1
CP LAB CHEMISTRY: COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor: Mr. William S. Chestnut
Spring 2015
School Phone: 856-468-1445 ext. 2005
Email: wchestnut@gcecnj.org
Course credits: 5
Room: 212
Textbook: Available free from the NJ Center for Teaching and Learning – www.njctl.org –
select courses and Chemistry.
Course Description:
PSI Physics and Algebra are pre-requisites to this course; the work done in PSI Physics is
applied and expanded upon to explain macroscopic phenomenon through an
understanding of the microscopic. The course is both quantitative and qualitative in
nature, so mathematics will often be applied to the solving of problems.
Throughout the year, students will be involved in problem-solving activities on an
individual, small group and large group basis. Through this process the ability to read
and understand problems, break them down into their component parts and then create
and present solutions will be developed.
These same skills will be developed with activities in the chemistry laboratory. In that
case, problem solving will be done in real time with hands-on problems. Through this
process both analytical techniques as well as technological capability will be developed.
Integral to the teaching of this course is the use of SMART boards, notebooks and
responders. Many of the curricular materials that support this course require that
technology in order to develop effective learning on the part of students.
Course Content Outline
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Chemistry Lab Safety
Atomic Structure
Models of the Atom and the Periodic Table
Periodic Trends
Ionic Bonding and Ionic Compounds
Covalent Bonding and Molecular Compounds
Moles and the Periodic Table
Chemical Reactions
Course assessments:
A student’s grade is based only on quiz, quest, test, and lab scores. By grading only
summative assessments, we are grading work that shows each student’s independent
demonstration of their knowledge, application, and understanding, producing an objective grade.
2
1. Formative assessments;
a. Ungraded assessments including student participation, student response to
questions, observed student-student interactions and homework completion.
b. Graded quizzes: short assessments based on homework problems that have
been discussed in class or on assigned reading.
Graded quests: A quest is longer than a quiz, shorter than a test, but of the
same difficulty as quizzes. Quests cover slightly more material than quizzes.
2. Summative assessments: Graded chapter tests, mid-term, final exam. These include
both multiple choice and free response problems.
3. Retakes: Students are allowed to retake all quizzes, quests, and tests (with the
exception of the mid-term and final exams. Labs cannot be retaken..
Grading Policy:
 Quizzes will be given frequently (every two or three days) and will be
short, 5-20 minutes. Material on the quizzes will be closely correlated
to homework. Quizzes are not correlated in an Honors course
 Unit tests will be given at the end of each unit. They will be a
combination of multiple choices and free –response questions (essay /
problems). Unit tests have been designed to assess mastery of content.
Students will be given review materials to prepare them for their tests.
 Quests – are used at the end of short units with limited content. They
are a mixture of quiz/test style questions.
 Lab grades will reflect the in-class performance of the lab in addition to
the lab analysis. The course does not include formal lab reports.
 Grades will be calculated using a point system:
Tests 50 - 100 pts. each
Quests: 50 pts. each
Quizzes 10-25 pts. each
Labs 10-25 pts. each
 Benchmarks and the Final exam counts as 100 point tests.
 Homework is not given any credit – the purpose of hw is to provide
the practice needed to be successful on quizzes, quests and tests.
There is a direct relationship between completing hw and doing well
on assessments
The final semester grade will be calculated by dividing the number of
points a student has earned by the total number of points possible.
Student Signature _________________________________ Date_______________
Parent Signature___________________________________ Date_______________