Chemistry Syllabus 2014-2015
Mr. Ben Mangrum
Room 406
Phone: 566-5710 ext. 2484
E-mail: bmangrum@upsd.wednet.edu
Planning Period: 5th period
(E-mail is the most reliable way to contact me)
Prerequisite: For 2nd semester, “C” or better in Chemistry 1
Recommendation: “C” or better in Geometry
This course emphasizes the study of the structure and behavior of matter on the atomic and molecular level.
The class concentrates on conceptual understanding as well as mathematical problem solving. Topics
studied will include atomic and nuclear structure, periodicity, compound formation, nomenclature, symbolism, reactions and reaction equations, stoichiometry, solutions and acid/bases.
Topic Overview:
1st Semester:
2nd Semester:
September: Atomic Structure (ch 4)
February-March: Chemical Reactions (ch 9)
October: Nuclear Structure (ch 24)
April-May: Stoichiometry (ch 11)
November: Electron Structure (ch 5)
May-June: Molecular Geometry (ch 8)
December: Measurements, Molar Calculations (ch 10)
January: Ionic/Covalent Compounds (ch 7/8)
MATERIALS: bring the following to class every day!
1) Chemistry Book with a cover on at all times. You will likely be able to leave your book at home, as long as we
have enough books left over for a class set.
2) Chemistry JOURNAL
You are requried to maintain a notebook journal of your activities in class (a non-spiral bound, composition notebook).
This includes daily notes and assignments, rough copies of Lab Data and Observations.
3) Three Ring Binder - for handouts, returned quizzes, tests, etc. May be shared with other classes
4) A Pen and a Pencil for completing in-class assignments, taking notes, making observations, etc. A set of 8 colored
pencils & ruler are recommended.
5) A Calculator- will be used every day—you will not be able to borrow one from me.
6) An Excellent Attitude, Respect, Responsibility and Curiosity!
CLASSROOM RULES:
Attendance: Regular attendance in class is important. Because of the nature of daily classroom instruction,
discussion, observations, practice and laboratory work, there is learning that can only be gained by being in class
during regularly scheduled class periods. Class work points lost by a student due to an absence can not always be made
up. It is also becoming increasingly important to future employers that students demonstrate a value in regular
attendance. The Curtis High School Attendance Policy as outlined in the handbook will be enforced. Each unexcused
absence will warrant after school detention. Your regular attendance in class is expected.
Participation - is integral to our curriculum and your success. Because of the nature of any laboratory science deals
with oftentimes complex or abstract concepts and applications, a variety of instructional methods are used. Discussion,
small and large group activities/labs, sharing, practice, and going over examples, question and answer opportunities, lab
preparation, analysis and interpretation—these are all common parts of regular classroom instruction. There is
information and experience which can only be gained by being in class during regularly scheduled class periods.
Tardiness: Be IN your assigned seat BEFORE the tardy bell rings. The following procedure will be used:
1st-2nd tardy: Verbal warning
3rd tardy: Teacher/Parent Contact
4th tardy: 20 min. teacher detention and parent contact
5th tardy: Office referral and after school detention
6th tardy: Office referral and Friday Night School
7th-8th tardy: 1 day suspension
9+ tardy: 3 day suspension
Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices: These should not be used during class, with limited exceptions. Turn
them off and leave them in your bag.
Courtesy: During lectures or discussions do not leave your seat without permission. Raise your hand and wait to be
called on even if you have to sharpen your pencil, throw something away, ask a question, turn in something, etc.
Bathroom: Students are encouraged to use the bathroom before and after class. Permission to use the bathroom will
be both limited and monitored. You will receive a single sheet of six passes to be used during the semester, but those
that are not used will count as extra credit. You must have this sheet to use the bathroom! If there is abuse of the
bathroom privilege, a parent/teacher contact will need to be made and the privilege may be revoked. The only
bathrooms that are to be used are the ones at our end of the building (take a left out of the door). Sign out on the Pink
Checkout log before you leave the room.
