Chemistry
Room C114
2013 - 2014
Henry M. Jackson High School
Instructor: Mrs. Beth Burns
The H.M. Jackson Way:
Contact Information:
A rigorous and challenging curriculum
Email: eburns@everettsd.org
that prepares students for the future.
Phone: 425-385-7000 (main office)
Classroom phone: 425 – 385 – 7142 (7:00 am – 7:30 am only, messages after 2pm)
Materials Needed:
1) Bound Journal – lined or graph paper. You will need extra graph paper if you purchased the lined journal.
2) Binder (Section of 3 Ring for holding completed worksheets/packets)
2) Textbook: Living by Chemistry, World of Chemistry
3) A pencil and a black or blue pen
4) Scientific Calculator - Note: No personal communication devices can be used for calculator functions
during tests and quizzes.
Course Description:
Welcome! I look forward to working with you this year and helping you succeed in the outcomes of this course.
We want to engage you to
Learn Actively,
You’ll be asked to learn from a variety of sources, learn by doing, and learn by explaining content and processes to someone
else.
Think Critically, Creatively and Reflectively,
You’ll be asked to solve problems and to explain solutions to each other. You will enrich your attention to detail.
Communicate with Clarity and Originality,
You’ll be asked to make verbal explanations, give clear answers in writing and communicate effectively in a laboratory
setting both verbally and in your records.
And Interact in Diverse and Complex Environments.
You’ll be asked to interact with all students in class. You will be expected to be an effective team member.
We are a partnership of:
 your classmates
 the Jackson community
 your instructor
This course will help you with further study of Advanced Placement or College Chemistry courses, understanding
chemical concepts in other fields of study, and/or gaining a greater appreciation of the world in which they live. Students will
employ classroom discussion, problem solving, laboratory experiments, computer simulations, reading of text, and homework
assignments to explore the subject. Additionally, this course will place a heavy emphasis on the development of laboratory
skills.
College in the High School – College credit can be earned for this course through our partnership with Everett
Community College. A brochure is available that outlines the process to enroll and receive credit.
Course Topics
1st Semester
Review of Matter, density, and atomic structure
Dimensional Analysis
Properties of Elements and formation of
Compounds
Atomic bonding; ionic bonding; types of bonds
Chemical Formulas
Nuclear Chemistry ( introduction to nuclear
reactions)
Organic Chemistry – Covalent bonding; Functional
groups, their molecular structure and
characteristics
2nd Semester
The Mole
Concentrations and Solutions
Stoichiometry; Limiting Reactants; Percent Yield
Chemical Reactions – Types, chemical equations,
Gas Laws
Acids and Bases
Energy in Physical and Chemical Change
Grading Policy
Formative assignments/experiences: Homework, pop quizzes will be used throughout a unit, prior to a test, to gauge
your current level of understanding and the need for more practice/review. Formative assignments are those that occur
throughout the learning experience to give YOU information about how much chemistry you currently know compared to how
much you should know. These experiences give you specific information about what you need to continue to study. These are
important parts of the learning experience and will be included as a small percentage of your grade.
Journal: Research has shown that there is a direct correlation between quality of science learning and student
maintenance of a science journals. Journals will be used for note taking, review activities, reflection on learning, and homework
assignments. Student journals will be frequently spot-checked and graded throughout the semester. It is also expected that all
class handouts will be secure in a separate binder or labeled section of a larger binder.
Homework: Chemistry is a course that requires competency in math skills and requires practice regularly. As a result,
you will be assigned homework often; it must be done in your journal; and it will be checked the next day. You are expected to
complete all homework assignments. Homework will be graded based on completion of the assignment and checked at the
beginning of class. Work must be shown for problems to receive credit. Any homework not completed at the beginning of class
will be checked off before school when you return and not during class.
Lab quizzes: . . Lab quizzes will be given after a lab has been completed and discussed. It is your responsibility to
complete all lab analysis and make conclusions about the lab’s cohesiveness with the content currently being studied. Your
understanding of the lab’s connections with class work will be quizzed and reported towards your final class grade, as these are
considered summative assignments. Your lab writeup will be necessary to be successful on a lab quiz. Lab writeups will be
graded and included in this category.
