Skyridge High School- Chemistry
Instructor: Mrs. Jamie Alvizo E-mail: [email protected]
Instructor: Mrs. Deanna Meyer E-mail: [email protected]
Instructor: Mrs. Rachel Krueger E-mail: [email protected]
website : skyridgescience.weebly.com
Course Description
This is a course designed for students who have little or no chemistry background. Chemistry is an awesome subject and can be found all around us. The content of this course is intended to meet (and exceed) several of the Utah State Content Standards for Science as they relate to the Physical Sciences. Information about the state core can be found through www.usoe.k12.ut.us. Class will involve lectures, demonstrations, labs, projects, activities, quizzes, test and hard work! We will not only study chemistry, but you will also learn some life skills and secrets that will help you to succeed in tomorrow’s world. This classroom will be well organized, and you will be well cared for. Teaching is something we love and our excited about the upcoming year. So stay calm and learn to love chemistry!
Secondary Math 2 or concurrently enrolled in Secondary Math 2 Honors is prerequisite to this course, and we will be using Algebra as a tool to help us analyze and understand the world around us. The text we will use in class is Modern Chemistry, by Davis. You may also use the USOE OER chemistry text (free pdf version or print version $5.49) as a resource.
Class Expectations (No Excuses!)
1. Be Respectful- This means to all people and property. Behavior that stops or distracts learning will not be tolerated.
2. Be Professional-As instructors it is expected for us to be prepared to deliver quality instruction, and to guide students to find answers to their questions. Students are expected to bring to class all needed materials and assignments.
3. Be On Task- NO CELL PHONES or Electronic devices we be allowed during class time unless authorized by the instructor and will used for educational learning only. It is disrespectful to be texting, playing games or listening to music during lectures. When working on assignments we want you on task so we can help you learn if you need it.
4. Be Safe- You will be using hazardous and toxic chemicals in this class. Before participating in any labs, you will be required to know and practice laboratory safety rules and procedures. There is a zero tolerance in failure to follow these policies. Doing so will result in an automatic zero on your lab and disciplinary action. Student will be fined for breakage of any equipment due to horseplay.
5. Be Excellent- All students are expected to succeed in this class both academically and personally.
Required Materials
Daily Materials: Students are required to bring the following items to class every day unless otherwise stated.
Attendance is very important; students are expected to make every effort to be in class. Chemistry is a difficult subject and easiest to learn if you are there. When students know they will be missing class, they are expected to communicate with their teacher and look to the class website for notes, homework and what we did that day. Late work will only be accepted if the absence is excused, and turned in before the late work deadline which is posted on the class calendar on the website.
Tardy Policy: I value all the time I have to work with my students and so it is very import for them to be on-time to class. Being on-time to class means you are in your seat working on the warm-up assignment when the bell rings. If the student is tardy they will have to make up the warm-up outside of class and within 1 week!
Grading
Unit Tests: We will take an average of three unit exams each term. Please bring a pencil on test day. You may use a calculator on tests. Bring your own– sharing calculators will not be permitted, nor will the use of your mobile phone as a calculator be permitted. Students must complete all tests given to be eligible to pass a given term.
Each unit will be relatively short, and the exams will not take the entire class period for most students. There will always be an assignment to be completed after the exam on test days. Those students who use most of the class period working on the test should expect to do the after-exam assignments as homework. Everyone is expected to stay SILENT while working on post-test assignments so that others can complete their tests. Students talking during this time will have their test scores docked and may receive a zero on the test if talking continues after a warning.
There are always multiple test versions. Students who do not record the appropriate test version ID will not receive scores. No-name bubble sheets are automatic zeroes. These issues result in a forced retake which will count as your one allowed test retake for the term.
Absent on Test Day: Students will receive a 1pt bonus added to their test score for taking the test the day it is given or before. Students who are absent on test day will be required to take the test the next time in class. Students are responsible for making up the missed material. For extenuating circumstances, students will schedule with their teacher when to take the test.
Test Corrections: Students are eligible for test corrections module on Canvas if they score a 79.9% or lower. After completing the module students will take a modified exam showing their proficiency of the standards. The new score on the modified test will replace the original score, regardless if it is lower. We have this policy to ensure that students take this opportunity seriously and to perform at their best level. Students may come get help and ask all the question they want before they retake the test (within the deadline). The goal is we want the students to learn the material, even if it takes more than one try!!! Test corrections will be due (including the modified retake) on the Unit Late Work Deadline.
Retakes: At the end of each term, students may do a retake on ONE (and only one) of the unit tests from that term if they wish. Retake dates will be specified on the class calendar. If you earn a lower grade on a retake you will still receive that score. Do not take a retake without studying!
Absent/Late Work Policy: Any assignment turned in after the initial passing-in during class must be turned in with a “LATE” form stapled to it. (Even if it is later the same period/day.) If the late form is not filled out completely and accurately, the assignment will not receive credit. Lack of attention on your part does not grant you an exception! Pass things in when they are requested. Turn absent/late work into the appropriate location with the required form filled out completely. Use the calendar on the class website if you need to look up dates.
