|
Chemistry I Trimester A
Instructor: Luis Lopez
Room: F219
Lab: Rm E208
Phone: (219) 650-5307 ext. 7194
E-mail: lou@lopezlink.com
Web Address: www.lopezlink.com
Prerequisites: Algebra I with a C or better average, Biology I with a C or better average
Credits: 2
Core 40 and AHD course (Chemistry) with competencies defined.
Course Description: General Chemistry I, should allow students to synthesize useful models of the structure of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions through laboratory investigations of matter and its
chemical reactions. Students should have opportunity to:
- Gain an understanding of the history of chemistry
- Explore the uses of chemistry in various careers
- Cope with chemical questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues, and
- Learn and practice laboratory safety.
For a further description of the curriculum involved go to the curriculum map.
Homework: Work will be given each day and a random number of assignments will be checked for completion. The homework slip policy of the school will be enforced for those
students that do not complete their homework. As a rule of thumb, homework is placed on the board for the week with due dates. The work is usually checked for completion and a percentage of the answers are
checked for accuracy at the start of class. Students that are absent, but know that the assignment is due should have it the day they return. If a student is absent for more than one day he or she has as many days
to have the assignment checked. It is the student’s responsibility to have the homework checked upon return to class.
It is important to understand that the homework is preparation for the exam and even though it is not for a grade it is vital that it is completed on time. It is in the best interest of
the student to complete the homework accurately, completely and by oneself whether it is late or on time.
Exams: A minimum of 3 exams will be given for each marking period with homework and a lab preceding. Note that the majority of the grade is based on the exam. One cannot pass
the class without passing the exams. Exams vary in difficulty depending on ones own background. So it is important to gauge ones ability with the material by completing the homework and asking questions.
Laboratories: A minimum of 6 laboratories will be performed for each marking period. The laboratories are broken down into several parts: lab activities, questions, write up
that follows, and a quiz given two days after the lab. The lab itself and the questions that follow the lab are to be used as a study guide and notes on the quiz. The objective of the labs require being observant,
being meticulous in performing the lab, and solving problems. All the labs can be found in the labs section of www.lopezlink.com and the majority have help available for completing the lab and understanding the principles. The message board at www.lopezlink.com can also be of some help in completing the labs and asking questions. Remember that the lab quizzes are given the two days after a lab so be sure some sort of help is in place whether it is www.lopezlink.com, science clinic, study group, etc. One written Lab report will be required in standard lab format and turned in at the end of each mid trimester. The lab report may be cumulative in nature and will require the information from the prior labs.
A few things to remember before, during and after a lab:
- Be prepared before you enter the lab.
- The instructor will not help you in any way during the lab. The only thing the instructor will do is prevent you from blowing up.
- Complete the lab and questions that follow the lab, and get some help from one of the sources mentioned above if you have problems.
- Make sure you are not absent; making up a lab is difficult and usually requires that you stay after school.
Grading:
|
Exams, Quizzes
|
|
|
Labs
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
