Syllabus


Chemistry Syllabus  

Harlingen High School South

Mrs. Ruth Salazar   

B.S. Biology Education – Texas A&M University- Kingsville

Course Description:  

The students will observe and discuss the study of chemistry through text, research, projects, and laboratory assignments. The students will also be required to use prior knowledge to link what they have learned in previous science courses to the material that will be presented. 

 

Prerequisites: 

Biology 

 

Grade Percentages: 

Grades will be determined by the following criteria: 

 

Nine Week Average             

•      Unit Test/Final  

             Project Grades         25% 

 

 

 

•      Labs, Quizzes, Daily  

         Work, Supplemental 

            Project grades           75% 


Semester Average 

•      9-Week Average     85% 


 

•      Final Exam              15% 

 

IMPORTANT: Lab grades and Quizzes 1X in the grade book! All other assignments will count 1X. 

 Late Work:

All homework, and lab assignments are due at the beginning of the period on the due date.  In addition to the district policy regarding make up assignments, any assignment turned in after the designated deadline will be considered late.  A thirty-point deduction will be applied to all late assignments. Students must settle out any assignment issues before the end of the 8th week of the quarter, including missing assignments due to absences. Assignments worked on during week 9 will go toward the next quarter.

 

Technology & Equipment:

Only school issued devices will be allowed to complete online assignments/material. No communication devices will be allowed in the classroom (cell phones, smart watches, ear buds/headphones). They must be powered down and put in their backpack. If they don’t have a backpack they will be required to store it in the front office. If caught with them outside of their backpack they will be picked up and turned into the office.

AI Policy & Guidelines:

HCISD Approved Tools for Teachers and Students:

○ Microsoft Office (Copilot Integrated)

○ No Red Ink

○ Notebook LM

○ Magic School

○ Adobe Express

○ Curipod

○ Diffit

○ Gemini (Google Integrated)

○ Khanmingo for Teachers

○ Snorkl

 

Please sign and return this section:

 

■ Parent Name:______________________ Date:____________________________ 

■ Parent Signature:___________________ Date:____________________________

■ Student Name:_____________________ Date:____________________________

■ Student Signature:__________________ Date:____________________________


Please read the syllabus and safety rules. A detailed list of the classroom safety rules are located in the Start Here Canvas Modules for this course.

 

  

Tutoring Schedule: 

Morning: 

Monday – Thursday:                           7:30 – 7:45am 

Afternoon: 

Monday- Thursday:                 By appointment only.  


I will also be available for tutoring any day by appointment (Monday – Thursday). Some tutoring days may coincide with mandatory faculty or department meetings, so tutoring days may be cancelled. I will try my best to inform you of those days to prevent confusion. 


Students may also contact the teacher through Canvas for additional questions regarding assignment instructions and due dates. 


 

Materials: 

•               Canvas  - Username and Password (for Canvas Instruction) 

•               Electronic Device (for Canvas Instruction) 

•               Paper 

•               Pen and Pencil 

Classroom Rules: 

1.      Respect and courtesy must be shown to all class members at all times. Any grievances can be brought to my attention in a private manner. 

2.      Punctuality and preparedness upon arrival to class is a must. Please let me know ahead of time if you will be late or if you forgot something. I may allow the tardiness or the lack of required materials at my discretion. 

3.      Follow all instructions as they are given. Any deviation from my instructions may be interpreted as insubordination for which there is a consequence. 

4.      For your safety, do not eat or drink at lab stations. 

5.      Unless told, you are not allowed to speak or communicate with others while I am speaking. This includes cell phones and other electronic devices. (Note: This also applies to active Zoom lessons. Students will have time for question and answer sessions during active Zoom lessons. However, students must remain quiet and respectful, while the teacher is providing direct instructions for the lesson.)  Consequences:  

      1st infraction:     Verbal Warning 

      2nd infraction:    Detention. Possible parent/guardian contact 

3rd infraction:    Referral to office. (Administrator contact will be made by teacher.) Outrageous, extremely inconsiderate, or unsafe behavior results in immediate dismissal from the classroom and a referral to the office. (Administrator contact will be made by teacher.) 

