Chemistry Course Syllabus
Dundee High School – 2013-2014
Instructor:
Room Number:
Contact Information:
Mrs. Richards
404
734-529-7008, ext. 3404
nan.richards@dundee.k12.mi.us
Course Description and Objectives:
During this course, students will construct new scientific and personal knowledge of
Chemistry, reflect on the nature of scientific knowledge, and develop and apply
scientific skills in real-world contexts.
Classroom Expectations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Show respect for yourself, others, and Dundee High School.
Be on time for every class, everyday.
Come prepared with necessary learning materials.
Follow Dundee Community Schools’ code of conduct in terms of behavior,
dress, and electronic devices. The school’s cell phone policy will be followed in
this class!
5. Do your best original work the first time, every time.
Materials:
Scientific Calculator
Paper and Writing Utensil
3 Ring Binder for Chemistry only (will be collected each unit for participation points)
Instructional Philosophy:
My goal as a science educator is not to guide you in learning what to think, but to
guide you in learning how to think. You will have many opportunities to demonstrate
just that this year in Chemistry.
Science is the only subject that requires you to put all of your academic skills, in math
and language especially, to use. You will do that in this class when you work on
finding solutions to real-life problems and communicating and defending your results.
Science, then, is not only hands-on and fun, but it also teaches you to be a good
problem-solver, which is one important reason we study it. Even if you don’t want to
be a scientist, being a good problem-solver will serve you well no matter what you
decide to pursue later in life.
Classroom Procedures:
1. As your teacher, my top priority is your success in Chemistry. Don’t be afraid to
let me know if you are struggling so that I can help you!
2. In order to succeed in Chemistry, it is essential that you are on time for class
and that you attend everyday. Students who miss school are responsible for
getting their makeup work the day they return to class. They will have the
same number of days that they missed to hand in their make up work. No
exceptions.
3. If you need to leave class for any reason, fill out a pass in your planner and
bring it to me for my initials. If you need to leave class but do not have your
planner, fill out a pass on a sheet of paper. You will be marked tardy if you
must use this option. You can use up to 6 passes each semester. If you must
leave more than 6 times, you can do so, but will be marked tardy.
4. Projects will be accepted after the due date, but will be marked -10% (up to a
maximum of -50%) for each day they are late unless alternate arrangements
have been made in advance. Late homework and class work will not be
accepted.
5. There will be frequent pop quizzes in Chemistry. Do your homework and review
your notes in order to be prepared.
6. Students must sign a lab safety contract and follow lab safety rules at all times.
If they fail to do so, they will not be allowed to complete labs and will lose
credit as a result. Repeated or severe infractions will result in permanent loss of
lab privileges.
7. Students are responsible for handling lab equipment with care. If glassware is
mishandled and broken, students will be billed a broken glassware fee
(minimum of $10 per occurrence).
8. All students have the right to learn, and the teacher has the right to teach.
Any action by anyone in the classroom that disrupts either of those rights is
unacceptable and will result in a warning, and then a phone call home and a
detention, so that the reason for the disruption can be addressed. If the
disruptions continue, further disciplinary action will be pursued.
9. We will be using every minute of class time to study the science of Chemistry.
Wait for me to dismiss class rather than packing up your things when it’s
“almost” time to go. Stay in your seats or at your lab station and WORK until
the bell rings!
Chemistry Instructional Calendar – 2012-2013 Academic Year
Instructor: N Richards
Chemistry A
Days
7 Days
7 Days
Topics
Course Introduction and Lab Techniques and
Safety
 Become familiar with standard lab protocol
and safety.
 Conduct scientific investigations using
appropriate tools and techniques.
 Critique whether or not specific questions
can be answered using scientific
investigation.
Atomic Structure and Electrons
 Analyze science and society interactions
from economic, historical, political, and
social perspective.
 Explain the progression of scientific ideas
through history.
 Understand the subatomic structure of
atoms and the forces that hold atoms
together.