Any absence on the day the assignment is given results in ONE additional class period to turn it in. An absence on the day the assignment is due results in ONE additional class period to turn it in. If the assignment is online (Skyward/Canvas), absence on the due date DOES NOT grant any additional time. (In the case of extended absence, it is the responsibility of the student to speak to the teacher on the day the student returns to class to arrange a case-specific deadline for missed work.)
Assignments that are LATE (not due to excused absence) can only receive up to 80% credit if turned in during the late work deadline. After the late work deadline has passed, students will automatically receive 50% of points possible and may complete the work for 60%. If we suspect cheating and/or copying, we reserve the right to refuse to accept assignments. Each unit will have a late work deadline approximately one week after the exam. (All of the unit late-work deadlines will be posted on the online calendar.)
Daily Warm-ups*: At the beginning of every class period, there will be a warm up activity. It could be a quiz, a discussion from the previous lab, a group discussion, an introduction into the next topic, etc. where students will receive 10 points for their active participation. These points will not be available for makeup. At the end of each term, the 3 lowest scores will be dropped for students who miss a day or who scored poorly on those days.
Skyward/Canvas Assignments:
There will usually be an online homework assignment in conjunction with our in class assignment. Skyward assignments are available after school the day they are assigned and due before the start of school the next time you have class. Please plan accordingly. It is our suggestion you do them the night they are assigned so if you have question you can come see one of the chemistry teachers for help and then go back and work on it before it is due the next day. Many of the test questions come from skyward assignments. So no skywards assignments will be accepted after the scheduled test date.
Class Final: There will be a comprehensive final at the end of the year, so make sure to keep all of your notes and review sheets.
Your final grade will be determined by the following percentages:
60% Test
15% Homework (Skyward/Canvas)
20% Assignments/Labs/Projects
5% *Participation: Daily Warm-up
Grading Scale
94-100% A 84-86.99% B 74-76.99% C 64-66.99% D
90-93.99% A- 80-83.99% B- 70-73.99% C- 60-63.99% D-
87-89.99% B+ 77-79.99% C+ 67-69.99% D+ 59.99% or lower F
Instructor: Mrs. Jamie Alvizo E-mail: [email protected]
Instructor: Mrs. Deanna Meyer E-mail: [email protected]
Instructor: Mrs. Rachel Krueger E-mail: [email protected]
website : skyridgescience.weebly.com
Course Description
This is a course designed for students who have little or no chemistry background. Chemistry is an awesome subject and can be found all around us. The content of this course is intended to meet (and exceed) several of the Utah State Content Standards for Science as they relate to the Physical Sciences. Information about the state core can be found through www.usoe.k12.ut.us. Class will involve lectures, demonstrations, labs, projects, activities, quizzes, test and hard work! We will not only study chemistry, but you will also learn some life skills and secrets that will help you to succeed in tomorrow’s world. This classroom will be well organized, and you will be well cared for. Teaching is something we love and our excited about the upcoming year. So stay calm and learn to love chemistry!
Secondary Math 2 or concurrently enrolled in Secondary Math 2 Honors is prerequisite to this course, and we will be using Algebra as a tool to help us analyze and understand the world around us. The text we will use in class is Modern Chemistry, by Davis. You may also use the USOE OER chemistry text (free pdf version or print version $5.49) as a resource.
Class Expectations (No Excuses!)
1. Be Respectful- This means to all people and property. Behavior that stops or distracts learning will not be tolerated.
2. Be Professional-As instructors it is expected for us to be prepared to deliver quality instruction, and to guide students to find answers to their questions. Students are expected to bring to class all needed materials and assignments.
3. Be On Task- NO CELL PHONES or Electronic devices we be allowed during class time unless authorized by the instructor and will used for educational learning only. It is disrespectful to be texting, playing games or listening to music during lectures. When working on assignments we want you on task so we can help you learn if you need it.
4. Be Safe- You will be using hazardous and toxic chemicals in this class. Before participating in any labs, you will be required to know and practice laboratory safety rules and procedures. There is a zero tolerance in failure to follow these policies. Doing so will result in an automatic zero on your lab and disciplinary action. Student will be fined for breakage of any equipment due to horseplay.
5. Be Excellent- All students are expected to succeed in this class both academically and personally.
Required Materials
Daily Materials: Students are required to bring the following items to class every day unless otherwise stated.
- Scientific Calculator
- 1 inch 3 ring binder for this class only
- Paper for binder/take notes
- 5 Subject binder dividers (notes, assignments, quizzes-test, Labs)
- Pencils
- 1 roll of paper towels
- Other item assigned in class
-
Attendance is very important; students are expected to make every effort to be in class. Chemistry is a difficult subject and easiest to learn if you are there. When students know they will be missing class, they are expected to communicate with their teacher and look to the class website for notes, homework and what we did that day. Late work will only be accepted if the absence is excused, and turned in before the late work deadline which is posted on the class calendar on the website.
- Excused Absence Student: Students who have been absent from class can find the information they missed on the chemistry website. Students are welcome to talk and get help from Mrs. Alvizo, Mrs. Meyer, and Mrs. Krueger (anytime other than during class) regarding any questions they may have about what they missed.
