WELCOME TO Chemistry Concepts

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Course Description:  Chemistry Concepts is a course designed for the students who want to learn more about chemistry and its applications toward society. This course presents chemistry conceptually, focusing on the concepts of chemistry and less emphasis on calculations.  Students will be guided towards self-discovery and expected to think conceptually about how chemistry is applied towards our lives through lectures, video presentations, class discussions, and hands on laboratory experiments.  This course is a single trimester in length and can be taken along with Physics Concepts.  During the trimester, topics such as elements of chemistry, discovery of the atom, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, energy in society, and atmospheric chemistry will all be discussed.  

 

Expectations: You will be asked to put forth a significant amount of academic effort in order to be successful.  A majority of this class involves class discussion. Information learned in the beginning of the trimester must be retained throughout the end of the trimester as chemistry is a cumulative science.  Students are encouraged to study on a daily basis and to seek help immediately.

 

Required Class Materials:  

1.  3 ring binder with your name on it, loose-leaf paper

2.  Pen and pencil, expo marker (water based)

3.  Textbook

4.  Composition notebook - you can buy one from Mr. Ragan for $1.00 This will be used for all labs!

5.  Scientific calculator – it does not need to be a graphing calculator.

 

Grading Policy:

Tests  50% 

Labs  20% 

Quizzes  20%

Homework  10%

 

Attendance:  If you miss a day, it is your responsibility to get the material/assignments that were covered those days.  When you return, see me to get the assignments as quickly as possible.  Any notes missed, you are to get from a classmate.  If you happen to miss a scheduled test or quiz, you are expected to take the test/quiz as soon as you return. Be prepared.  If you miss a lab day, lab makeup will be after school within the week unless other arrangements are made with me. Un-excused or unexcused-explained absences will be discussed individually regarding appropriate consequences.

 

Classroom Rules/Guidelines:

1. Be in your assigned seat when class starts, prepared.  No bathroom breaks at the beginning of class.

2. Bring your textbook, planner, class notebook/binder, paper, pencil, HW, flashcards and other assigned materials to class everyday.

3. Be courteous and respectful to everyone.  No talking while I am talking or while other classmates are talking.

4.  Groom before class and take care of your needs before class starts.  Bathroom passes will not be given.

5.  Homework will be checked at the beginning of class.  Homework must be finished and resemble a reasonable attempt, to obtain credit.  Work, which requires calculations, will need to be redone if only answers are shown.  Schedule makeup work with your teacher the day you return.

6. Listen and follow directions the first time they are given.  Ask for help if you need it. 

7.  FOLLOW SAFETY RULES AT ALL TIMES.  (See safety rule sheet)  Breaking a safety rule can result in a zero for the lab, after school detention, a phone call to parents, and/or a referral for disciplinary action.  You must wear an apron and goggles for every lab that involves any chemicals or fire.   

8.  You are required to know the identity of all lab equipment.  If you break it, you buy it at replacement cost.  Lab stations must be cleaned at the conclusion of lab.  Failure to do so will result in points being deducted from your lab.

9.  The use of personal electronic devices (cell phones, ipods, etc…) are prohibited.  Texting in class will result in your phone being confiscated.

10. Drinks will be allowed in the classroom area only provided they are in a plastic container with a sealable lid.  No food or drink including gum is allowed in the laboratory area.

11. Students are not allowed in the chemical stockroom unless authorized and absolutely no unauthorized experiments are to be performed.

 

Activities:  

1.  Warm-ups:  Questions will be posted as you enter each day for class.  These questions may serve as: (1) review; (2) clarification; (3) possible test questions.  You may consult with your classmates on these problems however work must be done individually.

2. Homework:  An essential part of chemistry survival.  You will be expected to complete all daily assignments. A sheet of just answers is unacceptable.  All assignments handed in should include in the upper right hand corner your name, class hour, date, and a description of the assignment such as page numbers.

3.  Binders:  All class work material must be included and kept organized throughout the year.  

4.  Tests/Quizzes:  You will always be informed well in advance of tests, project due dates and their scope and format.  Quizzes should also be expected on a weekly basis.

5.  Lab:   You are required to participate in all laboratory activities. Pre-labs must be done before you enter into the lab.  Failure to do so will result in point deductions for that lab.  Goggles and lab aprons will be provided for you.  A LAB SAFETY CONTRACT must be signed before any lab participation will be allowed.

 

Suggestions to be Successful:  Be on time to class and prepared to learn everyday.  Read the chapter and study every night at least 20-30 minutes with a goal in mind.  Form a study group with other classmates.  Pay attention and participate in class.  Don’t miss any assignments.  Ask questions when you don’t understand.  See me for additional help immediately.  Don’t fall behind.