Benchmarks
C1.1 (B-C)
C1.2 (A-B)
Major Assignments
Syllabus & Safety Quizzes
Safety Skit
Safety Contract
3-D Safety Poster
Lab Procedure Write Up & Evaluation
Vocabulary
Hypothesis, laboratory protocol,
observations, safety and emergency
procedures, scientific law, scientific
theory, waste disposal
C1.2 (i, k)
C4.8 (A-D)
Atomic Model
Atomic Theory Timeline Poster
Unit Test
Atomic mass, atomic number,
atomic theory, atomic weight,
charge, electrically neutral, electron,
electron cloud, elementary particle,
ion, isotope, neutron, outer electron,
proton, strong force, weight of
subatomic particles, quark
9 Days
Quantum Mechanics
C1.1(B)
C2.4 (a-c)
 Evaluate uncertainty in scientific
C4.8 (e-i)
conclusions using an understanding of
measurement error, the challenge of
controlling variables, data analysis, logic of
argument and experimental design, and
dependence on underlying assumptions.
 Describe energy changes in flame tests,
mechanisms for those energy changes, and
why atoms absorb certain wavelengths of
light.
 Identify and critique arguments based on
evidence.
 Write electron configurations and kernel
structures for main group elements.
 Predict bonding for main group elements.
 Describe shape and orientation of electron
orbitals and recognize that electron location
can’t be exactly predicted at any given time.
Orbital Balloon Model Building
Flame Test Lab and Letter
Unit Test
Absorbance spectrum, atomic
motion, bright line spectrum,
chemical bond, electromagnetic
field, electromagnetic radiation,
electromagnetic spectrum,
electromagnetic wave, electron,
emission spectra, energy level,
excited state, ground state, orbitals,
probability, quantum energy,
quantum numbers, release of
energy, sublevel, valence electrons,
wave amplitude, wavelength
10 Days
The Periodic Table
 Identify patterns in data and relate them to
models.
 Compare the densities of different
solutions.
 Identify elements with similar chemical or
physical properties using the periodic table.
 Identify metals, non-metals, and metalloids
using the periodic table.
 Predict trends in atomic radius, first
ionization energy, electronegativity, and
density of elements using the periodic
table.
C1.1 (D)
C4.7 (b)
C4.9 (A)
C4.9 (b-c)
Periodic Trends Graphing Exercises
Periodic Trends Lab
Periodically Puzzling Activity
Unit Test
Atomic radius, chemical properties
of elements, density, conductivity,
Earth’s elements, electrical
conductivity, electron configuration,
electronegativity, element family,
elements of matter, energy
sublevels, main energy level,
malleability, metal, noble gas,
periodic table of the elements,
ionization energy, main group
elements, metalloids, orbital shape,
thermal conductivity
9 Days
Chemical Bonding
 Explain and describe energy changes as
chemical bonds form and break.
 Describe the relative strength of single,
double, and triple bonds.
 Explain why molecules absorb energy to
break chemical bonds.
 Name and write formulas for covalent and
ionic compounds.
 List number of subatomic particles for ions
and recognize that elements contain the
same number of protons.
 Predict whether bonding between elements
will be ionic or covalent.
 Draw Lewis structures for simple
compounds.
 Compare melting points, conductivity, and
hardness for ionic, metallic, and covalent
compounds.
C2.1 (a-b)
C3.2 (b)
C3.3 (c)
C4.2 (A-B)
C4.2 (c-d)
C4.10 (A-B)
C5.5 (A-B)
C5.5 (c-d)
Bonding Skit
Ionic vs Covalent Bonding Lab
Molecular Model and Presentation
Unit Test
Atomic bonding principles, binary
compound, bond energy, charged
object, chemical bond, covalent
bond, crystalline solid, double bond,
electric force, electron sharing,
electron transfer, endothermic,
enthalpy, exothermic, hydrogen
bonding, intermolecular force, ion,
ionic bond, Lewis structures,
metallic bond, molecular formula,
polarity, potential energy, single
bond
9 Days
Chemical Reactions
 Use the terms endothermic and exothermic
correctly to describe reactions.
