Mr. Bilhartz’s AP Chemistry Class
Dear Students,
Welcome to a new year at ValenciaHigh School! I hope you are as excited as I am for 2016-2017. It should be noted that this might be one of the most challenging classes you have had at VHS. Nevertheless, it may also be one of the most exciting and rewarding. Throughout the year you will learn concepts taught in a typical inorganic chemistry class at a university. Also, extensive laboratory work will occur this year. Rest assured that I will do everything possible to ensure your success and I expect that you will return the favor and give your best effort. By working together, we can make this class an exciting place to learn!
Sincerely,
Mr Bilhartz
*Materials
In preparation for the 180 days you will be in this class, there are a number of items you will need by the start of the second week of school. It is important that you arrive to class everyday with these materials. If there are any questions or concerns regarding these, please notify me as soon as possible so that alternate arrangements can be made.
3-ring binder (small)glue sticks
compostion book (100 pages) pens (red for correcting) and pencils
metric rulerhighlighters
small scissorsscientific calculator
lined papergraph paper
*Grades
You are responsible for the concepts taught in lectures, demonstrations, and lab experiments. Grades will be based on scores accumulated on homework (~8% of grade), lab write-ups (~20% of grade), chapter tests (~40% of grade), and a cumulative final exam (33% of grade).
*Grading Scale:
100% - 98% = A+79% - 77% = C+
97% - 93% = A76% - 73% = C
92% - 90% = A-72% - 70% = C-
89% - 87% = B+69% - 67% = D+
86% - 83% = B66% - 63% = D
82%- 80% = B-62% - 60% = D-
*Homework
Homework is assigned regularly during the week and consists primarily of questions from the textbook. Homework is due the next day at the beginning of the period. The assignment will be stamped for completeness, passed back, and then gone over. Assignments that are turned in late will be given half credit. At the end of the unit, all assignments will be collected as a packet and given a grade. Each assignment is worth 5 points. Missing or late assignments may affect how your test is graded (see below).
*Tests
Tests will be given at the completion of each unit (1-3 chapters). Each test consists of free-response type questions that include current material as well as review questions. Most tests are worth approximately 200 points. When returned, you will be given an answer key so you can identify your mistakes. Each test is curved but to benefit from the curve, you need to turn in every assignment for that unit on time and complete. Missing or late assignments will result in the test being graded out of the total possible points.
*Labs
You will conduct approximately 20hands-on experiments during the year. You will be required to use all lab equipment as directed and adhere to safe laboratory practices at all times. During the experiment you will collect data. That night you will analyze your data and the next day you will complete a lab write-up. All lab write-ups will be done in your lab notebook. Though you will share data with your lab partner, your analysis and conclusions must be your own work. You will be given the format for the write-up which you will use each time. Lab write-ups are worth 50-100 points and you will be penalized 20% for each day late.
*Attendance
You are responsible for being in your seat and ready to learn when the bell rings. Being late to class will not be tolerated. It is imperative that you are in class every day. Though you can make-up any work, you cannot make-up the time missed from class. Homework that was due the day of the absence is due upon your return to school. Homework that was given the day of the absence is due the day after your return. To prevent from falling behind in class, it is recommended that you obtain any notes or assignments from a friend or neighbor. In some instances you can email me requesting the missing work. Please notify me in advance if you know that you will be absent on a particular day and I will give you any work that needs to be completed.
*Contact Information and Office Hours
You may contact me via email ( or can be accessed from school website: vhstigers.org) or the remind app if you have any questions or need any assignments. I am available for tutoring before school (7:10-7:45) or after school (2:45 – 4:00) but I am not available during break or lunch. I encourage you to get extra help if you are having difficulty understanding any material taught in class.
*Class Rules
Do’sDon’ts
Be Respectful Talk when others are talking
Be Responsible Use your phoneduring class
Be Ready Copy from your classmates