Chemistry Syllabus
Ms. Foltermann
Course Description: In Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use
scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and
scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: characteristics of
matter; energy transformations during physical and chemical changes; atomic structure; periodic
table of elements; behavior of gases; bonding; nuclear fusion and nuclear fission; chemical
equations; solutes; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and chemical reactions. Students will
investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives. The use of computers and new
technologies are an integral part of the course. Safety procedures, measurement, and research
methods of science are stressed. One or more projects may be required each nine weeks. The
projects will involve the unit being studied. Project format and instructions vary.
Success
The Chemistry I course will require your commitment to doing homework, participating in
classroom work and discussions, and taking notes during class. Please read this letter and sign.
Your signature will indicate you are aware of the policies and expectations for Chemistry.
Classroom Rules
1. Be respectful of others. Inappropriate language and bullying behavior in the classroom is
not accepted.
2. We have adopted the first rule of Kindergarten-- Keep hands, feet, and objects to
yourself.
3. Classroom discussions of the chemistry topics should be at a reasonable volume and we
take turns speaking.
4. Since this is a laboratory and classroom, absolutely no food or drinks are allowed.
5. Come prepared to work each day. This means that you must have your notebook, paper,
pencil, calculator, and textbook daily.
6. Come to class on time, I will count each tardy and follow ORHS policy regarding
disciplinary actions.
7. Take notes every day. You are responsible for warm-ups and notes missed due to
absences.
8. Do not sleep or put your head down on your desk.
9. Stay seated and working until the teacher dismisses you.
Lab Rules
Safety is our number one concern, so absolutely no horseplay will occur in the lab. Each
student must have a safety contract on file with me, signed by both the student and a
parent.
1. Do not leave your lab station during the lab period, unless you are told to do so.
2. Report to me if supplies are missing or broken when you arrive. You are responsible for
broken or missing supplies at the end of the lab period.
3. You are responsible for your own mess. Clean up after yourself.
4. Students not be allowed to participate in a lab if they commit a safety violation. This will
result in a zero for the lab, a referral to their AP and a phone call made to the parent.
Please realize that you are a guest in this classroom. You are to treat lab equipment, furniture,
etc. with your utmost respect.
Tardies
Yes, I count tardies.
Grading Policy
Grades will be based on tests/projects (60%) and daily work/homework/lab (20%) and quizzes
(20%). Cheating will not be tolerated. This will result in a zero on the test/assignment, a
behavior referral, and a phone call to your parent/guardian.
Electronic Devices
No electronic devices including, but not limited to cell phones, Ipods, blackberries, mp3s, game
devices, etc. If I see them, I will take them up and turn them in to the assistant principal for you
to pick up after school.
Late Work
I do not accept late work. You are expected to have your work done when it is due. This does
not mean turning it in by the end of the day that it is due. Plan ahead. After being absent,
it is the student's responsibility to get any make up work on the day of your return. Also on the
day of your return, you must provide me with an admit from the attendance office. Failure
to do so will warrant a referral (campus policy). Timelines: If you missed one day of
school, you have one day plus one to make up the work. Make-up work includes missed labs.
Labs are to be made up before or after school within the given timeframe mentioned above. If
you do not follow this procedure, the assignments you missed on the day of absence will result in
a ZERO (this includes tests). Please know that extenuating circumstances (i.e.: 2 week stay in
the hospital) will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Absences due to truancy will obviously
result in a zero. See student handbook for more info.
Supply List
1. Pencil or pen
2. Binder with loose-leaf paper
3. Spiral notebook for warm ups
4. Calculator – four function only, available at most retail outlets for about $1.00
Lab Fee
In order to help provide for expendable items, please send $5 and the item listed for his/her class
below with your student on or before Friday, August 29.
1st period - one box of colored pencils
2nd period - box of tissues
5th period - roll of paper towels
6th period - one package of markers
7th period - one glue stick
Tutoring
Tutoring is available M-Th from 6:45-7:15 am and 2:35 – 3:00 pm. You may also email me if
you have any questions about projects. Other times may be scheduled if necessary.
Parent involvement - I encourage each parent to register on line for Parent Access. Parent
Access is a program in which you will be able to see real-time grades, discipline, and attendance
for your child. I am a parent and I use it to keep up with my own children. I welcome emails
from parents and will usually respond within the same day. I am available to talk with you on the
phone, if that is easier for you. Please understand that when you call, I am usually in class and a
message will be taken. By phone, I may not be able to call back until the next day. I promise to
always get back in contact with you as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Paige Foltermann
Email: pfoltermann@conroeisd.net
Teacher HS/Chemistry, soccer coach
Oak Ridge High School, Conroe ISD
Tele: 936-709-7216 Metro: 832-482-6216
Return this page by Thursday, September 4th. Keep the above portion for reference. This letter is also
posted on my web page for your future reference.
We reviewed the 2008-2009 chemistry syllabus together in class. We understand the overall classroom
policies concerning grades, supplies, and behavior OR will contact Ms. Foltermann for further
clarification.
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