• Broad Run High School
    Chemistry
    Syllabus
    Teacher: Mrs. Cynthia Wall, Room 114
    Term: 2012-2013
    SOL Exam Date: April, 2013
    Course Description: Students investigate the structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Analytical experimental investigations are conducted using scientific method and proper safety precautions are employed. Students investigate kinetic theory, the periodic table, stoichiometry, redox reactions, and chemical equilibrium. They will report findings of both qualitative and quantitative data using effective communication skills, correct expression of significant digits and error, and factor-labeling in problem-solving.
    Text:  World of Chemistry, Zumdahl, Zumdahl, and DeCoste
    Students are expected to bring the textbook to class every day. You will not be dismissed to go to your locker to get it if you forget. A comment will be placed in CLARITY if a student comes to class without the appropriate materials.
    Methodology:
    • Students will view powerpoints for homework and complete class notes
    • Laboratory Investigations
    • Guided Practice Sessions in class
    • Independent Research & Projects
    • Evaluation (tests & quizzes)
    Grading Procedure: The Quarter marking period consists of an accumulation of points. A student will be assigned a grade according to the corresponding percentage of overall points possible for the quarter.
     
    The Grading Scale for LCPS is as follows:
    A      90-92      93-97     98-100
    B       80-82     83-86     87-89
    C       70-72     73-76     77-79
    D       60-62     63-66     67-69
    F         0-59
    Classroom Policies and Procedures
    Materials Required:
    1. 3-ring binder, divided into the following sections: notes, homework, labs, tests/quizzes, project assignments, reference.
    2. Loose-leaf paper, graph paper (not logarithmic scale)
    3. Scientific calculator (graphing capability optional) (YOU MAY NOT use your cell phone)
    4. Blue or black pens; #2 pencils; highlighter
    5. 3-4 packs of note cards (color/size- your choice)
    Social Protocols:
    Learning communities and scientific teams work best in an environment of respect and tolerance. It is important that communication channels between teacher and student and those between classmates are always open. Any issues due to misunderstanding or intolerance, which cannot be settled, should be brought to the teacher's attention immediately. Please check assignments frequently, contact me through email, see me personally when you have a question.
    Cheating: DON'T DO IT! All assignments will clearly distinguish between individual products and group products. When in doubt, do your own work. At NO TIME should you copy another student's work and submit it as your own. Exams, quizzes, worksheets, labs, and tests are to be your own independent work. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a zero for the associated assignment, and parents may be notified. The use of cell phones/texting is strictly forbidden in this classroom at any time. Students should refer to the cell phone policy for Broad Run High School. Phones will be confiscated and turned in to the office; parents may be notified of a cell phone policy violation.
    Late Work: Classroom policy will follow school policy for absences for general assignments; however, the feedback loop is tight and many assignments are graded/scored on the day that they are due. If you miss a class due to absence, the assignment will be due no later than two days after the next class that you attend. When you return to school, you should immediately make arrangements for a lab review (between 8:30-8:45 in the morning). There is a time limit on this and you will only be allowed to do make-up on the lab if you attend a lab review session. If you are scheduled in a "0" block, you must see me and make arrangements to do this after school. Do not wait until you come to class two days later. Some activities are time-dependent due to materials and freshness of solutions. Also, it is not possible/convenient to keep labs available for make-up in this classroom as two separate lab programs are being conducted. While lab activities are conducted usually while working within a small group of students, each student is responsible for independent answers, calculations, and analysis. See above. Presentation is everything. Quality work and communication is necessay. Word processing is encouraged when appropriate. Illegible work is not acceptable.
    SOL Test: The Chemistry SOL Test will be administered in April, 2013. All Chemistry students are expected to take this test regardless of how it may or may not affect the transcript. Out of a maximum score of 600, "Pass Proficient will be awarded to a score of 400-499; "Pass Advanced" will be awarded to a score of 500 or greater. We will review extensively during the year. Here is the link to the LCPS Syllabi for Science Courses:
Last Modified on August 16, 2013