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Olympian High School “Where Champions are Made”

Course Syllabus

ChemCom 2014 - 2015

CHEMCOM Instructor

TBD

Phone

619-656-2400

Room

TBD

E-mail

TBD

Course Rationale: The California State University and University of California systems’ A - G admissions requirements state that two years of laboratory science are required and three years are recommended. The Sweetwater Union High School District requires one year of a biological science and one year of a physical science for graduation. ChemCom is a standards-based laboratory science that fulfills both of these requirements for most UC and CSU campuses. Students and parents are advised to consult with the transferring university to see if they will receive A-G credit for taking the course. Recommended Prerequisites: Completed or concurrent enrollment in Algebra. Recommendation: 50% or higher on standardized math and reading scores. Course Description: ChemCom is shorthand for Chemistry in the Community. It is designed as a chemistry course that is appropriate for students who have had difficulty with regular chemistry. It is designed to be a rigorous course, but at a little slower pace acknowledging difficulties and taking the time to address them in a manner that would take too much time in a regular chemistry course. From here on out, we will use the term Chemistry as being the general subject for this course. Chemistry is traditionally the second college preparatory science course students take in high school. Chemistry is the science that deals with matter and the transformations that it undergoes. We will present chemistry to the student as an inter-disciplinary subject with broad points of interest from peoples in all walks of life, integrating the function and uses of chemicals and chemistry in the everyday world. Chemistry progress in the real world is accomplished through curiosity and experimentation. We will include laboratory experiments that introduce the student to a potentially hand-on experience. The Laboratory experiments are closely tied to the material in the chapter making them relevant to understanding the lecture material. Laboratory work is a vital component in the science experience and should comprise approximately 40% of instructional time. Acquisition of quantifiable data, manipulation of data through graphs, and formulation of conclusions based on results should be emphasized. Since much of the information presented now in chemistry concerns processes which cannot be seen, pedagogical techniques which permit students to conceptualize and visualize these processes should be employed. Whenever possible, diagrams illustrations, and animations should be used to reinforce concepts, SDAIE strategies are encouraged to strengthen the literacy of students. The State Content Standards in Science were developed so that every student would have access to a uniform quality and quantity of information in science; for this reason most State Standard have been retained in the District Course Description, and it is expected that every student will achieve mastery of the information. Texts and Materials: Primary Text: Chemistry in the Community – 5th edition, Freeman Supplemental Text: CHEMISTRY-MATTER &CHANGE, GLENCOE/McGRAW College Preparation ~ “Habits of Mind” and “College Readiness Literacy Skills” In conjunction with the chemistry content of this course, an emphasis will be placed on developing college readiness. This will be accomplished by promoting the following “Habits of Mind” for success in college-level course work: 1) building intellectual perseverance, the persistent pursuit of knowledge, by promoting the value of a strong work ethic and cultivating sustained effort through repeated practice, 2) developing metacognition by encouraging thinking about the quality of one’s own and others’ thought processes, practicing intellectual

humility, and becoming comfortable with the discomfort of ambiguity, and 3) creating intellectual curiosity by fostering a desire to know and requiring inquiry, investigation, and rigorous engagement. In order to be successful in college and post-secondary work, students must attain certain literacy skills. The “College Readiness Literacy Skills” that will be emphasized during this course will be: 1) describing using discipline-specific academic language, 2) summarizing by distinguishing the main idea from supporting detail, 3) relating/applying the appropriate tools/processes to new situations, 4) analyzing in order to support inferences and draw conclusions, 5) synthesizing in order to develop new insights, and 6) evaluating according to a set of standards or criteria Recommended Student Materials:  Three-Ring Binder  Classroom Supplies: smooth-edged notebook paper, pencils, pens (blue & red), colored pencils, highlighters, calculator (basic scientific), & ruler. Scientific calculators may NOT be phones, iPods, or similar devices, or graphing calculators.  Occasional Project Supplies Academic Expectations of Me as a Student:  I will actively participate in my learning: take notes, study for quizzes/tests, participate in class discussions, perform labs and write-ups, make connections beyond the classroom, and do homework.  I understand labs are a crucial aspect of science. They are difficult and time consuming to prepare. Therefore, they will be conducted only once, and students need to be present on those days. Behavioral Expectations of Me as a Student:  I will attend all classes possible and be on time.  I will be a positive, contributing member of this class by being respectful, responsible and considerate.  I will make it a priority to always practice all laboratory safety rules.  I know: “I am responsible for my own behavior and I am to be held accountable for my own actions.” Homework Policy:  Chemistry is a college preparatory course that requires students to do homework on a regular basis.  Students should spend a minimum of 20 minutes each day on homework. This time may be used to preview and/or review class materials, perform text reading activities, complete class assignments and projects, or other activities that assist the student’s understanding of the concepts being studied. (Note: Parents should ask to see student’s daily work and homework in their binder.)  Laboratory Pre-labs will be done at home  Laboratory write-ups will be done at home written legibility in blue or black ink. Assessments: Formative Assessments (20%) – are to provide time, practice, and opportunities for learning, along with feedback or checkpoints regarding your progress in the learning process. Some formative assessments can be made up, others, such as the District Benchmark Exam, may not. Examples will include the introduction to a unit, class notes, warm ups, quizzes, initial attempts or drafts, cooperative learning experiences, and homework. Summative Assessments (80%) – are to determine your personal achievements/what you have learned at the end of a period of instruction, and these are used to establish grades. There will be about one test for each unit covered. If there is an excused absence, unit tests may be made up and must be made up within two weeks of the test date at a time to be arranged with the instructor. The student is responsible to arrange an appropriate time with the teacher. The student has the number of days the student was absent plus one to make up the test. A “0” will be recorded for unexcused absences. Test scores will not be dropped. Examples will include assessments like tests, labs, formal writing activities, and the district’s End of Course Exam. Laboratory: Labs are difficult and time consuming to set up, so a missed lab can not be made up. Although the data may be obtained from another student, the maximum possible grade for a missed lab is 70%. Labs missed because