Cheating: 

Zero Tolerance Policy: That means that it is not tolerated for any assignment and all parties found to be involved will receive a grade of 0, which cannot be made up or dropped. 

 

Retests: 

A retest may only be administered if more than 25% of classes grades are failing.  Please see Student Handbook. 

 

Absences:  

Students will have the same number of days absent to turn in assignments missed because of an excused absence. Students absent only the day before a test must take the test as scheduled. Students are responsible for collecting any and all make-up work from their teacher. (A list of all Assignments for the current Unit will be made available in the Course Module tab on Canvas.) 

 

Tardy Policy:  

Same as school policy. See Student Handbook for more information. 

  

School phone number: (956) 427-3800  

Email: ruth.salazar@hcisd.org 

Harlingen HS South Laboratory Safety Rules  

  

1.      Wear safety goggles at all times in the laboratory and a laboratory apron when appropriate. 

2.      Closed toe shoes must be worn (no sandals). Avoid wearing overly bulky or loose-fitting clothing.  Pull back long hair, it may get caught in laboratory equipment or may catch on fire when working with open flames. 

3.      No eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the laboratory. No tasting of chemicals. 

4.      Know the location of safety equipment such as eyewash fountains, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and emergency showers. Make sure that you know how to use this equipment...it just might save your live. 

5.      Wash your hands with soap and water at the end of each laboratory investigation. Also, wash your hands any time that you spill chemicals on them.  Using an anti-bacterial hand lotion is NOT acceptable when removing chemicals from your hands, the idea is to remove the chemicals from your hands using water. 

6.      Read all of the instructions for the investigation before you begin. 

7.      Report all accidents or strange occurrences to your teacher immediately. 

8.      Never work alone. 

9.      Keep your work area clean and free of all material except your laboratory notebook and the equipment needed for the investigation. Leave you backpacks and books at your desk. 

10.  Use the equipment only in the manner that is discussed in the laboratory investigation and 

NEVER WORK ON UNAUTHORIZED EXPERIMENTS. 

11.  Read the labels on all chemical bottles carefully before using. 

12.  Never used cracked or chipped glassware. Also, never use any electrical equipment that has bare wires.  Report any unsafe or non-working equipment to your teacher immediately. 

13.  NO HORSEPLAY IN THE LAB. 

14.  WHEN IN DOUBT...ASK YOUR TEACHER. 

15.  Use a hot plate instead of an open flame whenever a flammable liquid is present in the room, even if you are not using it. 

16.  Do NOT return unused chemicals to a reagent bottle. 

17.  Never put a pipet or scoopula into a reagent bottle. Use a small clean beaker as your supply container. 

18.  When diluting an acid, ALWAYS POUR THE ACID INTO WATER. 

19.  Always use a lubricating agent when putting glassware into rubber stoppers. Do not force glassware into rubber stoppers.  

20.  Do not wear contact lenses as chemicals may infuse under the lenses and cause eye damage. If you only have contact lenses, then bring saline solution and wash the contacts immediately at the end of the laboratory investigation. 

21.  Never pipet by mouth, always use a pipet bulb or pump. 

22.  If spills occur, ask your teacher immediately about the proper clean-up procedure. Never put material in the trash or in the sink without checking with your teacher. 

23.  Material Safety Data Sheets or Safety Data Sheets (MSDS or SDS) will be available in the classroom during all lab activities to reference chemicals to be used that day. 

 

Please sign and return this section:

 

Student Name:                                                  __________Class period: ___________________________ Harlingen High School South - Science Safety Agreement - Science Department  

The teacher will remove students from the science laboratory area if:  

•   they are behaving in such a manner that they can cause injury to themselves or to other students (i.e. horseplay, yelling, etc.).  

•   they are not following the prescribed safety rules for the science activity or laboratory investigation.  

•   they are performing unauthorized investigations.  

•   they have not completed the pre-laboratory activity.  

•   their personal appearance or dress is such that they can cause injury to themselves or to other students.  

