Course: Academic Chemistry
Instructor: Mrs. Dawn Gilmore
Introduction:
Welcome to the amazing world of chemistry! Chemistry is all around us, from the
air that we breathe to the water that we drink. Therefore, the purpose of a
chemistry class is to learn about the world. Wow, that’s a big topic as well as an
exciting one! This year we will be covering many topics starting with the periodic
table and ending with the periodic table, ☺. Yes, those symbols do mean something
and we will make sure we know it all.
About Me:
I am starting my third year at Cathedral. Before coming to Cathedral, I have
taught at Lawrence North High School and Hamilton South Eastern High School. My
family belongs to St. Simon Parish and both my daughters attend St. Simon.
My goals for this year are the following:
1. You will learn a lot about chemistry. Along the way you will better develop
your problem solving skills.
2. You are in the beginning stages of training for college. I have developed my
policies with the intention to help prepare you for your college career.
3. You learn the lesson that hard work really does pay off!!
Determining Grades
60% Tests and Quizzes
30% Labs and class work
10% Checklist
Classroom Procedures/ Policies
Checklists
At the beginning of every chapter, I will give you a checklist. The purpose of the
checklist is to keep track of homework and bell work. The checklist also is a way I
can communicate with you about the assignments you missed while you were absent.
The checklist stays in your folder and never leaves the classroom. I will deduct
points from your checklist grade if you take the checklist out of the classroom.
In-Class Folders
Each student is given a folder. This folder should never leave the classroom. The
only thing that should be kept in this folder is your checklist and your late passes. I
will deduct points from your checklist if your folder or checklist leaves the
classroom and/or if your folder is cluttered with papers that should not be in it.
Homework
You will have homework almost every single night. I will check homework for
completion. As I check for homework, I look for two things. 1. Has there been a
reasonable attempt to work out every problem? 2. Is the homework 100%
completed? If the answer to both questions is yes, you will receive a stamp on your
checklist. If the answer is no to one of the questions, you will not receive credit
for your homework. Your homework is great practice for the tests. All of the test
and quiz problems are very similar to the homework problems.
Homework Passes
You will receive 3 homework passes per semester to use to turn in any homework
assignment late. These passes are only redeemable for homework (not for labs). At
the end of the semester, you can turn in any unused homework passes for extra
credit.
Bell Work
Every class starts with a bell work question. The bell work is a review question of
the material we covered the day before. I will give you a few minutes to take out
your homework, checklist, and work out the bell work. I will answer any questions
you might have while you work on the bell work. If you don’t have your homework
and checklist out, bell work completed, you will not receive stamps for the day. If
you are tardy you will have less time to complete this procedure.
Labs/Class Work
We will work on several labs and class activities throughout the year. These
assignments will be turned in and graded for accuracy. I will announce the due date
when we start a lab or activity. All labs/activities are due at the beginning of class
on the due date. Turning in a lab at the end of class on the due date is considered
late. You will not receive full credit for late labs. First day it is late 15% off,
second day it is late 50% off. I will not accept any labs after 2 days late. If you
were absent while I collected a lab or classwork, I will highlight the assignment on
your checklist. It is your responsibility to check your checklist and turn in your lab.
After two days of being back from your absence, I will not accept your
lab/classwork for credit.
Organization
You should have a binder in this class where you keep your notes, homework, labs,
and any other handouts. Organization is key! Students who stay organized, keep up
with the homework, and ask questions are more likely to succeed!
Tests/ Quizzes
Your test and quiz questions are very similar to the homework problems. Taking
time to go through the homework and do the problems with the goal of
understanding not just completion will help you succeed on the tests and quizzes.
You are allowed to have a 3 X 5 reference card on each test. You may not use this
resource on quizzes. The reference card must be completed in your own handwriting
and must be completed before you enter class on the day of the test. You may not
write your reference card the minutes leading up to the test.
IMPORTANT: If you are absent on a test or quiz day, you will have two days
to make up the test or quiz after you return to school. I will NOT remind you
to take the quiz or test. It is your responsibility to know what you missed
during the absence. If you do not make up the test or quiz during this two day
window, you will have to make up the points at the end of the quarter. This
test will be multiple choice so partial credit will not be given on the problems.
My Expectations of you:
1. You come into class, get your folder, and sit down in your seat. You take out
your checklist and homework and begin working on the bell work. If you were
absent the day before, look at the checklist for notes from me. You must
stay on top of the work. You must know what you missed in class if you are
absent. It is your responsibility to make up all work due to an absence in
accordance with the classroom policies. In return, I will leave notes on your
checklists and update my website daily.
 Highlighted assignment means I checked or collected it while you
were out. Remember the rules for turning in work when you were
absent.
 A date written next to assignment means I gave that assignment on
that date. The assignment will also be found in your folder. It is your
responsibility to complete the assignment and turn it in within your
allotted time.
 I post the agenda for the day and all assignments on my website. In
addition to written communication on your checklist, use this resource
to make sure you are current on all work.
 When in doubt, ask me. I will not the bend these rules so make sure
you know what is expected of you!
2. Actively participate in class (take notes, ask questions)
3. Remain quiet during prayer and announcements.
4. Be to class on time and in uniform.
Required items for class
1. Textbook- Chemistry
2. Three ringed binder
3. Clear Plastic Cover to cover an 8.5 X 11 piece of paper.
4. pencil and pen
5. Scientific Calculator (If you don’t have a calculator, you can borrow one from
the library free of charge.) You do not need an expensive calculator. An $812 scientific calculator is sufficient. Make sure the calculator you buy has
either one of these symbols on the buttons (EE or exp) If you have
questions about which type of calculator to purchase, ask me!!
Concepts Covered
Semester I
1. Intro to matter
2. Intro to periodic table
3. Isotopes and nuclear chemistry
4. Ions
5. Naming compounds
6. Balancing chemical reactions
7. Types of chemical reactions and predicting products of chemical reactions
8. Introduction to the Mole
Semester II
1. Stoichiometry
2. Modern atomic theory
3. Covalent Bonding and Lewis Dot Structures
4. Gas Laws
5. Solutions and Acids and Bases
I have read the entire syllabus. I understand all policies in the classroom
especially make-up test and quiz policy. I demonstrate my understanding by my
signature below.
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Student (Print Name)
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Date
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Student (signature)
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Parent (Print Name)
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Parent (signature)
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Date