pdf version of syllabus
 

Chemistry is a two-semester course targeted primarily at 10th grade students who have taken physics. It fulfills one year of your college laboratory physical science credit for admissions into the California State University and the University of California system.

The curriculum I use is Living By Chemistry. This is the first standards-based, full-year general chemistry curriculum specifically designed to encourage more students with diverse learning styles to learn real chemistry. It development was funded by the National Science Foundation and written by professionals affiliated with the nation’s number-one chemistry program at the University of California, Berkeley. The curriculum should meet the philosophical and conceptual learning goals outlined in the Science Content Standards and close the gap between low- and high-achieving students.

During the year, we will address the following five main ideas:

  1. The smallest piece of an element is an atom which is composed of even smaller particles that have specific properties. When elements are organized on the periodic table, predictions van be made regarding the chemical and physical properties of the elements.
  2. Chemical properties of elements depend on the valence electrons and valence shell of atoms while the physical properties of compounds depend on the forces between molecules.
  3. A chemical reaction involves the rearrangement of atoms and electrons and conserves both the mass and energy in the atoms. Chemical changes involve the release or absorption of energy. A nuclear reaction changes the nucleus of an atom and also conserves energy and mass.
  4. The speed and occurrence of a chemical reaction depends on many factors including temperature, entropy and molecular shape. Random molecular motion can explain the diffusion, dissolution and probability of occurrence of chemical reactions.
  5. Scientist observe macroscopic phenomena but use models representing atoms and molecules at a microscopic level and symbolic equations to explain and make predictions about the phenomena.

We will explore as many of these concepts as possible. We will examine the experimental evidence that supports the concepts presented in the content standards. Typically, students will perform lab experiments to form new knowledge, not merely to confirm facts learned in class. Students also sort and organize information, build molecular models, and evaluate the merits and shortcomings of physical models for explaining phenomena. In short, the way students learn chemistry using Living By Chemistry mirrors how chemists carry out their work.

 
 

Typical Lesson

The typical lesson centers around real-world investigations and encourage active participation from students. Lessons open with a ChemCatalyst, a question (or questions) designed to elicit students’ ideas about what they will learn. After a teacher-guided discussion, the class moves into the daily Activity, which can be anything from a lab experiment to a card game to a worksheet with review problems. Students often work in groups of two or four. Later on, the Making Sense question and discussion reinforce the concepts in the Activity. The Check-In question helps me gauge students’ understanding of the lesson, and the Wrap-Up summarizes and reviews the day’s lesson. 

I will ask the questions that further students’ understanding, help students synthesize what was learned each day, and introduce content and definitions when they are most appropriate and helpful.

A classroom set of the text is kept in the classroom but textbooks will NOT issued to each student. If you would like an alternative chemistry text for reference, it is available for checkout from the library.

 

Student Text
Living by Chemistry - General Chemistry
By Stacy, Coonrod and Claesgen
Lawrence Hall of Science
University of California, Berkeley

 

Prerequisites

You should have taken a year of physics and algebra.

My Expectations

Besides following all general school rules for conduct and academic expectations and honesty, you are required to:

  1. A journal where you will with written notes and laboratory data should be brought with you every day!
  2. Complete all assignments in a timely manner and provide a written explanation for any delays in submitting assignments past their due date.
  3. Conduct yourself in a manner that does not disrupt instruction and provides an environment that is optimal for you and your classmates.
  4. Conduct yourself in a manner that does not endanger others or yourself or does not cause damage to equipment. Please, no eating or drinking when you are working around the lab benches.
  5. Produce products and perform at a level that demonstrates your best work and thought.

 
 

Grading

As noted in the introduction, laboratory work, group projects and tests will be used to determine your grade. Each assignment will have a point value. Your points are cumulative to the end of the semester. Approximately 30% of your grade points will come from test and quizzes, 50% from the discussions for each investigation and the remainder from projects and your journal. Your grade will be based on the following scale of the percentage of your total points:

90% and over = A
75% to less than 90% = B
60% to less than 75% = C
0% to less than 60% = F

Your points are cumulative to the end of the semester. You will be able to monitor your grade by going to the school web site (http://srhs.sandi.net) and following the link under "Staff" to my chemistry page.

 
 

Late Work and Makeup Work

I will NOT accept late work or allow make-ups for class acitivities, tests, and quizzes. All discussions for class activities must be accompanied by a stamped sheet indicating that you participated in the planning of the lab, gathering of the data and the discussion and analysis of the results on the date due. To minimize any penalties incurred because of situations beyond your control, you will be able to drop the lowest quiz and discussion grade each marking period. The lowest test score will be dropped at the semester.

Exceptions to the makeup policy will be made on a case by case situation. If you have a prolonged illness or death in the family, you may be allowed to make up missed assignments only with a contract that is completed immediately upon your return. Vacations and college visitations and suspensions are not considered an extenuating circumstance.

Your Participation is Expected

You are expected to participate in class discussions regularly, to be on time and on task (computers off, no ipods or cell phones,etc), and to utilize the class time to work on lessons for this class. Please complete any non-class obligations before coming to class. If you actively participate and limit your requests for passes from class, and/or tardies during a marking period, I will give you a bonus of 50 points each marking period. Passes written by counselors, administrators, and other teachers will not count against your tally of passes.

Since we will be working with potentially hazardous materials, unauthorized experimentation, horseplay, or removing chemicals from the classroom will be viewed as safety threat to others. The immediate consequence will be a referral and detention.

 
 

Online Information and Teacher Contact

Scripps Ranch High School has an Internet site to provide students and parents with information regarding school activities. You can access the site at http://srhs.sandi.net. Follow the staff link to my name which connects to the web page for this course. You will be provided with your school identification number and a personal pin number to allow you to access your grades online. You will also find a calendar of lessons for this course.

Parents, although I do have a voice messaging system, I prefer that you contact me via email at basakawa@sandi.net with your concerns.

Citizenship

Your citizenship will be based on your general demeanor in class and the frequency of tardies and absences. Please, no eating or drinking in class.You cell phones should be kept out of sight and turned off during class. If they are out, they will be confiscated. All school rules apply, including no gum chewing or the wearing of hats or head gear (except during special "hat days" or for students following religious practices.

Absences and Clearing Absences

You will be considered tardy if you are not seated in your assigned seat when then tardy bell rings (or the period begins). Students have three school days to clear the absence, which has not been cleared on the official daily absence list with the attendance office. An absence will be considered an "uncleared truancy" after that time.

Academic Honesty

The grade you receive should reflect your personal effort and understanding of chemistry. You are expected to read and follow the Academic Honesty Policy that is adopted by most teachers at this school.