Syllabus for
Pre-AP Chemistry
Last updated July 15, 2009
Course: |
Pre-AP Chemistry |
Instructor: |
Linda Colman |
Contact Information: |
Cuero High School |
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920 E. Broadway |
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Cuero, TX 77954 |
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Phone: |
361-275-6157 |
Email: |
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Website: |
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Conference Hour: |
12:55-1:45 |
Textbook: |
Modern Chemistry by Holt Publishing Company |
Companion Website: |
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Objectives:
- The student will demonstrate a working knowledge of introductory chemistry topics including matter and its changes, measurements and calculations associated with matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, stoichiometry, acids and bases, solution chemistry, chemical nomenclature, chemical equations, chemical reactions, and gas laws.
- The student will demonstrate a mastery of chemical concepts verifiable through laboratory experimentation.
CLASSROOM INFORMATION
1. You will be responsible for your behavior and your work.
2. All school rules will be observed. This means that gum will be removed before coming to class. No candy, drinks, or food will be permitted at any time (except for lunch meetings).
3. There is a hall pass for emergencies only.
4. Be on time to class. If you are late to class or have to get your shoes or class materials, you will be counted tardy. After the 4th tardy, a referral will be made.
5. The discipline policy is posted in the classroom. For 3 Level 1 offenses, a referral is made. After 3 D-Hall assignments, ISS is assigned. After 3 ISS assignments, AEP is assigned. The detailed information about this policy was given to you in homeroom.
6. Wait to be called upon to answer.
7. Raise your hand for permission to speak and wait for acknowledgment.
8. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings working quietly on the TAKS question, the SAT vocabulary, or going over lab or class procedures for the day. Class will be dismissed by the instructor when bell rings at the end of the period.
9. Come prepared with materials every day. That means bring your supplies to class every day. Notes will be taken on most days. You are required to take notes because I will refer back to previous notes in later lectures.
- A classroom set of books is provided as well as a home copy.
- Supplies Needed: All classes will need: a bound, black notebook* for lab, paper for taking notes, black or blue pen (DO NOT USE OTHER INK COLORS), red pen, pencil, a TI graphing calculator (issued in math class or purchased) or TI-Nspire(CAS) handheld, 3” x 5” index cards (about 200), a 2-in binder, dividers (class rules and safety, notes, graded papers, handouts, and TAKS/SAT sections), about 10 quart-sized sandwich bags**.
10. All work assignments are due on due date at the beginning of class. They will be marked late if turned in at a later time.
- Work will be accepted one day late, but the maximum grade you will receive is 50.
- It is your responsibility to place homework, etc., in the basket.
- Major reports are due by 3:30 P. M. on the due date and will not be accepted late.
11. Grading Policy: Grading procedures are as follows:
Assignment Counts Per Six Weeks
Daily average 1 major 15-20 daily grades per six weeks
Tests (each) 1 major At least two per six weeks
Six Weeks Test 1 major 1 per six weeks
Lab report average 1 major 4-6 labs per six weeks
Outside reading total 1 major 4 combined per six weeks (except 6th six weeks)
Other (Special projects) 2 major 1 per semester
Participation 10%
There will be at least 5 major grades [normally 2 major tests, 1 outside reading grade (which acts as a test), lab average, and daily average]. Test average will count 50%, lab average will count 20%, daily average will count 20% and participation will count 10%. The semester test will count 20% of the semester grade.
For Pre-AP Chemistry term projects, one grade shall be given on the written report and one grade shall be given on the oral presentation. There will be 1 term project in the fall and 1 term project in the spring.
Daily work shall consist of homework, pop quizzes, and other exercises.
Vocabulary homework is due on the day noted on the six weeks schedule.
- The vocabulary words will be written in pen or marker on one side of the index card and the pertinent definition will be written in pen on the other side. Examples may be added if needed. The words will be selected from the current chapter and due according to the tentative schedule. Cards (words) must be numbered (-5 pts). Failure to use index cards (or reasonable facsimiles) will result in loss of 5 points on the vocabulary assignment also.
Outside readings will be done on specified topics by all classes.
- NOTES, not sentences, will be recorded on note cards and turned in on the assigned days (usually Fridays). These cards will be turned in at the beginning of class, stamped and returned. After some discussion about the topic during which each student will contribute information, 5 sentences about the topic will be written using correct language, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. The card will be stapled to the bottom of the paper and both will be turned in.
12. You will be responsible for getting work assignments made during your absence as well as for getting notes taken during that time.
· If you are ill or have an excused absence, you will have three days to make up your work.
· If you are absent for a school function, please get your assignment ahead of time. Homework is due when you return.
· If you are absent the day of a test, plan on making up the test in after school detention on the day you return.
· If you are absent for lab, arrangements must be made to make it up.
· If you have an unexcused absence, then the maximum grade you will receive is 70 on any assignment.
13. Cheating is inexcusable and will not be tolerated. It will be reported as an offense and punished according to the discipline plan. It will also be reported to the NHS faculty council.