All Excused Absence Work must be made up after one class session or the duration of your absence whichever is
longer. Until it is completed the assignment will be indicated on your report by a "0" for a grade. Make-up sessions for
lab work will be scheduled, but must be completed within two weeks of the initial lab day. It is your responsibility to
ask about missed assignments, so there are no excuses for missed work. You must make it up or you will not receive
credit for it! Any assignments that are missed because of an unexcused absence may not be made up.
All Assignments, Labs, Reports and Projects are due on the due date. Late work will not be accepted. Of course, all
excused absence assignments may be made up within one class period of the absence, but will be counted as zero until
made up. Assignments will be graded on completion and effort, and answers will be posted and questions will be
reviewed.
All Cheating is unacceptable and will count as a zero. This includes the copying of assignments as well as lab reports
(lab partners must write their own independent reports), and keep in mind that both parties will be held responsible.
Two strikes and you will be dropped from the class.
Laboratory Rules and Safety Rules: These rules and procedures are essential. Failure to comply will result in
expulsion from the lab and loss of lab and participation points. See handout for complete rules.
NO FOOD or DRINK in lab area during lab activities. This is state law for any lab classroom with chemicals. You
may use a closed-top beverage only (no open-mouthed containers).
Seating: Seats will be assigned - when the period ends, wait quietly at your seat to be dismissed by the teacher.
Discipline Consequences: (All instances are documented)
In this class we will have a series of consequences for any inappropriate behavior or failure to follow classroom rules or
procedures. These consequences will be as follows:
1) Verbal warning
2) 5-minute detention during passing period
3) Conference with teacher and parents contacted
4) Referral to the office
5) Required behavioral contract to remain enrolled in class
Extra Help – Time will be available by appointment during my planning period (5th period), during my lunch, or
before school at 6 am. There may be some opportunities for study table help prior to upcoming tests.
Grades - will be calculated as assignments are completed. Online grades will be available through Skyward Family
Access, and the overall grade will be the semester grade (not the quarter grade). Assignment indicated with a “*” have
not been entered yet, and are not missing. Grades will be weighted using the following percentages:
A = 93.00
A- = 89.33
B+ = 85.67
B = 82.00
B- = 78.33
C+ = 74.67
C = 71.00
C- = 67.33
D+ = 63.67
D = 60.00
F = below 60.00
Grades will be weighted using the following percentages:
Tests = 60% Closed book, no note exams given about 4 times a semester. There will also be a cumulative semester
final which will count as two tests. Your lowest test for the semester will be dropped.
Labs = 15% Approximately 8 laboratory experiments and write-ups of those experiments
Quizzes = 15 % Given approximately every other week to check progress. Format will vary depending on the topic
being studied
Assignments = 10% Assigned on a daily basis, given both orally and written on the board. Assignments will be
checked off for completion, a key will be posted, and all questions will be discussed in class.
Parents: The best way to get in touch with us and keep track of your child's progress is via e-mail. I will be happy to
reply to your requests for info, but unless your child has a D or F I can only respond to requests initiated by you.
Thank you.
Chemistry Fall 2014
Student/Parent Contract
Student Name____________________________________
(please print)
Instructor: Ben Mangrum
Period__________________
I have read the Chemistry Syllabus and the Lab Safety Contract, and I understand the requirements and
expectations for the course.
________________________________________
Student Signature
date
_________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature
date
Parent / Guardian e- mail _____________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Phone # _____________________________________________________________
home
work
Can I contact you at work? ________
Please sign this page and return by August 29th.
Thank you. I look forward to working with your son or daughter. Please call or e-mail anytime you have a
concern or question or just to keep in touch.
Chemistry Fall 2014
Student/Parent Contract
Student Name____________________________________
(please print)
Instructor: Ben Mangrum
Period__________________
I have read the Chemistry Syllabus and the Lab Safety Contract, and I understand the requirements and
expectations for the course.
________________________________________
Student Signature
date
_________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature
date
Parent / Guardian e- mail _____________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Phone # _____________________________________________________________
home
work
Can I contact you at work? ________
Please sign this page and return by August 29th.
Thank you. I look forward to working with your son or daughter. Please call or e-mail anytime you have a
concern or question or just to keep in touch.