Chemistry Syllabus
Fall & Spring 2015-16
Ms. Janis Goldstein
Dobson High School
Room: B509
480-472-3173
jkgoldstein@mpsaz.org
Biography
Arizona Chemistry Certification
Pennsylvania State University B. S.
Queens College of CUNY M.S. Ed.
Graduate Chemistry classes at ASU
SC-72 Honors & Dual Enrollment Chemistry
Final Exam Dates: December 17 & 18
May 25 & 26
Dobson High School
* PLC Chemistry Leader
* Dual Enrollment Instructor
Course Description
This is a fast-paced survey of the fundamentals of general chemistry. Emphasis is placed on
essential concepts and problem solving techniques. Basic principles of measurement, chemical
bonding, structure and reactions, nomenclature, and the chemistry of acids and bases are studied.
We perform many calculations throughout the class which is why a C or higher in Algebra I is a
requirement.
Official Course Competencies
1. Define "chemistry" and describe its main branches. (I)
2. Describe the relationships between matter and energy. (II)
3. Distinguish between physical and chemical properties and changes. (II)
4. Interpret symbols and formulas in terms of numbers and kinds of atoms. (II)
5. Describe the physical states of matter with the aid of the Kinetic Molecular theory. (II,
IX)
6. Classify matter as elements, compounds, or mixtures. (II)
7. Describe the properties of metallic and non-metallic elements. (II)
8. Use the Unit-Factor Method in solving chemistry-related problems. (III)
9. Name and write formulas for simple inorganic compounds. (IV, VII)
10. Describe the relationship between the outer electronic structure of atoms and their
chemical properties. (V)
11. Use the Periodic Table to estimate the properties of elements and compounds. (V)
12. Characterize the fundamental particles comprising the atom with respect to charge
and mass. (V)
13. State the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in any given isotope, neutral or
charged. (V)
14. Use the Periodic Table in predicting the number of electrons, formula for a
compound, and metallic or nonmetallic characteristics. (V)
15. Draw a Lewis structure (electron dot) for a given ion or compound. (VI)
16. State the type of intermolecular force that exists for a given substance. (VI)
17. Describe the properties of ionic and covalent compounds. (VI)
18. Describe the shape and polarity of simple molecules. (VI)
19. Complete and balance simple chemical equations. (VIII)
20. Solve elementary stoichoimetry problems. (VIII)
21. Classify a reaction as endothermic or exothermic. (VIII)
22. List the factors affecting the rate of a reaction. (VIII)
23. Describe the chemical and physical properties of water. (IX)
24. Describe the properties of solutions. (X)
25. Identify substances as electrolytes or nonelectrolytes. (X)
26. Classify substances as acids, bases, or salts. (XI)
27. Explain the behavior of buffer systems. (XI)
28. Define the pH scale of measuring the relative acidity of solutions. (XI)
29. Define and identify redox reaction as exemplified by single replacement and
combustion reactions. (XII)
Course Materials
Due by August 17, 2015
The following items are required for the course:
Scientific Calculator such as TI 30XIIS
Blue or Black Pens and Pencils
3 Ring Binder
Notebook & Graphing Paper
Keep a consistent set of notes and other assignments for the entire semester. They will be
helpful as you study for your final exam which is cumulative.
Textbook: Holt Chemistry Visualizing Matter
Dobson High School Website: Ms. Goldstein will utilize a website as a resource and a
means of communication with parents and students. A link to the website can be found from
the Dobson homepage, under Staff.
Study Habits, Daily Work and Quizzes:
 Approximately 15-60 minutes of study or homework will be required each night.
 Assignments are cumulative; it is necessary and essential to keep up with all assigned
work.
 Collaborative group discussions, problem-solving and laboratory work will be
incorporated into many lessons.
 Homework will be checked regularly and in a variety of ways including but not limited to
the following:
collected and graded for accuracy (one or more problems)
collected and checked for completion
stamped for completion
checked during whiteboard discussions
checked with answer keys
 Homework quizzes may be given over assignments that are not collected.
Whether or not an assignment will be collected or a quiz will be given will not be known ahead
of time. Whether or not a collected assignment will be graded for accuracy or checked for
completion will also not be disclosed ahead of time so it is important that all assignments are
done to the best of one's ability.
Exams:
 Unit packets may be collected on the day of exams.
 Unit exams will be of mixed format (multiple choice, fill-in-the blank, true or false, short
answer, simulated lab, essay) and will be cumulative
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Grades: A total point system will be utilized with the total points earned being placed on a
100% scale as follows:
% Average
90-100 =A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
0-59 = F
Quarter Grade: 60% Tests and quizzes, 40% Assignments (notebook, class work, lab work,
homework, projects and reports)
The Final Grade for each semester will be calculated as follows:
1st Term = 40% 2nd Term = 40% Final Exam = 20%
3rd Term = 40% 4th Term = 40% Final Exam = 20%
This course is considered an accelerated (Honors) course and involves weighted grades
toward the overall GPA. However for the grade to be weighted, a “C” or higher must be
earned.
Grades online: You will be able to access your child’s grades through your “My MPS Portal”
account. Grades will be entered at least once a week. Check for them at the beginning of the
week. If at any time you have a question regarding your child’s grades, please contact me at
your earliest convenience. I will make every effort to get back to you by the end of the next
work day.
