Mrs. Pantazopoulos Chemistry Fall Semester 2007 Phone: 770/521/7600 ext. 304
E-mail: Pantazopoulose@fulton.k12.ga.us
(e-mail is the best way to reach me
Room H111 Web Page: www2.fultonschools.org/teacher/pantazopoulose
Textbook: Modern Chemistry. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2002. The cost of book replacement is $53.85.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Chemistry curriculum continues students’ investigations of the physical sciences that began in Grades K-8 (see Fulton County System wide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in chemistry. Chemistry extends the physical sciences to more abstract concepts including, the structure and properties of matter, structure of atoms, the interaction of matter and the conservation of matter. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry.
This course does require mathematical calculations and it would be best for you to bring a non-graphing scientific calculator (example: TI-30, or Sharp or Casio equivalent) to class regularly.
Throughout the course students will review science concepts to help them prepare for the science portion of the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT). The Science portion is one of the most difficult sections and a diploma can not be issued unless all portions of the test are passed. The GHSGTs are scheduled to take place March 17th -20th , 2007.
OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS: At the end of this year students should be able to:
1. Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
2. Use information, calculations, and predictions to explain the nature, properties, classification, and nomenclature of matter including the prediction of chemical formulas based on balance of charges.
3. Use the law of conservation of matter, including molarity and molality, to determine chemical composition under different reaction types and conditions.
4. Use modern atomic theory to explain the characteristic properties of atoms including size, charge, particles, isotopes, chemical bonds, light emission, and electron movement.
5. Explain the trends in the Periodic table and use the knowledge to predict the properties of representative elements.
6. Demonstrate the effects of varying factors (concentration, temperature, and pressure) on the rate of chemical reaction.
7. Collect, analyze, and compare data on the effects of motion of atoms and molecules on physical and chemical process and relate these to energy flow during phase change.
8. Explain the process involved in solute-solvent interactions and evaluate the nature of acids compared with bases.
GRADE DETERMINATION
The Fulton County Grading Scale will be used for all graded assignments
90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C Below 70 = F
Calculation of Final Semester Average will be as follows:
Tests and Performance Assessments = 45% Homework and Class work = 10%
Laboratory Work and Assessments = 20% Quizzes = 10%
Final Exam = 15%
FORMAT: This course is divided into the following units with written tests and/or per-formance assessments with each unit. The Georgia Performance Standards for each unit are also listed. Quizzes are given as needed.
Approximate
Unit Topic Chapters Days
1 Characteristics of Science 2 15
The Characteristics of Science Standards are introduced here and stressed throughout the semester. Parents and students may view the detailed Georgia Performance Content and Characteristics of Science Standards online at: http://www.georgiastandards.org./science.asp
2 Organization of Matter 1, 3, 4, and 5 30
SC1 Students will analyze the nature of matter and its classifications.
SC3 Students will use the modern atomic theory to explain the characteristics of atoms.
SC4 Students will use the organization of the Periodic Table to predict properties of elements.
3 Nature and Conservation of Matter 6, 7, 8 35
SC1 Students will analyze the nature of matter and its classifications.
SC2 Students will relate how the Law of Conservation of Matter is used to determine chemical composition in compounds and chemical reactions
Review and Final Exam 1 through 8 10
TESTS AND QUIZZES: Written tests and quizzes include information from class notes, homework, the textbook, handouts, lab activities, and demonstrations. You are expected to take a test even if you are absent the day before the test. THE FINAL EXAM WILL BE COMPREHENSIVE, COVERING THE MAJOR CONCEPTS OF UNITS 1 through 3.
Please see your instructor to schedule test and quiz make ups.
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES: Because this is a lab course, labs are an important part of the curriculum and you can expect to do one or two labs each week. EACH person in the lab group is responsible for participating in the lab in class and completing the lab questions and/or write-up on his/her own paper. All labs must be placed in the lab section of your notebook and kept. Labs will be graded for accuracy and/or completion. You will have a minimum of one lab assessment during the semester during which you may use the completed labs from your notebook. You will also write at least one lab report for a lab.
