New Rockford-Sheyenne Public School
Chemistry
Instructor: Ms. Monica Swedmark
Phone Number: 947-5036 Ex. 365 or cell phone 701-306-0407
Email:
Feel free to contact me 8:00 – 8:30 AM, 1:20-2:05 (prep), 3:20 – 4:00 PM or by appointment.
** For the most prompt response, text me on my cell phone.
Course Description:
This chemistry course will expand on principles learned in physical science, focusing specifically on structure and properties of matter, organic and inorganic chemistry, energy, nuclear reaction, electrochemistry, acids and bases, thermo chemistry and chemical bonding. The study of chemistry includes laboratory investigation, problem solving activities, textbook study, lecture and class discussion.
Objectives:
1) Students will be able to describe, model and analyze the unifying concepts and processes of science including using models to address scientific understanding, identifying components and explaining equilibrium within a system, and exploring relationships between form and function within chemistry.
2) Students will use the process of science inquiry including common communication between scientists and using appropriate measurements and tools within an experiment. Students will investigate basic concepts and principles of physical science including atomic structure, organization of elements, chemical bonding, Kinetic theory, writing and balancing chemical formulas, explaining relationships between energy and matter.
3) Students will identify and analyze basic concepts of earth and space science including nuclear reactions, physical and chemical reactions on Earth, and short-term and long term effects of chemical reactions.
4) Students will analyze relationships between science and technology, specifically using appropriate technology to solve a scientific problem.
5) Students will examine the relations between science and personal, social and environmental issues.
6) Students will investigate the history and nature of science as it relates to chemistry, specifically the importance of communication between scientists and the emphasis on well written lab reports.
Class Rules and Expectations:
1) Show Respect. Show respect for yourself and your peers. Every person’s contribution to class is valuable and should be respected. You may not get along with every person or agree with their input but I expect you to respect every student as you would yourself want to be treated. Name calling or put downs of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal to the principal’s office.
2) Be Prepared. This includes having all materials ready at the beginning of class and being ready to learn when the bell rings.
a. Things to bring every day: Chemistry notebook (will use same notebook all year so please designate one specifically for Chemistry), folder, pencil (or if pen, blue or black ink only), Chemistry textbook (assigned on 1st day).
b. Things not to bring: Headphones or earbuds and music players (unless agreed upon beforehand), cell phones, beverages (water is ok), food or gum of any kind. Per school policy please leave these items in your locker until the end of the day or lunch. They are extremely distracting and discourage the learning process. Cell phones and music players will go to the principal’s office. Please see your student handbook for further procedures regarding cell phones and music players.
3) Be Responsible. Take pride in your work and show accountability for your choices. Every action that you take has an outcome, good or bad. Take the time to write your assignments in your planner, take care in the work that you do and turn it in on time. Take the responsibility to ask for clarification on directions or come to me if you need help on an assignment. It is up to you to be successful! Ask me how I can help you!
Assessments:
Students will be assessed on homework, labs, vocabulary, science notebooks, quizzes and tests. All of the assessments will be based on current objectives being taught through readings from the Chemistry textbook, other readings, videos, lab work, class discussions and internet exploration. Tests and quizzes will usually be multiple choice, matching, short answer or essay.
My approximate grading breakdown:
Homework: 20%
Lab/Activities: 20%
Projects: 20%
Quizzes: 10 %
Tests: 30%
Grading scale is per school policy:
100-92 = A
91-84 = B
83-76 = C
75-69 = D
68-0 = F
Late work is considered late if it is not provided when I ask for it in class. Most assignments and labs are discussed before they are turned in and completion of work is necessary in order to participate in discussions. Late work is worth a maximum of 50%. Copies of assignments will not be provided by me. You will need to visit my school website to print off missing assignments. DO NOT interrupt my class for assignments you have chosen not to hand in on time.
Make-up work will be per school policy, students with excused absences will have 2 school days to make up missed assignments. Tests, quizzes and labs must be made up before or after school within one week. If students know they will be absent on a specific day (extracurricular activities or vacation), it is their responsibility to get any assignments beforehand when possible. Any work on a day that a student is absent and is unexcused will receive a zero and cannot be made up.
Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated! Any work that is plagiarized or scammed off of someone else’s work will be counted as a zero and the student will be referred to the principal for further disciplinary action. This includes using materials from a book or the internet that are not properly cited as a resource, copying another student’s assignment, or cheating off of another student’s test or quiz.
Tardies:
Being on time is crucial in school as well as in real life. Employers do not appreciate their workers being late for work, as I do not appreciate students being late or unprepared for class. We have 49 minutes a day together and I want all of those minutes to be as productive as possible. Students who are not in the classroom when the bell rings will be considered tardy. If students are not prepared and need to visit their locker will also be considered tardy. Please refer to the student handbook for further information about the school’s tardy policy. Passes from other teachers and the office will be accepted.
Students: Please keep this copy as it is a contract in which you will sign. If you have questions about any of my expectations for this class please ask!
Return this page signed by both yourself and your parents once you have gone over my policies together.
Student’s name: (please print neatly) ______
Dear parent(s) or guardian(s),
I look forward to having your child in this class this year! I have heard great things about your kids and can’t wait to get to know them. Please contact me any time with questions or concerns about anything!
Sincerely,
Ms. Monica Swedmark
Name(s):Address:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Cell Phone:
Email:
Best way to reach you during the day?
Any particular concerns or things for me to know?
I have read and understand the syllabus for Ms. Swedmark’s Chemistry course and acknowledge the rules and expectations set forth by Ms. Swedmark.
Student signature: ______Date:______
Parent signature: ______Date: ______
Please turn into Ms. Swedmark by this date! : ______