 Write equations including the heat term as a
part of the equation.
 Balance simple chemical equations
applying the law of the conservation of
matter.
 Distinguish between chemical and physical
changes in terms of the properties.
 Draw pictures to distinguish the
relationships between atoms in physical
and chemical changes.
C3.4 (A-B)
C3.4 (c)
C5.2 (A-C)
C5.6 (b)
Chemical Reactions Lab
Thermodynamics Lab
Chemical Reactions Book of Analogies
Unit Test
2 Days
Exam Review
C1.1 (E)
C1.2 (C)
Review Packet
1 Day
Mid-Term Exam
Delta, endothermic, exothermic,
oxidation, pressure, product,
properties of reactants, reactant,
reagent, reduction, release of energy
Chemistry B
7 Days
Measurement and Scientific Investigation
C1.1 (A-D)
C1.1 (f-i)
C4.7 (b)
Unknown Density Lab
Density of Pennies Lab
Self-Designed Lab and Write Up
Unit Test
10 Days
The Mole
C4.6 (a-b)
C5.2 (g)
10 Days
Stoichiometry
C1.1 (E)
C4.1 (a-c)
C5.2 (d-e)
7 Days
Gases
C1.1 (D)
C4.5 (a-c)
C5.2 (f)
Candle Wax Lab
Periodic Hopscotch Lab
Avogadro’s Number Analysis Lab
Mole Celebration
S’Mores Lab
Limiting and Excess Reactants Lab
Making 2.00g of a Substance Lab
Unit Test
Gas Law Lab
NASA Virtual Gas Laws Lab
Unit Test
7 Days
Acids and Bases
C1.1 (A, C)
C1.2 (k)
C5.7 (A-E)
C5.7 (f-h)
Household Acids and Bases
Hair Care and Antacid Chemistry Lab
Shampoo Commercial and Poster
10 Days
Energy and Nuclear Chemistry
C1.2 (A-E)
C1.2 (f,g,j,k)
C2.5 (x,a)
C3.5 (x,a)
C4.10 (c,d,e)
Half-Life Lab
Yucca Mountain Role Play
7 Days
Organic Chemistry
C4.2 (e)
C5.8 (A-C)
Basic Hydrocarbons Poster
Partner Quiz
2 Days
1 Day
Final Project & Exam Review
Final Exam
C1.2 (A-C)
Final Project
Accuracy, English system of
measurement, metric system of
measurement, percent error,
precision, qualitative, quantitative,
scientific notation, significant
figure, standard unit
Avogadro’s number, conversion
factor, mole, mole ratio, molar
volume, STP
Actual yield, excess reagent,
limiting reagent, percent yield,
theoretical yield
Kelvin temperature, pressuretemperature relationship, pressurevolume relationship, STP,
temperature-volume relationship
Acid rain, acid-base reaction, acidic,
alkaline, basic, Bronsted-Lowry,
carboxyl group, hydrogen ion,
hydronium ion, hydroxide, kw,
neutral, neutralize, pH
Actual mass, decay rate, half-life,
isotope, nuclear reaction, neutron
mass to energy conversion, fossil
fuel, radioactive dating, radioactive
decay, radioactive isotope, relative
mass, stable, transformation of
matter into energy
Carbohydrate, carbon atom,
functional group, hydrocarbon,
isomers, lipid, monomer, nucleic
acid, organic, protein, synthetic
polymer
Academic Dishonesty:
Students who commit acts of academic dishonesty on any academic work will lose
credit for that work.
