e-TEXTBOOK:  Savvas California Experience Chemistry

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

California Experience Chemistry in the Earth System is an exciting, innovative way to teach chemistry.  It uses phenomena to engage students in evidence-based ideas and practices.  The program organization supports implementation of the California NGSS using Anchoring, Investigative, and Everyday Phenomena.

Students will be challenged with a variety of collaborative and independent activities organized around one of five central themes. Activities include lab experiments, model building, reading, journaling, data analysis, debating and defending theories and models, and presenting and evaluating oral, written, and/or illustrated work in small and large groups

COURSE CONTENT:

The following topics, aligning with the NGSS, will be covered this school year: 

     Unit 1: Combustion, Heat, and Energy

     Unit 2: Atoms, Elements, and Molecules

     Unit 3: Understanding Chemical Reactions

     Unit 4: The Chemistry of Climate Change

     Unit 5: The Dynamics of Chemical Reactions and Ocean Acidification

COURSE MATERIALS: 

1. Science 3-subject college ruled notebook

2. Charged Chromebook

3. Pens, pencils, and highlighters. 

NON-NEGOTIABLE EXPECTATIONS:

1. Be kind and polite to everyone.

2. Be in your seat before the bell rings and your cellphone is in the cellphone holder. 

3. Be ready with materials and to share your ideas and discuss others’ ideas respectfully.

4. Do your own work - NO CHEATING! Cheating = ZERO 

5. Clean up after yourself. Leave your area better than when you found it.

GRADING

Projects/Exams         ~ 40%

Labs/HW                  ~ 20%

 Science Notebook    ~ 20%

Engagement             ~ 20%

COURSE EXPECTATIONS:

1. Be MINDFUL, KIND, AND RESPECTFUL to yourself, others, your environment, and animals.

2. Have GRIT - find success through failures.

3. I actually read your answers and look at your work.

4. Daily Attendance.  Be on time, every day.  The responsibility is yours to make up any work due to absences or tardies of any kind.  If you are absent, it is your responsibility to ask for and complete missing assignments, including tests and quizzes. New due dates will be assigned for these assignments.  Check our Chemistry Agenda in Google Classroom to find out what we did and what you need to do.  If you need handouts, come in the morning before first period.   Attend one of my morning tutoring sessions for support. 

5. Engagement and Effort.  Actively engage in all activities and discussion.  Come prepared every day to participate in class activities, with homework completed, and your charged Chromebook.  Being present, focused, and engaged is vital to becoming successful.  Work hard with your partner or team.  Be a helper.  Complete your assigned tasks.

6. Grading.  Each day is worth four points.  A tardy results in two points deducted.  If you were absent, you can earn back your daily engagement points by completing any activities or assignments you missed.  Attend one of my morning tutoring sessions if needed.  For maximum full credit, your completed work must be brought to Mrs. Chuang’s attention by the deadline, especially if you were absent and you were given a new deadline.  You have one day to make up for each day of absence.  

7. Late work.  20% of the total points will be taken away for late assignments that are submitted within two weeks of the due date.  50% of the total points will be taken away for late assignments that are submitted within one month of the due date.  Late work will not be accepted after one month of the due date. 

TUTORING: 

I am available Tuesdays and Thursdays before school in my room (2-103) from 7:30-8:25am or by appointment for extra help. Please do not hesitate to visit as I am here to help you succeed!  

Please note that we are all here to learn.  The expectations for Chemistry are designed to provide all students an equal opportunity to participate and learn from each other.  Therefore, disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated.  Put forth your best efforts and work hard every day.  Don’t just say it, show it.  I am available as much as I can to assist you.  

Looking forward to a positive and successful year. -- Ms. Chuang