Syllabus

Welcome to Chemistry class! This year you will be learning Chemistry, the study of matter and its many forms of interaction - from the large to the small. These concepts will be looked at with the world around us in mind - many of these small and seemingly insignificant things influence everything around us. I will work with you as much as possible to make this a fun, interesting year while providing you, the student, with ample opportunities to learn the material, but ultimately you will have to work hard to pass this class. There will be tough concepts to learn, but I believe you are able to succeed. 

About Me

I have been teaching at Highland High School for over ten years now and it means a great deal to me as I went here myself when I was younger. I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Chemical Engineering from UC Irvine and teach Chemistry, Principles of Engineering, and have taught Computer Science in the past. To me, Chemistry has always been a fascinating blend of mathematics as well as the way everything in the universe comes together and I'm always learning new things. I am also the advisor for Gamers' Club, am part of the Public Service Academy, and enjoy making games in my free time. I hope to share all of this with you and more during your time in my class.

Classroom Rules

The three classroom rules are as follows, and violations of them will cost either points or lead to more severe consequences, depending on the action and how often it occurs:

1. Respect Yourself – You need to come to class, stay in class, be prepared to learn, bring the proper supplies, and try not to distract yourself from the task at hand. 

2. Respect Others – Do not disrupt class and be mindful that what you do and say influences the behavior and attitude of others. This includes any school rules and lab safety rules that need to be followed. If you need to eat, get a drink, or use the restroom, please ask when appropriate instead of interrupting the whole class.

3. Respect the Classroom – Keep the classroom clean, neat, and organized as much as possible. This includes sinks and drawers - they are NOT trash cans. 

Website Layout

The course website has a different page for each lesson of class, lasting a week each time. Each lesson contains different sections for every day, including a warm up, the portion for notes (if applicable), and the day's assignment. Some lessons will have a note section and/or assignments denoted by (PSA) - Those are specific sections for those specific classes - if you aren't part of the Public Service Academy you can skip those respective sections and only do the general portion instead. You can always skip the Additional Resources section if you want to - this section is for extra support or interesting tidbits related to the notes for those that want it. I will also have vocabulary underlined and in bold.

Grades

Grades are earned based on the following categories:

• Classwork/Homework/Participation (10%)

• Projects/PSA Activities (20%)

• Notebook (10%)

• Labs/Simulations (30%)

• Quizzes/Tests (30%)

Supplies

You are expected to bring a notebook for this course and a writing implement to class at all times. This class also requires online access to take notes as well as finish up assignments not completed in class. The book for this class (Experience Chemistry) will be used as a supplemental resource and can be left at home. Access to school computers is available in the computer labs, my classroom, and the student union. Please plan accordingly if you need to use them.

Assignments and Absences

Assignments will be posted on the course website as well as Google Classroom and are generally due on Fridays. If absent, you get extra time equal to the amount of time missed. If there is trouble completing work at a reasonable time or you know you'll be absent, please email me and we can try to work something out.

Contact Information

If you need assistance with something feel free to ask during class time and I will try to help you to the best of my ability. Outside of that time the best way to get in contact is to email me at sharrington@avhsd.org - I try to check that at least once a day.

Schedule

Semester 1

• Unit 1: Science Essentials

• Unit 2: Energy and the Earth

• Unit 3: Atoms

• Unit 4: Molecules

• Midterms

Semester 2

• Unit 5: Reactions

• Unit 6: Moles

• Unit 7: Fuel

• Unit 8: Equilibrium

• Finals