Andrea Roman Class Room: 212
Alliance Health Services Academy High School
Science Department
Chemistry A & B
Course Syllabus
Fall 2016 & Spring 2017
Instructor:
Andrea Roman Class room: 212
HSA email: Office Hours: By Appointment
Google Voice Phone: (323) 451-2019 Tutoring Hours: Tuesdays 3:45-4:45 pm or by Appt.
Class Website: https://sites.google.com/site/andrearomanscience
www.turnitin.com -> Class ID: 13094554 Password: ilovescience
www.goformative.com -> teacher will later provide the class code by period
Introduction
Welcome to Chemistry! You will be learning fun and exciting facts about chemistry. But what is Chemistry? It is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Chemistry may seem a far-fetched subject, but you would be surprised to find out that it is all around you. How do you suppose your body works? CHEMISTRY! How do we get millions of different things from a few elements? You will be finding this and much more in this class.
Course Description
My goal is to change the way you see the world. During this class you will see the world through the eyes of chemistry. This class is a yearlong, lab-based chemistry class. This class will satisfy one of the “A-G” requirements: Laboratory science “d”. This course is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards, emphasizing in the eight science and engineering practices. In-depth topics covered: atomic structure, chemical reactions, chemical energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, and nuclear chemistry.
· Length: 1 year (Chemistry A = 1 semester & Chemistry B = 1 semester)
· Prerequisites for Enrollment: Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1
Textbook and Supplemental Texts:
Myers, R. Thomas, Keith B. Oldham, and Salvatore Tocci. Chemistry. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2006
Note: Various other readings, not included in the above text, will also be included as well.
Required Materials
· Chemistry Textbook (provided by school)
· Binder with 5 tab dividers
· Writing utensil: Pen (blue or black) and/or pencils
· Scientific Calculator (optional)
Course Objectives (Science and Engineering Practices)
After completing this course, you will be able to:
· Ask questions (for science) and define problems (for engineering)
· Develop and use models
· Plan and carry out investigations
· Analyze and interpret data
· Use mathematics and computational thinking
· Construct explanations (for science) and design solutions (for engineering)
· Engage in argument from evidence
· Obtain, evaluate and communicate information
KEY QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Big Picture:
· How do scientist study the world (and chemistry)?
· What impact does chemistry have on today’s world?
· How can we use our knowledge of chemistry to solve world problems?
(from NGSS)
Quarter # 1
Question # 1: How can one explain the structure, properties, and interactions of matter?
Question # 2: How do particles combine to form the variety of matter one observes?
Question # 3: What forces hold nuclei together and mediate nuclear processes?
Question # 4: How are waves used to transfer energy?
Question # 5: What are the characteristic properties and behaviors of waves?
Question # 6: What is light?
Question # 7: How can one explain the varied effects that involve light?
Question # 8: What other forms of electromagnetic radiation are there?
Quarter # 2
Question # 1: How do substances combine or change (react) to make new substances?
Question # 2: How does one characterize and explain these reactions and make predictions about them?
Question # 3: What underlying forces explain the variety of interactions observed?
CLASS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Grades/Grading
All Alliance College-Ready schools use a standard based grading system.
What this means:
- The NEW Next Generation Science Standards will be used. (www.nextgenscience.org)
- All assignments are attached to one or more standards
- Assignments are therefore graded towards mastery of the standard.
Science classes in the United States are moving into a new set of science standards, the “Next Generation Science Standards”. These standards emphasize on student scientific learning versus content learning.
What does this mean?
- Less memorization of information/more practice in scientific/engineering skills
- Condensed information (a lot less compared to California State Standards)
- Use of Scientific Skills through:
o Discovery/Inquiry Based Learning
§ Learning on your own with only little teacher explanation
§ The teacher is a facilitator for learning, is there to clarify misunderstandings
o Cognitive learning (Critical thinking)
§ Problem solving (using information given or researching information to answer questions)
§ Making connections – understanding that no subject is isolated. Everything is interconnected.
o Developing Metacognitive Skills (the ability to think about thinking, aka reflect on your ability to learn)
§ Determining next steps to improve problem solving
§ Determining your strengths and weaknesses and using this information to facilitate your own learning.
What does this mean for Ms. Roman’s classroom?
- I am excited to be part of this historic change in the education of science. I believe this is the way to go, to study science as scientists and engineers study it.
- Although all teachers in the US are just starting to implement this program, Alliance is one of the few that is ahead of the program.