•   they are not wearing safety goggles or an apron when the teacher thinks that it is appropriate for their protection.  

I, _______________________________________ have read and reviewed the list of rules given me by my teacher relating to the procedures and safety in the laboratory.  I agree to behave in a manner that promotes a safe laboratory environment for my classmates and myself.  I agree to use chemicals and clean them up in a way that protects my classmates, the environment, and myself.  I further agree to follow all other written and verbal instructions given in class.  

***Contact lenses are controversial in the science laboratory.  Some experts feel that they are an added risk if there is a chemical splashed in the eye.  All students must wear safety goggles to prevent any such accident.  As a parent, the decision is yours.  

_____________________________ (will / will not) be wearing contact lenses in the lab. 

 

 

I have read Mrs. Salazar’s letter to the parent(s)/guardian(s), course rules, and safety rules.  

_______________________________         _______________________________  

Student’s name (printed)          / Date          Parent/Guardian name (printed)  / Date  

________________________________        _________________________________  

Student signature                     / Date          Parent or Guardian signature     / Date  

Parent’s please indicate the preferred method of contact (i.e. circle e-mail, if you prefer to be reached via e-mail)  

Parent’s e-mail address or phone number: _________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

***********************************************************************************************************************

___________________________________________________________________________________

Syllabus

Environmental Systems:

communication devices will be allowed in the classroom (cell phones, smart watches, earbuds/headphones). They must be powered down and put in their backpack. If they don’t have a

backpack they will be required to store it in the front office. If caught with them outside of their backpack they will be picked up and turned into the office.


Microsoft Office (Copilot Integrated)

  No Red Ink

Notebook LM

Magic School

Adobe Express

Curipod

Diffit

Gemini (Google Integrated)

Khanmingo for Teachers

Snorkl



***Please read the syllabus and safety rules. A detailed list of the classroom safety rules are located in the Start Here Canvas Modules for this course.*** 





1. Respect and courtesy must be shown to all class members at all times. Any grievances can be brought to my attention in a private manner. 

2. Punctuality and preparedness upon arrival to class is a must. Please let me know ahead of time if you will be late or if you forgot something. I may allow the tardiness or the lack of required materials at my discretion. 

3. Follow all instructions as they are given. Any deviation from my instructions may be interpreted as insubordination for which there is a consequence. 

4. For your safety, do not eat or drink at lab stations. 

5. Unless told, you are not allowed to speak or communicate with others while I am speaking. This includes cell phones and other electronic devices. (Note: This also applies to active Zoom lessons. Students will have time for question and answer sessions during active Zoom lessons. However, students must remain quiet and respectful, while the teacher is providing direct instructions for the lesson.)









Harlingen HS South Laboratory Safety Rules:

1. Wear safety goggles at all times in the laboratory and a laboratory apron when

appropriate.

2. Closed toe shoes must be worn (no sandals). Avoid wearing overly bulky or loose-fitting clothing. Pull back long hair, it may get caught in laboratory equipment or may catch on fire when working with open flames.

3. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the laboratory. No tasting of chemicals.

4. Know the location of safety equipment such as eyewash fountains, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and emergency showers. Make sure that you know how to use this equipment...it just might save your life.

5. Wash your hands with soap and water at the end of each laboratory investigation. Also, wash your hands any time that you spill chemicals on them. Using an anti-bacterial hand lotion is NOT acceptable when removing chemicals from your hands, the idea is to remove the chemicals from your hands using water.

6. Read all of the instructions for the investigation before you begin.

7. Report all accidents or strange occurrences to your teacher immediately.

8. Never work alone.

9. Keep your work area clean and free of all material except your laboratory notebook and the equipment needed for the investigation. Leave you backpacks and books at your desk.

10. Use the equipment only in the manner that is discussed in the laboratory investigation andNEVER WORK ON UNAUTHORIZED EXPERIMENTS.

11. Read the labels on all chemical bottles carefully before using.

12. Never used cracked or chipped glassware. Also, never use any electrical equipment that has bare wires. Report any unsafe or non-working equipment to your teacher immediately.

