CHEMISTRY

INSTRUCTOR:Fr. Bernard Johnson

contact:

TEXT: Modern Chemistry by Sarquis & Sarquis.

A Guide to the Element, 2nd edition by Albert Swertka

Chemistry introduces the student to the principles of chemistry. Emphasis is on scientific practices and problem-solving skills. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the nature of matter, atomic theory, periodic properties, chemical bonding, reactions & equations, molar relationships, stoichiometry, acids & bases, rates, equilibria, thermochemistry. The course involves hands-on laboratory activities and addresses the nature of scientific inquiry.

Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II (or higher) is recommended for enrollment. This class meets the requirements of the California State Framework in science, the Next Generation Science Standard, and the Common Core Mathematics and English Language Arts Standards for science.

General course objectives are intended to enable the student to

  1. develop an understanding of the main concepts and processes of chemistry.
  2. develop an awareness of the diversity and complexity of chemical processes and interrelationships.
  3. develop skills in solving chemistry related word problems involving especially conversions.
  4. develop an understanding of the scientific practice and how it is used and how scientific hypotheses and models are formulated and tested.
  5. develop an understanding of measurement accuracy and precision.
  6. develop models based on evidence.
  7. recognize patterns and use them as evidence of causality.
  8. plan and carry out investigations to produce evidence in support of a model.
  9. use mathematical representations of phenomena to support claims.
  10. develop an understanding of the major theories and paradigms used in chemistry and chemical research.
  11. develop an awareness of the history of science and the men and women who have contributed to the advancement of the chemical and physical sciences.
  12. develop an understanding of the different types of written reports used in chemistry, including but not limited to laboratory notes, laboratory reports, library research papers, and experimental research papers.
  13. understand and connect to the study of chemistry the “expected schoolwide learning results” pertaining to Catholicism, Character, Curriculum, and Community.

Specific course objectives will enable the student to

  1. Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
  2. Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of patterns of chemical properties.
  3. Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the macroscopic scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles.
  4. Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.
  5. Apply scientific principles to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
  6. Refine the design of a chemical system by specifying a change in conditions that would produce increased amounts of products at equilibrium.
  7. Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction.
  8. Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
  9. Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.
  10. Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.
  11. Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the system (second law of thermodynamics).
  12. Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.
  13. Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate.
  14. Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
  15. Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
  16. Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
  17. Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
  18. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
  19. differentiate among types of matter and physical and chemical properties.
  20. determine atomic mass, formula mass, and molar mass of elements and compounds, determine percent composition of compounds, balance chemical equations; use balanced equations to relate masses of reactants and products.
  21. use basic principles of quantum mechanics to determine electron configurations of atoms and ions.
  22. determine bond type and draw Lewis structures for representative covalent and ionic compounds.
  23. identify intermolecular forces in polar and nonpolar substances and determine their effects on physical properties of gases, liquids, and solids.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Required Materials:

Textbooks (both Chemistry and A Guide to the Elements)

Scientific calculator (whatever is recommended by math dept is ok)

Loose-leaf binder with dividers for keeping class notes, assignments, handouts, etc.

Lab notebook (see below)

Pencil & blue or black pen, eraser

Set of colored pencils or markers (non-permanent!)

NB: all these materials should be with you EACH day. You will NOT be allowed to leave the class to go to the locker. Don’t even ask.

Lab Notebook:

The lab notebook is a composition style bound notebook with graph paper (only!!). It may be purchased at any decent office supplies store (e.g. Staples, Office Depot) or college bookstore—however check with me before you begin to mark it up to be sure it’s the right kind. The Lab notebook will remain in the classroom and will be graded periodically. All work will be done in black or blue ink or pencil. Graphing should be done with colored pencils or markers. The correct format for a laboratory notebook should be followed:

Date

Title

Hypothesis or Purpose

Materials

Procedure

Observations

Analysis and Conclusion (including a few sentences answering the questions: What I liked? What I learned? What could be better?

Grading:

Grading in general: grading is by straight points. Your grade will be calculated by dividing the points you earn by the total possible number of points. Total points: 800-1000 pts. per semester. Percentages and possible points are approximate.

Tests: Tests will be given at the end of each major topic covered (every two to three weeks). They may consist of short answer, essay, multiple choice, matching, true/false, or math type questions (problems requiring you to show your work). Each is worth 20-40 pts. There will also be short 5-15 pt quizzes. Half credit may be recovered from tests & quizzes by making corrections in tutoring. Please make arrangements to make up a test due to an excused absence. 150-200 pts. 20%

Lab: All lab work is recorded in the proper format in the lab notebook. This is the sole means of grading lab work. The notebook is graded for content, organization, completeness, and neatness. Each lab is worth 25 to 30 pts. Excused absences may be made up by arrangement with the teacher. Unexcused absences may not be made up. This applies to all school work. 100 -150 pts. 15%

Group Presentations: Each quarter there will be a group presentation on some topic related to chemistry. The first quarter will be on some famous scientist in chemistry. The second quarter will be on a chemistry related career, the third on some topic related to chemistry, and the fourth on gems. Each project will need to be researched and presented orally with appropriate supporting materials (poster, music, PowerPoint). Each project will be worth 100 pts. NB: no late projects will be accepted!!! (ESLR-Community – work with others) 200 pts. per semester. 20%

Essays and Reports:Several short essays may be assigned each quarter. These essays may be in-class or homework requiring interpretation of scientific articles, commentaries or reviews of science movies or popular movies with a science theme. Essays are worth 25 pts. each.There are also periodic Chemistry in the News (15 pts) and weekly Element of the Week (10 pts) reports.

