Chemistry Expectations and Information

Welcome to Chemistry! In this course we will study the mathematics of chemical reactions, delve into the behavior of the phases of matter, and gain insight into the structure of the atom. Lab work is emphasized throughout the class. Chemistry can very difficult. In order to be successful you will need to spend some time each day reading the text, working the assigned problems, and reviewing your notes. How thoroughly you do the homework will to a large part determine your grade.

Supplies:

To help students be successful in their science class , there are basic school supplies that students will need to bring to class every day.

3-Ring Notebook One notebook should be dedicated solely to science class. The notebook should be ~1 inch thick. Assignments, notes, calendars, homework, etc. will be kept in this notebook.

Calculator A scientific calculator is strongly recommended. It should be capable of performing scientific notation and logarithmic functions.

Lab Notebook Students will turn in lab work in a wire or cloth bound lab notebook. The notebook needs to be ruled in a grid so that graphs can be easily be prepared. Notebooks should contain around 100 pages.

If money for these supplies is in short supply, please let me know and these items will be provided free of charge.

Attendance

Coming to class regularly is the single most important factor in being a successful student in Chemistry. We perform activities each day that increase your understanding of the topics studied. Labs, discussions, etc., are difficult to make-up following an absence. Attendance can impact your grade.

Tardies - You will need to make every effort to be in class on time. Not being in your seat at the beginning of class is counted as a tardy. Every three unexcused tardies are equivalent to an unexcused absence and will result in a detention.

Excused - An unanticipated excused absence (illness, family emergency) needs to be made
Absences up as soon as possible upon your return to school. Unless other arrangements are made, you will usually have an amount of time equal to your absence to make up the work. Arrangements for an anticipated excused absence (athletic event, field trip, family vacation) must be made before the absence. In such cases, every effort will be made to make the work available to you ahead of time. Don't assume that it is okay to turn in an assignment late or miss a test because of an anticipated absence-the assignment may not be accepted if you have not made prior arrangements!

Unexcused - You will not be able to make up work for an unexcused absence. Upon Absences accumulation of 6 unexcused absences, the instructor may deny the student credit for the course.

Grading

Grades are determined by:

a. Tests (Tests will include Safety, Ion, Unit and Semester Tests. The Safety Test is a given at the beginning of first semester, the Ion test at the beginning of second semester. Unit tests will be taken in-class, without notes.)

b. Lab Reports (Labs are graded only on the due date. Late labs are will not be graded.)

c. Quizzes (Short quizzes may be administered daily at the beginning of the period-should you be tardy for a non-school-related reason, you will not be able to make up the quiz. Quizzes will refer to assigned reading, homework, or notes.)

d. Homework (Assigned homework problems may be collected periodically. All work needs to be shown and sentences need to be complete to receive full credit.)

The semester grade will be roughly apportioned according the following:

Homework/Quizzes ~10 % It is anticipated that grades will be
Lab Reports ~40 % determined roughly according scale.
Unit Tests ~40 %
Semester Final ~10 % A (100 - 90 %) B (89 - 80 %)
C (79 - 70 %) D (69 - 60 %)
F (59 - . . .%)

Rules for Classroom Conduct

1. Always do your best.
2. Cooperate with others.
3. Obey All safety rules for the lab.
4. Come to class prepared.