Welcome to Chemistry!
HOWDY!!! My name is Mrs. Mawhiney and this semester I will introduce you
to the wonderful and sometimes unpredictable world of chemistry. I
am very excited to have you in class and hope that we can have an amazing semester!
Keep an eye on my website for valuable information including class notes, power points, worksheets, labs, study guides, and some helpful hints for tests!
Supplies
This is a list of things that you need to bring to class with you everyday. I will not check that you have them, but it will be very difficult to complete your assignments without them.
· Lots of notebook paper contained in a notebook or a spiral
· Pen (blue/black)
· #2 Pencil (for tests, drawing graphs, etc.)
· *It is advisable to get a planner of some kind to keep up with assignments, test dates, project due dates, etc.
· Scientific Calculator (I have a class set it you do not have one)
Grading Policies Grading Scale
Grades will be computed in the following manner: 90-100 A
Test/Project 50% 80-89 B
Lab/quiz 30% 70-79 C
Classwork 20% 60-69 D
<60 F
There will be approximately 6-7 Major tests each nine weeks.
I will discuss grades before or after school only! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
Tutoring
Tutoring will be offered during Power Hour. Students will automatically be assigned to tutoring if they have a 70 average or below in class. Students may also opt to come to tutoring during power hour if they have a higher grade, but need to schedule a day with the teacher. Tutoring can also be done most mornings and a few random afternoons. Ask in advance and I can be available! When you come in for tutoring, have a specific question or problem in mind so I do not waste your time by teaching you stuff that you already know. If you ever feel lost or like you are getting behind, please come in for tutoring
You will notice during the course of this class that homework will be assigned for practice purposes and that I will not always check to see if you have completed the assignment. But, beware…you may see a quiz on that material the next day!!!
MAKE UP WORK
Students who fail to complete an assignment by the due date will be penalized by the following:
1 day late -10 points
2 days late -30 points
3 days late -50 points
After 3 days the student will receive a 0.
Labs
Labs will be given as often as possible. When a lab is done, it will be done in your lab groups and each group member will be expected to participate. Lab safety rules will be in effect AT ALL TIMES! Before any labs can be done, you must sign and turn in a lab safety contract and pass the lab safety test with a grade of a 90. If, at any time, a student is being unsafe in a lab, that student will be removed from the lab and will not be allowed to do the next lab. The labs will be fun and informative. However, you will only be able to do them if there are no serious discipline problems. More information will be given about labs at a later date.
Tests and Projects
Tests will usually be given at the end of each Unit. They will cover information that has been taught since the last test as well as any labs.
A minimum of one project will be assigned during a nine weeks. Sometimes they will be group projects and sometimes you will be expected to work alone. Projects will be worth 1 or 2 test grades, depending on the amount of time that should go into the project. Minimal class time will be given to complete projects. I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE PROJECTS!!!
Tardies and Absences
I begin class as soon as the bell rings. When you arrive late to class, you could miss important information. It is in your best interest to be in class ready to go when the bell rings.
When you are absent from class, make sure to check the class webpage to see what you missed or check the missed assignment area. No student will leave class during the first or last ten minutes as they may miss vital information.
It is up to you to get and turn in your make-up work. You have as many days as you were absent to complete the work. All make-up work is to be turned directly in to me.
Every third unexcused tardy will result in a day of PIT and will convert to an absence for the course impacted by the tardy.
If you are absent on a project due date, you are still expected to turn in your project. If it is not turned in to me by the end of the class day, it will not be accepted.
Electronics
Students will need to bring their Chrome books to class only on days that I specify. We will NOT be using these every day; however, they will be used to turn in formal lab reports through Google Drive.
Final exam
There is a state wide final assessment for Chemistry, so students may NOT be exempt from taking the final exam under ANY conditions.
If you have any questions during the course of the year…ASK!!! Do not wait until the day before report cards to question something. Progress reports will be given out intermittently so you will be aware of where you stand.
You may find the NEW NC Common Curriculum for Chemistry at the following link
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/science/secondary/
IN THE EVENT OF NO SCHOOL DUE TO WEATHER, ETC.. PLEASE GO TO MY WEBPAGE AS ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE POSTED THAT I EXPECT TO BE DONE AS IF WE WERE IN CLASS AND TURNED IN THE DAY WE RETURN (WHICH YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THAT WILL BE!)
I have read and agree to the Chemistry Course Expectations:
Student Name ______
Student Signature ______
Parent Name ______
Parent Signature ______
Email address ______
Phone #’s ______