2025 - 2026
You should come to class on time, and ready to learn. This means:
Notebook: An organized notebook exclusively for chemistry will help you to succeed. You need to use a composition notebook for this class. Each entry should be dated, and include any and all notes from class, demo and lab observations, homework, lab data, etc. A folder for holding and maintaining labs and tests is also advised.
Additional Items:
A black or blue pen and pencil
At least a basic scientific calculator (capable of doing scientific notation, logarithms, etc)
-You are expected to meet all the standards for behavior set forth in the Student Handbook.
-I ask all students to be respectful. Disrespectful or distracting behavior(including talking over others, name calling, swearing, slurs, and shouting) is not tolerated as it creates a hostile working environment for all other students.
-No food or drink in the classroom, other than water in a bottle(and only at the desks). This class is in a class/lab room that has regular exposure to chemicals.
Newtown High School policy requires all phones to be placed in the phone caddy in front of the room at the beginning of class unless otherwise instructed.
1st offense- Teacher warning, email home
2nd offense- Referral to AP
Homework will be assigned and completed through WebAssign. Assignments may be up to one (1) day late, but will only receive half credit.
Physics is a lab-based science, and therefore there is a heavy focus on laboratory work and data analysis. You will have a double lab period every week, though labs may be more frequent as they tie into the curriculum. Since lab work is dependent on you and your lab partner working together, it is imperative that you are present for the lab. If you are absent on the day of a lab, you must meet with me to discuss arranging a make-up time or assessment.
Safety is incredibly important in the lab room, and all the rules must be followed at all times. A violation of lab safety will result in a warning. A second violation will result in removal from the experiment and possible future experiments.
Labs will be due on the next double lab day. A lab will receive a 10% penalty for each day it is late.
Each unit there will be a cumulative test. There will be approximately 3-4 tests each quarter. Make-up tests must be taken no more than one (1) week after the test is returned to the class. The material in this course is cumulative and therefore it is important that you understand each unit's content before moving on to the next unit. Therefore, if you fail a test you must attend a review session and then make up the test.
Each quarter, your grade will be determined by a weighted percentage for different assignments as follows:
Summative assessments 70%
Formative assessments 30%
Formative assessments are given through each unit and comprise mostly of labs, projects, and homework. Summative assessments are a culmination of your knowledge and represent your understanding at the end of a unit.
All assignments missed due to cutting class are considered to have a zero for a grade and cannot be made up.
From time to time, students may require extra help in understanding the material. In these situations, it is expected that students are proactive about seeking help from myself, another chemistry teacher, or other students. I can always take questions emailed to me at CarleyC@Newtown.k12.ct.us.
Science Department Policy on Academic Honesty
Academic Honesty on any assignment is expected in this class. Failure to do so will result in a zero grade for all students involved. It is your responsibility to protect your own work. At no time may any work be submitted that is similar to any one else’s. This includes lab questions and lab procedures, questions, and problems from texts, computers, or any other source. Tutors may monitor the format but not influence content or technical analysis.
Academic Honesty: Each student is responsible for producing his or her own work and will be held responsible for protecting and maintaining the confidentiality of their own work.
This definition is based on the performance standard for responsible citizen from the common denominator.
Cheating can include, but is not limited to
The use of unauthorized notes during a test or quiz
Using another student’s work during a test or quiz
Allowing another student to see one’s answers during a test or quiz
Giving information to students who have not taken the test
Allowing students who have not yet taken the test to receive information
Using another student’s homework
Allowing another student to copy one’s work
Plagiarizing by copying another person’s work from any resource (periodical. Book, internet, etc.) and submit it as one’s own
Plagiarizing by paraphrasing or using parts of another person’s work (ideas, written work, diagrams, charts, etc.) without citing it as a resource in context or in a footnote.
Sending data after completion of a lab – Every student is responsible for recording his or her own data during the lab.
Helping a student by sharing work. – If a student needs help, direct them to the teacher.
Every lab report should be individually written. It is NOT a group project but an individual analysis.
Cheating consequences include loss of credit and notification to the guidance counselor. Eligibility for National Honor Society, scholarships, and honors can also be lost.
Physics Laboratory Safety Rules
Follow directions. Come to the lab prepared to perform the experiment. Follow all written and verbal instructions. When in doubt, ask.
Absolutely no horseplay. Be alert and attentive at all times. Act like an adult.
Report all accidents, injuries or breakage to the instructor immediately. Also, report any equipment that you suspect is malfunctioning.
Dress appropriately. Avoid wearing overly-bulky or loose-fitting clothing, or dangling jewelry that may become entangled in your experimental apparatus. Pin or tie back long hair and roll up loose sleeves.
Use goggles:
when heating anything.
when using any type of projectile.
when instructed to do so.
Use equipment with care for the purpose for which it is intended.
Do not perform unauthorized experiments. Get the instructor's permission before you try something original.
Be careful when working with apparatus that may be hot. If you must pick it up, use tongs, a wet paper towel, or other appropriate holder.
Ask the instructor to check all electrical circuits before you turn on the power.
When working with electrical circuits, be sure that the current is turned off before making adjustments in the circuit.
Do not connect the terminals of a battery or power supply to each other with a wire. Such a wire will become dangerously hot.
Clean up all lab spills immediately. This includes water.
Place low friction carts upside down when not running a trial. They often roll off the table and hit the ground and they are expensive.
Return all equipment, clean and in good condition, to the designated location at the end of the lab period.
Leave your lab area cleaner than you found it.
When you have read the above rules and expectations, fill out the form found here: https://goo.gl/forms/lIbBtMiFJpD0Qeou1