Homework: Homework and/or class work is assigned on a daily or weekly basis and consists of vocabulary definitions, answers to chapter questions and problems, and problem worksheets. Homework assignments are worth 5-25 pts. each. Element of the week are 10 pts. each. Chemistry in the News once a month at 15 pts. each. Corrections may be made in tutoring to regain points lost. Note: Math problems should be in pencil, everything else in blue or black pen. 300-450 pts. 35%
Semester Final: The semester final for Chemistry may either be a standard multiple choice or short answer/problem solving test. It is cumulative in nature because it requires the use of knowledge and skills acquired during the semester. The final is worth 100 pts. 10%
Extra Credit: There are extra credit opportunities for: extra elements (3 pts each), extra problems (points vary), research paper/report (see next page), helping to set up or clean up for lab (points vary). No extra credit will be allowed to make up for missing assignments nor can extra credit improve a grade by more than 5%.
Late assignments: Assignments are due at the time notified when given, as indicated on the homework website and the classroom whiteboard. Late work is accepted but with a loss of points (depending on how much the assignment is worth and how late it is; generally 1 pt-same day, 2-3 pts-after, with more for significantly late work) except for the case of excused absences, in which case it is due within 2 days of returning to school or by some other arrangement with the teacher. Missing five or more assignments will result in an academic detention to be served on the day given or the next available day.

Corrections: You may make corrections on classroom/homework assignments and tests/quizzes. This does not include: element reports, news reports, presentations, or late assignments. Assignments can receive up to full credit back. Test/quizzes receive up to half credit. Corrections must be done in tutoring.

Tutoring: I am available both before school around 7:30 am – 7:55 am and after school until 3 pm except Fridays and when I have some supervision duty.

Important Dates to Remember

ASSIGNMENT / DUE DATE
Lab: Density (NB – lab topics may change; there may be other dates for labs as well.) / 9/6 - 9/7
Chemistry in the News I: One paragraph summary of a newspaper article on an aspect of chemistry (Who, what, where, when, why, and relation to chemistry). Newspaper clipping must accompany summary. / 9/2
Choose Scientist Presentation Topic: / 9/8
Lab: Flame Tests / 9/27 - 9/28
Chemistry in the News II: same as above / 10/7
Scientist Presentations: / 10/3 - 10/7
Lab: Reactivity of Halides / 10/25-10/26
Chemistry in the News III: same as above. / 11/4
Chemistry Career Presentation: / 11/28-12/2
Chemistry in the News IV: same as above. / 12/2
Lab: Water of Hydration / 12/6-12/7
Chemistry in the News V: same as above / 1/13
Lab: Reaction in a Bag / 1/17 - 1/18
Chemistry in the News VI: same as above. / 2/2
Lab: Precipitation Reactions / 2/14 - 2/15
Chemistry in the New VII: same as above / 3/3
Lab: Generating Oxygen gas / 4/4 - 4/5
Chemistry in the News VIII: same as above. / 4/7
Lab: Acid/Base Reactions / 4/25 - 4/26
Chemistry in the News IX: same as above. / 5/5
Gems Presentation: / 5/8 - 5/12
Lab: Calorimetry / 5/16 - 5/17
Lab: Measuring Calories / 5/30 - 5/31
EXTRA CREDIT – 10 pts. A report on an article in a scientific journal dealing with some aspect of chemistry. Must be at least 2 full pages in length. Can be done once a semester. / Any time

Chemical Element of the Week

Text: A Guide to the Elements 2nd Edition by Albert Stwertka

Web Resources: ptable.com

Prepare a report (see sample next page) on the following chemical elements by the indicated due date. The report should include information on name, symbol, physical characteristics (see box on p. 1 of the text for an idea), derivation and meaning of the chemical name and symbol, historical background (complete sentences, own words), abundance on earth and in the universe, chemical properties, laboratory and commercial production (word description-how the pure element is obtained), most important compounds (at least 5), isotopes (as listed on ptable.com, most common), and uses of the element. You should use the sample form that follows. Elements that are skipped over may be done for 3 pts extra credit (only one per week, unless otherwise noted). Specific reports will be collected at the beginning of class on the indicated due date. Late work accepted with a loss of at least 1 point. Please note that the due dates are mostly on Monday or the first class meeting of the week, except Hydrogen, which will be done in class on 8/21 (this coming Friday).