The following acts by students constitute academic dishonesty:
Cheating – Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials,
information, or study aids in any academic assignment. Examples:
1. Looking on someone else’s paper
2. Using a “cheat sheet” during an exam
3. Allowing someone else to take an exam for you
4. Turning in a paper written by someone else
5. Submitting the same work more than once for credit
6. Using memory calculators with exam info stored in them
7. Using someone else’s lab or homework assignments
8. Discussing assignments with another student if students were told that
collaboration was not allowed
Fabrication – Intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information
or citation in an academic assignment. Examples:
1. Making up data on an assignment
2. Making up a source to cite in a paper
3. Altering, then resubmitting returned academic work
Plagiarism – Intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another’s as
one’s own in any academic assignment. Examples:
1. Quoting a source, word for word without properly citing the source
2. Paraphrasing text without properly citing the source
Facilitation – Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another student
commit an act of academic dishonesty. Examples:
1. Allowing another student to copy homework and turn it in
2. Letting someone else copy an exam
3. Taking an exam for someone else
4. Giving test information to students in another section of the same class
Assessment:
Your grade for each marking period will be based on the following elements:
Projects (30%) – There will be at least one major project and/or lab for every unit of
study in Chemistry. These assignments serve as an opportunity for students to
demonstrate their mastery of a variety of content expectations in a variety of ways,
and therefore constitute a major portion of the grade. Late projects and lab reports
will lose 10% credit per day they are late, up to a maximum of 50% off.
Class Work, Homework, Notebook containing Board Work, Notes, Collins Writing, and
Unit Work (30%) – Your binder, containing individual work including a unit cover sheet
all class assignments will be handed in on or near exam day for each unit. For credit,
students must submit complete work that meets or exceeds the stated requirements.
Quizzes and Exams (40%) – There will be frequent and often unannounced quizzes in
Chemistry. They will cover class work, homework (especially assigned reading), and
notes. Each unit will end with an exam or alternate assessment. In addition, there will
be a cumulative final exam at the end of the semester and the year. Exams will
cover any and all class material and assignments. Exams are intended to be a way
for you to communicate with me how well you are grasping the material we cover in
class and therefore constitute a major portion of the grade.
Your semester grade will be based on the following elements:
Marking period grade – 80%
Cumulative Exams and Research-Based Culminating Final Project – 20%
The Cumulative Midterm and Final Exams and Research-Based Culminating Project
are course requirements. Students who do not complete the final project or fail to
take the midterm or final exam will not receive credit for the course. There are no
exemptions or exceptions!
ABC’s of Grading:
Your work is like a mirror. The final product is a direct reflection on you. Attitude and
behavior contribute to the quality of the composition, correctness, and creativity of
your work. These are the criteria you are graded on.
Before you turn in assignments, ask yourself the following questions:
Attitude – Was working on the assignment an opportunity or a mandatory drill, a
pleasure or a pain?
Behavior – Did I seek out help when I needed it, or did I get frustrated; use someone
else’s work, or just give up? Was this assignment rushed, or was I careful; was it turned
in on time, or was it late with a list of excuses?
Composition – Is this work organized and complete, does it contain all required
elements?
Correctness – Are the grammar, spelling, and content information and presentation
accurate?
Creativity – Is this my own work? Did I give credit to references and resources? Does
the overall product reflect my unique touch and thought, or does it look like it was
copied from someone else?
Student Name ________________________________ Grade ______
Last,
First
Extra-Curricular Activities/Hobbies
__________________________________________________________________________________
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Favorite Food(s) _______________________________________________________
Favorite TV Shows ______________________________________________________
Previous Science Classes _______________________________________________
Dear Parent/Guardian:
I am looking forward to working with your child this semester in Chemistry. Please
take a moment to get familiar with this course syllabus, which describes the
requirements your child will meet in my class this term. I will also send out periodic emails to let you know when major projects are due and when tests are scheduled. If
you would like to be included in this communication, please fill in your e-mail address
below.
Feel free to contact me any time if you have questions, concerns, comments, or
suggestions now or at anytime throughout the year. I am looking forward to working
with you to help your child attain great success this school year.
Please detach this portion of the syllabus and return it with your signature and contact
information as an acknowledgement that you and your child understand the
expectations for them this semester in Chemistry.
Thank you!!
Mrs. Richards
__________________________________
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