Mrs. Paige Burton

Materials

• Scientific Calculator
• Textbook: Introductory Chemistry; Russo and Silver

Course Outline

1st 9 Weeks

• Matter and Energy
• Atoms

2nd 9 Weeks

• Nomenclature
• Reactions
• Nuclear Chemistry

3rd 9 Weeks

• Moles
• Gases

4th 9 Weeks

• Solutions
• Kinetics
• Equilibrium
• Acids and Bases
• Oxidation-Reduction

Grading

Letter grades for each nine weeks will be determined by the school's official grading scale located in your handbook. Semester grades will be determined by averaging the nine weeks grades (40% each) and the final (20%).

Grades will be calculated using the following percentages.

• Tests and Quizzes 60%
• Daily Assignments 40%

Tests

A test will be administered at the end of each unit to assess students understanding. In general, tests will require an entire class period to complete.

If a student is absent (excused) the day a unit test is given, the student will have one "class-block" for every "class-block" missed to make-up the unit test. For example, if a unit test is given Monday and a student is absent (excused) Monday and returns to class Wednesday, the student has till 3:30PM Friday to make-up the unit test. If a student is absent (excused or unexcused) the block or "off-block" prior to unit test, the student will still take the unit test at the originally scheduled time. Students are encouraged to make-up tests outside of class (before school, after school, or SRT) so they do not fall further behind.

Quizzes

One to two quizzes will be administered per unit to monitor student understanding and progress. In general, quizzes will consist of 5-20 fundamental questions.

If a student is absent (excused) the day a quiz is given, the student will have one "class-block" for every "class-block" missed to make-up the quiz. For example, if a quiz is given Monday and a student is absent (excused) Monday and returns to class Wednesday, the student has till 3:30PM Friday to make-up the quiz. If a student is absent (excused or unexcused) the block or "off-block" prior to quiz, the student will still take the quiz at the originally scheduled time. Students are encouraged to make-up quizzes outside of class (before school, after school, or SRT) so they do not fall further behind.

Daily Assignments

Assignments will be given throughout the grading period. Assignments will include Chemistry Connections, Exploration Labs/Activities, Application Labs/Activities, and Practice Problems

Chemistry Connections will be completed at the beginning of every class period on non-quiz and test days. Chemistry Connections are designed to provide students with real-world applications of chemistry. The assignments will require students to either answer a question or summarize an article. Chemistry Connections will be collected at the completion of the Chemistry Connection activity and will be graded on a group basis. Late papers will not be accepted.

Exploration Labs/Activities are designed to introduce students to a new concept in chemistry. One report per lab group will be completed and submitted in class. Exploration Labs/Activity reports will be due at the end of the block the day the lab/activity is completed. Late papers will not be accepted.

Application Labs/Activities are designed to expand on the concepts students have learned. One report per lab group will be completed and submitted in class. Application Lab/Activity lab reports are expected to contain the following sections: title, purpose, hypothesis, procedure, results, analysis, and conclusion noted on the grading rubric. Application Lab/Activity lab reports will be due at the end of the block the day the lab is completed. Late papers will not be accepted.

Practice Problems are designed to aide student learning. Practice Problems will be completed individually. Practice Problems are due the following class period at the beginning of the class period. Late papers will not be accepted.

If student is absent (excused) the day a Chemistry Connection, Exploration Lab/Activity, or Application Lab/Activity is assigned, the student will be excused from the assignment. However, if a student is absent (excused) the day Practice Problems are assigned it is expected and to the student's benefit to complete the practice problems to prepare for the quizzes and tests. The student will have one "class-block" for every "class-block" missed to make-up the Practice Problems. For example, if Practice Problems are assigned Monday and a student is absent (excused) Monday and returns to class Wednesday, the student has till the beginning of the class period Friday to complete and submit the Practice Problems. If a student is absent (excused or unexcused) the "off-block" prior to when Practice Problems are due, the student will not get an extension to submit the problems. The Practice Problems are still due at the original time. If a student is absent (excused or unexcused) the day Practice Problems are due, the student is required to submit the problems at the beginning of the block upon their return.

Expectations

• Bring required materials to class everyday.
• Be seated in assigned seat when the bell rings. (at the beginning and end of class)
• Inappropriate language, sound effects, or hand signals will not be tolerated.
• Failure to follow lab procedures and safety rules will result in an F for that assignment.
• Cheating, copying or talking during a test, quiz, exam, or other assignment will result in an F for that assignment.
• During class time, lab computers will only be used for approved activities. Non-approved usage will result in an F for the day's activities.
• Documents may only be printed with instructor permission. Non-approved printing will result in an F for the day's activities.
• Care will be used with all classroom equipment (computers, lab equipment, chemicals, etc.). Equipment will not be damaged, written upon, scratched, broken, taken apart, or vandalized. Vandalism will not be tolerated and will be result in an F for the day's activities and additional disciplinary action.
• Two hall passes per semester will be given. (handbook required)
• Attendance and tardy policies will be enforced.
• Pay attention when the instructor is lecturing and ask questions
• If additional help is needed, please see the instructor.

Consequences

• 1^st offense - Written and/or verbal warning
• 2^nd offense - In-class detention and/or alternative assignment
• 3^rd offense - Office referral and/or parent or guardian contact

Severe misbehavior, defiance, or profanity will result in student being referred immediately to the office.

Statement of Understanding

I have read the course information, safety rules, and grading rubrics for Mrs. Burton's chemistry class and understand the contents. I realize that all chemistry students will be responsible for following these policies and guidelines and that no exceptions will be given.

Student’s Name:_________________________________________________________________

Student's Signature: _____________________________________________________________