Element / Due date / Element / Due date
Hydrogen / 8/18 / Nickel / 1/9
Helium / 8/22 / Copper / 1/17 – 1/18
Lithium / 8/29 / Zinc / 1/23
Boron / 9/6 – 9/7 / Arsenic / 1/30
Carbon / 9/12 / Bromine / 2/7 – 2/8
Nitrogen / 9/19 / Krypton / 2/13
Oxygen / 9/26 / Molybdenum / 2/21 – 2/22
Fluorine / 10/3 / Silver / 2/27 – 2/28
Sodium / 10/10 / Cadmium / 3/6
Magnesium / 10/17 / Tin / 3/13
Aluminum / 10/24 / Antimony / 3/20
Phosphorus / 10/31 / Iodine / 3/27
Sulfur / 11/7 / Tungsten / 4/3
Chlorine / 11/14 / Gold / 4/24
Potassium / 11/21 – 11/22 / Mercury / 5/1
Calcium / 11/28 / Lead / 5/8
Chromium / 12/5 / Radon / 5/15
Iron / 12/12 / Radium / 5/22
Uranium / 5/30 – 5/31

Element of the Week

Name:

Date:

Period:

Element Name:

Symbol:

Derivation of name and symbol:

Atomic number:Atomic mass:

Group:Atomic Radius:

Electron configuration:Oxidation state:

Density/specific gravity:Electronegativity:

Melting point:Boiling point:

Historical background: (Complete sentences in your own words)

Who discovered:

when:

how:

Who isolated (& other persons mentioned and what they did):

when:

how:

Abundance (universe and/or earth; by mass – use webelements only):

Lab and Commercial production: (word description of process used to obtain the pure element)

Common compounds:

Isotopes (list each): (common as found in ptable)

Uses: (look at both the book and webelements)

Price:Source (of price):

Chemistry

RULES (!)

  1. I expect all to show respect for each other (ESLR Character). This means that no bickering, bagging, bothering, or other forms of disrespect will be tolerated and may result in a detention. (This includes bagging on my tunes! )
  1. When I, the teacher, am talking to the whole class, I expect your total and undivided attention. If you have a question, please raise your hand and wait to be called upon.
  2. It is impossible to multitask in chemistry. Do not chat when you are supposed to be doing class work. (Character – personal responsibility)
  1. Do not bring any food, drink, or gum into the classroom/lab. This will be strictly enforced. Violations of dress code will result in a dean’s detention. Class time is not the time to adjust/apply cosmetics. This is especially true in the lab
  1. Use the restrooms before or after class only. Use of the restroom is allowed only in cases of true need. Also no one will be excused for medicine, etc. without a written note from parents and doctor.
  1. Tardies, as stated in the Parent/Student Handbook, are given for not being in the classroom and on task at the beginning of class, when the bell begins to ring. For the purposes of this class, on task means being seated at your assigned place. If you are not in the class and seated, you will be sent out for a tardy, no exceptions. Stay in your seat unless you have specific permission to leave it.
  1. Class time is valuable. Use the time wisely by maintaining your focus and appropriately engaging yourself in the task at hand.
  2. Return all desks/chairs/stools to normal at the end of each period. Stools, when not in use, belong under the lab table. You are responsible for the condition of your place and will be held accountable. Look for any trash left behind, doodles, scratches, etc. and report them immediately. (Character – personal responsibility, Community - faithful stewards)
  1. Bring all required materials and especially a good attitude and a smile.
  2. Follow all rules for the use of the lab and lab equipment.

I promise to abide by all the stated rules and procedures of this class:

Student Signature:Date:

Laboratory Rules

And

Safety Contract

Purpose

Science classes are meant to be hands-on laboratory classes. You will be doing many laboratory activities which require the use of hazardous chemicals. Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract. These rules must be followed at all times. Two copies of the contract are provided. One copy must be signed by both you and a parent or guardian before you can participate in the laboratory. The second copy is to be kept in your science notebook as a constant reminder of the safety rules.

General Guidelines

  1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.
  2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the instructor before proceeding.
  3. Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without an instructor present.
  4. When first entering a science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so.
  5. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.
  6. Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor. Never do anything in the laboratory that is not called for in the laboratory procedures or by your instructor. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.
  7. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory.
  8. Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.
  9. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets, and/or lab notebook to the work area. Other materials (books, purses, backpacks, etc.) should be stored outside or in the area designated by the instructor.
  10. Keep aisles clear. Push your chair or stool under the desk when not in use.
  11. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.
  12. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Use the fume hood when working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors. Never place your head into the fume hood.
  13. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.
  14. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions designated by the instructor. Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the proper waste containers, not in the sink. Check the label of all waste containers twice before adding your chemical waste to the container.
  15. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the prescribed apparatus as directed in the laboratory instructions or by your instructor.
  16. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments. Clean (with detergent), rinse, and wipe dry all work surfaces (including the sink) and apparatus at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.
  17. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
  18. Students are never permitted in the science storage areas or preparation areas unless given specific permission by the instructor.
  19. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, gas valves turned off, fume hood turned off, and any electrical equipment turned off.