Mrs. Bliss

Welcome to CHEMISTRY!!

E-mail: melissa.bliss@cms.k12.nc.us

Course Description:

Chemistry is defined as the study of matter & the changes that it undergoes.  

Throughout the semester the students will develop a better understanding of the world around them & how chemistry is related to the changes that they observe in everyday life.

Course Objectives - The students will:

• Develop abilities to do & understand scientific inquiry.

• Build an understanding of the structure & properties of matter.

• Build an understanding of regularities in chemistry.

• Build an understanding of energy changes in chemistry.

• Develop an understanding of chemical reactions.

Class Materials:

• Chromebook (headphones or earbuds that work with your Chromebook)

• 3-ring Binder (spiral or composition notebook can be used if you prefer to write your notes in one) 

• Notebook paper - something to write on.

• Writing utensils - pencils &/or pens, whichever you prefer to write with.

• Scientific Calculator - does not need to be a graphing calculator, but you can use that if you have one.

Grading System - assignment types & %s:

• PERFORM 50%  

  • Culminating/formative assessment that measure mastery of one or multiple standards  examples: unit assessments/tests, performance tasks, projects with rubrics 

If a test is missed, the student will make it up during class time on the next day they return to school. Exceptions will only be made on an individual basis, with extenuating circumstances.

RETESTS can be taken for any unit test IF you do the following:

1. Complete ALL work for the unit(including the review sheet, on time).

2. Put forth your best effort on the first attempt on the unit test.

3. Complete a tutoring session/remediation/check-in on that unit. Then schedule a day/time to take the retest before, during(your regular class block), OR after school.

• REHEARSE 30% 

  • Assignments that provide students with feedback on progress towards mastery of standards

examples: quizzes, demos/labs, mini-assessments, classwork

• PREPARE 20%

• Smaller assignments that allow students to practice new learning

examples: homework, practice, warm-ups, exit tickets, smaller checks for understanding

• LATE WORK will be accepted until 1 week(5 school days) after the perform/unit test date. Late penalties of 5 points per day(unless absent) can be deducted. Work submitted after the unit test will receive 50%.

• Make-up work is to be turned in as soon as the student returns to school, exceptions on an individual basis. A 0.01% will be entered in the grade book as a placeholder for work if a student is absent when work is due or a test/quiz is given. This reminds me, & the student, that this work/test/quiz can be completed for full credit & is not late work(unless after the 5 day grace period).

Class Rules:

• RESPECT - Be respectful to yourself, others, & property. Listen while others are speaking/asking questions.

• Be KIND!!

• Always enter the classroom BEFORE the bell.

• I will let you know when you can prepare to leave the class/pack up.

• Communicate with me if you need to leave your seat during class.

• NO FOOD OR DRINKS, other than water, in the classroom. Water bottles MUST have a lid.

Tutoring options:    (We can set up tutoring times on an individual basis as needed...)

6:40am-6:55am    any morning Mon.-Fri.       Chemistry Office [enter thru the “side” door in upper mall]

2:25pm-3:00pm       Mon./Tues./Thurs.                     Room 204 (check w/teacher for availability)

There is no reason you shouldn’t be successful in this class if you: follow directions, complete assignments on time, & put forth some effort[CHEM is TRY].  If you are having any problems - please let me know as soon as possible & let's set up some tutoring time. See me for help BEFORE the unit test (ASAP~as soon as possible)! 

Support/Extra Help:

Search davisAPchem on www.youtube.com for videos by Jean Davis to help review topics for each unit.