assignments done in class, and most homework within a unit
Summative Assessments – Mid Term, Final Exam, summative projects/portfolio, etc. / 60% of your non-exam grade (54 % of your course grade)
Final exam 10% of your course grade / Tests, projects, major lab reports, presentations, etc. Rubrics will be provided when appropriate.
  1. Habits of Work and Course Expectations:

  1. Component:
/ Course Expectations:
Preparation for class / Arrive on time, with everything you need for class. Expect to stay in the classroom for the whole time, except for emergencies.
Class participation / Be involved. Your ideas are valued! (And it is much more interesting and fun if you do participate.)
Options for extra credit / Extra credit is NOT available, ever. You will be graded on the work assigned by the teacher, which is tied to the standards.
Homework / Doing your homework is important. Reading provides background information, and prepares you for what we are doing in class. Homework questions allow you to assess your understanding and let you know the things you need to ask about in class. They are also your guide to and practice for the types of questions you will encounter on quizzes, tests, and other assessments. Longer-term projects usually require work outside of class time.
Late or incomplete work / Due dates are important in many aspects of life. Developing and maintaining good work habits is a life-long process; therefore, missing deadlines is something to be avoided. At times, life conspires against us (getting sick, having a family emergency, etc.). At those times, let the teacher know as soon as possible, and arrangements can be made for extensions, at the discretion of the teacher.
Late work must be completed within one week of the due date.
Chronically late or incomplete work will result in the need to stay after school to complete the work in a more timely manner.
Grades on late work may be subject to a deduction in grade of 10% at the discretion of the teacher.
Submitting work electronically / Most work should be turned in on paper. The teacher will let students know if and when electronic submittals are accepted. Students who are out of school due to illness or other excused reasons may submit work electronically when necessary. Please contact the teacher first.
Revising, correcting, resubmitting work / Resubmittal of papers and projects will be offered. Resubmittals must include the original marked copy and rubric along with the revised version. Re-submittals will not be re-graded if substantive changes have not been made (for example, correcting only spelling, grammar, and/or format errors pointed out by the teacher on your original submittal are not substantive enough to warrant re-grading). While the standards grade will reflect your most recent efforts, the traditional grade will show the average of the original and revised work grades. You need to make your best effort the first time, and then, if necessary, do revisions.
Component: / Course Expectations:
Test make-up or retakes / See the student handbook for information on making up missed work due to excused absences or other extenuating circumstances. Talk with the teacher as soon as possible.
Opportunities will be offered for re-taking summative assessments after the student has shown that they have satisfactorily completed all of the relevant assignments for that unit, corrected their assessment in detail, and met with the teacher to assess their preparedness. These retakes will occur during the Targeted Learning block or after school. Retakes must occur within 1 week of the original assessments being returned to the students, unless the student is actively working with the teacher and a longer-term plan has been made and agreed upon.
Collaborative projects & teamwork / At times you will work with and share data with other students. All written work, other than shared data must be written in your own words. Copying will result in disciplinary action for all students involved (remember that allowing someone to copy your work is just as unacceptable as doing the copying).
Sharing views/communicating respectfully / Treat others in the class the way you would want to be treated. Always be respectful, even if you disagree. Give everyone a chance to express their views and ideas.
Eating & drinking in class / Eating and drinking in the classroom will be allowed. If the floors, tabletops , and cabinets are not kept clean, then the privilege will be revoked. For health and safety reasons, no eating or drinking will be allowed in the classroom when we are doing labs.
Special attire or materials needed / A 3-ring binder notebook is REQUIRED. You are expected to bring your science notebook, paper, pencils/pens, and work that is due with you to every class.
Refer to the safety contract for appropriate attire for labs. Closed-toed shoes are required for participation in labs that use glassware, chemicals, etc.

RSU 13 – Oceanside High School

Student & Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement and Return Form

After reviewing and discussing this syllabus, kindly complete the form below and return by the date indicated.

Course Title / Chemistry 1
Teacher / Mary Gaudette
Return Date / September 1

Student and Parent Acknowledgements:

Acknowledgement: / Print Student Name: / Student Signature: / Date:
I have read and understand the terms of this syllabus.
Acknowledgement: / Print Parent/Guardian Name: / Parent/Guardian Signature: / Date:
I have read and understand the terms of this syllabus.

Kindly note any questions or concerns regarding this syllabus, or use this space to provide the teacher with advance notice of important information that may impact student’s participation (health concerns, anticipated absences, academic support needs, etc.).

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