Chemistry Syllabus 2017-18
Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. A Chemistry student is expected to have completed Algebra I and one year of high school science.
Unit 1 –Scientific Measurements Unit 10 – Chemical Reactions and Equations
Unit 2 – Describing Matter Unit 11 - Stoichiometry
Unit 3 - Atomic Structure Unit 12 – Heat and States of Matter
Unit 4 –Electrons in Atoms Unit 13 - Gases
Unit 5 – The Periodic Table Unit 14 - Solutions
Unit 6 – Chemical Bonds Unit 15 – Reaction Rates and Equilibrium
Unit 7 – Molecular Structures Unit 16 – Acid and Base
Unit 8 –Formulas and Names Unit 17 - Electrochemistry
Unit 9 – Molar Relationship Unit 18 – Nuclear Chemistry
Required Materials
The textbook (McGraw Hill, Chemistry- Matter and Change) is available to be used online. Your classroom teacher will make log in information available. Hard copy books are available to be checked out from the teacher if desired.
Grading
75% tests, 15% labs, 5% practice, and 5% learning checks. There is no extra credit in Chemistry. One practice assignment, one learning check, and one lab grade will be dropped each grading period.
EligibilityIn all cases, eligibility will follow the UIL guidelines. Consult the student handbook.
Website
A calendar will be available on the Chemistry website with all assignments, due dates, and test days. Learning targets will also be provided on the website and indicate what the student needs to know and be able to do. It is the students’ responsibility to stay familiar with the website and to keep up with the calendar and all information provided. Any changes that need to be made to the calendar after posting will be announced in class. The Chemistry website may also be accessed from the school web site (whs.eanesisd.net). To access all materials go to staff directory/websites, scroll down, and click on your teacher's name.
The Chemistry website can also be directly accessed using this link: https://sites.google.com/a/eanesisd.net/whs-chemistry/
PracticePractice will be assigned regularly both in class and out of class. Out of class practices will be checked for understanding at the beginning of the class period on the due date. An answer key will be posted for all out of class practices on their due dates. If the practices are not done, the tests will be a CHALLENGE!! Late work is not accepted.
Learning ChecksLearning checks are short in class practices that will NOT be announced ahead of time. Learning checks are a low stakes opportunity for students to receive feedback of the progress of their learning BEFORE a test. Students who miss learning checks will not be expected to make them up, but are more than welcome to have a copy upon return.
Make-Up WorkAll work must be made up in a timely manner (1 day of makeup time for each day of absence). Any incomplete work will result in a zero. If there are extenuating circumstances, the student must individually approach the instructor and make other arrangements. Ultimately, it is the students’ responsibility to get things made up. Make up tests will be completed in the testing center therefore the student must carry their ID with them at all times per school policy.
LabsLabs must be turned in on the assigned due date. Make-up data will be posted on the website for most labs. Please note that this data is for use by students who have an excused absence on the day of the lab or have teacher authorization to use it. Unauthorized use of make-up lab data in place of your data will result in a lab grade of 50. Late labs will be accepted one day late for a grade up to a 70. One lab grade will be dropped at the end of each grading period.
Tests
We will be employing a form of standard based grading on our tests to promote both depth of knowledge and long-term retention of that knowledge. Students will be tested on an almost weekly basis. Testing dates will be announced well in advance on the calendar that is on the website as well as in class. Students will be informed one week prior to each test what specific learning targets are being tested. Tests are composed of multiple learning targets. Each learning target will be tested twice so that all learning targets are both tested and retested. Each individual learning target is evaluated on a 40-100 scale. Students who make no valid attempt or do not show any mastery of the concepts will be given a 0.
Cheating
Cheating on any assignment will not be tolerated in any way, shape, or form in this class. Cheating can take many forms in Chemistry and include, but are not limited to: copying answers on an assignment, copying another group’s lab data without permission from your teacher, creating or attempting to create an answer key to an exam, distributing a created key OR telling your friends what questions are on the exam.
Please become familiar with the WHS Honor Code and the consequences associated with violations.
“I understand the importance of academic integrity at Westlake High School, and I vow to be honest and honorable in all of my dealings with fellow students, faculty and staff. I understand that each time I sign my name to a school document, I am reaffirming this pledge.”
We look forward to a great year!
Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. A Chemistry student is expected to have completed Algebra I and one year of high school science.