Tests: Tests will be given at the end of each unit (approximately every 4 – 6 weeks). As a summative assignment, the
test is your opportunity to exhibit your understanding of chemistry; to show all that you know. Following a required review
assignment, tests can be retaken one time to show a higher level of understanding. A maximum 89% score is possible. Retakes
will need to be completed within one week of the date the original test was returned.
Semester Grade Weighting:
80% Tests and Lab Reports and Quizzes
20% Journal grading, Homework
Grading Scale:
A 93.0 - 100%;
A- 90.0 - 92.9%;
B+ 87.0 - 89.9%;
B 83.0 - 86.9%:
B- 80.0 - 82.9%
C+ 77.0 - 79.9%;
C 73.0 - 76.9%;
C- 70.0 - 72.9%;
D+ 67.0 - 69.9%
D 60.0 - 66.9%
F 0.0 - 59.9%
Work Submission Following an Excused Absence:
It is the student's responsibility to check the teacher’s website when absent from class. You must check with your teacher to
make up tests in a timely manner following an absence. Labs cannot be made up. Homework will be checked off if turned in
the day you return after an absence. Please do this outside of class because class time is so limited. Waiting too long may
negatively affect your grade!
Getting Extra Help:
It is the student's responsibility to come in for additional help when needed. I am generally available before school and by
appointment during lunch. I am a part time instructor. I will be available on specific date after school before tests.
The Class Website:
http://cms.everett.k12.wa.us/jacksonhigh/bburns/ The class website will be continually updated regularly
throughout the year. Please check it frequently. It is a valuable resource for class assignments and due dates. Check for websites
to review material from class.
My Expectations of Each Student:
1. To be seated and ready when the bell rings.
2. To be respectful toward others, to be willing to work, to be willing to let others work.
3. To come to class with notebook, writing implement and calculator.
4. To set high goals and to work hard to achieve them.
5. To clean up his or her work area at the end of class.
What Students Can Expect from Me:
1. To work hard and to be thoroughly prepared.
2. To, with the help of my students, create a positive learning environment.
3. To respect my students and to believe in their ability to succeed.
4. To be consistent, fair and available.
5. To update and post grades on the class website every two weeks.
Study technique recommendations:
 Check the outcomes on the Unit review before tests. Work all problems on review assignment.
 Read the assigned text sections as soon as possible after class. Learn vocabulary terms. Reread before tests.
 Complete the assigned problems on all homework before quizzes and tests.
 Learn actively by explaining concepts and relationships to someone else.
 Learn collaboratively by reviewing in a study group.
Attendance:
In Room C114 we will follow the attendance policy of Jackson High School.
Academic Honesty:
In Room C114 we will follow the academic honesty policy of Jackson High School.
To clarify:
The following are situations where I expect you to get help, share ideas, and work cooperatively:
1. Discussing how to solve homework problems or find information to answer questions.
2. All parts of lab activities except for final reports.
3. Completing lab data for your lab reports and brainstorming ideas about report questions.
The following are examples of situations where I expect that your work will be entirely your own:
1. Quizzes and Tests..
2. All parts of graded homework assignments requiring written explanations or showing work to solve
problems.
3. All lab reports turned in for grading..
Classroom Management:
It is the right of all students to learn without disruptions. Guidelines outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities
Handbook will be followed.
Please read through this letter and complete the attached slip. Please return by Monday, September 9th. Thank you!
(Return the bottom portion of this sheet to Mrs. Burns)
Chemistry- Mrs. Burns
Room C114
2011 - 2012
Henry M. Jackson High School
I have read and understand the contents of the Classroom Chemistry syllabus:
Signature of Student
Signature of Parent or Guardian
Print Name of Student
Print Name of Parent or Guardian
Date
Parent Email
Parent Home Phone Number