- I, as an advocate for the sciences, was more than happy to implement this style of teaching this year. However, ALL sciences classes are going through a test/trail phase to determine which lessons best fit this style of teaching.
Question: Are all Alliance teachers using this form of teaching? Yes and No, some teachers may only have half or less than half of their lessons following this format because it takes A LOT of planning and re-planning. Since implementation is happening now and through the next few years, many teachers are slowly transitioning over. However, since I, Ms. Roman, am only teaching one subject, I have extra time and I am taking advantage of this to plan ALL my lessons using inquiry based learning.
What does this mean for you?
- First of all, it means that you will struggle and feel overwhelmed. It is OK!!! It is part of the learning process.
- Critical thinking is a skill that is very hard to acquire, specifically critical thinking in the sciences. It really just comes down to practice. The MORE you practice, the BETTER you will be at it.
o Pretty soon all teachers all over the US will be teaching like this for all subjects, starting at elementary. By the time students reach high school, they will already be problem solvers and critical thinkers.
Typical Lesson Cycle:
The following is the inquiry/discovery based cycle we will be using:
1) Engagement/Engage
a. Requires little to no Chemistry content knowledge (first temporary hold on grade)
2) Exploration/Explore
a. Before the teacher goes over any terms and content, you will complete an assignment, (or part of an assignment) which will require you to investigate the various topics that will be covered in the unit.
3) Explanation/Explain
a. Teacher will go over misconceptions, go over important terminology and fundamental concepts needed to master the learning objectives and/or standards. (Some standards are mastered after several lesson cycles.)
4) Elaboration/Elaborate/Expand
a. You are now using your knowledge acquired from both the exploration and explanation to apply your knowledge in an assignment.
b. You will have at least one assignment after the explanation for a final test of LO or standard mastery.
i. This assignment may be at times a continuation/finalization of the exploration assignment. This is usually true for large lab assignments that can serve as both an explorative and elaborative pieces. By the time the assignment is due, your teacher should have clarified the key concepts needed to complete the assignment. Evaluation/Evaluate
c. Do Now/Exit Slips (Unit Work)
d. Quizzes/Tests (Unit Summative)
Grading Scale
Although your grades are calculated using the Alliance grading system, I will be writing the traditional grades on all your assignments as a point of reference for you.
Letter Grade / Grade Point(s) / Alliance Grade Percentage / Traditional Schools’Grade Percentage
A / 3.40 – 4.00 / 84% - 100 % / 90% - 100%
B / 2.70 – 3.39 / 67% - 83.9% / 80% - 89.9%
C / 2.00 – 2.69 / 50% - 66.9% / 70% - 79.9%
NP / 0 – 1.99 / Below 50% / 60% - 69.9% (D)
Below 60% = Fail (F)
Grade Category Breakdown:
· Unit Work (16.7%)
o EXPLORE- activities, goformative.com, etc.
o EXPLAIN- notes, annotations, questions, binder, etc.
o EXPAND- activities, practice worksheets, vocabulary, etc.
o EVALUATE/EXAM- Unit Quizzes/Pop Quizzes
· Unit Summative (16.7%)
o EXPLORE/EXPAND- Informal Lab Reports
o EVALUATE- Unit Exams and/or Unit Projects
· Final Exam (33.3%)
o Culminating Exam- Covers ALL of the standards and learning objectives.
· Final Project (33.3%)
o Formal Lab Reports (~25%)
o Final Research Project (~8.3%)
Class Rules:
· All school policies and procedures will be enforced at all times.
· You must be at your seat by the time class is scheduled to start, or you will be marked tardy.
· Be in your assigned seat at all times. Ask for permission to move around.
· Please, do not speak when the teacher is speaking unless directed to do so. Raise your hand to speak.
· You must be in school uniform.
· Come to class prepared.
· Do not use any profane or offensive language.
· No food or drinks (only bottled water).
· All electronics must be put away at all times unless specified by the teacher. (iPads/computers are ONLY to be used for instructional purposes.)
Late Assignments
All assignments must be turned in on time to receive full credit. An assignment is considered late if it is not turned in by the by the end of the period, unless otherwise mentioned. No non-graded assignment will be accepted late!!! (HW passes, which can help give you more time on assignments, can be gained by regularly participating, using academic vocabulary and coming in to tutoring.)
Excused Absences: If you have an excused absence, you get a day for each absence to make up your work without being deducted points. If you have any questions regarding your absence and how to make up work, please speak to me personally.