- Due to the complicated nature of doing labs, there are very difficult to make up. Students may receive an alternative assignment “dry lab” to make up the lab that they missed.
- Students with unexcused absences will not be allowed to complete work that they missed.
Tardy Policy: I value all the time I have to work with my students and so it is very import for them to be on-time to class. Being on-time to class means you are in your seat working on the warm-up assignment when the bell rings. If the student is tardy they will have to make up the warm-up outside of class and within 1 week!
Grading
Unit Tests: We will take an average of three unit exams each term. Please bring a pencil on test day. You may use a calculator on tests. Bring your own– sharing calculators will not be permitted, nor will the use of your mobile phone as a calculator be permitted. Students must complete all tests given to be eligible to pass a given term.
Each unit will be relatively short, and the exams will not take the entire class period for most students. There will always be an assignment to be completed after the exam on test days. Those students who use most of the class period working on the test should expect to do the after-exam assignments as homework. Everyone is expected to stay SILENT while working on post-test assignments so that others can complete their tests. Students talking during this time will have their test scores docked and may receive a zero on the test if talking continues after a warning.
There are always multiple test versions. Students who do not record the appropriate test version ID will not receive scores. No-name bubble sheets are automatic zeroes. These issues result in a forced retake which will count as your one allowed test retake for the term.
Absent on Test Day: Students will receive a 1pt bonus added to their test score for taking the test the day it is given or before. Students who are absent on test day will be required to take the test the next time in class. Students are responsible for making up the missed material. For extenuating circumstances, students will schedule with their teacher when to take the test.
Test Corrections: Students are eligible for test corrections module on Canvas if they score a 79.9% or lower. After completing the module students will take a modified exam showing their proficiency of the standards. The new score on the modified test will replace the original score, regardless if it is lower. We have this policy to ensure that students take this opportunity seriously and to perform at their best level. Students may come get help and ask all the question they want before they retake the test (within the deadline). The goal is we want the students to learn the material, even if it takes more than one try!!! Test corrections will be due (including the modified retake) on the Unit Late Work Deadline.
Retakes: At the end of each term, students may do a retake on ONE (and only one) of the unit tests from that term if they wish. Retake dates will be specified on the class calendar. If you earn a lower grade on a retake you will still receive that score. Do not take a retake without studying!
Absent/Late Work Policy: Any assignment turned in after the initial passing-in during class must be turned in with a “LATE” form stapled to it. (Even if it is later the same period/day.) If the late form is not filled out completely and accurately, the assignment will not receive credit. Lack of attention on your part does not grant you an exception! Pass things in when they are requested. Turn absent/late work into the appropriate location with the required form filled out completely. Use the calendar on the class website if you need to look up dates.
Any absence on the day the assignment is given results in ONE additional class period to turn it in. An absence on the day the assignment is due results in ONE additional class period to turn it in. If the assignment is online (Skyward/Canvas), absence on the due date DOES NOT grant any additional time. (In the case of extended absence, it is the responsibility of the student to speak to the teacher on the day the student returns to class to arrange a case-specific deadline for missed work.)
Assignments that are LATE (not due to excused absence) can only receive up to 80% credit if turned in during the late work deadline. After the late work deadline has passed, students will automatically receive 50% of points possible and may complete the work for 60%. If we suspect cheating and/or copying, we reserve the right to refuse to accept assignments. Each unit will have a late work deadline approximately one week after the exam. (All of the unit late-work deadlines will be posted on the online calendar.)
Daily Warm-ups*: At the beginning of every class period, there will be a warm up activity. It could be a quiz, a discussion from the previous lab, a group discussion, an introduction into the next topic, etc. where students will receive 10 points for their active participation. These points will not be available for makeup. At the end of each term, the 3 lowest scores will be dropped for students who miss a day or who scored poorly on those days.
Skyward/Canvas Assignments:
There will usually be an online homework assignment in conjunction with our in class assignment. Skyward assignments are available after school the day they are assigned and due before the start of school the next time you have class. Please plan accordingly. It is our suggestion you do them the night they are assigned so if you have question you can come see one of the chemistry teachers for help and then go back and work on it before it is due the next day. Many of the test questions come from skyward assignments. So no skywards assignments will be accepted after the scheduled test date.
Class Final: There will be a comprehensive final at the end of the year, so make sure to keep all of your notes and review sheets.
Your final grade will be determined by the following percentages:
60% Test
15% Homework (Skyward/Canvas)
20% Assignments/Labs/Projects
5% *Participation: Daily Warm-up
Grading Scale
94-100% A 84-86.99% B 74-76.99% C 64-66.99% D
90-93.99% A- 80-83.99% B- 70-73.99% C- 60-63.99% D-
87-89.99% B+ 77-79.99% C+ 67-69.99% D+ 59.99% or lower F
- Bonus Points: There will be a few opportunities each unit for students to receive some extra points. Students should not plan on extra credit as a means of saving their grade.
- Students are highly encouraged to work together both in and out of class. However, students must still do their own work. Zero credit will be given to students who cheat.
- This class continually builds on itself; for this reason, it is imperative that you come see us if you are getting behind or need extra help, and that you come to class prepared to participate!