HTHI 10th Grade Chemistry
Fall 2016 Syllabus
“It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it.” -- Aristotle
Chemistry Teacher : Mariah Mellinger
Email : [email protected]
DP Link : http://dp.hightechhigh.org/~mmellinger/
*** Please sign-up for my Google Classroom to see weekly assignments, readings and projects. Directions for signing up can be found on the Home Page. ***
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is all around us; from the products we use in our everyday lives to the food we consume on a daily basis. The elements that make up the periodic table have a profound influence on how we function and yet we know so little about them. This semester, we will look at the molecules that make up common products we use in our everyday lives and analyze characteristics of those molecules. This course will focus on exploring the chemistry that makes us human and hopefully inspire students to use their understanding of chemistry to improve the world around us.
Classroom Culture
Self-Advocacy
The definition of an “advocate” is someone who speaks up in support of a cause. When you need help in class, speak up. If someone else needs help, speak up. Advocate for your own success and the success of those around you.
Communication
It’s very easy to get confused with all the new terms that surround chemistry vocabulary. For some, it can feel like you’re learning a new language. Please don’t wait until the end of the semester to communicate that you don’t understand. I want you to be successful, communicating what you need at the beginning of the semester offers the best opportunity to meet that goal.
Responsibility
You are responsible for your own work and behavior. Bottom line.
Honesty
Even when its difficult, be honest.
Respect
For yourself and those around you. Having respect for others involves having tolerance for people who look, act and behave differently than you. The opinions of your classmates may be very different from your own. If you disagree, speak up. Disagreeing is an opportunity for growth and learning as long as its handled in a respectful manner.
Flexibility
Plans change, schedules change, the world around us is constantly changing. Your ability to adapt will make life a lot easier, on you and on me. There are structures in place on a daily basis that will hopefully keep your stress level down. Every now and then, things don’t go as planned and it can feel stressful. I ask that you keep an open mind and trust that everything will work out.
Topics Covered
Unit 1: Introduction to Chemistry
Unit 2: Atomic Structure
Unit 3: Periodic Trends
Unit 4: Chemical Bonding & Polarity
Unit 5: Phase Changes
Unit 6: Formula Writing & Naming
Unit 7: Balancing Equations
Unit 8: Stoichiometry
Unit 9: Solution Chemistry
Unit 10: Gas Laws
Grade Breakdown
Homework 35% (450 pts)
Approx 30 assignments worth 5 - 20 points each
Tests 25% (330 pts)
3 - 110 points each
Quizzes 10% (125 pts)
5 - 25 points each
Labs (participation grade)
8-10 Labs
Projects 15 % (200 pts)
2 projects - each worth 100 pts
Projects are graded on an individual and group basis:
Tardy
Upholding Classroom Culture
Course Materials
Requested:
Recommended:
Classroom Etiquette
Cell Phone Use
Cell phones are allowed in the classroom. Technology is a part of what we do at High Tech and using your cell phone to access material can sometimes be the most efficient way of doing things. However, appropriate use of your cell phones in the classroom is the expectation. What does this mean? Cell phones are to be put away and non-visible during lectures, group work time, and labs. Designated individual work time is the only time period that cell phones should be visible.
***Please note: Unless it’s an emergency, no one should be answering their cell phone during class. If you do answer your cell phone during class for a non-emergent phone call, you will be asked to leave the room and go to the deans office where your parents will be notified.*
Food
Food that does not have a strong odor is allowed in the classroom. Please be aware that some students do have food allergies so depending on our population this semester, you may or may not be able to eat certain food items in the classroom. If wrappers or trash are left behind at your table, you will no longer be able to eat inside the room. Also, as a tell my own children, prepare to share! Students may come to class hungry and be unable to focus if you’re eating right next to them.
Missed Assignments & Late Work
If you are absent and miss an assignment, it is your responsibility to ask for the work you missed. Your work will be considered late if you do not request a copy upon returning to school after an absence.
If you do not turn an assignment in on time it is considered late work. You can receive 70% credit for late work as long as its turned in within 2 weeks of the date it was due.
Fall 2016 Syllabus
“It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it.” -- Aristotle
Chemistry Teacher : Mariah Mellinger
Email : [email protected]
DP Link : http://dp.hightechhigh.org/~mmellinger/
*** Please sign-up for my Google Classroom to see weekly assignments, readings and projects. Directions for signing up can be found on the Home Page. ***
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is all around us; from the products we use in our everyday lives to the food we consume on a daily basis. The elements that make up the periodic table have a profound influence on how we function and yet we know so little about them. This semester, we will look at the molecules that make up common products we use in our everyday lives and analyze characteristics of those molecules. This course will focus on exploring the chemistry that makes us human and hopefully inspire students to use their understanding of chemistry to improve the world around us.
