CHEMISTRY FOR LIFE Miles J

Chemistry for Life
COURSE NUMBER:4080 / TERM: Y / YEAR: 2015-2016
Teacher:Mrs. Miles / PIONEER CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL / Department:Science
Class Room: F118
Phone:716-492-9300 Ext.1618 / Email: / AVAILABLE TIMES TO HELP STUDENTS outside of class: BY APPOINTMENT
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND GOALS
  • Chemistry for Life presents an approach to the study of chemistry, which offers an alternative to the Regents Chemistry course. However, it is not a substitute for a Regents Science requirement. This course is designed for the average student who is interested in many of the problems and benefits which confront him every day and are connected to Chemistry.
  • This course is designed as a 3rd year science elective for college bound students who do not have a strong background in mathematics.
  • This course will be taught using a thematic approach to help capture students’ interest, help them make connections, and improve retention of topics. I will be using a modified version of the 5Es model of teaching and learning.

LEARNING GOALS OF THE COURSE
  • Learning Chemistry offers students opportunities to problem solve in unique and creative ways.
  • The qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemistry require students to process and synthesize information from multiple perspectives.
  • When students inevitably ask, “why do we need to learn this?” my answer is if you can learn this you can learn anything!
  • Learning chemistry asks students to expand their thinking. Chemistry provides students with the abstractions to do just that. Atoms and molecules cannot be seen, yet we ask students to illustrate them and manipulate models to enhance their understanding.
  • Although understanding these concepts is not essential for survival, these insights enhance daily experiences.
  • Scientific literacy has become essential in society. Pollution, global warming, energy consumption, health, nutrition, etc., are chemistry based. Reading nutrition and product labels as well as medication information all require some knowledge of chemistry.
  • There are very few politically charged issues that don’t have a foundation in chemistry. Every day newspapers report on some event that can be related to chemistry, whether it is a chemical spill, toxic odor or catastrophic fire.
  • Learning Chemistry can be essential to your health and safety.

COURSE TEXT AND/OR RESOURCES [websites]
Text: Living by Chemistry, Second Edition; Author:Angela M. Stacy
Teacher Webpage: High School then Teacher Tab
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS: READY, RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE
Academic Honesty: The Pioneer Central High School policy will be adhered to in all cases of academic misconduct. Plagiarism is a serious offense. All work is expected to be your own, original undertaking. Using another’s work, with or without their permission and attempting to pass it off as your own is never permitted and will be severely penalized. (Consequences for academic dishonesty will be given consistent with the Code of Conduct).
Statement Regarding Student Conduct: Preparing to become a graduate of Pioneer involves more than academic preparation in the classroom. Every day you need to demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviors that are consistent with our Code of Conduct. All adults in our school will be watching to see that you are developing appropriate behavior and will provide you with feedback on your journey toward becoming world-class citizens.
General Class Rules:
  1. Be prompt - You are expected to be to class on time.
  2. Be prepared - You are expected to bring your textbook, notebook, and a pen or pencil to classevery class day.
  3. Be polite - You are expected to treat others, as you would like to be treated. Also remain seated until I dismiss you, even if the bell has rung. I may need to finish saying something important. Eating, drinking, combing hair, putting on makeup or using a cell phone or MP-3 playeris not allowed in the classroom or lab room. This is your warning. I will confiscate.
  4. A class is an area of communication, therefore I will listen when you have a comment or question and I expect you to be equally attentive when I am speaking.
  5. You will be assigned a seat, and I would like you to remain in that seat. If the seating arrangement is notsatisfactory to you, I hold the final say in where you sit.
  6. I DO NOT give lavatory or locker passes unless there is a documented medical reason to use the lavatory. Come to class prepared.
  7. Field Trips you make your own choice if you are going or not. You WILL be responsible for all missed work and have the same deadlines as the people who did not go on the field trip. Make sure you have me sign your form before you leave. Do not interrupt class to get this done. Before or after class is a good time.
Class Attendance and Active Participation
Attendance is critical in the learning process of chemistry and of all classes. If absent, it is thestudent’s responsibility to see the teacher for missed work (Class and lab). This also applies for field trips. You know when you will be absent so therefore it is your responsibility to get the work you will miss BEFORE embarking on the field trip. This way you will not be behind when you return. If late, bring a signed pass from the person who detained you. Any unexcusedtardy to class of 15 minutes or longer will be counted as an unexcused absence. 5% of the participation grade is based on attendance.
*If you have a Music/Voice Lesson you MUST tell me prior to going to the lesson. If not this will be counted as an absence.
Prerequisites:Integrated Algebra
Strongly Recommended: Physical Setting/Earth Science and Living Environment
GRADING
Your grade will be determined by Class work (25% of your quarter grade - quizzes AND 20 % homework), Participation (15%) of your quarter grade, Unit Tests (40%) of your quarter grade. There a Final Exam that will count as 1/5 of your course grade
Homework:
Homework will be given daily and will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Students may have an opportunity to begin an assignment before leaving class. Homework is due at the beginning of each class and can be spot checked or collected at any time. Daily review (10-15 minutes) is essential. Take your notes home and read them, look up anything you are unclear about, and write down any questions you have for class the next day. KEEPING TRACK OF ALL ASSIGNMENTS IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY.
Make Up Work:
All work such as tests and quizzes are to be made up immediately upon returning from an excused absence, or as directed. If the work is not made up in the specified time a grade of ZERO will be given for that assignment. Homework missed due to absence(s) will be made up as directed. Work missed due to an unexcused absence will receive a grade of zero.
MAJOR TOPICS OF LEARNING
Unit 1 : Alchemy ( Chapters 1, 2,3,4 & 5)
Unit 2: Smells (Chapters 6, 7,8 & 9)
Unit 3: Weather (Chapters 10,11 & 12)
Unit 4: Toxins (Chapters 13, 14, 15,16, & 17)
Unit 5: Fire (Chapters 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22)
Unit 6 Showtime: (Chapters 23 & 23)
Local Final Exam: June 2016
Course Requirements:
  1. A large 3 ring binder. This will contain notes taken in class, handouts and worksheets given in class. You must have a supply of 3 holed paper in your binder AT ALL TIMES.
  2. Black or blue Pens and #2 pencils for test days

Parent SignatureStudent Signature

Printed Name and DatePrinted Name

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