LAB MAKEUPS: Tuesdays 8:00 am (Room H111)
and Thursdays at 3:50 pm (Room H111)
HOMEWORK: This grade includes class participation, working problems on the board, sponge activities, notebook checks and homework assignments. Homework is checked at the beginning of class. NO CREDIT IS GIVEN FOR HOMEWORK THAT HAS BEEN MISPLACED, LEFT IN YOUR LOCKER OR AT HOME, ETC. Homework is checked for accuracy and/or completion.
Please check the web page to review homework and lab assignments, and quiz and test dates. www2.fultonschools.org/teacher/pantazopoulose
NOTEBOOK: You are required to keep a notebook. A three ring binder is best. Everything we do in Chemistry should be in your notebook (notes, worksheets, labs, class work, homework, quizzes, and information sheets) in an organized fashion. I will check occasionally in class to see if you have your notebook and I may take sections of it up occasionally to check progress.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CLASS BEHAVIOR RULES
EXTRA HELP: Chemistry is a demanding academic subject. If you are having difficulty you are encouraged to make arrangements with me for extra help. I am available for help most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:00am in H111. I am also available most afternoons (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at 3:50 pm in H111. In addition, Homework Hotline operates from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 404/843-7700. It is a free service and the teacher there can usually assist you with your homework. Fall Semester the service will begin on Tuesday, September 4, 2007.
HONOR CODE POLICY: Any act of cheating “either by giving or receiving, in any form, information relating to a graded experience” will be considered a violation. I will complete an Honor Violation Form which will be filed in the office and “may be used by the faculty in making future recommendations, specifically, memberships in honor clubs (NHS and Beta)”. You will receive a grade of ‘0’ on the assignment or test, and I will call your parents to inform them of the violation. Please refer to your handbook for additional information.
TECHNOLOGY CODE OF ETHICS: According to the Fulton County School policy, “students shall not alter nor attempt to alter school or private property including technology hardware and software.” This includes but is not limited to:
1. Changing desktop settings or control panels on computers.
2. Removing or damaging mouse tracking balls, keyboard keys, cables, connectors, network jacks, or any other hardware.
3. Modifying computer software.
4. Damaging computer disks, CD ROMS or other media.
Also, students must not access any program or website, unless specifically authorized to do so by the teacher. Always ask before you log on the internet, or access any program on the computer. Students are not allowed to check their e-mail.
ATTENDANCE: It is essential that you attend class and complete the assignments. Students who are present for any portion of the school day are expected to turn in all assignments due on that day in order to receive full credit for the assignment.
NIGHTLY STUDY: Information is presented in class every day. Therefore, it is expected that you review each day’s work at night so that any difficulties can be resolved by coming for help the next morning or during class the following day.
RECOVERY: FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
(High School version)
Provision for Improving Grades
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating
circumstances may improve their grades.
CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.
Students may be asked to submit certain assignments through an internet program called TurnItIn.com. This program gives students the opportunity to review their own writing and correct possible plagiarism errors, thereby not violating the Honor Code.
EXPECTED CLASSROOM BEHAVIORS
1. All student handbook rules apply in this class.
2. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
3. Come to class prepared. Bring your homework, your notebook, writing instrument, paper, calculator and any other supplies you need for the day. Have your homework out on your desk at the beginning of the period.
4. All food and drink must be consumed in the cafeteria. Bottles of unflavored water are allowed.
5. Be respectful to your teacher, classmates and visitors.
6. Alert, aware behavior is appropriate.
7. All lab safety rules apply in this class.
Failure to follow these rules will result in a teacher conference with the student for the first offense, then a private detention will be assigned (30 minutes of on task time before or after school). The third offense will result in a call home and another detention, and if these are not successful, you will be referred to an administrator.
Failure to follow the safety rules will result in a warning, then time out. The third offense will result in sitting out of lab for the entire period and a phone call to your parents. The fourth offense will result in a referral to an administrator and you will sit out of the lab the entire period.
ANY BEHAVIOR WHICH ENDANGERS YOU OR ANOTHER STUDENT IN THE CLASSROOM WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REFERRAL TO AN ADMINISTRATOR.