of an unexcused absence will result in a grade of “0.” The student has the number of days absent plus one to submit a lab report late due to an absence. Laboratory safety: Safety is of utmost importance. The chemistry labs may employ chemicals and equipment which can be dangerous if not used properly. For additional protection, goggles, which are provided, must be worn appropriately, as well as lab aprons. On laboratory days, no sandals or open toed shoes are allowed. Although not required, it is good laboratory practice to wear long pants, tight fitting sleeves and the hair pulled back and out of the way. Violations of the goggle, shoe, and lab apron rules are safety violations and will result in the student not being allowed to perform the laboratory experiment. Mandated test:  All 10th graders will be assessed in Biology for No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Extra credit: There are NO extra credit assignments. The work presented in class is the work deemed important by the department and required by the course framework. By mastering the required material the student will be preparing for successful completion of college level chemistry. The material presented in this class is the material that one is expected to already know when enrolling in college chemistry. Binder: Each student should keep a binder to put organizational skills into practice and to facilitate study. The following should be included: 1) Index and divider tabs, 2) all returned tests and quizzes, 3) notes from lecture and chapter outlines, 4) pre-lab assignments, 5) problem sets and worksheets, 6) grade summary. This binder must be brought to any teacher-parent/guardian conference. Grading Policy: Grades in a Standards-Based Society: Student grades will be a reflection of their level of achievement toward district and state standards. A (90 – 100%) – Advanced ~ high level of mastery of the standards, B (80 – 89%) – Proficient ~ exceeds the standards, C (70 – 79%) – Basic ~ meets the standards, D (60 – 69%) – Below Basic ~ below, but progressing toward meeting the standards. F (59% and below) – Far Below Basic ~ displays minimal to no progress toward the standards Mastery Model requires that all students maintain summative score of 70% or higher in summative assessments (including laboratory reports). By policy, students have 2 weeks from the date of grade notification to improve their grade. Lab re-write to correct deficiencies are due within 1 week of the initial grading. **Exams: student must attend tutoring *** Labs: one time only resubmit opportunity Plagiarism: copying and pasting from the internet or other source and submitting it as your work is plagiarism and it subject to disciplinary action: (see school policy)  First offense a mandatory zero for the assignment/project/exam with no redo/retake possible, a mandatory counselor-teacher-parent student conference and the lowering of the citizenship grade.  Second offense will result in a mandatory zero credit for the assignment/project/exam with no redo/retake possible, a mandatory Principal-Teacher-parent –student conference, an “F” grade in citizenship for the class in question, Saturday School, and a student contract developed for future behavior  Third offense will result in all actions included for a second offense plus student suspension due to defiance of school authority. Subsequent offenses may also result in alternative placement to another school.

COURSE SCHEDULE: Course pacing varies depending on student learning. Actual coverage time and summative dates are subject to change. CA Standard

IAE 1 Chem 1 Chem 2 Chem 10 Chem 3

Chem 7 Chem 4 Chem 6 Chem 5 Chem 8,9 Chem 11

Topic SEMESTER 1: Jul – Dec 2014 Investigation & Experimentation Periodic Table Bonding Fall Break Stoichiometry EOC prep & exams SEMESTER 2: Jan – Jun 2015 Energy Gases Solutions Acids/Bases Reaction Rates/Equilibrium Spring Break Nuclear chemistry Oxidation Reduction EOC Prep & Exam EOC Exam

Time

Formal Writing: Labs & lab reports

2 weeks 4 weeks

Candle Lab (description) Periodic Family

3 weeks

Chemical Bonding

5 weeks 2 weeks

Percent Yield

2 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks 1 week

Specific heat

1 weeks 1 weeks 2 weeks

Kool-Aid Alka-Seltzer

Approximate Summative Dates TBD by teacher.

Olympian High School Chemistry Syllabus

Parent Acknowledgement Good communication between teachers, students and parents is essential to maximize the success of students in high school. With this in mind, please take a moment to complete this syllabus acknowledgement and parent contact form and return it to me by way of your student. It will be counted as your student’s first homework assignment. Please provide as much of the requested information as you can. Student’s Name:

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I will attempt to communicate with you about your student’s progress in this class on a regular basis, Progress Reports and at other times as needed. I hope you will feel free to contact me by phone or email at anytime to discuss your student’s progress. We are striving to have all students college-ready by the time they graduate from Olympian High School. This can only happen if everyone works together toward this end. Please sign and date the section below to indicate that you have reviewed the course syllabus and agree to assist with the communication necessary to reach our goals. Thank you!

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