Unit 1 –Scientific Measurements Unit 10 – Chemical Reactions and Equations
Unit 2 – Describing Matter Unit 11 - Stoichiometry
Unit 3 - Atomic Structure Unit 12 – Heat and States of Matter
Unit 4 –Electrons in Atoms Unit 13 - Gases
Unit 5 – The Periodic Table Unit 14 - Solutions
Unit 6 – Chemical Bonds Unit 15 – Reaction Rates and Equilibrium
Unit 7 – Molecular Structures Unit 16 – Acid and Base
Unit 8 –Formulas and Names Unit 17 - Electrochemistry
Unit 9 – Molar Relationship Unit 18 – Nuclear Chemistry
Required Materials
- Each student will need an iPad with note taking app or copies of notes and homework (these may be printed by the student or a packet may be purchased at FedEx Ship Center (3300 Bee Cave Rd)) If notes are printed a 3-ring binder will be required. Be sure to purchase the “Chemistry Packet”
- A graphing calculator (A TI-84 is strongly recommended).
- A roll of paper towels, box of tissues, or Clorox wipes are greatly appreciated
The textbook (McGraw Hill, Chemistry- Matter and Change) is available to be used online. Your classroom teacher will make log in information available. Hard copy books are available to be checked out from the teacher if desired.
Grading
75% tests, 15% labs, 5% practice, and 5% learning checks. There is no extra credit in Chemistry. One practice assignment, one learning check, and one lab grade will be dropped each grading period.
EligibilityIn all cases, eligibility will follow the UIL guidelines. Consult the student handbook.
Website
A calendar will be available on the Chemistry website with all assignments, due dates, and test days. Learning targets will also be provided on the website and indicate what the student needs to know and be able to do. It is the students’ responsibility to stay familiar with the website and to keep up with the calendar and all information provided. Any changes that need to be made to the calendar after posting will be announced in class. The Chemistry website may also be accessed from the school web site (whs.eanesisd.net). To access all materials go to staff directory/websites, scroll down, and click on your teacher's name.
The Chemistry website can also be directly accessed using this link: https://sites.google.com/a/eanesisd.net/whs-chemistry/
PracticePractice will be assigned regularly both in class and out of class. Out of class practices will be checked for understanding at the beginning of the class period on the due date. An answer key will be posted for all out of class practices on their due dates. If the practices are not done, the tests will be a CHALLENGE!! Late work is not accepted.
Learning ChecksLearning checks are short in class practices that will NOT be announced ahead of time. Learning checks are a low stakes opportunity for students to receive feedback of the progress of their learning BEFORE a test. Students who miss learning checks will not be expected to make them up, but are more than welcome to have a copy upon return.
Make-Up WorkAll work must be made up in a timely manner (1 day of makeup time for each day of absence). Any incomplete work will result in a zero. If there are extenuating circumstances, the student must individually approach the instructor and make other arrangements. Ultimately, it is the students’ responsibility to get things made up. Make up tests will be completed in the testing center therefore the student must carry their ID with them at all times per school policy.
LabsLabs must be turned in on the assigned due date. Make-up data will be posted on the website for most labs. Please note that this data is for use by students who have an excused absence on the day of the lab or have teacher authorization to use it. Unauthorized use of make-up lab data in place of your data will result in a lab grade of 50. Late labs will be accepted one day late for a grade up to a 70. One lab grade will be dropped at the end of each grading period.
Tests
We will be employing a form of standard based grading on our tests to promote both depth of knowledge and long-term retention of that knowledge. Students will be tested on an almost weekly basis. Testing dates will be announced well in advance on the calendar that is on the website as well as in class. Students will be informed one week prior to each test what specific learning targets are being tested. Tests are composed of multiple learning targets. Each learning target will be tested twice so that all learning targets are both tested and retested. Each individual learning target is evaluated on a 40-100 scale. Students who make no valid attempt or do not show any mastery of the concepts will be given a 0.
Cheating
Cheating on any assignment will not be tolerated in any way, shape, or form in this class. Cheating can take many forms in Chemistry and include, but are not limited to: copying answers on an assignment, copying another group’s lab data without permission from your teacher, creating or attempting to create an answer key to an exam, distributing a created key OR telling your friends what questions are on the exam.
Please become familiar with the WHS Honor Code and the consequences associated with violations.
“I understand the importance of academic integrity at Westlake High School, and I vow to be honest and honorable in all of my dealings with fellow students, faculty and staff. I understand that each time I sign my name to a school document, I am reaffirming this pledge.”
We look forward to a great year!