Chemistry1-2 Course Description 2015-16
Length of course: 1 year (credit: 0.5 per semester)
Introduction:
This is a college preparatory chemistry course aimed to develop students’ abilities at problem solving within a chemistry
context. As an introductory course, it is organized in such a manner that it provides a foundation on which to build if the
student takes higher level chemistry courses later in their educational careers.
Major Topics Covered:
1. Introduction to Chemistry and Matter,
Measurement & Periodic Table
5. Chemical Equations and Reaction Types
6. Reaction Stoichiometry
2. Modern Atomic Theory
7. Gases and Gas Laws
3. Introduction to Moles and Molar
Relationships
8. Acids and Bases
4. Chemical Bonding and Nomenclature
9.
Equilibrium
Methodology:
Laboratory experiments, student discussion, lecture, projects, quizzes, tests, and homework are all used in this class.
Texts:
Modern Chemistry, Holt Rinehart and Winston
Mini-Guide to Problem Solving, Holt Rinehart and Winston (optional and available for additional problems/review)
Assignments & Assessments:
Students may use a lab composition notebook for chemistry but it is not required. There will be many in class and out of
class assignments and these assignments are meant to help all students better understand the chemistry topics at the high
school level. Periodic quizzes and tests will be given to assess and evaluate the progress of students. There will be a
comprehensive final exam at the end of each semester.
Grading:
1. Lab Investigations (15%) – Labs will be graded for completeness, effort and accuracy. Each lab, in general, has its
own learning objective and goal. Labs may be done in lab notebooks or not and often will be completed with partners.
2. Homework (10%) – Homework will be assigned regularly and will usually be checked for completeness and effort,
occasionally for accuracy. Homework is meant to reinforce concepts taught in class and should be thought of as practice
and preparation for the formal assessments.
3. Assessments [tests, quizzes, projects and final exam] (75%) – There will generally be about one quiz per week and
usually announced, but not always. Tests will always be announced in advance and usually follow two to four quizzes.
Projects will be counted in this category as well and so will the final exam. Tests usually are three times the weight of a
single quiz. Quizzes can be “re-taken” based on criteria that changes throughout the year.