General Chemistry Course Information
Welcome to GENERAL CHEMISTRY!
This class provides a conceptual presentation of chemical principles. It includes direct instruction, guided discovery, laboratory work, science projects, and research. Students will examine the big ideas in chemistry including: the nature of chemistry, properties of matter, quantifying matter, atomic theory and the periodic table, ionic and covalent bonding, types of chemical reactions, kinetic theory and the states of matter, the behavior of gases, thermochemistry and reaction rates, aqueous solutions, and acids and bases. Emphasis is placed on the application and societal impact of these principles.
To get a copy of the course syllabus click on this link: COURSE SYLLABUS
For an explanation of the Science Standards cited in the course syllabus, click here:
Next Generation Science Standards for Physical Science
Questions I get asked a lot:
1. Do we have to do lab reports?
Answer - Laboratory work is a big part of this course and most labs will have typewritten instructions sheets which must be completed and turned in. The lab sheets will usually have some questions to answer or some analysis for you to do. I will not require formal typewritten lab reports in this class.
2. Do we have to do science fair?
Answer - Science fair participation is an option for all students but is not required. For more information about the science fair, click HERE.
3. Do you take off for late work?
Answer - I believe in the importance of deadlines and I do take of for late work (usually labs). I deduct 20% per day that a lab is late (10% if I receive it by the end of the same day).
4. What happens if I am absent for a lab?
Answer - Any lab work that is missed must be made up. You will need to see me as soon as possible after your absence to schedule the makeup lab. As many classes use the chemistry lab, I cannot keep labs set up indefinitely. If you have not made arrangements to make up a missed lab within one lab cycle, you will likely receive no credit for the lab.
5. What materials do I need for this class?
Answer - A three-ring binder is needed to house all of the handouts in this course. Also a scientific calculator is needed. The calculator does not need graphing capabilities, but it does need to handle scientific notation and logarithms.
6. Will I be able to use my own tech devices in this class?
Answer - Yes, all of my notes, labs and other handouts are online in PDF format. You can access the class calendar and do pertinent internet searches as well. However, technology devices must be used only for chemistry purposes. If I catch you doing other work, socializing or playing games on the devices, I will take them from you.