Chemistry  

Chemistry follows Biology and Physical Science, and is generally taken at the Junior or Senior level by students considering college after high school.  Chemistry is a more advanced and rigorous course, requiring considerable individual responsibility.  Students are also held to a higher level of expectation considering their greater level of maturity.

Instruction is centered around three core ideas: 1) Matter and Its Interactions, 2) Motion and Stability:  Forces and Interactions, and, 3) Energy.  Much of chemistry is modeled through mathematical relationships.  An emphasis will also be placed on complementary reasoning, investigation, and literacy skills within the context of science.

Our classroom operates off one very basic principle … RESPECT.  We’re here to learn, so ...

Be on time, prepared, and, always, respect others.

Grading:      

Daily work / Journal: 10%         Lab Investigations: 20%         Tests: 70%

These categories will then make up 80% of the semester grade, with the Final Exam representing the remaining 20%.

Materials and Supplies: 

Three ring binder / Notebook; pencil / paper / etc.  You are expected to bring your textbook to class every day.

Notebook / Journal: 

Each student is responsible to maintain a comprehensive Notebook / Journal which will reflect participation in class instruction, completion of assignments, and understanding of concepts.  It will help document progress towards achieving proficiency of the relevant Alabama Course of Study standards.  The level of proficiency demonstrated on tests is considered in the grading of the notebook.

Lab Fee:  

A lab fee supports upkeep and maintenance, and purchases of equipment, supplies, and other resources, all with the purpose to enrich student learning.  There will be no lab fee for this current school year.

Absences:  

If you are absent from class – for any reason – it is your responsibility to find out what you missed, when it is to be completed, and to prepare for what's ahead.  We most often will have chapter tests each week, generally on Friday.  Even if you have been absent during the week you will be expected to take tests with the class when you are present.  Use the online Study Guides, practice worksheets, your notes, and the textbook to help you prepare.  

Circumstances with your attendance will be respectfully considered to ensure every test and each assignment is graded fairly and equitably.

Weekly Assignments:

As much as practicable we want to keep everyone, whether working in the classroom or away from school, on the same learning schedule with the same assignments to minimize any disruption due to absences.  Details are laid out in the "Chemistry Weekly Assignments" and the "Practice" files attached below.

Study Guides:

Study Guides are posted below ...