13. NO HORSEPLAY IN THE LAB.

14. WHEN IN DOUBT...ASK YOUR TEACHER.

15. Use a hot plate instead of an open flame whenever a flammable liquid is present in the room, even if you are not using it.

16. Do NOT return unused chemicals to a reagent bottle.

17. Never put a pipet or scoopula into a reagent bottle. Use a small clean beaker as your supply container.

18. When diluting an acid, ALWAYS POUR THE ACID INTO WATER.

19. Always use a lubricating agent when putting glassware into rubber stoppers. Do not force glassware into rubber stoppers.

20. Do not wear contact lenses as chemicals may infuse under the lenses and cause eye damage. If you only have contact lenses, then bring saline solution and wash the contacts immediately at the end of the laboratory investigation.

21. Never pipet by mouth, always use a pipet bulb or pump.

22. If spills occur, ask your teacher immediately about the proper clean-up procedure. Never put material in the trash or in the sink without checking with your teacher.

23. Material Safety Data Sheets or Safety Data Sheets (MSDS or SDS) will be available in the classroom during all lab activities to reference chemicals to be used that day.



Please sign and return this section:

Student Name: __________Class period: ___________________________


Harlingen High School South - Science Safety Agreement - Science Department


The teacher will remove students from the science laboratory area if:

• they are behaving in such a manner that they can cause injury to themselves or to other students (i.e. horseplay, yelling, etc.).

• they are not following the prescribed safety rules for the science activity or laboratory investigation.

• they are performing unauthorized investigations.

• they have not completed the pre-laboratory activity.

• their personal appearance or dress is such that they can cause injury to themselves or to other students.

• they are not wearing safety goggles or an apron when the teacher thinks that it is appropriate for their protection.


I, _______________________________________ have read and reviewed the list of rules given me by my teacher relating to the procedures and safety in the laboratory. I agree to behave in a manner that promotes a safe laboratory environment for my classmates and myself. I agree to use chemicals and clean

them up in a way that protects my classmates, the environment, and myself. I further agree to follow all other written and verbal instructions given in class.


***Contact lenses are controversial in the science laboratory. Some experts feel that they are an added risk if there is a chemical splashed in the eye. All students must wear safety goggles to prevent any such

accident. As a parent, the decision is yours.


_____________________________ (will / will not) be wearing contact lenses in the lab.




I have read Mrs. Salazar’s letter to the parent(s)/guardian(s), course rules, and safety rules.

_______________________________ _______________________________

Student’s name (printed) / Date              Parent/Guardian name (printed) / Date

________________________________ _________________________________

Student signature / Date                           Parent or Guardian signature / Date


Parent’s please indicate the preferred method of contact (i.e. circle e-mail, if you prefer to be reached via e-mail)


Parent’s e-mail address or phone number: _________________________________



_____________________________________________________________________________________________

********************************************************************************************************_____________________________________________________________________________________________

AP Environmental Science Syllabus:



Please sign and return this section: 





Please read the syllabus and safety rules. A detailed list of the classroom safety rules are located in the Start Here Canvas Modules for this course.





1. Respect and courtesy must be shown to all class members at all times. Any grievances can be brought to my attention in a private manner. 

2. Punctuality and preparedness upon arrival to class is a must. Please let me know ahead of time if you will be late or if you forgot something. I may allow the tardiness or the lack of required materials at my discretion. 

3. Follow all instructions as they are given. Any deviation from my instructions may be interpreted as insubordination for which there is a consequence. 

4. For your safety, do not eat or drink at lab stations. 

5. Unless told, you are not allowed to speak or communicate with others while I am speaking. This includes cell phones and other electronic devices. (Note: This also applies to active Zoom lessons. Students will have time for question and answer sessions during active Zoom lessons. However, students must remain quiet and respectful, while the teacher is providing direct instructions for the lesson.)







AP Environmental Science (as per Collegeboard/AP Classroom):

Units:



Harlingen HS South Laboratory Safety Rules:


1. Wear safety goggles at all times in the laboratory and a laboratory apron when appropriate. 

2. Closed toe shoes must be worn (no sandals). Avoid wearing overly bulky or loose-fitting clothing. Pull back long hair, it may get caught in laboratory equipment or may catch on fire when working with open flames. 

3. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the laboratory. No tasting of chemicals. 

4. Know the location of safety equipment such as eyewash fountains, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and emergency showers. Make sure that you know how to use this equipment...it just might save your life.

5. Wash your hands with soap and water at the end of each laboratory investigation. Also, wash your hands any time that you spill chemicals on them. Using an anti-bacterial hand lotion is NOT acceptable when removing chemicals from your hands, as it may cause an unwanted chemical reaction. 

6. Read all of the instructions for the investigation before you begin. 

7. Report all accidents or strange occurrences to your teacher immediately. 

8. Never work alone. 

9. Keep your work area clean and free of all material except your laboratory notebook and the equipment needed for the investigation. Leave you backpacks and books at your desk. 

10. Use the equipment only in the manner that is discussed in the laboratory investigation and NEVER WORK ON UNAUTHORIZED EXPERIMENTS. 

11. Read the labels on all chemical bottles carefully before using. 

12. Never used cracked or chipped glassware. Also, never use any electrical equipment that has bare wires. Report any unsafe or non-working equipment to your teacher immediately. 

13. NO HORSEPLAY IN THE LAB. 

14. WHEN IN DOUBT...ASK YOUR TEACHER. 

15. Use a hot plate instead of an open flame whenever a flammable liquid is present in the room, even if you are not using it. 

16. Do NOT return unused chemicals to a reagent bottle. 

17. Never put a pipet or scoopula into a reagent bottle. Use a small clean beaker as your supply container. 

18. When diluting an acid, ALWAYS POUR THE ACID INTO WATER.

19. Always use a lubricating agent when putting glassware into rubber stoppers. Do not force glassware into rubber stoppers. 

20. Do not wear contact lenses as chemicals may infuse under the lenses and cause eye damage. If you only have contact lenses, then bring saline solution and wash the contacts immediately at the end of the laboratory investigation. 

21. Never pipet by mouth, always use a pipet bulb or pump. 

22. If spills occur, ask your teacher immediately about the proper clean-up procedure. Never put material in the trash or in the sink without checking with your teacher. 

23. Material Safety Data Sheets or Safety Data Sheets (MSDS or SDS) will be available in the classroom during all lab activities to reference chemicals to be used that day. 




Please sign and return this section: 


Student Name: __________Class period: _________________________


Harlingen High School South - Science Safety Agreement - Science Department 


The teacher will remove students from the science laboratory area if: 


• they are behaving in such a manner that they can cause injury to themselves or to other students (i.e. horseplay, yelling, etc.). 

• they are not following the prescribed safety rules for the science activity or laboratory investigation. 

• they are performing unauthorized investigations. • they have not completed the pre-laboratory activity. 

• their personal appearance or dress is such that they can cause injury to themselves or to other students. 

• they are not wearing safety goggles or an apron when the teacher thinks that it is appropriate for their protection. 


I, _______________________________________ have read and reviewed the list of rules given me by my teacher relating to the procedures and safety in the laboratory. I agree to behave in a manner that promotes a safe laboratory environment for my classmates and myself. I agree to use chemicals and clean them up in a way that protects my classmates, the environment, and myself. I further agree to follow all other written and verbal instructions given in class. 


***Contact lenses are controversial in the science laboratory. Some experts feel that they are an added risk if there is a chemical splashed in the eye. All students must wear safety goggles to prevent any such accident. As a parent, the decision is yours. 


_____________________________ (will / will not) be wearing contact lenses in the lab. I have read Mrs. Salazar’s letter to the parent(s)/guardian(s), course rules, and safety rules. 


___________________________  _______________________________ Student’s name (printed) / Date  Parent/Guardian name (printed) / Date 

___________________________  _______________________________ Student signature / Date               Parent or Guardian signature / Date 


Parents please indicate the preferred method of contact (i.e. circle e-mail, if you prefer to be reached via e-mail) Parent’s e-mail address or phone number: _________________________________