Kalamazoo Central High School2010/2011 

Chemistry A Syllabus

 Kari Luckett 337-0330 ext. 543

luckettka@kalamazoo.k12.mi.us 

Course Description from Course Bulletin

Students will go beyond the basics and deeply into principles of and changes in matter.  Topics include states of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table and dimensional analysis.  Laboratory-based activities will emphasize and reinforce the concepts and principles of chemistry.  Working in groups, use of technology and analysis of experimental results will be emphasized. 

Length of course:1 trimester (12 weeks) = 0.5 Academic Credit 

Classroom Expectations:In order to create a positive learning environment, we must be PRO. Be Prepared – This means that students will…..

• Come to class with student id, homework, writing utensil, etc.
• Come to class ready to work with others and learn.

• Be open and courteous to others ideas, beliefs, and questions.
• Use positive, non-offensive language and gestures.

• Be present, arrive on time, and participate.
• Maintain an organized science notebook.
• Help maintain a clean classroom.
• Follow school rules and procedures.

 Make-up policy:Opportunities will be given to students to make-up tests or quizzes and to resubmit work. It will be the students’ responsibility to contact teachers and make arrangements within a 3 day time period from the date of returning to school, the sharing of grades or the posting of grades.  

Course Objective or Core Concepts:The focus will be on both mastery of scientific content and the development of essential academic skills. In terms of scientific content, students will master the following priority standards. q       Describe and attribute the properties of the different states of matter in terms of and to the arrangement and motion of particles.q       Relate the properties of substances to the physical and chemical changes they undergo.q       Describe the structure of atoms in terms of the number and properties of their fundamental particles.q       Identify and signify isotopes by name and symbol and calculate their average atomic mass.q       Use the periodic table to identify the type of the elements.q       Use the periodic table to identify the physical and chemical properties of the elements and their ions. In terms of essential academic skills, students will …..q       homework in the form of instructed practice and independent research is turned in on time and completed in a conscientious manner.q       Apply knowledge of dimensional analysis to solve problems using appropriate tools and techniques. (SI units, scientific notation, and significant figures)q       organize, reflect and analyze their work and their instruction individually and in groups, by producing an organized product, and through peer review and open discussion. 

Course Outline:This course includes nine measurement topics.  These are intended to develop a student’s ability to answer essential content area questions related to Chemistry.q       Properties of Substances (Particles in Motion)q       Structure of Atomsq       Periodic Tableq       Scientific Practiceq       Scientific Organization 

Each unit of study includes the same core components, including…..q       Academic and content vocabulary developmentq       Lecture and note-takingq       Scientific Inquiry – including labs, projects and other hands on activitiesq       Regularly scheduled homework (Tuesday and Thursday)q       Ongoing assessment in the form of quizzes or tests 

Evaluation/Grading Criteria: Student grades will be calculated as a percentage of total points possible. 

Category:                                                                            Weight:

Assignments                                                                          30%

Tests/Projects/Performance Assessments                     30%

Quizzes                                                                                    20%

Homework                                                                             20% 

The semester work will account for 80% of the total grade. 

An “X” in the grade book means “excused.” A “Z” in the grade book means that a student refused to turn in an assignment or complete an activity. 

Homework:Students will receive an A (100%) for completing the homework on time and with quality. Students will receive a D- (60%) for turning in homework late.  Incomplete homework will be assessed based on the level of completion when due and is up to teacher discretion. 

Exams: Final exams count as 20% of the final grade.  

Textbook and Other Materials:Wilbraham, Staley, Matta, Waterman. (2008). Prentice Hall Chemistry. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.