CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS Fall 2008

Instructor:	Mr. John-Paul Lavoie	Office:	Room 276
E-mail: Phone #:	jlavoie@mtsd-vt.org 893-3230 ext. 276	Office Hours:	7:20 - 8:20 am, Mon. - Fri. in Rm 268; or by appointment

Chemistry is a course designed to develop an in-depth understanding of the structure and properties of matter (the ‘stuff’ that makes up our world). Some of the questions we will address this semester include: What is matter? What is it made of? How does matter interact with other matter? What are some examples of physical or chemical change? What is this thing we call the periodic table? Understanding the laws of chemistry gives us the ability to predict and explain the relationship between matter and energy, and how things in our universe work. The laws of chemistry can predict outcomes that can significantly impact our decisions and are applicable to daily life. This should be most clearly demonstrated through the unit projects that will guide our study. Unit themes include: Chemistry of Art and Chemistry of Soap.

This course will emphasize and focus on the components of scientific inquiry. As a “lab course”, hands-on investigations and cooperative-group work will be used to investigate chemistry concepts. The curriculum for this course has been aligned with Vermont’s Framework of Standards and Grade Expectations.

Textbook: Active Chemistry; Arthur Eisenkraft.

Materials: 1 ½ inch 3-ring notebook with dividers, pencil, pen, highlighter, lab notebook, scientific calculator

Goals:

1. To ensure all students value the nature of, and strive to be, life-long learners. (“Hey, learning is fun”)
2. To provide students with opportunities to work individually and collaboratively in order achieve goals and develop confidence in problem-solving, skills, technology, and communication (written, verbal, technological, scientific, and mathematical).
3. To provide opportunities for students to become independent learners through the development of strong habits of mind (“Hey, I can do this on my own”).
4. To have students recognize the effects that scientific knowledge has on our earth in order to become ethical and responsible stewards of our earth. (“Hey, chemistry does matter” – pun intended)

Enduring Understandings:

1. Chemistry has many applications to other disciplines and the world.

2. Ideas can be expressed symbolically, numerically, and graphically.

3. Behavior and properties of materials are organized, classified, and predicted utilizing periodic trends.

4. Many kinds of problems can be solved using an objective, systematic, experimental approach.

5. The universe functions as a larger system of interrelated parts and connections between

smaller systems.

Assessment Format: You may expect the following in terms of assessment for this course:

Formative Assessments – assessments used to support your learning. These assessments are designed to tell you, and me, how you are progressing and where we need to focus our attention.

Ø Quizzes, exit cards, homework, laboratory investigations, etc.

Summative Assessments – Generally, will occur at the end of a unit or grading period. These assessments are used to determine if the standards and expectations have been met:

Ø Unit Projects

Ø Unit tests

Ø Midterm exam

Ø Final exam

Grading is done using a points system with the following goal (per quarter):

80% Summative Assessments

20% Formative Assessments

***** You may notice that “formative assessments” are only worth 20% of your grade. This does not mean that homework, quizzes, etc. are not important or can be ignored. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Formative assessments are worth only 20% to ensure that you are free to make mistakes while you are learning material. Formative assessments are where much of your learning will take place. This learning will subsequently be evaluated using the summative assessments. Focus on LEARNING and the grades will take care of themselves*****

Class Expectations:

1. It is expected that you arrive prepared and on time for every class – with science notebook, pen/pencil, calculator, assignments complete. You should be at your desk ready to start class at 1:16.

2. You should come to class ready to stay for the full hour and 20 minutes. For those times when an emergency comes up, you will have 5 passes given to you at the beginning of the semester. You may use these at your discretion. Each pass you have left at the end of the semester will be worth 1 point on your final exam.

3. Absences: If you miss class, for any reason, it is your responsibility to get the missing work and assignments. If you have a dismissal during the day – it is your responsibility to get the work that same day.

4. Attendance is mandatory for successful completion of this course. See the Student Handbook for the attendance policy.

5. Behavior: Everybody has the right to learn. Everyone has the right to be in an emotionally and physically safe environment that promotes academic growth and development. Any disruption or behavior that impairs those rights will be addressed in a manner in which appropriate consequences will result. Physical safety is of utmost concern while in the chemistry lab.

6. Cell phones, DVD players, MP3 players and other personal electronic devices not used for academic purposes need to be turned off, and out of your hands, while in class. Failure to do so will result in notification of parents and administration.

7. Pet Peeves of mine: ‘Grade grubbing’ – Our focus should be on learning. Besides, it is not flattering. Complaining – if you have something constructive to say, please find a mature and thoughtful way to do so. You will find that your opinion will more likely be taken seriously.

Final Thoughts:

This is a one-semester course that meets every day, and thus will move quite quickly. In addition, chemistry requires a combination of mathematical reasoning, abstract thinking, and good problem-solving skills. Much of the material will build on itself. You must stay on top of your work in order to be successful in this class. You have been warned. If you are having trouble keeping up or understanding some of the material please get help. I would be more than happy to help…I would be delighted!

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

It is my pleasure to welcome you and your student into chemistry. It will be a challenging class but it will be worth the effort. I ask for your help to encourage your student to keep up with the work and discipline required for this class. Students will have work almost every night. Please help them to understand the importance of keeping up with this work.

I hope that I will have the opportunity to speak to each and every one of you in the future. If you have any questions about my class please feel free to call or e-mail me at school. The phone number is (802)893-3230 x277, and my e-mail address is jlavoie@mtsd-vt.org. I hope you and your student were able to read through the attached syllabus. It will be an exciting class and I look forward to all it has in store.

Please sign below and provide contact information, should I need to contact you. Thank you, Mr. Lavoie.

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