· It is your responsibility to find out what you missed and turn it in.
· https://sites.google.com/site/andrearomanscience
· Make-ups for missed labs will be scheduled accordingly.
· Make-ups for unit quizzes or tests will need to be schedule with enough time.
Knowing Your Grade:
All student work will be turned in as soon as possible with feedback. Please check your progress consistently online.
If you feel the grade you have received is incorrect, please speak to me personally.
Cheating/Plagiarism:
NO CHEATING is allowed. If you are caught cheating, you will receive an automatic zero on your assignment/test/etc. and will visit the office for additional disciplinary action. Also, ALL typed assignments will be submitted via: www.turnitin.com.
Class ID: 13094554
Password: ilovescience
Restroom Policy:
You may use the restroom at any moment during the class time as long as it is NOT when the teacher is giving or about to give instructions, going over very important information, or during the first or last 15 minutes of class (so don’t ask). However, if you do need to use the restroom at any other time, sign the restroom log.
Misbehavior/Disciplinary Problems And Their Consequences (Subject To Change):
1st offense: Warning
2nd offense: Parent Notification and afterschool detention
3rd offense: Parent-Teacher-Student Conference/Student Reflection
4th offense: Visit to the Office (certain behavior may call for an automatic referral to the office.)
Binder: Set-Up:
Your binder is one of the most important things you must bring to class. If you forget to bring your binder, you WILL have a grade for this.
Tab # 1: Important Class Information
· Syllabus
· Self-Monitoring Check-List
· Unit/Semester Project Deadlines/Rubrics
Tab # 2: Notes
· Unit Vocabulary
· Class Notes
· Reading Notes
· Graphic Organizers
· *Other work designated by teacher
Tab # 3: Labs/Classwork
· Worksheets
· Reading Questions
· Lab Reports
· Activities
Tab # 4: Test/Quizzes
· Tests
· Quizzes
Tab # 5: Extra Resources
· Information Printouts
· Article Printouts
· Grade Printouts
· ETC.
CHEMISTRY’S YEARLY OVERVIEW:
Semester 1
Unit / Standards / Topics / Weeks0 / HS-ETS1-1 HS-ETS1-2
HS-ETS1-3 HS-ETS1-4 / Science Inquiry / Week # 1-2
1 / HS-PS1-1 HS-PS1-8
HS-PS4-1 HS-PS4-3 / Atomic Structure / Week # 3-9
2 / HS-PS1-2 HS-PS1-3
HS-PS2-6 HS-PS1-7 / Reactions / Week # 10 – 15
Final / All Semester 1 Standards / Review
Final Exam
Final Project Presentations / Week # 16
Week # 17
Week # 18
Important Dates:
· Unit 0 Exam Thursday/Friday, August 18/19
· Final Project- Topic Choice Thursday/Friday, September 8/9
· Unit 1 Exam Early October (TBD)
· 1st Formal Lab Report Wednesday, October 5th, through www.turnitin.com by 11:59 pm
· Final Project- Research & Outline Friday, October 14th by 11:59 pm
· Final Project- 1st Draft Thursday, October 10th by 11:59 pm through www.turnitin.com
· Unit 2 Exam Thursday/Friday, November 17/18
· Final Project- Peer Review Friday, November 18th by 11:59 pm through www.turnitin.com
· 2nd Formal Lab Report Wed, November 30th by 11:59 pm, through www.turnitin.com
· Final Project- Final Essay Draft Wed, December 7th by 11:59 pm through www.turnitin.com
· Final Project- Presentation Thursday/Friday, December 8/9
· Final Project- Multimedia Thursday/Friday, December 8/9
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Semester 2
Unit / Standards / Topics / Weeks2 (cont.) / HS-PS1-7 / Reactions: Moles / Week # 19 – 21
3 / HS-PS1-4 HS-PS3-1
HS-PS3-2 HS-PS3-3
HS-PS3-4 / Energy / Week # 22 – 29
4 / HS-PS1-5 HS-PS1-6 / Kinetics and Equilibrium / Week # 30 – 36
Final / All Semester 2 Standards AND:
HS-ETS1-1 HS-ETS1-2
HS-ETS1-3 HS-ETS1-4 / Review
Final Exam
Final Project Presentations / Week # 37
Week # 38
Week # 39
Important Dates:
· Final Project- Topic Choice Friday, January 27th by 11:59 pm