COURSE SYLLABUS for
Course Number: 4330 Grade Level: 10-12 Course Length: 1 semester Periods/Cycle:
Course Description: An introduction to the study of matter- its nature, properties and changes. Emphasis is
placed on the structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and
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stoichiometry, states of matter, thermodynamics and periodicity. Laboratory is an integral
part of this course.
Philosophy: My philosophy of education is very simple. First, I am in front of you simply because I have had more experience with the science of chemistry than you have had. I recognize that there are many intelligent students that pass through my class each year and I will do my best to help impart to all the basic principles of chemistry. I recognize that chemistry to many can be a difficult subject. I will do what I can to make it simple and understandable. I also recognize and realize that not all students are going to become chemistry majors in college nor are they going to pursue a major in a science related field. However, even though some find it difficult and not everyone is going to pursue it, I do expect work that is comparable to that task. In other words for you get the education that you need or want, it is going to take a lot of work and cooperation on both our parts. To accomplish this, I believe we need to have an open, honest, relaxed atmosphere in which to work. This can only be accomplished by establishing an open honest relationship. One in which mutual respect and consideration will be shown to you, your fellow students, and to me.
This is not saying that we will be without discipline. I will expect us to work when we have to, which is most of the time that you are in this classroom, but I also appreciate humor and I want us to be able to laugh when something is funny. The mood and demeanor of the class will depend greatly upon you and your peers. Ultimately, we will learn chemistry this year, in what ever environment is necessitated by you.
Goals: My primary goal is to provide you the opportunity to gain a good foundation of the concepts in introductory chemistry. I believe this is important whether you are interested in pursuing any science or related field as a career or not. It is important that you have some basic understanding of what is going on in the world around you and a simple understanding of chemistry will help. I also would like you to gain an appreciation for the many ways that chemistry and science has, and will continue, to impact your life.
Critical Competencies:
1. A working understanding of basic chemistry as both a body of knowledge and a
process of thinking.
2. Through practice and research, develop and strengthen skills in reading, arithmetic,
problem solving, writing(technical and creative), and laboratory techniques.
3. To be exposed to and be able to analyze and think critically of other areas of science
and technology through chemistry, including industrial applications, environmental
issues, career options and political concerns.

Course Outline: (Tentative and subject to change)
I. Fundamental Concepts
A. Scientific Method
B. States of Matter
C. Classification of Matter
D. Physical and Chemical Properties
E. Energy
F. History and Development of Periodic Table
II. Measurement
A. Significant Figures
B. Metric & SI System
C. Temperature
D. Dimensional Analysis
E. Measuring Energy
III. Atomic Structure
A. History & Development of Atomic Theory
B. Subatomic Particles
C. Atomic Number, Mass Number, Atomic Mass, & Isotopes
IV. Chemical Formulas
A. Writing Formulas
B. Chemical Nomenclature
V. Chemical Quantities
A. The Mole
B. Molar Mass
C. Mole-Mass Conversions
D. Molar Volume
E. Percent Composition
F. Empirical and Molecular Formulas
G. Molarity
VI. Chemical Reactions
A. Writing Chemical Equations
B. Balancing Chemical Equations
C. Classifying Chemical Reactions
VII. Stoichiometry
A. Mass-Mass/Mass-Volume/Volume-Volume
B. Energy of Chemical Reactions
VIII. Spectroscopy and Modern Atomic Theory
A. Quantum Mechanical Model
B. Atomic Orbitals
C. Electron Configurations and Orbital Notations
D. Atomic Spectra
IX. Chemical Bonding and Periodic Trends
A. Ionic Bonding
B. Covalent Bonding
C. Electronegativity
D. Basic Molecular Structures
E. Basic Periodic Trends
Duration: 1.5 weeks
Duration: 2 weeks
Duration: 1.5 weeks
Duration: 1.5 weeks
Duration: 2 weeks
Duration: 2 weeks
Duration: 2 weeks
Duration: 2 weeks
Duration: 2 weeks

X. Kinetic Theory and Gas Laws
A. Boyle’s Law
B. Charles’ Law
C. Gay-Lussac’s Law
Duration: 1.5 weeks
D. Ideal Gas Law
E. Energy and Change of State
XI. Final Exam Review (Time permitting)
Materials Needed:
1.
Notebook: 3-Ring Binder or Spiral Notebook with an additional folder to organize additional materials that will be provided throughout the year.
2.
Scientific Calculator. Any simple calculator that will do scientific notation.
NOTE: Programmable calculators will not be allowed on tests or quizzes.
If a calculator is used for playing games in class it will be confiscated and not returned until a note is brought from a parent stating that they understand what was done and what future consequences will be.
3. Textbook: Chemistry by Prentice Hall. This will be provided to you. It is expected that this will be covered by the day after Labor Day with any type of cover that does not stick to any surface of the book. Also please do not apply tape to the surface of the text to hold a paper cover. If the book is not covered by this date, you will lose one of your Bonus Point/Lav Passes per day. If the problem is not corrected then additional measures will be taken to insure that the book is protected and cared for.
It is expected that the text be brought to class every day . If it is not similar consequences as outlined above will be followed. Do not stuff papers in your book. This damages the binding and you will be responsible for the rebinding fee.
Grading Procedures: Grading for each of the four marking periods will be on a straight percentage based on the number of points possible for that marking period.
For Example: If you earn 600 out of 750 points during the marking period, you would divide 600 by
750 which is equal to 80 % in my class and a grade of 80 will be placed on your report card.
The grading system this year will be the following:
A = 90% - 100%
B
C
D
F
=
=
=
=
80%
70%
60%
-
-
-
59% and below
89%
79%
69%
The total possible points available during any given marking period will be based on tests, quizzes, labs and homework.
Tests: Will be worth 100 points each and will be given at the end of each major unit, which is approximately
every four (4) weeks.
Quizzes: Will be given periodically and generally are worth anywhere from 10 to 50 points each.
Research Projects: These will take the form of a paper, an oral presentation, production of a video, etc. Each
will be announced separately and each will be worth between 50 and 100 points.

