Name__________________________________________
LENAPE TECHNICAL SCHOOL
ACADEMIC CHEMISTRY COURSE SYLLABUS
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Academic Chemistry provides an introduction to the science of chemistry which is the study of matter and energy and the
changes they undergo. It is designed as a college preparatory course to provide an adequate background for students to
enter introductory level college chemistry curricula without need for remediation and to use chemistry as required in the
workplace.
Chemistry is used by workers in virtually every technical program – from automotive technology to computer electronics
technology to welding. Because of its integral nature in the allied health and agriculture and environmental sciences,
Academic Chemistry is strongly suggested for students enrolled in these programs in particular, especially Biomedical
Laboratory Technology students.
Successful completion of at least Algebra I is a prerequisite to enrollment in Academic Chemistry. The 1.5 credit,
weighted class meets five extended learning periods weekly for three trimesters.
II. INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY:
Students will be given challenging assignments and projects to connect chemistry to their technical program and to their
everyday lives. At every opportunity, the course content is integrated with and applied to the various technical programs.
The course requires completion of quantitative and qualitative laboratory exercises which are integrated with the lecturedemonstration material. Students will often work in teams, but will complete individual assignments in relation to the
team’s work.
III. COURSE GOALS:
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
Demonstrate a working knowledge of laboratory equipment and safe laboratory procedures.
Use literacy and numeracy skills to accurately collect, organize, analyze, and present laboratory data.
Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the nature of matter.
Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the Periodic Table and use it to predict various properties of the elements.
Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the structure of the atom and use it to explain nuclear decay and the
interaction of light with matter.
6.) Explain chemical bonding.
7.) Complete, balance, and use chemical equations.
8.) Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of acids, bases and salts using solution chemistry.
9.) Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of gases using the gas laws.
IV. MAJOR COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS:
Project #1: “Adopt-An-Element” Project
Each student will select an element from the Periodic Table. Students will complete a research paper about their
chosen element utilizing both print and electronic sources. After completing the research paper, students will
complete a project applied to nearly every unit of study completed throughout the year. Several creative projects
will be completed; these include a folder, poems, a business card, a mobile, a valentine and others to be added.
Project #2: Laboratory Reports
Each student will submit a written report for every laboratory exercise completed using the assigned format.
V. ASSESSMENT PLAN:
Performance standards for the course are based on the total points accumulated out of the student high score for each
assessment. Points come from the following assessment methods (performance indicators):
 examinations (objective, essay, problem-solving, and laboratory practical) – approximately 55%
 quizzes – approximately 5%
 laboratory reports – approximately 10%
 homework assignments – approximately 5%
 projects – “Adopt-an-Element” projects and others – approximately 10%
 class notes – approximately 10%
 writing assignments – approximately 5%.
Lenape Technical School’s Grading Scale:
A
92—100
Well exceeds required standards
B
84—91
Meets or slightly exceeds required standards
C
77—83
Passing grade, but does not meet some required standards
D
70 – 76
Passing grade, but meets only minimum required standards
F
69 or lower Failing – does not meet minimum required standards
I
Incomplete work
VI. TEXTS:
Zumdahl, Steven S. and Donald J. DeCoste. Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 6th ed. Boston, Massachusetts:
Houghton Mifflin Company, 2008.
Tzimopoulos, Nicholas D., Metcalfe, H. Clark, Williams, John E., and Castka, Joseph F. Modern Chemistry
Laboratory Experiments. Austin, Texas: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1990.
Other reading assignments may be assigned.
VII. COURSE CONTENT:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
Introduction to Chemistry and the Chemistry Laboratory
Matter - its nature and its changes
Measurement and Calculation - SI units, significant figures, exponential notation, dimensional analysis
Thermochemistry
Basic Atomic Structure
Radiochemistry and Nuclear Decay
Interactions of Light With Matter
Quantum Mechanics
Periodic Properties of Matter
Ionic Bonding - redox reactions, compound formulae, compound nomenclature, the mole concept,
empirical formulae, percentage composition
K. Covalent Bonding
L. Chemical Equations - synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, double displacement (ionic) reactions
M. Stoichiometry - mass-mass and mass-volume relationships
N. Acids, Bases, and Salts - ionization theories, properties, and pH
O. Solution Chemistry
P. Gas Laws and the Nature of Gases
VIII. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
 Attend class on a regular basis (minimum 95% attendance is STRONGLY suggested)
 Study and prepare for exams and quizzes
 Complete ALL class assignments, lab reports and projects on time
 Maintain a notebook in a neat and organized manner
 Participate in all class discussions and problem-solving sessions
 Participate in group problem-solving sessions
IX. REQUIRED SKILLS:
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



Work independently and in groups to complete projects
Organize information into a useful format
Communicate ideas and information for different audiences and purposes
Use laboratory equipment to make measurements
Use computers and technology to collect and/or process laboratory data
X. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
These requirements are for your benefit in helping you to learn chemistry in a safe environment.
 You MUST have a three-ring binder notebook. This will allow you to organize your work. Notes will be
collected at the end of each unit of study.
 Homework and lab reports are extremely important components of chemistry. They provide opportunities to
practice and reinforce skills and concepts. It is imperative that you make time to complete homework assignments
and lab reports.
 LATE WORK POLICY: AS A RULE, NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED IF IT IS NOT TURNED IN
WHEN IT IS COLLECTED FOR YOUR CLASS! IF YOUR WORK IS NOT ON TIME, YOU WILL
RECEIVE A ZERO FOR THAT ASSIGNMENT.
 All makeup work MUST be completed within three (3) days of your returning to school from an absence.
Any assignment that you had before being absent is due upon your return if it was collected. It is YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY to arrange to make up all work, including lab exercises that you miss. If you tend to
miss a great deal of school (more than two or three days per grading period) please understand that you will
have great difficulty in this course.
 There will be ABSOLUTELY no eating, drinking or chewing gum in the lab. These activities are especially
dangerous and could lead to injury or death if you were to ingest a toxic substance by mistake. During class, you
are permitted to drink water. Special allowances may be granted by your instructor for certain special occasions.
 Book bags are NOT to be brought into the classroom or laboratory areas. These constitute a safety hazard
in the lab and when placed in aisles.
 At the end of a grading period, a PERFORMANCE BONUS MAY be added to your point total based on your
assignments completed, number of periods in attendance, lack of lab safety violations, compliance with class
rules, etc.
XI1. STUDENT HELP:
If you need help with any class work, you are welcome to see me before school, after school, during my preparation
period, or during the Friday TAP/CCR enrichment period
NOTE TO STUDENTS: I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A PRODUCTIVE AND EXCITING SCHOOL YEAR!
BEST WISHES FOR SUCCESS!
Parent Signature______________________________ Student Name_____________________________(printed)