Chemistry Syllabus
Mr. Sutton
Room 2132
2014-2015
Conference: 1st Period
Email: lsutton2@magnoliaisd.org
Phone: 281-252-2550
Webpage: Go to www.magnoliaisd.org
Campuses Magnolia West High
School
Academic Departments
Academics
Science
Chemistry
Welcome to Chemistry! Chemistry is a class that is to prepare students for higher level science courses. With that in mind, I am looking forward to providing you with a creative, knowledge-building, and fun year. The following information includes rules, grading policies, and procedures for my classroom. Please read them carefully and ask questions now.
Introduction: Chemistry is the study of matter. This is a course that builds upon itself with each new concept. For this reason, it is very important to come to class every day, pay attention, complete all assignments to the best of your ability and ask for help when you need it. Chemistry is also a lab oriented course. You will conduct many types of labs, investigations, and projects throughout the school year. Staying organized and updated will contribute to your success in this class.
Required Materials:
Chemistry textbook (online)
Pocket Folder or Binder
Loose-leaf paper
Blue or Black Pens
Pencils
Highlighter
Scientific Calculator
Red pen or pencil
Bring ALL of these materials to class EVERYDAY ! It is your responsibility to come to class prepared to learn. Throughout the year, you will be asked to bring additional items.
Grading
51%: Major Grades
34%: Daily/Homework
15%: District Common Assessment
Summative Assessments (3 minimum):
Tests: Tests are used to determine your mastery of material presented in class and in labs. Tests may include multiple choice, matching, short answer, true/false, word problems, calculations, essay, etc.
Projects: There may be required projects.
Labs: Some extensive labs may count as major grades.
Formative Assessments (9 minimum):
Labs & Quizzes: Lab reports along with teacher observations will be used to determine your lab grades. Quizzes help teachers and students to determine where help may be needed before a test. They may not always be announced.
Daily & Homework: As stated previously, Chemistry builds upon itself.
Assignments are given to help you practice the skills and concepts you are learning.
Many key Chemistry concepts involve Math. These skills need to be practiced. It is one thing to understand the concept when the teacher is guiding the learning but something else entirely when you try it on your own. If you do not show your work, especially in calculations, you will not receive credit. (NO WORK, NO CREDIT, NO KIDDING!)
Missing Assignments
Students who have not turned in assignments by the due date may turn in the assignment for the credit listed in the table below; however , the teacher may require a student to complete the missing assignment during tutorials or complete an alternate assignment covering the same material.
Turned in by the Due Date or Retesting Date
Turned in after the
Summative Assessment until the week prior to the end of the grading period
Turned in during the week of nine weeks exams
100% of the grade earned 70% of the grade earned Teacher / Team discretion
Teachers may choose not to accept an assignment after the due date as long as the student is given the option to complete the assignment during tutorials or given an alternate (but comparable) assignment for the credit listed in the table below.
Teachers may choose not accept formative or summative assignments turned in during the last week of the nine weeks grading period. Assignments not turned in by the Friday prior to the nine weeks assessment may be given a zero. (The complete Missing Work policy is posted in the classroom)
Make-up work: It is your responsibility to ask the teacher before or after class for the work you missed when you were not in class for any reason. If you are absent on a test day, you must make an appointment with the teacher to take the test after school within one week of your return. Tests will not be made-up during class time. Since tests are announced well in advance, if you return to class on the day of the test, be prepared to take it.
Retests : According to the Magnolia West High School retesting policy, all students will have the opportunity to retest. ALL students will have the opportunity to retest once per grading period for full credit. Other retest opportunities will be up to the discretion of the team. Extended Assignments are not included in the retest policy. (The complete
Retest policy is posted in the classroom)
In order for students to retest, they must meet the following requirements:
1. All missing work must be completed and turned in.
2. Answer the Essential Questions and Define vocabulary terms for the chapter.
3. Make an appointment with their teacher for one of the scheduled
retesting dates.
Tutoring: All of the chemistry teachers share tutoring during the week and the schedule will be posted in class and on the web. Teachers may be available at other times at their discretion. It is best to let the teacher know ahead of time if you plan on coming to tutorials.
Tuesday Morning
Afternoon
Mr. Sutton
Mrs. Nanny
Room 2132
Room 2127
Wednesday
Thurs
Ms. Ramsey
Ms. Brown
Room 2126
Room 2123
Mon-Fri All Teachers Advisory period
Your McGraw Hill e-book has tutoring videos for each chapter plus flashcards and games
Bozeman Biology is a great resource http://goo.gl/pxSRQA
The GPB.org videos are great for instruction http://goo.gl/7wGpMW
Tutoring may be cancelled for a given day if there is a staff meeting or emergency with as much notice given as possible.
MWHS Academic Honor Code
MWHS desires to create an environment in which:
• academic honesty is esteemed as essential to student success
• every student, teacher administrator and parent associated with MWHS
promote and maintain academic honesty at all times
• conduct is based on individual integrity and ethics
• the level of unhealthy competition is reduced by shifting peer pressure away
from cheating and toward ethical behavior
Consequences for Violating the MWHS Academic Honor Code:
• A zero for the formative/summative assessment (Teacher assigns the “0” in the
gradebook)
• A disciplinary referral that may result in a “U” in conduct and after school
detention and/or ISS for the cheating infraction. The AP will determine the
conduct grade and consequence for the cheating infraction based on
established guidelines. These consequences are in addition to the “0” for the
work.
• NHS students may be subject to additional consequences per NHS standards.
*The complete MWHS Academic Honor Code is posted in the classroom
Electronic device – AT TEACHER DISCRETION
MISD policy, the Student Handbook, and the Code of Conduct allow students to carry cellular phones or other electronic communication devices during the school day, but they must be turned off and out of sight during instruction. Cellular phones, IPods, MP3 players, CD players, headphones / earphones, cameras and other electronic devices are not allowed to interfere with instruction in any fashion at any time. These devices will be collected if the teacher determines that instruction is being hindered in any way
(including repeatedly having to redirect students who have these devices out or in use inside the classroom or other instructional venue.
Classroom Rules/Expectations:
Be in your assigned seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.
Come to class with the required materials every day.
Keep your work area neat and clean.
No grooming, eating, drinking or chewing gum in class.
Do not remove objects / items from the teachers’ desk, storage areas and cabinets.
Take care of all personal needs before coming to class.
Cell phones, iPods, CD players, and other nuisance items are to be turned off and be secured in a purse or book bag (out of sight and out of reach).
The bell does not dismiss the class. Stay in your seat and wait silently until the teacher dismisses you.