PISCATAWAY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title:
Textbook:
Conceptual Chemistry
Prentice Hall Chemistry
Teacher:
Evan Shenkler & Adiba Syed
732-981-0700 ext. 7189
eshenkler@pway.org
Extra help is after school Thursday, and by appointment.
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. 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, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, equilibrium, ionization theory 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
Marking Period One
September through
November
Marking Period Two
November through January
Marking Period Three
Topic
First Semester
Topics: Lab Safety, Scientific Method, Measurement, Matter & Energy and 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
Topics: Periodicity, Ionic Bonding, Covalent Bonding, Chemical Compound Naming.
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
Naming and Formulas of Ionic Compounds
Naming and Formulas of Molecular Compounds
Second Semester
Topics: Chemical Quantities, Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry, States of Matter.
February through April
Marking Period Four
April through June
Specific Content:
Chemical Quantities and the Mole/Mass Relationship
Percent Composition
Empirical Formula
Describing Chemical Reactions
Types of Chemical Reactions
Balancing Reaction Equations
Reaction Stoichiometry
Limiting Reactant and Percent Yield
Nature of Gases, Liquids and Solids
Changes of State
Topics: Gas Laws, Aqueous Systems, Solutions, Acids and Bases.
Specific Content:
Theories, Behavior and Properties of Gases
The Gas Laws
Ideal Gases
Properties of Solutions
Concentrations of Solutions
Colligative Properties
Net Ionic Equations
Acid/Base Definitions and Theories
Chemical and Physical Properties Acid/Base
Ions and the pH scale
Neutralization and Salts
Materials Required:
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A three ring binder
A variety of pencils and pens
Textbook
Scientific calculator
Classroom, Laboratory Procedures:
 Wear safety goggles and apron at all times in the lab
 Appropriate personal apparel for lab-work
 Read procedures and know what you will do before the lab activity
 Know safety equipment locations and emergency procedures
 Report all accidents and risks to instructor immediately
 Follow lab directions and do not perform any unauthorized lab activity
 Stay alert with controlled behavior at all times in the lab
 Food and beverages are not allowed
 Treat all chemicals as hazardous and use caution with handling chemicals
 Exercise special care when using burners, heat and electrical devices
 Maintain your lab station in good order and clean
 Wash your hands with soap and water after every lab period
 Observe and adhere to all PHS Rules and Regulations as noted in Handbook
 Follow any specific instructions and procedures of your instructor
Grading Distribution for each marking period:
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Homework: 10% (Given and checked almost every day. MUST be done completely to get credit)
Class Participation and assignments: 15%
Quizzes: 10% (Some will be unannounced)
Tests: 30% (Approximately three to four will be administered every marking period)
Labs: 20% (Approximately six to eight will be assigned every marking period)
Projects: 15% (There will be one project per marking period)
Grade Improvement Instructions
 Get to class on time and stay in class
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Take out your homework, classwork, writing utensil, calculator, and any other necessary materials and be prepared
to work as soon as the bell rings
Homework is assigned several nights a week. Homework is NOT accepted late.
Focus on your work, not your neighbor’s/ classmate’s work or comments
Please do not ask whether you are working in groups. Groups will be assigned when necessary.
You are responsible for your own work and will be taking your OWN test on the material.
Please do NOT stop the process of teaching and learning to ask to use the bathroom. This should be taken care
before the bell rings or at during last few minutes of class.
Do NOT interrupt your teacher or classmates when they are speaking!
If you don’t understand something, ask for the teacher for HELP! Do NOT ask your neighbor unless the teacher is busy.
In this small classroom, you MUST remain in your seat!
Electronics are NOT allowed in this classroom unless instructed by your teacher to use them.
Any electronics being used will be confiscated and sent to security!
Proper school attire is required. No short shorts or skirts, tank tops, hats, etc. should be worn in this class.
If you are absent, you are required to ask what you missed. This is not the teacher’s responsibility.
If we don’t meet the day of your return, please make every effort to find your teacher and ask what was missed. Take
responsibility for your attendance!
GET EXTRA HELP if needed! Extra help is offered every morning before school starting at 6:30 A.M. and
afternoons by appointment. The library is open for tutoring several afternoons a week!
Work can be handed in via email or on paper.
Respect your classmates at all times.
Maintain your student responsibilities of punctuality, attentiveness, effort, and inquisitiveness.
Labs: Lab will be completed in class with your assigned lab group. Lab reports will be completed at home and
turned in by the next lab day or the date posted on the board. Late lab reports are accepted, but will receive
10% less per day late.
Name:____________________________
I have read and understand the syllabus for Chemistry.
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Student name printed
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Parent/guardian name printed
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Student signature
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Parent/guardian signature
Parent/Guardian Information
Student Information
Home phone number
Work phone number
Cell phone number
Email address
Current Math Course:___________________________________________________________
Last Year’s math course/grade:____________
Last year’s Biology grade:____________
Do you wear glasses/ contacts? _________________
Does student have access to the internet? Yes _____ No _____
Does student have access to a computer? Yes_____ No_____
Do you have knowledge of:
 Microsoft PowerPoint
 Microsoft Word
 Microsoft Publisher
 Microsoft Excel
Explain any circumstances pertinent to this science class.____________________________
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