Chemistry

Students will explore many interesting topics in the study of different chemical substances and the changes they undergo.The understanding of basic chemical principles is important not only to chemists, but to all scientists because everything in the world around us is composed of chemicals.In fact, chemistry is often referred to as the “Central Science” because it touches nearly all aspects of human life.

TEXTBOOK: Prentice Hall: Chemistry

COURSE DESCRIPTION:A study of the physical laws controlling chemical reactions of atoms, ions and molecules.Students will observe basic principles in the laboratory and report the results through logically structured lab reports.Use of Algebra and an understanding of graphing is an integral part of this course.This course satisfies both the S.A.U.S.D. 3^rd year science requirement and it satisfies both UC and CaliforniaStateUniversity requirements for admission as a laboratory science.

While it is the goal for all students to become scientifically literate in Chemistry and to appreciate and become lifelong learners in science, students will also be required to work on and improve their reading and writing skills, which is a school-wide focus and is crucial for the success of all students.In addition, a strong emphasis will be placed on Segerstrom’s Expected School-Wide Learning Results, which are listed below:

• As Reflective Communicators students will:think, read, write, listen, and speak well; use multi-media as tools for communication; and develop creative and artistic responsibilities.
• As Resourceful Learners students will:set goals, take responsibility for learning, think critically, solve problems, manage time wisely and study effectively.
• As Responsible Citizens students will:practice American patriotism, demonstrate the elements of character, and live a healthy lifestyle.

This Course is aligned with the California State Standards for Chemistry.Below are the topics to be covered according to the standards and the semester in which they will be covered.

Fall Semester : Science Skills, Properties of Matter, Atomic Structure, Nuclear Chemistry, Periodic Table, Chemical Reactions, The Mole, Gases

Spring Semester: Reaction Kinetics, Thermochemistry, Equilibrium, Acids/Bases/Solutions, Organic Chemistry, Oxidation-Reduction Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Analytical Chemistry

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Each student will bring all of the academic supplies listed in the Student Handbook.In addition, each student is required to have a scientific calculator, a metric ruler, at least 3 red pens, and a set of 12 or more colored pencils.
2. All assignments must be done on standard lined notebook paper and must be legible.Your name, the date, the class subject, and the class period need to be included in the upper right hand corner of your paper.In addition, each assignment must be titled.If these directions are not followed, then your work will not receive full credit.
3. Unless stated otherwise, all homework and other outside assignments are due at the beginning of class.
4. Students are expected to abide by all of the guidelines stated in the SFHS Student Handbook.Failure to do so will result in

the appropriate consequences as listed on the tardy, homework and dress code cards.For other student conduct violations,

the following progressive discipline plan will be used:

1^stInfraction:Warning

2^nd Infraction:Teacher/Student Conference and 15 minutes detention

3^rd Infraction:Parent Contact and 30 minutes detention

4^th Infraction:Administrative Referral

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

1. Each student is expected to treat his/her classmates and teacher with respect and courtesy.
2. When the tardy bell rings all students are expected to be seated in their assigned seats.Those who are not seated when the tardy bell rings will be considered tardy.
3. Students will listen to, read, and follow all directions carefully.
4. No food or drink, except bottled water, is permitted in the classroom.
5. Each student will write down all assignments in the SFHS student agenda.

GRADING AND HOMEWORK:The grade in this course is determined by student performance on laboratory work (25%), homework/classwork (25%), and quizzes/tests/benchmarks (50%).A student’s final grade is determined by averaging together all 3 grading periods and the final exam. .The grading scale below will be used to determine your six weeks grades and semester grades:

A:100% - 88%

B:88% - 78%

C:78% - 68%

D:68% - 55%

F:Below 55 %

Students are given advance notice of due dates for lab reports and homework assignments.Homework is assigned nightly and may consist of a reading assignment, writing assignment, or both.Homework is meant to reinforce what was learned in class and to assist students in mastering the standard being studied—it should be taken seriously!Late work will be accepted one day from the original due date with a 50% point reduction. Any work turned in later than that will NOT be accepted.

MAKE-UP POLICY:Students are expected to make up all tests, classwork, and labwork missed as a result of absence from school.In the case of excused absences, it is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with me to make up a quiz or test that was missed.It is the responsibility of the student to ask what homework and class assignments were missed, to obtain assignment sheets if needed, and to turn the work in according to the following timetable—you have 1 day for each day you are absent to make up and turn in your work.While every attempt will be made to provide comparable work that will allow students to learn the concepts missed, it is difficult to do so in a lab-centered course.Students know in advance the days in which labs will be conducted—it is to their advantage to make every attempt to be in class on these days.Students who fail an exam will be allowed to make up the exam provided that they attend two (2) tutoring sessions and obtain a parent signature verifying that they studied at-least 2 hours for the make-up exam.There will be only ONE make up session for each exam.If a student fails to attend, or is late to the session, no other exam will be offered.