Labs: These will be an integral part of the course and each lab report will be worth 50 points each. You will be
given approximately one (1) week to complete the write-up for a lab. If a lab report is not turned in on
the day it is due it becomes a zero.
If a student is not appropriately dressed for lab they will not be allowed to participate nor will
they be allowed to make up the lab work done that day. If the lab lasts more than one lab period,
the student will lose points relative to the days missed. Appropriate dress constitutes long pants and
no open toed or sandal-like shoes. The feet and legs must be completely covered.
Homework: My philosophy on homework is that it is essential that every effort is made to complete the work.
This is where you learn how to do and apply the chemistry. Watching me do it or copying it
from another student will not help you. It is your practice I want you to do it as part of your
learning. Note: It is recommended that when you are doing your homework, if there is
something you do not understand, please write down exactly what it is you do not understand, so
that you know what to ask questions about in class the next day. If homework is not attempted it
is difficult to determine what it is you did not understand.
Your homework will be randomly collected and graded for effort and/or correct answers.
You may also be given unannounced homework quizzes that will be given in the last ten minutes
of class any day after we have discussed a written or reading assignment. This is where it will
become evident who is doing the work and who is not. Late homework assignments will not be
accepted.
Bonus Points: These will be offered on various quizzes and tests as well as in the form of questions of the day
on the monitor at the beginning of classes.
Extra-credit: Other than the Bonus points mentioned above there will be no extra credit assignments , so
don’t ask. Spend the time studying the chemistry.
Note: The final grade for the marking period may not constitute more than 5% from Bonus Points/Extra Credit.
Late Work: will not be accepted. If you are absent, the work is not considered late. Please see below for absences.
Mid-Term Exam To be determined
Final Exam will be graded as to what the student earns on the exam. There is NO LONGER a minimum grade of 50.
Make-up Policy:
Tests: Must be made up in a time frame that corresponds to a maximum of one day for every day that you
were absent or as agreed upon with the instructor. For example if you are absent for two days and a test
was scheduled for that time period, you would have a maximum of two days to make that test up upon
your return.
Quizzes: Within one day from your return following an absence, unless it is an extended absence and then as
agreed upon with the instructor.
Labs: Within one week of your absence, make-up times for labs will be posted.
Homework: If you are absent for an extended period of time and there are multiple assignments due, a
schedule for completion of those assignments will be worked out between the student and
the teacher and any subsequent homework quizzes that should be made up.
It is your responsibility to see me immediately upon your return to make arrangements to complete any assignments missed. If assignments are not completed in the designated time then a zero will be recorded for that assignment. I will not continually remind you to make-up your work.

Cheating: Any cheating or plagiarism will result in an immediate zero for that assignment and it may not be made
up or done again. The grade is a zero. End of discussion.
Extra-Curricular Activities: I am all for you as students to contribute to the school environment outside of the
classroom; however, I will not accept your participation in these activities as an excuse
for why your work is not complete. Extra-curricular activities are just that…extra. If
you can handle them with the academics great, if not, then some decisions need to be
made. I expect you to be a student first with all other activities second.
Office Hours: I will post after school office hours when I will be available . When I stay, possibilities will be
Monday through Thursday from immediately following the end of the school day until 3:30 or 4:00 pm. I will not be available before school this year. Any student wishing to stay after school for additional help or to make up an assignment should see me the day before they would like to stay. A student may check the day of, but I cannot guarantee I will be available.
Class Expectations:
1.
I will give you the respect you deserve as young adults. In turn, I will expect the same. I believe this type of atmosphere of mutual respect provides a comfortable, relaxed situation that is very conducive to learning.
2.
All school rules will be followed and appropriate consequences will be employed as necessary.
Generally the most common issues are being late to class, sleeping/putting your head down in class, doing “other” work, bringing food/candy into class, congregating at the door at the end of the period, and not returning a mid-term progress report promptly. All of these minor offenses will be handled appropriately following the Student Discipline Code as outlined in the Student Handbook.
3.
Bathroom and locker privileges. It is requested that you make every effort to go in between classes, not during. If you have to use the restroom or go to your locker simply bring your Planner for me to sign.
NOTE: No one will be allowed to leave the classroom without your planner. I also insist that only one person leave the classroom at a time. This applies to any request to leave the room (for example, changing clothes for lab, getting a drink, etc.). If I find that this privilege is being abused I reserve the right to put limitations upon your leaving the classroom.
4.
You may chew gum, if you choose. It is not recommended, due to the nature of the activity that occurs in this classroom. If you do chew gum please DO NOT CRACK, SNAP or POP your gum. Please dispose of it appropriately as well. There is to be no other candy, food or drinks consumed in this classroom.
5. No cell phones for any reason. School policy will be followed.
6. Back packs and purses will remain on the floor or under the desk. Not on top of the desk during class time.
7. Common sense, courtesy and respect will serve us all well in operating together in this classroom and learning chemistry will be a breeze.
8. You are expected to study chemistry at least 15 minutes per night. This does not include the current night’s homework assignment. These 15 minutes should be used to review previously discussed material. This will keep you current, help you do well on homework quizzes and help you retain the information that you have been studying.