Pre-Advanced Placement Chemistry

Syllabus

Instructor______

Bennett O’Connor, MS, MAT

Office Hours:By appointment

Tutorials: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 4:05-4:55pm

Required Resources and Materials______

McGraw-Hill (2004). Glencoe Chemistry: Matter and Change

Laboratory Folder

Scientific Calculator

2 Composition notebooks

2 subject Notebook (College Ruled)

Overview______

The nature of Chemistry requires the student to know certain basic facts that MUST be committed to memory. Mathematics is an integral part of this class. Problem solving strategies will be stressed through-out the year and this course also requires the student be able to solve problems.

  • atomic structure
  • bonding
  • VSEPR theory
  • acid-base chemistry
  • nuclear chemistry
/
  • chemical names and formulas
  • chemical reactions
  • periodicity
  • behavior of gases stoichiometry

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the major principles and concepts of chemistry. Topics will include:

Behavioral and Course Expectations:

  1. ALL students are expected to actively take notes during teacher presentation. Although a textbook will be given to students, much material will not be found in the book. It is important to pay attention in class and ask questions when you do not understand.
  1. Attendance of the entire period each and every day of the week-NO TARDIES-it is impossible to participate if you are not in attendance
  1. Homework is either due at the beginning of the class period (and this will be announced) or must be turned in to the “in basket” before I leave the building that day. ALL HOMEWORK THAT IS NOT DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CLASS PERIOD MUST BE DATE STAMPED, NO STAMP, NO GRADE. No late homework is accepted (unless with a “mole dollar”). Homework will be graded on correct problem solving methods and not strictly on the answer. NO WORK-NO CREDIT- NO KIDDING!!!
  1. All tests are closed book and notes. As Chemistry is a course that builds upon itself, tests are cumulative.
  1. Students are expected to take notes, be attentive, and contribute to the class. Although extra credit is rarely given, students that honestly try and cooperate will always be given consideration when borderline grades occur.
  1. YOU MUST WEAR GLASSES OR GOGGLES IN THE LAB AT ALL TIMES! Points may be deducted for not following this FEDERAL LAW!
    The lab safety video/discussion will address appropriate dress and procedures, which will be shown and discussed prior to the first lab session. Your safety contract MUST be on file before working in the lab.

Grading Policies

Grading / Weight
Class work/Homework / 40%
Test
Test are administered on Wednesdays for students in MWF classes and Thursdays for students in TR classes / 25%
Projects/Products
There will be several labs during each grading period. Lab grades may count as assessmentgrades. Some labs will require a typed formal lab report. Many labs will require a working report in a lab book. Lab books will be graded near the end of the quarter. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with their write-ups and labs. Students may have their lab write-ups assessed by the instructor in advance without grade penalty until one day before the due date. / 20%
Six weeks Final
A cumulative final will be given at the end of the six weeks term / 15%

Grading Regulations

Make up Work:

Students may make up assignments and tests without grade penalty after an absence. Students will be given at least two school days for every day missed to complete the assignments or tests missed after an absence.

Late Work:

Students will be given at least one opportunity to submit late work not related to an absence; Grade penalty may be determined by the principal-approved department grading policy and must be consistently applied across the department. Primary consideration must be given to documenting learning mastery rather than consequences for behavior.

Plagiarism Policy:

Paraphrasing another’s work calls for a citation to give credit to the author. Even when you cite accurately, you need to use your own words; use direct quotes very sparingly. It is imperative that you create your own work and use your original words. Cutting and pasting from another source is not acceptable.

Student Full Name: ______

Syllabus Signature Page

Academic Integrity Statement~

I will use my own thoughts, my own wordsand do my own work to support my own learning. This means:

NO CHEATING

NO COPYING

NO STEALING

NO PLAGI ARISM

NO REPRESENTING SOMEONE ELSE'S WORK AS YOUR OWN.

I ______, do agree that I received a copy of the course syllabus for the class mentioned above. I understand the course requirements and that I

am expected to attend class meetings.

______Name of student (PRINT)

______Name of parent(s) (PRINT)

______Parent daytime phone number

______Parent e-mail

______Parent signature and date