Course: Chemistry
Year: 2014-2015
Instructor: Mr. Macpherson
Room: 219
Contact Information: mmacpherson@atafordpas.org or by phone @ (313) 625-4686
Course Descriptor: Chemistry courses involve studying the composition, properties, and reactions of substances.
These courses typically explore such concepts as the behaviors of solids, liquids, and gases; acid/base and
oxidation/reduction reactions; and atomic structure. Chemical formulas and equations and nuclear reactions are also
studied.
Course Description: A development of the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications.
Chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding theories, thermochemistry, periodic
properties, solution calculations, gas laws and the properties of solids and liquids are among the topics
discussed. The second semester involves a continuation of the study of the principles of chemistry and their
applications. The topics include solution properties, acids and bases, ionic equations, oxidation-reduction,
equilibrium, kinetics, descriptive chemistry of the elements, nuclear chemistry and an introduction to organic
chemistry. A variety of laboratory experiments and demonstrations will be performed throughout the year.
Students will periodically be working on projects that are intended to reinforce either the course content or
ATA’s REACH or FordPAS curriculum. Students taking chemistry should have mastered the basic concepts of
Algebra I, but this course will reinforce those skills. Chemistry involves computation as well as an attention to
detail and responsibility.
Textbook(s): Holt, Rinehart, & Winston – Modern Chemistry (provided)
To access our textbook online go to http://my.hrw.com and enter
Username: cstudent265
Password: x7a9x
Textbook Policy
Textbooks and supplemental works are the property of ATA. Books are to be used in the classroom only. If a
book is signed out with the instructor, it is to be returned to the classroom the following day. If a book is signed
out to a student, it must be returned to the instructor in good condition, or a fee may be charged.
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Course Objectives: The following units and their contents will be covered during the 1st and 2nd semesters:
A. Unit 1: Introduction to Chemistry and Matter
1. Matter and Change (Chapter 1)
i. Chemistry is a Physical Science
ii. Matter and its Properties
iii. Elements
2. Measurements and Calculations (Chapter 2)
i. Scientific Method
ii. Units of Measurement
iii. Using Scientific Measurements
B. Unit 2: Organization of Matter
1. Atoms: The Building Blocks of Matter (Chapter 3)
i. The Atom: From Philosophical Idea to Scientific Theory
ii. The Structure of the Atom
iii. Counting Atoms
2. Arrangement of Electrons in Atoms (Chapter 4)
i. The Development of a New Atomic Model
ii. The Quantum Model of an Atom
iii. Electron Configurations
3. The Periodic Law (Chapter 5)
i. History of the Periodic Table
ii. Electron Configuration and the Periodic Table
iii. Electron Configuration and Periodic Properties
4. Chemical Bonding (Chapter 6)
i. Introduction to Chemical Bonding
ii. Covalent Bonding and Molecular Compounds
iii. Ionic Bonding and Ionic Compounds
iv. Metallic Bonding
v. Molecular Geometry
C. Unit 3: Language of Chemistry
1. Chemical Formulas and Chemical Compounds (Chapter 7)
i. Chemical Names and Formulas
ii. Oxidation Numbers
iii. Using Chemical Formulas
iv. Determining Chemical Formulas
2. Chemical Equations and Reactions (Chapter 8)
i. Describing Chemical Reactions
ii. Types of Chemical Reactions
iii. Activity Series of the Elements
3. Stoichiometry
i. Introduction to Stoichiometry (Chapter 9)
ii. Ideal Stoichiometry Calculations
iii. Limiting Reactants and Percent Yield
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D. Unit 4: Phases of Matter
1. Physical Characteristics of Gases (Chapter 10)
i. The Kinetic-Molecular Theory of Matter
ii. Pressure
iii. The Gas Laws
2. Molecular Composition of Gases (Chapter 11)
i. Volume-Mass Relationships of Gases
ii. The Ideal Gas Law
iii. Stoichiometry of Gases
iv. Effusion and Diffusion
3. Liquids and Solids (Chapter 12)
i. Liquids
ii. Solids
iii. Changes of State
iv. Water
E. Unit 5: Solutions and Their Behaviors
1. Solutions (Chapter 13)
i. Types of Mixtures
ii. The Solution Process
iii. Concentration of Solutions
2. Acids and Bases (Chapter 15)
i. Properties of Acids and Bases
ii. Acid-Base Theories
iii. Acid-Base Reactions
3. Acid-Base Titration and pH (Chapter 16)
i. Aqueous Solutions and the Concept of pH
ii. Determining pH and Titrations
F. Unit 6: Chemical Reactions
1. Reaction Energy and Reaction Kinetics (Chapter 17)
i. Thermochemistry
ii. Driving Force of Reactions
iii. The Reaction Process
iv. Reaction Rate
2. Chemical Equilibrium (Chapter 18)
i. The Nature of Chemical Equilibrium
ii. Shifting Equilibrium
iii. Equilibriums of Acids, Bases and Salts
iv. Solubility Equilibrium
G. Unit 7: Organic and Nuclear Chemistry
1. Carbon and Hydrocarbons (Chapter 20)
i. Abundance and Importance of Carbon
ii. Organic Compounds
iii. Saturated Hydrocarbons (Alkanes)
iv. Unsaturated Hydrocarbons (Alkenes & Alkynes)
2. Other Organic Compounds (Chapter 21)
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i. Functional Groups and Classes of Organic Compounds
ii. More classes of Organic Compounds
iii. Organic Reactions
iv. Polymers
3. Nuclear Chemistry (Chapter 22)
i. The Nucleus
ii. Radioactive Decay
iii. Nuclear Radiation
iv. Nuclear Fission and Nuclear FUsion
Required Materials
It is vital that students bring these materials to class with them every day to ensure their success!
