PISCATAWAY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: Conceptual Chemistry
Textbook:
Chemistry, Prentice Hall
Teacher:
Mr. Dan Hayes
732-981-0700 x 7181
dahayes@pway.org (preferred)
Extra help is available after school by appointment. I am usually in every day.
Course Description: Conceptual Chemistry is a 6 credit, full year course for students in
grades 10 and 11. This is a lecture and lab course, which meets 6 periods per week.
Conceptual Chemistry consists of a basic introductory program that will lead to a
foundation understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry.
Included in this program is a consideration of: chemical safety, measurements in
chemistry, matter and its changes, atomic structure, the periodic law, chemical bonds,
chemical mathematics, types of reactions, chemical quantities (the mole/mass r elationship),
gas laws and acid-base reactions.
During the course of study, students will learn and develop the following skills: organization,
use of content specific vocabulary, safe lab procedures, lab report preparation and the
ability to understand and further investigate the basics of chemistry.
Course Schedule: Scope and Sequence
Approximate Time Frame
First Semester:
1st Marking Period
September through November
Topic
Topics: Lab Safety, Scientific Method, Measurement,
Matter & Energy, The Atom
Specific Content:
Lab Safety rules & equipment
Definition of Chemistry
The Scientific Method and Experiments
Measurements and Uncertainty
SI Units and Conversions
Scientific Notation
Conservation and Classification of Matter
Elements, Mixtures and Compounds
Chemical Reactions
Define the Atom
Structure and Models of the Atom
Electron Arrangement
Orbital Notation
Course Schedule: Scope and Sequence
Approximate Time Frame
First Semester:
2nd Marking Period
November through January
Topic
Topics: Periodicity, Ionic Bonding,
Covalent Bonding
Specific Content:
Organizing the Elements
Classifying the Elements
Radius, Electronegativity and Ionization
Energy and Periodic Trends
Ions, Ionic Bonds and their Properties
Bonding in Metals
Molecular Compounds and Covalent Bonds
Lewis Dot Diagram and VSEPR Theory
Bond Polarity
Second Semester:
3rd Marking Period
February through April
Topics: Chemical Compound Naming,
Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry.
Specific Content:
Naming and Formulas of Ionic Compounds
Naming and Formulas of Molecular Compounds
Chemical Quantities and the Mole/Mass Relationship
Percent Composition By Mass
Empirical Formula
Describing Chemical Reactions
Types of Chemical Reactions
Simple Oxidation Reduction Reactions
Balancing Reaction Equations
4th Marking Period
April through June
Topics: States of Matter, Gas Laws, Acids and Bases.
Specific Content:
Nature of Gases
Liquids and Solids
Changes of State
Theories, Behavior and Properties of Gases
The Gas Laws
Acid / Base Definitions, Properties and Theories
Acid / Base
pH scale
Neutralization Reactions
Salts
Materials Required:
 Acceptable notebook
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A variety of pencils and pens
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Textbook
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Scientific calculator
Class Rules
Why have rules?
Everybody in this class can learn Chemistry. If you put in the effort, I will not let you fail!
However, there are rules that must be followed so that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
These rules are supplemental to regular school rules in the handbook.
1)
Safety First: Everyone should leave school with the same number of eyes, ears,
hands, etc., that they came with. Willful violation of safety rules will not be tolerated.
No horse play!
2)
Respect your fellow classmates: Everyone is here to learn in a climate of mutual
respect. Disrespect directed at others will not be tolerated. Please leave your
personal arguments at the door.
3)
Please be on time for class. I know you may be rushed to get to class, but the
most important part of class is the first five minutes. Please respect my time, and I
will respect yours. If you have difficulty making it to class on time for a legitimate
reason, please come see me. If you are late, make sure you have a pass. School
policy for lateness will be strictly enforced. You have been warned!
4)
When you come into class, there may be a “Do Now” assignment. Do it. Now. It will
count as a daily participation grade.
5)
If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what was missed and make it
up. There are no excuses for missing work!
6)
Always be prepared for class: You MUST bring each of the following to class
every day, unless instructed otherwise:
A Three-ring binder
Pen or pencil
A scientific calculator!
Having these items every day will be part of your grade. There will checks. These
things will NOT be supplied for tests and quizzes. You cannot use your phone! You
cannot share. If we are having a test, and you show up with no calculator, well,
you just learned the hard way….
7)
Tests and quizzes are based on the information received through textbook readings,
lab work, or class discussions. It is imperative that you take notes during class.
8)
You are responsible for all material covered every day. Therefore, you can expect
a quiz at any time.
9)
Prohibited speech: The following phrases may not be spoken:
“When in my life am I ever going to need to know this?”
“We have a test today?”
“I am so going to fail this test.”
“I give up.”
I am sure there are others we could add to our list.
10)
Homework may or may not be checked. It is in your best interest to give your best
effort to your homework. Copying your friend’s homework will not get you anywhere.
Late homework will not be accepted.
11)
12)
Class participation is extremely important. For everyone. Speak up!
Seats are assigned. Assignment may (or may not) vary over the course of the year.
If you have a special concern about your seat assignment, please see me.
13)
Only one student will be allowed to use the bathroom at one time. No one will be
allowed to leave class in the first or last five minutes of the period. YOUR CELL
PHONE WILL BE YOUR BATHROOM PASS. Just leave it in the “Cell Phone Caddy”
on my desk before you leave, and pick it up when you return. If one is already there,
you may not go. Make sure you bring the hall pass with you. The pass must be filled
out before leaving. If you don’t have a cell phone, you will have to bring a note from
home or go during a different class. Too frequent use or too long an absence may
result in loss of hall pass privilege or a cut.
