Whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you’re right.
Instructor: Matt Martin Email: [email protected]
DP: http://mattmartinchemistry.weebly.com/
Office Hours: Monday & Wed 33-43 or by appointment
If you need assistance with Chemistry you can contact me during my plan periods, office hours, or by appointment.
Suggested Materials (everyday)1
- Writing utensil (pen or pencil)
- Composition notebook for note taking/labs (preferably graph paper and pockets)
- One box of latex gloves or nitrile gloves
Course Description:
Chemistry is a semester long course which introduces students to the fundamental concepts of high school chemistry through an applied approach. The unifying themes of the course are the role of science as a decision making tool and the use of chemistry to understand the workings of our body and our environment.
A project-based learning approach is used to integrate labs, lectures, problem sets, field work, and research activities into a collective experience that builds (a) competency in the fundamental concepts of chemistry, (b) topical expertise in contemporary science issues and (c) broader critical thinking and quantitative skills which prepare students for future academic success.
Essential Questions
· How can the engineering design process be used in all aspects of life?
· How can I use the engineering design process in chemistry to refine a product to meet the needs of a consumer?
· How can thinking like a scientist help inform my decision making?
The topics to be explored (but not limited to) this semester:
· Atomic structure
· Bonding
· Chemical/physics properties of matter
· Reaction types/rates
· Stoichiometry
· Behavior of gases
· Thermochemistry
· Acids & bases
· Oxidation/reduction
Coursework: In general, you will see five types of assignments.
- Homework and in-class assignments (In Notebook) – Your notebook will be very important this semester. You will use it for recording class notes, and figuring out practice problems and omework assignments. These will be marked generally for completion and usually graded in class. While these will not solely determine your grade, they will influence it in a large way. (P.S. I’m trying this in lieu of tests and quizzes)
- Laboratory Experiments and Activities – Labs will solidify learning targets, as well as serve to hone your laboratory skills. Participation in these activities and completion of lab work is mandatory to pass this class.
- Lab Reports and Other Writing Assignments – Communication in science, as in other disciplines, is crucial in the demonstration and sharing of knowledge. You can expect to practice scientific and technical writing; some of these assignments may count toward or be learning targets.
- Really Small Assessments (RSAs) – Learning targets will be assessed in the form of small checks and performance tasks and will be used to determine if you have met proficiency.
- Projects – Projects will be extended assignments covering large topics. They will typically be completed in small groups; however, individuals will be assessed on components of the project throughout its duration.
- Final Exam: During the last week of school we will have a final assessment that will include concepts from the entire semester. Keep in mind 2 tests and 10 quizzes have been canceled this semester.
- Participation- Working the Wicked Soap Company booth in OB at least once. This event happens weekly on Wednesday nights from 3:30 -8:00 pm. Responsibilities include setting up and tearing down, selling our products, and explaining who we are, why we are doing this, and the chemistry behind it all to customers. A schedule will be out soon for sign ups.
Projects will include
1. The Wicked Soap Company Students will create various soaps and work to package them for sale to the public
2. Mad Scientist: Students will create individual explorations/experiments for parent participants to work with.
3. Elements of Self: Students will create a new element complete with Protons (positive attributes), Neutrons (general info about self), and electrons (things we are working on).
Grading Policy:
Grades are earned through hard work, growth and your honest effort to contribute positively to this academic environment.
If you come to class on time every day, and
If you participate in all the labs and clean-up,
If you do your homework and study hard for RSA’s, and
If you use your class time productively and maturely, and
If you take risks, ask questions and participate,
You will be guaranteed a B for this course.
Late work:
Late work will be worth half-credit if it is turned in with 48 hours. After 48 hours, no credit can be earned.
Opportunity to Demonstrate Growth
If you are unsatisfied with your grades on a particular topic or assignment, you may create and complete an alternate assignment/project/demonstration/infographic to demonstrate what you have learned and how you have grown as a student. Creation and completion will be entirely up to the student. Ideas must be approved before work starts .
Challenge option
For each unit of study, extra research options will be allowed and encouraged. The challenge option serves to further your understanding of the topics we are covering in class. They will be student designed to challenge you and therefore require a larger time commitment. Challenge options can also help prepare you to meet the expectations of honors courses. I welcome any of your ideas for a challenge option.
Here are three simple rules that sum up what I think are the important standards for behavior in science classes:
- Do your work to the best of your ability.
- Treat people and property with respect.
- Come talk to me if there is a problem.
CLASS POLICIES:
Absences: Students will be expected to be present and on time for all classes. Tardy arrivals and absences should be communicated to the class in advance. Late or absent students should expect to attend office hours to make up for missing class time.
Food/Drinks: For a variety of safety reasons due to the nature of our course, eating and drinking is prohibited in the classroom. Food and drinks brought into the classroom must remain contained and out of sight.
Music: Personal music and/or listening to music with headphones should only be used during independent work time and never during instruction.
Language: Language will be held to a professional and academic standard.
Dress Code: The school policy will be enforced at all times.
Student Signature___________________________
Parent Signature____________________________________
Nitrile gloves brought in? Yes / No
OB farmers market sign up Yes / No
PARENTS: I’m looking for parents to step up as well this semester. Would you be willing to help one or more times on a Wednesday evening in OB? Which week or weeks would you be available? Would anyone like to volunteer to take on a manager role for this? I could really use the help!
Please indicate which week or weeks you could help. Thank You!!!!
Date(s)_________________________________