Plagiarism and Cheating: It is expected that students work independently on quizzes and
tests and other assignments as directed. Incidents of plagiarism and cheating will be
documented and reported to parents and the administration. Evidence of cheating will result in
a zero for the test, quiz, or assignment. See Student Handbook.
Labs
Labs are an important part of this course. Lab safety is a very serious matter and students will
be closely monitored for compliance with lab procedures. Students and parents are expected
to read and sign a separate safety contract. The following violations will result in student
removal from the lab and a zero on the lab activity:
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Failure to wear appropriate clothing on lab days
Failure to wear eyes goggles while working in the lab
Engaging in horseplay or unapproved activities
Lack of preparedness for the lab activity
It is difficult to make-up labs that are missed unless it is done so in a timely manner. Labs will
only stay up for 2-3 days, therefore, it is very important that students make-up the lab before
that timeline has expired. It is the students’ responsibility to schedule a time to make-up work.
Students are expected to pay for broken glassware resulting from careless behavior. Payment
will be made through the bookstore.
Attendance
Because attendance is the single most important characteristic to determine success in school,
the DHS attendance policy will be strictly enforced. It is the student’s responsibility to find out
what was missed when he or she was absent and to make up the work.
Excused absences: DHS school policy on makeup work will be followed. Daily outlines are
available at the back of the classroom and provide information about missed work.
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School activities: It is expected that students who miss school due to school activities will get
their assignments BEFORE they leave. A grade of “C” or better must be maintained to receive
permission to attend school activities.
Tardiness
If a student is tardy to class, he/she will be sent to SWEEP. Any work due that day for class
must be turned in to the SWEEP teacher in order to receive credit.
Make-Up Work
Missed assignments and exams due to an excused absence are to be made up by students
within one day of their return to school. Arrange with the teacher for a time to do this. Class
time is not used for making up work. Students who are swept on the day of an exam are to
make up the exam that day after school. Students experiencing extenuating circumstances
will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Tests
The absolute most important thing is to STUDY for your tests. I am more than willing to tutor
and give extra help. I want ALL the students to succeed in this class. If a student needs help,
it is the responsibility of him/her to make arrangements with the instructor. Test and quiz
scores account for approximately 60% of the total grade. Be well prepared. If there is a
problem with a particular concept ask for help immediately.
Help Times: Help is available by appointment during lunch and after school Monday –Friday
from 3:05-3:50. The rationale for making an appointment is to ensure that Ms. Goldstein will be
available as all teachers have meetings and school related activities that may conflict.
Also, the chemistry department has a tutoring schedule and students may attend any of
these sessions.
Code of Conduct
Students are expected to:
1. Behave respectfully toward their fellow students and the teacher.
2. Follow directions.
3. Come prepared for each class with assignments and readings complete.
4. Come each day with the materials they need to be successful. This includes paper, writing
utensils, calculator, and notebook.
5. Work diligently – give each assignment your best effort.
6. Be in their seat with homework out and working when the bell rings. This means writing
your class work and homework in your Dobson planner and working on the “Warm up”. At
the end of class, have their area/lab clean, be in their seats and ready for dismal. The
teacher dismisses the class not the bell.
7. Refrain from using electronic entertainment devices or telephones during class. Such
devices will be confiscated and may be turned into the Principal’s office at the end of the
school day.
8. Refrain from having and using food, beverages, or chewing gum in the classroom, either
before, during, or after class. Water bottles are allowed, except in the lab area.
9. Adhere to the DHS dress code. Hats are not allowed inside any building on campus.
10. Use the restroom or go to their lockers during the passing period.
11. Stay away from the teacher’s desk, Smart board, and computer.
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Disciplinary policy
It is expected that all students will display good citizenship and follow established school
policy. However, if not the disciplinary method is:
First infraction: Warning (more severe infractions may result in parent contact).
Second infraction: Detention (Mine or School’s)
Third infraction: (Administrative Involvement)
Disruptive behavior in class will result in a warning. Subsequently, if the student does not
choose appropriate behavior, a time out will be assigned to remove the student from the
classroom. This will also result in parent contact. Repeated incidents of disruptive behavior
will result in a parent-teacher-student conference, behavior contract, or administrative
intervention.
Dress Code - Students are expected to dress appropriately for class as designated by the
school dress code. It will be enforced.
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Chemistry
Please sign and return this page to Ms. Goldstein
By Monday, August 14, 2015
We have read and understand the policies for my Chemistry class as stated on the previous pages.
Student name: ___________________________ Student # _____________________________
Student Signature: _________________________ Birth date: ______________________________
Father’s Name: __________________________
Mother’s Name:___________________________
Parent signature: _________________________
Parent e-mail address: _________________________
Parent home phone #: _____________________ Student Cell Phone #:_______________________
Mom cell phone #: ________________________ Mom work phone #:________________________
Dad cell phone #: _________________________ Dad work phone #: _________________________
Street Address: ________________________________________
City, Zip: _________________________________________
IMPORTANT Note to parents:
I look forward to working with your son/daughter. If you have any questions and/or concerns,
please contact me. You may call me at 480-472-3173 to leave a voice mail or contact me by email.
I'll make every effort to get back to you by the end of the following workday.
Also, please indicate below any information – tips, physical needs/accommodations, learning
disability -- that I should know in order to provide a successful learning experience for your
student.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Thank you!
Ms. Janis Goldstein, Chemistry Instructor
Dobson High School
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