Chemistry Syllabus, Spring 2016
Dean C. McClary
I. Introduction: This syllabus will review the most common questions as well as their answers as you continue to take introductory chemistry. Please both sign and return the bottom portion of the expectations and procedures sheet to me (attached second page) during the first week of the second semester.
II. “What will I learn in chemistry?” We emphasize the study of the structure and behavior of matter on the atomic and molecular level. Topics studied will include atomic and nuclear structure, periodicity, compound formation, nomenclature, symbolism, reactions and reaction equations, stoichiometry, solutions and acid/bases; states of matter. The sequence of topics for second semester is as follows:
2nd Semester Topics
· February: Hydrates (Chapter 10 Section 5); chemical bonding and naming of ionic and covalent compounds (Chapters 7 and 8)
· March: Chemical reactions (Chapter 9)
· April: Stoichiometry (Chapter 10)
· May: Solutions and Acids/Bases (Chapter 18)
· June: Gases (Chapter 13)
III. “How will my grade be earned?” Your grade will be determined on how well you perform in the following four areas:
1. Daily assignments (10%): These will either be completed in the class room (‘Class room Assignments”) or are to be completed at home (‘Home work Assignments’). Homework will be stamped for completion at the beginning of a class period and then reviewed in the class. Late work will earn ‘0’ points.
2. Quizzes (10%): I will periodically give quizzes to determine if you understand and are able to apply the major concepts being covered for a specific chemistry unit.
3. Labs (15%): You will conduct between 6-8 significant laboratory experiences during second semester and I will grade your reports. Even though labs are conducted in teams, your final lab reports must completed to reflect your own best work; any evidence of copying when I grade final lab reports will result in C.H.S. disciplinary procedures. I will also grade your lab journal at least once-a-quarter for lab points.
4. Tests (65%): You will complete closed book (open mind!) exams four times second semester. You will also have a comprehensive semester exam worth two unit exams; I will drop your lowest single exam score before determining your second semester grade.
Chemistry Grade Scale:
A = 100-93.34% A- = 93.33-90.00% B+ = 89.99-86.67% B = 86.66-83.34%
B- = 83.33-80.00% C+ = 79.99-76.67% C = 76.66-73.34% C- = 73.33-70.00%
D+ = 69.99-66.67% D = 66.66-60.00% F = 59.99 and below%
IV. “What should I do if I need help?” I will be available after school from 2:10-3:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays for formal tutoring support. I can provide additional tutoring on other days and at other times per a prior arrangement between me and you. Please use my C.H.S. webpage to review posted resources, access the Glencoe.com resources, as well as chemistry homework calendar.
V. “What should I do if I am absent?” Your regular attendance in class is expected. It is your responsibility to get and turned in all missed work when you are absent. I highly encourage you to get assignments before you are gone for a planned absence so that you can keep up in the class. Have your parent(s)/guardian(s) request a home work pick up form the school if you have an extended illness. You can earn full credit on assignments for excused absences (per C.H.S. policy). No points if the absence is unexcused.
VI. “What do I need to bring to class everyday?” I require the following school supplies—composition notebook (NO spiral notebooks); pens AND pencils; glue sticks (at least two); a simple ten-function calculator.
VII. “What kind of behavior is expected of me in chemistry?” I have only four rules for my classroom, but these cover almost all class/lab situations. Failure to meet these expectations will be addressed by me on an individual basis with the consequences being based on the C.H.S. Student Handbook.
1. Be Nice: You are to treat others as you should rightfully be treated. You will specifically raise your hand and wait to be called upon to answer a question, ask a question, sharpen your pencil, throw something away, etc. You are not to put down class-mates and will wait to be excused from your seat at the end of the period by me.
2. Be Excellent (‘Work Hard’): You are always to do your best work. You will specifically do your own work, encourage your class-mates to do the same, and will turn your work in on time with pride.
3. Be (and keep) Calm: You are to exercise appropriate self discipline, even when people and/or circumstances are frustrating. You will specifically not use swear words, will cooperate with class-mates during all class or lab activities, and will not verbally or physically bother class-mates.
4. Be Responsible (‘Carry On’): You are to do your part to create a positive and productive learning environment for your self and others. You will use the bathroom before or after class, be in your assigned seat with required materials before the bell rings, and follow all school and lab safety rules.
VIII. So…is that it? Well, yes and no. You can meet the basic expectations of these words and probably earn a good grade in chemistry. My expectations for you and myself are frankly even higher—that together we will find through conscious and constant practice that chemistry at its core is about thinking critically and reflectively about matter and its changes in the context of a learning community. Thank you for joining me in that much more significant journey into the science of chemistry.
February 1st 20th 2016
Parent(s)/guardian(s):
I extend greetings to you from the Curtis High School Science Department. My name is Dean McClary and I am privileged to have your young adult in one of my chemistry classes. I will provide your young adult with a challenging but exciting learning experience in chemistry this second semester of the 2015-2016 academic school year.
I value your role in helping your young adult achieve success in chemistry and will do as much as I can to partner with you to make their success possible. I can be contacted by you with concerns and/or questions as follows:
· My school E-mail address is, .
· My voice mail at Curtis High School is 253.566.5710 ext 2406.
· I am available immediately before and after school for scheduled appointments.
Please take an active role in your young adult’s learning experience in chemistry by checking with them about homework, following their progress at the UPSD ‘Skyward’ grade web-site, and using my C.H.S. staff web-page for access to major assignments and assignment due dates.
I have attached a chemistry syllabus to this letter: please carefully review this document with your young adult. Then sign-off and have your young adult return to me the bottom portion only during the first week of the second semester. Since good communication is a two-way street, I would highly appreciate your best contact telephone number and E-mail address being completed on the form so I may contact you as needed about your young adult.
I look forward to working with both you and your young adult this school year.
Blessings,
Dean C. McClary
C.H.S. Chemistry Teacher
After reading and reviewing the information on the following pages, please sign and return the bottom portion ONLY to Mr. McClary during the first week of second semester.
I have read, understand, and agree to support the expectations and procedures established by Mr. McClary for his chemistry class room.
Student:
Printed Signed
Guardian:
Printed Signed
Best contact telephone number Best E-mail address