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A 3-Ring Binder with dividers (Only Used for Chemistry)
Loose leaf paper or notebook with perforated edges for notes
Pencils or pens
Scientific calculator
Positive Attitude
Resources
It will greatly benefit the student if at home they have access to a COMPUTER WITH INTERNET ACCESS
Students will be required to do the following work:
*Chapter Tests – Each chapter will consist of one comprehensive test. Tests will be administered on average,
once every two to three weeks. Several days notice will be given for an exam. Tests will be based on chapter
notes, PowerPoint presentations, and problems from the chapter or any activities done in class.
*Quizzes – will be given regularly.
*Mid-Term / Final Exam – The mid-term (Semester I) and final exam (Semester II) will be cumulative,
covering all chapters and topics discussed in the respective semester. These exams are 20% of the student’s
semester grade.
* Homework and Class work - Homework will consist mostly of what is not finished in class with a few
exceptions. Homework should also involve reviewing or studying to prepare for upcoming quizzes and tests or
organizing and facilitating an efficient binder.
*Participation/REACH Values
o Participation is important for understanding.
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o All students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a
mature, professional manner. Failure to do so will affect the student’s grade.
o The REACH (Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship, and Hard Work) values that are
implemented in the elementary school overlap into high school. High standards, no excuses, and
attention to detail are themes for all students attending Advanced Technology Academy.
Grading Breakdown:
Tests & Quizzes
30%
In-Class Work
20%
Home Work
20%
Labs & Projects
20%
REACH/Participation
10%
Grading Scale
A=
A- =
B+ =
B=
B- =
C+ =
93% -100%
90% -92%
87% -89%
83% -86%
80% -82%
77% -79%
C=
C- =
D+ =
D=
D- =
F=
73% -76%
70% -72%
67% -69%
63% -66%
60% -62%
0% - 59%
Classroom Rules, Procedures, Policies
Failure to follow these rules and procedures will result in disciplinary action.
Rules:
 Students are expected to act in a respectful manner at all times. This means no talking during instruction
or when another student is talking. No talking during tests or quizzes for any reason.
 Students are expected to sit in class approximately with their heads up ready to learn.
 Please be prepared for class – have ALL required materials with you at all times. You will not be
allowed to go back to your locker to retrieve them.
 There will be absolutely NO food, gum, or drink allowed in the classroom.
 Make sure to be in dress code, it’s a MUST to walk in the classroom door.
Note: Parents and students have both a right and a responsibility to know the contents of the ATA Handbook.
Consequences: Students who do not adhere to the classroom policies will face disciplinary action as outlined in
the student handbook.
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Procedures:
 Homework will be turned in when you arrive to class (unless told otherwise).
 Each student will be given 3 passes to use as needed per quarter. Your passes will have your name
written on them and ONLY you will be able to use them.
 We will discuss other specific procedures together as a class.
Attendance and Course Policies: (LIST THE PROCEDURE FOR LATE WORK)
 Be in your seat when the bell rings. Not doing so will result in a tardy.
 ABSENCES – upon return, you are responsible to find out what was missed and what you need to do to
catch up ON YOUR OWN time. This means before school, after school, or during down time in class.
You are also responsible to check the homework folders for what you may have missed.
o The previous day’s work will be placed in a manila folder in the designated area.
 Late work will be accepted at Mr. Macpherson’s discretion.
 RE-TAKES will be available for all students who meet the criteria…
o The student must sign-up before or after class.
o The student must have COMPLETED ALL PREVIOUS CLASS/HOME WORK!
o The student must COMPLETE an ENTRANCE TICKET prior to testing.
Academic Integrity
Any form of academic dishonesty (cheating on exams, plagiarism on research papers or any major projects) will
result in a score of “0” for that assignment. Repeat offenders will be referred to the Dean. Please discuss with
your young adults the ramifications of succumbing to temptation in all its forms. ATA has an excellent staff,
and we are more than willing to help students succeed honestly.Cheating is not tolerated at ATA. Students who
choose to cheat may expect a variety of consequences, including, but not limited to, loss of grade, suspension,
or loss of privilege. Consequences will be at the discretion of the instructor involved and will be discussed with
the student, parent(s), and administrators.
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Course Responsibility Contract ~ Integrated Science
Mr. Macpherson ~ 2014 – 2015
Please sign and return by 9/5/2014
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Calculators are the only electronic devices allowed in the classroom and are
required for all high school science classes at ATA. TI-30 calculators are
recommended.
PARENTS please provide a note (which includes your signature) if your student
does NOT have access to the Internet at home.
All parties agree that academic success is the product of a cooperative effort. To ensure that
___________________________ will benefit from this effort; each party has the following
Print Student’s Name
responsibilities:
As a student, I will:
1. Practice the REACH values: REACH: Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship, Hard Work
2. Put my best effort into my school work.
3. Obey all classroom rules and procedures.
4. Come prepared to school with assignments and materials.
5. Read syllabus thoroughly.
As a parent, I will:
1. Monitor my child's school work and extracurricular activities.
2. Support classroom discipline policy.
3. Contact teacher as needed and attend parent-teacher conferences.
4. Ensure my child is on time and attends school regularly.
5. Read syllabus thoroughly.
As an instructor, I will:
1. Provide a safe, comfortable environment for all students.
2. Enforce school and classroom rules consistently.
3. Provide students with clear and concise expectations.
4. Work to make learning an enjoyable experience.
5. Provide a syllabus to each student.
Student Signature
Parent Signature
Teacher Signature
______________________________
______________________________
____________________________
Date: _______________
Date: _______________
Date: ___9/2/2014____
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