West Broward High School
Science Department
Chemistry-1 Course Syllabus
Teacher: / Ms. Wilson / Website: /
Phone: / 754-323-2600 / Email: /
Room: / 228
Course Description:
Welcome to Chemistry! The textbook is Modern Chemistry, by Holt and McDougal. This course is designed to provide you with an understanding of the general principles and concepts of chemistry. Through lecture, labs, projects, and course work, you will explore the behavior of elements/compounds and how they react with each other. Our topics include but are not limited to:
Unit 1: Measurement & Safety
Unit 2: Atomic Theory
Unit 3: Chemical Formulae
Unit 4: Stoichiometry
Unit 5: Chemical Bonding
Unit 6: Gases
Unit 7: Energetics
Unit 8: Kinetics
Unit 9: Introduction to Acids & Bases
Unit 10: Introduction to Equilibrium
Suggested Materials:
  • Index Cards
  • Notebook with lots of paper (3 ring binder or spiral with pockets is fine)
  • Scientific Calculator, typically around $16, that includes Scientific Notation( EE or EXP) and Log functions
  • Jump drive (can be shared with all classes for just 3-4 projects)
  • Reading Book, to be read whenever an assignment or test is finished early

Evaluation:

Broward County
Grading Scale: / Approximate Grading Breakdown:
90 – 100% / A / Classwork / Activities completed during class time. / 15%
87 – 89% / B+ / Projects / Assignments that extend over a period of several days to a week, including research reports, Power Points, Models, and Podcasts. / 10%
80 – 86% / B
77 – 79% / C+ / Quizzes / A formal Assessment made of 1 – 25 questions / 10%
70 – 76% / C / Labs / A manipulation of data, experiment, investigation, scientific inquiries done in a controlled setting. / 20%
67 – 69% / D+
60 – 66% / D / Tests / A formal Assessment made of 26 or more questions / 35%
0 – 59% / F / Homework / Assignments done outside of class for reinforcement. / 10%

Total = 100%

NOTE:

  • Midterm exam will cover all of the content from 1st semester and the final exam will cover all of the content from the whole year. It will consist of multiple choice, essay, and a lab component.
  • All school and county policies will be followed as per the Broward County Student Code of Conduct.
  • Material in this syllabus is subject to modification by instructor if deemed necessary.

Classroom Expectations Everyday:

  1. RESPECT the teacher, your classmates, and yourself.
  2. LISTEN to and follow all directions the first time they are given. Be attentive and engaged in the topic of the day.
  3. Come to class prepared with supplies and completed assignments. Assignments are due at the beginning of class.
  4. BE ON TIME, in your seat, with work out on your desk. This means by the time the bell rings! Tardiness is a disruption to the entire class. Excessive tardiness will result in an administrative referral.
  5. Keep all personal belongings, including backpacks and purses, in designated area.
  6. Refrain from using profanity, vulgar language, or gestures.
  7. The attendance policy for the county will be followed. Each day of an excused absence you, will have two days to complete the makeup work.

Please consider:

  • It is important that you are in class everyday. Much of your understanding of science will come from things explained in class.
  • Any assignment due on the day of your absence is due the day you return to school.
  • Previously scheduled tests/quizzes given on the day of your absence will be taken on the day of your return to school. If you are absent for a review, you are still required to take the test on the scheduled date.Some quizzes may be unannounced.The policy for makeup work for excused and unexcused absences,found in the BCPS Code of Student Conduct Handbook, will be followed.
  1. When the teacher is absent, the substitute to be treated with RESPECT. (Refer to rule #1) All classwork is to be completed and returned to the substitute at the end of the class period. Misbehavior will be reported.
  2. Students and parents are also responsible for accessing or retrieving the BCPS Code of Student Conduct for clarification.Familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct Book and West Broward’s school rules and policies.

Consequences:

  1. Warning
  2. Call to parent
  3. Detention- after school, in my room
  4. Referral

CHEATING POLICIES:Cheating is obtaining information from any sources other than those prescribed (approved) by the teacher for the specific assignment.

  1. Having a “cheat sheet”, including having a phone out
  2. Copying from someone else’s paper during a test or on a homework assignment
  3. Talking during a test

ANY STUDENT GIVING INFORMATION IS TO BE CONSIDERED EQUALLY AS GUILTY OF CHEATING AS THE STUDENT RECEIVING THE INFORMATION.Students caught cheating will have their parents notified of their involvement. A member of the administration will meet with the teacher and the parent if necessary. A grade of ZERO will be given for the assignment and the student will not be allowed to make up the work. The sponsors of groups, in which good character is a stipulation for entry or continued membership, will be notified.

Please remember that in chemistry knowledge builds on each other all year long. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you are getting lost. Ask for help immediately and we can make arrangements to work after school to get you back on track. Get involved in your school by joining clubs and volunteering. You will get so much more out of your high school experience if you do so. I look forward to an exciting new year here at WBHS!!

Please return the last page signed, by both you and your parent or guardian. Thank you.

I/we affirm that I/we have read and understand the Chemistry classroom expectations and policies.

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Student Name (Print)Student Signature

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Parent/Guardian name (print)Parent/Guardian Name (print)

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