Classroom Culture
Self-Advocacy
The definition of an “advocate” is someone who speaks up in support of a cause. When you need help in class, speak up. If someone else needs help, speak up. Advocate for your own success and the success of those around you.
Communication
It’s very easy to get confused with all the new terms that surround chemistry vocabulary. For some, it can feel like you’re learning a new language. Please don’t wait until the end of the semester to communicate that you don’t understand. I want you to be successful, communicating what you need at the beginning of the semester offers the best opportunity to meet that goal.
Responsibility
You are responsible for your own work and behavior. Bottom line.
Honesty
Even when its difficult, be honest.
Respect
For yourself and those around you. Having respect for others involves having tolerance for people who look, act and behave differently than you. The opinions of your classmates may be very different from your own. If you disagree, speak up. Disagreeing is an opportunity for growth and learning as long as its handled in a respectful manner.
Flexibility
Plans change, schedules change, the world around us is constantly changing. Your ability to adapt will make life a lot easier, on you and on me. There are structures in place on a daily basis that will hopefully keep your stress level down. Every now and then, things don’t go as planned and it can feel stressful. I ask that you keep an open mind and trust that everything will work out.
Topics Covered
Unit 1: Introduction to Chemistry
Unit 2: Atomic Structure
Unit 3: Periodic Trends
Unit 4: Chemical Bonding & Polarity
Unit 5: Phase Changes
Unit 6: Formula Writing & Naming
Unit 7: Balancing Equations
Unit 8: Stoichiometry
Unit 9: Solution Chemistry
Unit 10: Gas Laws
Grade Breakdown
Homework 35% (450 pts)
Approx 30 assignments worth 5 - 20 points each
Tests 25% (330 pts)
3 - 110 points each
Quizzes 10% (125 pts)
5 - 25 points each
Labs (participation grade)
8-10 Labs
Projects 15 % (200 pts)
2 projects - each worth 100 pts
Projects are graded on an individual and group basis:
- Individual attendance
- Completion of individual assignments
- Communication with teachers
- Group participation/input
- Meeting group deadlines on time
Tardy
- 1-5 tardies = lose 2 pts
- 6-10 tardies = lose 5 points
- 11+ tardies = parent/teacher conference
- First time = warning
- Second time = loss of phone during class & 5 pts
- Third time = no cell phone use during semester & 10 pts * will notify parents*
Upholding Classroom Culture
Course Materials
Requested:
- 3 Ring Binder: 1.5” to 2” with at least 3 dividers (one for each subject)
- Notebook for taking notes: one for each subject or a 3 subject notebook
- Pencils AND Pens
- Highlighter or colored pens for marking texts
Recommended:
- Calculator (Texas Instrument - TI 30X)
- Pencil Sharpener
- Ruler
- Black Sharpie
- Latex Gloves (1 box)
Classroom Etiquette
Cell Phone Use
Cell phones are allowed in the classroom. Technology is a part of what we do at High Tech and using your cell phone to access material can sometimes be the most efficient way of doing things. However, appropriate use of your cell phones in the classroom is the expectation. What does this mean? Cell phones are to be put away and non-visible during lectures, group work time, and labs. Designated individual work time is the only time period that cell phones should be visible.
***Please note: Unless it’s an emergency, no one should be answering their cell phone during class. If you do answer your cell phone during class for a non-emergent phone call, you will be asked to leave the room and go to the deans office where your parents will be notified.*
Food
Food that does not have a strong odor is allowed in the classroom. Please be aware that some students do have food allergies so depending on our population this semester, you may or may not be able to eat certain food items in the classroom. If wrappers or trash are left behind at your table, you will no longer be able to eat inside the room. Also, as a tell my own children, prepare to share! Students may come to class hungry and be unable to focus if you’re eating right next to them.
Missed Assignments & Late Work
If you are absent and miss an assignment, it is your responsibility to ask for the work you missed. Your work will be considered late if you do not request a copy upon returning to school after an absence.
If you do not turn an assignment in on time it is considered late work. You can receive 70% credit for late work as long as its turned in within 2 weeks of the date it was due.