Chemistry

1st Block

Our Canvas Course

Access our Chemistry Canvas course here: https://cms.instructure.com/courses/377626

Learn more about how Canvas works:

English: https://youtu.be/oLLzRGEl50c

Spanish: https://youtu.be/a6HSzkdnQLs

Additional Resources: bit.ly/CMSstudentparent

Course Description

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Throughout the semester, students will develop a better understanding of the world around them and how chemistry is related to changes that they observe in everyday life.


Course Objectives:

The learner will . . .

  • Develop abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry

  • Build an understanding of the structure and properties of matter

  • Develop an understanding of chemical reactions

  • Build an understanding of regularities in chemistry

  • Build an understanding of energy changes in chemistry

Class Materials

  • CMS-provided Chromebook

  • Loose leaf notebook paper

  • Pencils

  • 2 inch binder

  • Calculator (at least Scientific; Graphing calculators are not required by may be used)

  • Tab dividers (not required, but recommended for your personal organization)

  • Chemistry Reference Tables (optional - print and keep in your binder for easy reference)

Additional Resources

There will be many resources available to students in class and before and after school. If students would like extra help from online resources, I recommend the links below.

(via YouTube) This channel has several videos of topics we will discuss this semester. Tip: If the video talks too quickly, use the settings button on the lower left hand corner of the video to slow playback speed or add subtitles.


(via YouTube) This channel has many helpful videos about the topics we'll talk about in class, as well as steps and walkthroughs to solve chemistry problems. Note: There are several AP Chemistry videos, but you can ignore these. Just watch the ones relevant to our class based on topic.

This is a wonderful resource that provides simulations of various chemical phenomena. Use these to explore concepts that are generally difficult to visualize in real life. They can help you understand topics such as isotopes and atomic mass, acid-base solutions, molarity, solubility, and many more!

Tips for Success

Be persistent!

Chemistry can be difficult the first time students experience it, as it is a mix of conceptual topics and math skills. To be successful:

  1. Participate in class and ask questions as you have them.

  2. Take notes during class and review them frequently outside of class.

  3. Always attempt every homework problem, even if it seems difficult. Homework is for practicing, not for getting it perfect.

  4. Come in for tutoring and extra help. Mrs. McGinnis is available every morning before school, and on select afternoons, by appointment.

  5. Do your best and don't give up. If you feel like you're falling behind or aren't doing as well as you want to, speak to your teacher.