Weeks 1-2:
Once you have enrolled at Webassign you have to get used to using it. The first
assignment is an Introduction to Webassign. It’s very important to complete these first
exercises before going to chapter 1.
A traditional class starts with a lecture, followed by text assignments. Students try the
assignment first and if they need help, they go over the chapter and their notes. We are
going to duplicate this online.
We will follow this pattern:
Thinkwell Video Lessons  Webassign assignments  Text sections
The thinkwell video lessons take the place of the lecture. You can match up the title of
the video with the assignment which helps a lot. Just like a traditional class, sometimes
the lecture is not enough. This is when you go to the text.
Whether you start with the videos or the text, make sure you complete the
Webassign exercises. These exercises are the same as the end of chapter questions in the
text but with different data. Webassign remembers your answers so you can gradually
complete the exercises for the week. Most exercises will allow up to 3 submissions of
answers. If you get the first submission wrong, “Hints” may appear to help you. If you
are still stuck on a question, post your question at the “Forum” on Webassign. The
average of your webassign assignments will equal an exam grade.
There is also a Chang text site for an earlier edition that contains animations, selfassessment quizzes, and an interactive study guide. Some will find the interactive study
guide very useful. The only drawback is you have to use internet explorer to use the
interactives. Here is the address:
http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/sites/0072512644/student_view0/interactive_study_guid
e.html
Click on “interactive study guide” then choose chapter 1.
Here is a breakdown by text section for the weeks1-2.
Section 1.1-1.3: This week you will review how Chemistry helps explain the world
around us by using the scientific method to study nature. The scientific method is a
logical problem solving method we all use without realizing it.
Section 1.3: We study nature by observing it, especially by taking and using
measurements. The international system (SI) is used rather than the metric system for
our measurement units. Familiarize yourself with table 1.1. The metric prefixes in 1.2
must be memorized for the first exam and will be used later this chapter in problem
solving.
1.4-1.6: Classification of Matter-Matter can be classified in different ways, by state or
by properties. You should know the basic classification of matter as is summarized in
figure 1.14 on page 29 in the text. You will be asked to classify various examples of
matter as elements, compounds, homogenous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures.
Matter can undergo physical and chemical changes. You should know the difference
between these changes and be able to classify changes as either one of these.
1.7: Temperature- Converting between Celcius and Fahrenheit doesn’t happen that
much anymore but you still have to be able to do it and we definitely still convert
between Celcius and Kelvin. You should know the formulas: oF = 1.8xoC +32 and
K = oC + 273
Density-You should know how to find and use density. You will be doing a lab on
density so much of this will be seen there. There is a visualization on “properties of
matter” that goes over density as well as the differences in physical and chemical
changes.
Here are the Thinkwell Video Lessons for weeks 1-2:
An Introduction to Chemistry and the Scientific Method
An Introduction to Chemistry
The Scientific Method
Properties of Matter
States of Matter
CIA Demonstration: Differences in Density Due to Temperature
Properties of Matter