14)
Talking in class is strictly encouraged: I expect class to be a free discussion of ideas.
However, talking must be relevant to our topic, and must be respectful.
15)
As with all science classrooms: No food or drink in class! This includes water. At
any time!
16)
LEARN from each other. THINK for yourself. Only data from group work should be
identical not reports. Know the meaning of plagiarism.
17)
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19)
There are no stupid questions.
Accountability: The Rules are here to help guide your behavior. If you choose to
break the Rules, then you will be held accountable for your decision. The first
violation of the Rules will likely result in the presentation of the “Bad Attitude Card”.
The second Rule violation will result in a trip to see the grade level administrator.
(You are still responsible for all material covered after your “walk-of-shame”!).
Serious offenses go directly to write-up.
Seriously! Follow the dress code.
20)
Do not cut my class. Do not cheat. Do not lie. Ever! I take it as a personal insult.
Just don’t do it.
21)
Electronic devices: NO, you may not listen to music during tests, labs, etc. Don’t let
me see it. If I see your phone at all (except as a bathroom pass), I will write it up.
Turn your phone off. Your cell phone MAY NOT be used as a calculator. Get a real
calculator and have it with you every day.
22)
ABSOLUTELY no talking or cell phone use during lockdown drills! You don't know
that it's a drill. I will write it up.
23)
Keep all book-bags and purses under your desk. I know all of those cell-phone
hiding tricks….
24)
The Rules are fluid. If you find any of these rules disagreeable, or if you have any
additional rules you wish to propose, we can discuss it. Ultimately, final decision
about the rules will be up to Mr. Hayes.
25)
MOST IMPORTANT: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE see me for extra help if you are
lost, struggling, confused, befuddled, etc. It shows me that you are a serious student,
concerned about learning, and that goes a long way. If you are planning on staying
for extra help, please let me know in advance. DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE! I
ENJOY WHAT I DO AND I AM HERE TO HELP YOU!
* Acknowledgement and thanks are due Mr. Shenkler for his work “Da Rulz.”
http://w w w .pisca 7500
Regarding Safety in the laboratory:
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When asked, you must wear safety goggles.
Personal apparel should be appropriate for lab work.
Know what you are doing.
Know the proper fire drill procedures and the locations of the fire exits and the emergency
equipment.
Report all accidents to the instructor, no matter how minor.
Do not perform unauthorized experiments or use equipment and apparatus in a manner not
specified by the instructor.
Stay alert in the lab.
Food and beverages are never allowed in the lab.
Use extra caution when working with hot plates or other heating devices.
Use extra caution when working with electrical equipment.
Keep the work area clean and neat.
Soap and water are available.
Absences and Assignment Deadlines
Meeting deadlines is an important demonstration of responsibility. Students are encouraged to
hand in all assignments when due. However, some assignments will be accepted late for
reduced credit.
 If absent on an assignment due date, the assignment due date is extended by the
number of consecutive days missed per school policy.
 Missed quizzes, labs and tests must be made up within 1 week.
 Homework is not accepted after the date checked.
 Labs will be conducted in class with your assigned lab group. Lab reports will be
completed and turned in by the due date, usually two class periods later. Lab reports
and projects will be accepted late but at reduced credit of 10% per school (not class) day
late. No assignments will be accepted after 1 week or the announced last due date for
the marking period whichever is sooner.
Grading Distribution for each marking period:
Students will be assessed on a variety of assignment (labs, projects homework, class work), exams (tests
and quizzes), and class participation. Each graded assignment will have points assigned. A student’s
grade for the marking period is determined by the percentage of points earned /points available within a
particular category. While an individual marking period may vary, the target point weights for each
category is given below.
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Class Participation / Prime time assignments/ Do Nows/ Class preparedness (calculator, pencil,
notebook): 5%
Homework: 10% Many will be assigned approximately 8 – 10 will be selected for grading.
Quizzes: 20% (A quiz is planned for the end of each 5 class cycle unless a test is scheduled. )
Tests: 35% (Approximately three to four will be administered every marking period)
Labs: 20% (Approximately four to eight will be assigned every marking period)
Projects: 10% (There will be one project per marking period)
Extra credit assignments will be available relating to physics in our daily lives, current events or
science careers.
Yearly Grading Distributions: (subject to change with prior notification)
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Marking period 1:
Marking period 2:
Marking period 3:
Marking period 4:
There will be a final exam after the third and fourth marking periods:
grade
22 % of total grade
22 % of total grade
22 % of total grade
22 % of total grade
12 % of total
Please return form for HW grade.
Please note student and parent email addresses are very important!!!
Student Name:____________________________ Class Period ____________________________
I have read and understand the syllabus for Conceptual Chemistry.
___________________________________
Student name printed
_________________________________
Student signature
___________________________________
Parent/guardian name printed
_________________________________
Parent/guardian signature
Please mark preferred
number
Check
preferred
Parent/Guardian Information
Name(s), Number (s) and email info
Name
Primary
Student Information
Name
Alternate
Home phone
Work phone
Cell phone
Email address
*important
Does student wear glasses/ contacts?
Does student have Asthma or Allergies?
Does the student have access to a computer? Yes _____ No _____
Does the student have access to the internet? Yes _____ No _____
Does the student have a portable WIFI device? (A phone for example) Yes ________ No ________
For the students:
What do you like most about science?
What do you like most about chemistry?
Complete the sentence:
In chemistry class I hope to
____________________________________________________________________________________
What extra-curricular activities are you involved in? (Jobs, sports, clubs, etc.)?
What are you planning on doing after you graduate from high school?
What are you planning on doing for a career?
Please share any additional information you feel pertinent to this science class:
I am glad you are in my class and I am looking forward to helping you achieve
your goals.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hayes