Chemistry Course Syllabus
California City High School
2015-2016
Teacher: Mrs. Maysha Dawson
Room #: 203
Website: MrsDawson-classroom.com
Email : mayshadawson@mojave.k12.ca.us
Course Description:
The aim of this course is to help students build an understanding of modern chemistry . Throughout the year,
students will be involved in problem-solving activities on an individual, small group and large group basis.
Through this process the ability to read and understand problems, break them down into their component parts
and then create and present solutions will be developed. The course is both quantitative and qualitative in
nature, so mathematics will often be applied to the solving of problems. These same skills will be developed
with activities in the chemistry laboratory. In that case, problem solving will be done in real time with hands-on
problems. Through this process both analytical techniques as well as technological capability will be developed.
How to succeed in this course:
Attend class, participate in class discussion, review lecture notes and vocabulary daily, complete class work to
the best of your ability
Course Outline:
• Atomic Structure (Review from Physics)
• Models of the Atom and the Periodic Table
• Periodic Trends
• Ionic Bonding and Ionic Compounds
• Covalent Bonding and Molecular Compounds
• Moles and the Periodic Table
• Chemical Reactions
• Stoichiometry
• Gases, Liquids and solids
• Intermolecular Forces
• Thermochemistry and Thermodynamics
• Solutions
• Chemical Kinetics
• Chemical Equilibrium
• Acid-Base Equilibrium
• Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
• Properties of Water
• Organic Chemistry
• Nuclear Processes
* Order of topics may change
Classroom Rules:
1. Respect others
2. Use time wisely
3. Participate in class activities
4. Follow school rules
5. Bring your materials to class everyday
Required Materials:
• Pen and pencil
• Colored pencils
• College ruled notebook paper
• 3 Ring binder with (5) tab dividers (labeled: Daily assignments, Tests/quizzes, Vocabulary,
Notes)
• Spiral bound notebook
• Scientific calculator (doesn’t have to graph for this class, but it has to have exponent and log
functions)
Attendance:
• Students are expected to attend class everyday.
• Upon the 10th unexcused absence, the student will receive an F grade and earn no credit.
• Upon return of an absence, student is responsible for obtaining all missing assignments and class
notes from instructor.
• Upon the 3rd tardy, students will be expected to attend a lunch detention. Students are considered
tarty when the bell rings and the student is not inside of the classroom.
Class participation:
It is a requirement to participate in class discussion and group work. Grades will be a reflection of class
participation. Students will often be assigned to work in a group that will be selected by the teacher.
Students will be given their assignment/group at the beginning of each class period and expected to
work quietly with their group members.
When You First Enter the Classroom:
1. Student must immediately go their assigned seat. Students are not allowed to wander around
classroom.
2. Have assignment ready to turn in (with name, date, period, page number, problem numbers, and
assignment number, at the top of page).
3. Begin daily practice problems as preparation for the day’s coursework.
Lab use and Safety Procedures:
Students are expected to follow all lab rules and safety procedures. Any student that is found breaking
any of these procedures will be removed from the lab and will be given a different assignment.
*Please see Lab Safety Contract
Sign In-Sign Out
Students must sign in and sign out when leaving or entering the classroom during class time.
Grading Criteria:
Grades are based on the number of points accumulated vs. the number of possible points.
The following percentages are as follows:
A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, Fail=less than 60%
Percentage Breakdown:
Homework/Class Work Assignments------40%
Tests & Quizzes----------------------------------35%
Finals-----------------------------------------------10%
Participation--------------------------------------15%
Homework/Projects:
Homework and other written assignments may be submitted via email. The assignment must be
received by the teacher before the start of class. Any time after, will be considered late. Handwriting
must be clear and legible to receive credit.
Late/Missing Assignments and Exams:
Assignments can be corrected for additional credit. Quizzes can be corrected for half credit.
Assignments will not be accepted after the last day of the quarter.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit assignments may be offered throughout the year. Students may donate (1) box of Kleenex
or (1) container of hand sanitizer for 10 daily assignment extra credit points.
Academic Dishonesty:
Any student caught cheating or copying will be given a “0” on the assignment, activity or test. Any
student allowing this will also receive a “0”.
Accommodations:
Please see me or email me if you require special accommodations due to learning disabilities, religious
practices, physical requirements, medical needs, or any other reasons.
By signing below you allow Mrs. Dawson to take pictures and videos of this student and their work to
be displayed in the classroom for educational purposes. By signed below, you are also acknowledging
that you have read and understand the expectations of this class, and you will be held responsible
for guidelines and policies listed in this syllabus.
Please sign and return to Mrs. Dawson.
Student:
Print name______________________________ Signature ____________________________ Date____________
Parent or Guardian:
Print name______________________________ Signature ____________________________ Date____________