Advanced Chemistry 4035 .5 credits Date: August 2013
Instructor’s Name: Heath Dobberpuhl
I. Course Description Advanced Chemistry is a one semester science elective for seniors. Topics studied include reaction rates, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox reactions, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Laboratory experiences are scheduled. (Prerequisite: B- or better in the second semester of Chemistry) II. Objectives The students will… …use and expand upon the knowledge and skills previously learned in Chemistry. …develop skills to interpret everyday events and products in terms of chemical concepts and principles. …develop the background knowledge necessary for studying advanced college courses in the future. …develop the skill of scientific inquiry. …demonstrate correct and safe laboratory techniques. III. Course Content Energy and Chemical Change, Reaction Rates, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Redox Reactions, Electrochemistry, and Organic Chemistry IV. Methodology Chemistry will be taught in lecture/demonstration/discussion sessions with scheduled laboratory skills and investigations. V. Requirements Students are expected to take class notes, read the text book, complete daily assignments, and work cooperatively in the laboratory. Group work is done in the laboratory so each student has an opportunity to develop skills while helping others to develop theirs. Since the students are preparing to study science at the college level, it is important to become self-responsible in lab safety and procedures as well as academic study. VI. Grading Guidelines The MVL grading scale will be used. Each unit will include a unit portfolio and daily assignments (20% of semester grade) and unit tests (80%). VII. Materials (Bring to Class Every Day) Textbook: Chemistry: Matter and Change (Glencoe 2008 edition) Calculator (Scientific preferred) Pencil (using pens is not suggested) 3-Ring Binder (Best if not shared with another subject)
Classroom Notes: Materials. You are expected to bring the required materials to class every day. This includes your textbook, calculator, binder/portfolio and a pencil. If you ask to go back to your locker you may be marked tardy.
Tardy. When the bell begins to ring it is time to start class. It is time to be in or approaching your seat quietly. If you choose to keep talking when the bell starts ringing, you may receive a tardy.
Absences. It is your responsibility to make up missed assignments when you are absent. Per MVL policy, all homework is expected to be completed by the second day you return to school.
Respect. Please respect your instructor, MVL and its property. The tables, chairs and lab equipment are provided for your education by the many supporters of MVL. Please refrain from defacing or writing on them in any way. Return all lab equipment to its place in the condition you found it or as described by your instructor.
Study Habits. Please read the rubric on the front of your portfolio for a description of the daily expectations. You may work on your portfolio with other students in a cooperative way. This does not mean it is okay just to copy someone’s answers. This is your education; don’t waste the blessings of your educational opportunities by cheating yourself. If you do copy daily work answers, you will have missed out on valuable review for the tests and quizzes.
Read the Book and Labs. Regular reading of the text book is assigned in class as well as pre-reading of scheduled labs. It is important that you read the sections assigned before they are discussed/reviewed in class. Your brain does well when information is presented in different fashions and the activity of reading information is one of them.
Unit Tests. One difference between this course and the Chemistry course you took last year is the absence of quizzes. In this course there are only unit tests for assessment, similar to the structure of many college science courses. This makes the daily assignments for review even more important on a daily basis.
Labs. The labs in this class are very important for understanding. The majority of the essay questions on the test are about the labs and the procedures. If you miss a lab, it is up to you to either schedule a time with your instructor to do the lab or talk with a person that did complete the lab to complete your portfolio. You are expected to answer all lab questions in the daily work and on the test regardless of your attendance during the scheduled lab.
iPads. Periodically we will be using iPads in class. The iPads are to be used only for the activity that they were passed out for. Students using them in other fashions, such as for different apps, web surfing, Facebook, or checking email, will no longer be able to use the iPads and may be sent to the office.
Extra Credit. There is no available extra credit for this course.
