Course Description:
The curriculum is based on the particle models used to describe matter and the treatment of the role of energy in change. The three questions that guide our approach to understanding chemistry are:
How do we view matter? (Answer in terms of the particle you are using to describe matter)
How does it behave? (Provide an explanation of the behavior using this particle model)
What is the role of energy in the changes we observe?
In traditional chemistry curricula, students are introduced right away to the modern model of the atom and asked to accept all its complexities as a matter of faith. By contrast, our approach is to start with a simple model of the atom and show students that our model evolves as the need for a better one arises. In each of the instructional units we move from examining phenomena to the patterns we impose on the phenomena to the models we build to help us explain phenomena.
Course Objective:
To have the students investigate and learn what the world around them is made up at the molecular level and how these particles react with each other. Through investigation and analysis students will be able to come to scientific conclusions and theories.
Course Requirements:
Students will need to successfully complete all tests, quizzes, homework and lab activities. All labs require formal lab report write-up. All students will need to complete a midterm exam but have an opportunity to be exempt from the final exam by achieving 3 A's and 1 B with a midterm of 76 or higher during the year. All Honors students are required to complete a project for the Science Fair held in the Spring.
Criteria for Assessing Student Performance:
Tests - 30% - Unit tests
Quizzes - 20% - Unit quizzes
Homework - 20% - Worksheets, reviews,
Labs - 20% - Lab reports
Participation - 10% - Prepared for class, not being late, staying on task given
This site contains all class work, lab activities, homework and assignments. Any one who is absent can and should visit this site for make up-work work and missing papers. Parents are very welcome, and encouraged to visit the site. My e-mail and a guestbook to sign is there if you would like to correspond with me. This site, as well as Power School, is updated regularly.
