Course Syllabus

 

Course: CP Chemistry          

   Teacher: Mr. Thompson

Contact: Austin.Thompson@ucps.k12.nc.us

                                                                                                                  

 

Course Description:  This chemistry course encourages students to continue their investigation of the structure of matter along with chemical reactions and the conservation of energy in these reactions. Inquiry is applied to the study of the transformation, composition, structure, and properties of substances. The course focuses on basic chemical concepts and incorporates activities that promote investigations to reinforce the concepts. The essential standards and clarifying objectives may be found at the NC DPI website located at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/acre/standards/new-standards/science/chemistry.pdf

 

Course Outline: *This outline provides a general idea of the concepts we will cover;  all topics and the order they are taught in are subject to change**

 

  1. Foundational Chemistry
  2. Atomic Structure
  3. The mole
  4. Chemical bonding and naming
  5. Chemical equations
  6. Stoichiometry
  7. Gas Laws
  8. Solutions and phase changes
  9. Acids and Bases
  10. Thermochemistry

 

 

Course Materials: For this class you are REQUIRED to have the following items

  • A binder or notebook for note-taking and storing handouts
  • A scientific calculator (does not need to be a graphing)
  • Chemistry reference packet

 

WISH LIST: Tissue, dish soap and paper towels, the school does not provide these so we are in need of them.

 

Course Grading:

                ** Credit will not be given to students who copy assignments or plagiarize materials.**

  • Tests (30%): Tests will be administered at the end of every unit in order to access student progress and learning. The tests material will come from class lectures, lab experiments, and any other assigned CW/HW. The tests will consist of multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, and free response.  All tests will be weighted equally. Test corrections will be completed after every exam for up to half credit back. (This is to ensure that students understand all of the important concepts taught in the class before proceeding).  This is 30% of your overall grade
  • Labs (20%): Labs are designed for students to develop a deeper understanding of the materials as well as develop critical thinking and inquiry skills. There will be several labs throughout the semester, however they require compliance to the science laboratory guidelines and safety expectations. If students fail to follow the lab safety rules, the lab will be stopped immediately and a zero will be earned. This is 20% of your overall grade
  • Quizzes and Homework (20%): We will have regular in class quizzes to check in on retention and comprehension of course material. Each week’s homework assignments will count as a quiz grade at the end of the week. This is 20% of your overall grade
  • Projects (15%): As projects are assigned you will receive a rubric and guidelines for completing the project. This is 15% of your overall grade
  • Classwork, Warm-ups, and Participation (15%): Chemistry is not a spectator sport. Students will be assessed based upon their day-to-day involvement and effort in this course. Giving your best effort each and every day will behoove you in every facet of Chemistry this semester. This is 15% of your overall grade

Classroom rules: Students are expected to:

  • Be in your assigned seat and completing the warm-up when the bell rings.
  • Any homework or classwork that is due should be on your desk by the time the bell rings.
  • Raise your hand when wanting to make a comment or ask/answer a question.
  • Be respectful and kind to all of your peers and their learning environment.
  • Follow all school/district rules, regulations, and policies.
  • Cell phones and inappropriate language will not be tolerated.

Lab Rules:

  • No food, drinks, or gum
  • Closed toes shoes must be worn on the day of a lab
  • Hair and loose clothing must be tied back and secured.
  • All personal belongings must be left at your desk with the exception of a writing utensil and your lab workbook.
  • Goggles must be worn during all labs that utilize materials other than air and water.
  • Always read the directions and labels before the use of anything in the lab and be sure to ask questions if you are ever unsure.
  • Always clean up your work area as instructed and wash your hands at the end of the lab

 

Absent/ Late Work:

When you are absent it is YOUR responsibility to collect your absent work from the absent folder and collect any missed lab data/notes from your peers. All absent work must be turned in within 2 days of being absent. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE. It is your responsibility to write absent on the top and place in the drop box.  Late work can be turned in only 1 date late for a 20% penalty, anything past that will not be accepted for credit. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.

**There can be extenuated circumstances upon approval when I am contacted by your guardian within 24 hours of the due date.

**LABS ARE NEVER COLLECTED LATE. IF THEY ARE NOT TURNED IN ON THEIR DUE DATE THEY ARE AUTOMATIC ZEROS. NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

Tutoring:

  • Monday- B Lunch
  • Thursday- A Lunch
  • After school by appointment

                                  

As your son/daughter’s teacher, I will treat all students equally and with respect. I strongly believe that effective parent/teacher communication will promote the academic success of students at Marvin Ridge High School. In order to facilitate communication, please fill in your current e-mail address (if applicable) and phone number(s) at the bottom of this sheet. I will use this information to send periodic e-mail updates for our class. In addition, please let me know your preferred method of contact. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at austin.thompson@ucps.k12.nc.us. I am looking forward to this semester with your son/daughter.

As a student in Mr. Thompson’s class, I agree to:

- Follow procedures and expectations as outlined in the attached letter

- Abide by policies outlined in the school handbook

- Be courteous and respectful to my peers, my teacher, and my school

- Stay on task in class and complete all assignments

 

STUDENT NAME:__________________________________             DATE: ___________

 

STUDENT SIGNATURE:_________________________________________________    

 

PLEASE INITIAL THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS INDICATING  YOUR COMPLIANCE  TO THE GRADING POLICY:

 

______ I  understand that my work can only be turned in 1 day late with a 20% penalty. If I turn in work past 1 day I will receive a zero.

 

_____ I understand that my labs cannot be turned in late (they are exluded from the 1 day policy). If I turn them in late I will receive a zero.

 

____ I understand that if I am absent I am responsible for all missed work and notes. If I turn in work past 2 days per absence I will receive a zero.

As a parent/guardian of a student in Mr. Thompson’s class I:

- Have read the course requirements/expectations information sheet for my child and agree with it

- Will let Mr. Thompson know of any medical, physical, mental, or dietary needs that he should be made aware of

- Will contact Mr. Thompson with any questions or concerns.

 

GUARDIAN NAME:________________________________________       Date: ____________________

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: _______________________________________________________________

 

GUARDIAN EMAIL:____________________________________________________________________

 

CELL/HOME :_______________________ WORK :_____________________

 

**please contact me about any issues or concerns (confidentially) that may impact my child’s learning.

 

PLEASE INITIAL THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS:

 

______ I  understand that my child’s late work can only be turned in 1 day late with a 20% penalty. If he/she turns in work past 1 day they will receive a zero.

 

_____ I understand that my child’s labs cannot be turned in late (they are excluded from the 1 day policy). If he/she turn them in late they will receive a zero.

 

______ I  understand that my child’s absent work can only be turned in 2 days late. If he/she turns in work past 2 days per day absent they will receive a zero.

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due