Name of Course:  CHEMISTRY                    

Name of Teacher:  Brian Schwarzmann       

E-Mail Address:  bschwarz@aptoshs.net     

Voice Mail #  688

Room # D- 205

Preparation Period:   1st

 

I

 

 

 

Course Description/Outline (reflects needed skills)

 

This course meets one year of the University of California Lab Science requirement.  It also satisfies the Aptos High School graduation requirement for physical science.  This is a college preparatory course with frequent homework assignments and regular exams and laboratory activities.  The course focus is on learning basic introductory topics in chemistry that have, directly or indirectly, great importance in our world today.  Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences and learning good laboratory techniques.  Learning activities will include reading, lecture, discussion, directed laboratory investigations, independently designed laboratory investigations, modeling and computer simulations.

 

II

Materials Provided (name of textbook, other resources, video used, etc.)

1.    Textbook:  Chemistry:  Matter and Change  (Glencoe, copyright 2007)

2.    Films:   “The World of Chemistry” series (American Chemical Society),

“Kaboom” (a NOVA film), “Diamond Deception” (a NOVA film).

  1. Interactive computer tutorials may include:  “ChemMedia” and “GEODE” (Prentice Hall)
  2. http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078664187/student_view0/

 

III

Materials Required

1.             Part of a three-ring binder must be organized and dedicated to chemistry

2.             Binder paper

3.             Pencils and pens (colored pens or pencils would also be helpful)

4.             Calculator with at least basic arithmetic functions (a scientific calculator is best).

 

IV

Goals (knowledge to be acquired, technical skills, etc., specific reference to ESLRs and state standards)                                                  

  1.  Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful

investigations.  The very small scale of the chemical processes themselves usually does not permit direct observation of those processes, so often mental models are constructed to account for observed properties.  These models are modified and revised as more information becomes available.

      Students will be able to:

            a. make accurate, objective, and clearly stated observations

            b. select and use appropriate tools and technology to perform tests, collect data, analyze 

                 relationships, and display data.

            c. identify possible reasons for inconsistent results, such sources of error

                uncontrolled conditions

            d. identify and communicate sources of uncontrolled experimental error.

            e. formulate explanations using logic and evidence.

            f.  solve scientific problems using simple mathematical equations and  functions.

            g. distinguish between hypothesis and theory and distinguish between facts and models.

            h. recognize the issues of statistical variability and the need for controlled tests.

             i. recognize the cumulative nature of scientific evidence.

            (ESLRŐs A,B,C,D)

 

Specific content areas to be investigated include the following California and/or National Science Education Standards (ESLRŐs A,B, C and D are involved):

 

  1. Matter is made of minute particles called atoms which are composed of even smaller

      components, with different measurable properties, which are organized in a particular

      pattern.

  1. An element is composed of a single type of atom. The Periodic Table displays the elements

      in increasing atomic number and shows how periodicity of the physical and chemical

      properties of the elements relates to atomic structure.

  1. Biological, chemical, and physical properties of matter result from the ability of atoms to form

      bonds based on electrostatic forces between electrons and protons, and between atoms and 

      molecules.

  1. The conservation of atoms in chemical reactions leads to the principle of conservation of

      matter and the ability to calculate the mass of products and reactants.

  1. Solids, liquids and gases differ in the distances and angles between molecules or atoms.

      The Kinetic Molecular Theory describes the motion of atoms and   molecules and explains

      the properties of gases.

      7.   Acids, bases and salts are three classes of compounds that form ions in water solutions.

      8.   Solutions are homogeneous mixtures of two or more substances.

9.   Energy is exchanged or transformed in all chemical reactions and physical changes of

      matter.

    10.   Chemical reaction rates depend on factors that influence the frequency of collision of

      reactant molecules.

    11.   Chemical equilibrium is a dynamic process at the molecular level.

    12.   The bonding characteristics of carbon lead to many different molecules with varied sizes,

      shapes and chemical properties, providing the biochemical basis of life.

13.        Nuclear processes are those in which an atomic nucleus changes, including radioactive

        decay of naturally occurring and man-made isotopes, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

 

I teach and expect you to understand the California State Content Standards for Chemistry  .

 

V

Units of Study (activities)

 

1.         Review of scientific methods, measurement

2.         Matter:  properties, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry

3.         Elements and the Periodic Table

4.         Bonding and the formation of compounds

5.         Ionic vs. covalent compounds

6.         Organic chemistry

7.         The laws of conservation of mass and energy and chemical reactions

8.         Factors affecting chemical reactions

9.         Kinetic theory of matter and the gas laws

10.        Water and Solutions

11.        Acids and Bases

12.        Oxidation-reduction reactions

13.        Electrochemistry

 

 

VI

Methods of Assessment (may include tests, portfolios, projects, essays, etc.)

