Course Syllabus

Chemistry Syllabus

Mrs. Lisa Cochran Room # 601

Email: lisa.cochran@ucps.k12.nc.us


Chemistry is the study of the structure and properties of matter and the changes it goes through. This is a rigorous course and students must be proficient in Algebra and math concepts in order to succeed.  There is a very strong correlation between students’ ability to do well in Algebra and their performance in Chemistry. If you struggled in your math classes, please talk to me so that we can make sure you have the basic skills you need to do well in this class.  Chemistry is a 1-semester class, and in order to cover all the material you must be willing to work inside and outside of class.

 

Course grades are based on the following:

First 6-week Grading Period-25%

Second 6-week Grading Period- 25%

Third 6-week Grading Period- 25%

Final Exam- 25%

Total- 100%

 

Grading
The grading for this course is based on units of study. The amount of work within each unit will vary from topic to topic. Within each unit, students will complete various activities in class and at home. Laboratory exercises that promote inquiry will be also be incorporated within each unit. 

Test/Quizzes/Projects- 50%

Classwork/Homework/Lab- 50%

 

Late Work Policy:

All assignments are due on the date announced when it is assigned. Work is due daily and will help you with keeping up in class and progressing with new material. There is grace given for work that you may not be able to get to due to an activity or heavy workload that evening. There will be no penalty if turned in by Sunday of the week due by 11:59 pm. Any work not turned in on time will be due by 11:59 pm each Sunday. Any work that is not turned in by the Sunday of the week due by 11:59 pm will receive a 0 (zero) in PowerSchool. 

 

Absences:

  • Any time a student is absent from class, he/she will be given an opportunity to make up any class work, homework, tests, or examinations missed. In cases where the work missed was a one-time activity that cannot feasibly be reproduced (labs, or certain daily work), the student will be given an alternative assignment in lieu of the original assignment.
  • Upon returning from an excused absence, students will be given two days to make up the work missed for each day absent. When arrangements are not made by the student to make up work, or if the make-up work is not completed in time, the student will receive no credit.

It is the student’s responsibility to look at Canvas for the makeup work that needs to be completed or ask the teacher for the assignment if it is not on Canvas.  

 

Class Materials/Supplies:

These items MUST be brought to class EVERY DAY:

  • 1 ½ inch 3-ring binder (You will need to keep notes and reference tables in your binder the entire semester.)
  • Calculator (Ti-84 or similar is best but any calculator will work. You will not be able to use your phone as a calculator.)
  • Ruled notebook paper
  • Writing Utensil
  • Colored Pencils/Markers
  • Headphones for Chromebook (cheap 3.5 mm from the dollar store will work)
  • Charged Chromebook
  • Please choose one: Tissues or Clorox Wipes 

 

Classroom Expectations:

In addition to obeying all school rules, the following rules apply to the classroom:

  • Respect the teacher and others in class, including their property.
  • Students are expected to be in their seats by the tardy bell and ready to learn.
  • Students are expected to be prepared and productive during class. 
  • Cheating, copying or turning in a duplicate of another’s assignment will result in an automatic zero. The CATA Academic Integrity Honor Code will be reviewed in each class.
  • Seating charts will be assigned and reassigned as needed per teacher discretion. Students will sit in their assigned seat every day.
  • Lab safety will be followed at all times during labs, demonstrations, and activities. 

 

Technology Rules:

No cellphones, earbuds, headphones, tablets or personal laptops are allowed during class. School provided Chromebooks are allowed upon teacher instruction on teacher approved sites. During direct instruction, students are not to be on their computers and phones need to be in their book bags.  

 

Communication:

Most of course material, including assignments and tests, will be on Canvas.  If the teacher needs to send a message to all students, the message will be posted on Canvas under “Announcements”.  The preferred method of communication with parents is email.  My email is lisa.cochran@ucps.k12.nc.us.  Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.