Chemistry
Mr. Harrington
2015-2016
Overview: This course is a traditional approach to chemistry in which
students will study the basic theories and concepts of chemistry. The intent is to prepare
students to pursue chemistry on a more advanced level.
Topics:
Chapter 1 – Intro to Chemistry
Chapter 2 – Matter and Change
Chapter 3 – Quantifying Matter
Chapter 4 & 5 – Atomic Structure
Chapter 6 – Periodic Table
Chapter 7 & 8 – Intramolecular and Intermolecular Chemical Bonding
Chapter 9 – Representing Compounds
Chapter 10 – The Mole
Chapter 11 – Chemical Reactions
Chapter 12: Stoichiometry
Chapter 13: Phases of Matter
Chapter 14: Gas Laws
Chapter 15: Water and Aqueous Systems
Chapter 16: Solutions and Colligative Properties
Chapter 17: Energy
Chapter 18: Kinetics and Equilibrium
Chapter 19: Acids and Bases
Prerequisites: Algebra I
Fees: The fee for this class will be $5.00.
Supplies: For this class you will need a 100 page, spiral bound, college ruled notebook for taking
notes, a binder for keeping work, and a scientific calculator (if it has a log button it’s scientific). It
is encouraged, but not required for you to buy your own goggles for this course. I have enough
for the class to share but it will be your preference of whether you would like to buy your own.
You can purchase a pair of used goggles from me for $1.00.
Grading: Grades will only be assigned to things that will gauge your understanding of your
learning. Assignments that are given to help a student practice certain skills (ie. most
homework/classwork) will not be taken into consideration when calculating the final grade,
however, it is still required. Grades will be assigned by points earned and weighted based upon
the following categories.
30% Final Exam (15% EOC Exam/15% In Class Final)
50% Tests and Quizzes
20% Labs and Projects
Tests and Quizzes: Quizzes will be given over small pieces of material periodically to evaluate
you’re learning of the concepts for that given piece of information. I reserve the right to give
unannounced quizzes when I see necessary. Tests will be given at the conclusion of each chapter.
Also, for tests only I will allow you to make test corrections on up to two tests per semester in which
you can receive up to half of the credit you missed. You will also only be allowed to make test
corrections if you come in before or after school to work on them, hand in the chapter study guide
BEFORE THE TEST, and have completed all homework for that unit on time. If you decide to come
in before or after school you will need to arrange a time with me ahead of time. Finally, if you have
no missing assignments at the end of each semester I reserve the right to drop your lowest test/quiz
grade for that semester.
Labs: Labs providing hands on learning opportunities will be performed on a regular basis.
You will work in assigned lab groups, and sometimes may turn in one lab write-up per group,
however, I reserve the right to choose which group member the write-up comes from. ALL
members are required to understand the concepts covered. At least two labs each semester will
be required to have a formal written lab report. More information will be given at that time.
Homework: Class and homework will be assigned on a regular basis, and is designed to
provide independent practice over the concepts and problems presented in class. Selected
assignments will be checked at the BEGINNING of class. Any questions that you have over
homework problems will be gone over before moving on to new material. It is very important
that you take the time to do your homework and practice concepts outside of class. If you do
not take the time to do the work you will not excel in this class. Most homework will not be
taken into account with the final grade; however, it will be used to gauge each student’s
progress in the class and is required to be finished. No late homework will be accepted for
credit.
Classwork: Classwork is similar to homework in that those pieces that are used to build
learning will not be considered when calculating each student’s final grade. However, it will be
used as a measurement of each student’s learning and must be completed on time.
Absences: The policy for excused absences is that you will be allowed the same number of days
(plus one) to make-up assignments as you were absent. I will not remind you to turn in or
make-up work. This is your responsibility. Come to me before or after class if you have
questions about assignments that you miss. I advise that you find someone in class you
consider dependable that you can go to for notes and information when you are gone. If you
have missed a test or quiz, YOU must arrange a mutually convenient time to make it up.
Class Website: All PowerPoint slides and many helpful pieces of material for this course will be
posted to my class website: http://coltharrington.wix.com/harringtonchem
I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus as I deem necessary.