 

      1.   Homework (3-4 times per week) and other written assignments--16%

      2.   Lab activities and lab write-ups--24%

  1. Tests and Quizzes--40%
  2. Final Exam –20% (Semester grade only)

 

The tests are cumulative.  They will be worth more and cover more topics as the year progresses.

 

Extra credit will occasionally be offered to the whole class, but proposals for extra credit work will not be accepted from students as a Band-Aid for not completing regular class work on time.

 

Million Word Challenge:  In support of the district’s Million Word Challenge, chemistry students will be required to read a non-juvenile book which does not satisfy an assignment for another class and submit a short report within the month that the assignment is made.  Satisfactory and timely completion of the reading and the report will count toward 5% of the quarter grade in which the reading is assigned.

VII

Methods to accommodate language learners and other target populations

(available to all students)

1.    Frequent use of visuals and hands-on activities to reinforce concepts.

2.    Homogeneous group and pair work on many activities.

3.    Review sessions before tests.

4.    Tests may be retaken for up to a C grade.

5.  Instructor available for tutoring before school, after school, and during most lunches

 

VIII

Units or activities that address language and math standards needed for High School Exit Exam (for classes other than language arts and math)

 

1.    Elementary arithmetic and algebraic problem solving:  laboratory measurement and unit conversions, graphing of data, radioactive dating problems, stoichiometry problems, gas law problems, solution concentration problems, and pH problems.

2.    Language Arts:  extensive reading of textbook and other articles; comprehension and application questions are a frequent part of the homework of this course; observation and report writing are part of many of the laboratory activities; expository writing on chemistry subjects is occasionally required

 

IX

Class Procedures (missed assignments, make up work assignment format)

All assignments:  due (complete) at the beginning of the class period of the day that they are due.

Missed assignments: 

1.    Absent day assignment due date, assignment due day return (for full credit).

2.    Absent day of assignment, assignment due after same number of days of absence plus one day.

3.    Missed test:  must make up within one week of return from absence.

4.    Missed lab:  depending on the activity, the student may have to do the lab activity on their own or they may have to complete the write-up with data obtained by other students.  Due after the same number of days out plus one from the day of return.

 

  See the instructor for missed handouts and worksheets.  See teacherŐs web site for a list of each dayŐs assignments.  Students are responsible for all material covered in class, whether they are present in class or not.

 

Plagiarized (copied) assignments will be awarded no credit.  If the assignment is copied from another student in this course, neither the original nor the copy will be awarded credit. Plagiarism is stealing.  It warrants a referral, a parental conference, and a lowered grade.  Stealing is wrong.  I will not write a recommendation for any student caught cheating, stealing, or plagiarizing.

 

X

Behavioral Expectations (and consequences)

I sincerely want each of my students to succeed in my class.  I want you to feel free to seek help from me in person or by phone when you feel you need it.  I want our class to be a place and time where learning takes place for everyone.  I expect each student to help create a class atmosphere which promotes learning by having responsible and appropriate behavior, which includes:

            1.  Being seated and ready to work when the bell rings.

            2.  Being respectful and courteous to everyone else in the class.

            3.  Following directions and doing all work with honesty and integrity.

            4.  Participating fully in all class activities.

      5.  Following all laboratory safety guidelines and treating all equipment with

           respect.

 

The rewards of following these guidelines will be a more pleasant classroom experience for everyone, increased learning and greater academic success.  The consequences of choosing not to follow these rules are as follows:

            Tardies                                      Behavioral Infractions

             School-wide policy will                1st...warning

             be followed                               2nd....possible separation & student-teacher conference

                                                               3rd....detention & parent contact

                                                            4th....referral to administration

 

Severe infractions (outrageous or unsafe behavior, fighting, vandalism, refusal to follow directions)--immediate referral to administration.

XI

Grading policy:

 Points are assigned for all graded assignments and the points are weighted according to the distribution described above, under ŇassessmentÓ.  Quarter and semester grades will be assigned using the typical 90.0%, 80.0%, 70.0%, 60.0% scale for grades of A-, B-, C-, and D-, respectively. Do NOT expect your grade to be rounded up.

 

In order to receive full credit on a written assignment, in addition to any standards of content (quality of the actual work), the assignment must also be complete in all aspects of the assignment requirements, it must be neat and legible and it must be on time (complete before the start of class on the day it is due).  You can lose 80% of the credit on an assignment if it is late and we went over it in class!  With other assignments the maximum point value decreases as the amount of time past due increases (inverse relationship).  No assignments will be accepted more than 2 weeks late.  Copying othersŐ work will result in zero points on the assignment for both parties.

 

 

 

I have read & understand all of the Course Syllabus for...

 

Mr. Schwarzmann’s Chemistry Class

........................................................................................................................

 

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