Pioneer High School:

Chemistry 3/20/12- 5/7/12

****This course is a one- year laboratory science that satisfies the University of California entrance “D” (lab science) requirement.*** Must pass with a C or better!

Substitute Teacher: Camellia Smith

Email:

Phone: (831) 600-6620

Textbook:Chemistry by Myers, Oldham, and Tocci

Grade Viewer (Parent Portal):

Availability:

Ms. Smith can be reached before school, at brunch, lunch, and after school, or by appointment (please email)

Note: Mr. Pearl is taking a leave of absence from 3/21/12 until 5/7/12. During this period I (Ms. Smith) will be teaching. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me anytime.

Unit Overview:

The goal of this unit is to provide students with a higher level of understanding about the chemical world so that they can interpret and evaluate current related topics in the media, have a foundation for future study in chemistry, and gain an appreciation for the complexity and interrelatedness of all science courses. In this class students will analyze data and use scientific reasoning to draw conclusions in lab. This course is a college preparatory class designed to prepare students for college level science courses. Material covered in this unit includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Acids and bases
  2. Reaction rates
  3. Nuclear chemistry
  4. Introduction to organic chemistry (after CST)

Along with the development of laboratory skills, this course will provide students with knowledge of the chemical world while gaining enthusiasm towards science. Students will be assessed on participation, tests, quizzes, laboratories, projects, student readings, activities, lectures, discussions, group work, presentations, and the use of multimedia.

Required Materials:

Notebook or Composition Book

Folder or three ring binder with a devoted “science” section (as indicated by a divider)

White, college-ruled binder paper

#2 pencils

Blue or black ink pens

Assignments:

All assignments are due at the beginning of the period (when the tardy bell rings) unless otherwise noted.

Please write legibly!

Homework:

Homework for each day will be written on the board. It is STRONGLY recommended that you write down the homework assignment at eh beginning of each class. It is your responsibility to keep track of what is due and when. Homework will be checked (stamped) at the beginning of the period. Notebooks will be collected at the end of each unit. Homework that is NOT stamped may be turned in, but will be considered late, and the late- work policy will be enforced.

Late Work Policy:

Ms. Smith must check and approve all late work.

Projects, Lab Reports, and Notebooks -7% deduction per day late. NO credit after 3 days.

Daily assignments- NO credit given.

Attendance and Make- up Work:

You will be considered tardy if you are not in your seat, ready to work prior to the tardy bell. The Pioneer High School policies on tardiness and absenteeism will be strictly enforced so please make sure you have read and understand them.

For regular daily assignments (other than projects and labs), you will have as many days to make up the work as you have been “excused” for your absence. Remember, I will not pursue you about missed work, you must check the missed work folder and .or check with your fellow classmates. See my availability for additional consultation.

For labs (and some activities), students must schedule a time to come in and complete the assignment or complete a “Lab or Activity Make-UP Report”.

Make-up work will NOT be accepted for unexcused absences. *Exceptions may apply.

Grading:

Grades are given in the following categories: tests and quizzes, labs and projects, classwork, homework, and participation. Each category holds its own value or weight. Some categories have stronger values than others and are thus worth more of your total grade. See the category scale below:

Category Scale:Grading Scale

Tests and Quizzes = 35%A = 90%-100%

Labs and Projects = 35%B = 80%- 89%

Classwork = 15% C = 70%- 79%

Homework = 10%D = 60%- 69%

Participation = 5%F = Below 60%

It is your responsibility to keep track of your grade. Parent portal is on online grade viewer and can be accessed at: Remember to write down and/or memorize your password. If you have questions or concerns about your grade, you must make an appointment with me.

Academic Honesty Statement

Infractions:

  • Eye contact with another student, student’s exam, or test material during an examination period
  • Talking with another student for any reason, at any time during the examination period
  • Using any kind of cheat notes or devices to improve memory on the exam
  • Allowing anyone else to see your paper during an examination, test, or quiz
  • Copying work assigned to be done independently or letting others copy your work
  • Plagiarizing published works, copying sentences, phrases or passages from an uncited source while writing a paper or doing research
  • Giving test information to other students
  • Submitting individual projects not wholly your own
  • Any misrepresentation of another student’s work as your own

Consequences:

  • No credit given on the assignment or test
  • Teacher makes parent contact regarding cheating incident and meets with parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student upon request (this contact must be recorded on the academic honesty referral form)
  • The Assistant Principal of Discipline (APD) must receive a copy of the academic honesty referral form, so that he or she can begin a file for the student
  • Second offense: The APD holds a conference with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student within five days of the incident. The teacher must have documentation and be available for the conference.
  • Third offense: Principal holds parent(s)/guardian(s)- student conference, and invites the Child Welfare Attendance supervisor, if requested by the parent(s) or guardian(s).
  • Fourth offense: Results in disciplinary action including but not limited to: suspension and/or transfer to another school

General Class Rules:

  1. Be respectful! When someone is talking, you should be listening
  2. Be ready to learn! Prepared, on time, well rested, well fed, etc
  3. Be willing to try! Attitude is everything!
  4. No gum or food of any kind.
  5. No cell phones or music devices unless the teacher gives express permission.

Discipline Policy:

1st offense – Verbal warning

2nd offense – Teacher/student conference

3rd offense – Detention before school, after school, or during lunch

4th offense – Parent phone call or conference

5th offense – Referral

Please return to Ms. Smith

I have read and understand the guidelines and policies for Ms. Smith’s Chemistry unit and have shared them with my guardian(s).

Student name (print): ______

Student signature: ______

Guardian name (print): ______

Relationship: ______

Guardian signature: ______

Thank You!

Pioneer High School 2011- 2012Smith/Murdock