Lab Chemistry
Course Syllabus
Dr. Briggs
email: [email protected]; web: behschem.pbworks.com phone: (207) 642-9080 ext. 917
COURSE OVERVIEW
Each of you has arrived at this point by different paths and your reasons for taking this course are equally varied. Some of you are simply trying to fulfill a graduation requirement. Others are preparing for college or some other post-secondary pursuit. Still others have a genuine interest in science and may be planning for a career in a science related field. This class is designed to help each of you reach your goals.
Our world is made up of “stuff,” and that stuff is made up of smaller stuff, and that stuff is made up of even smaller stuff. And on it goes. Understanding how all that microscopic (or submicroscopic) stuff fits together can tell us an awful lot about the world we actually experience. That is the purpose of a course in chemistry. We will be asking some very profound and intriguing questions about the very nature of our world. This is a laboratory-oriented, problem-solving course, so, we will be investigating these questions through scientific inquiry, lab experiments, critical thinking, and collaboration. My intention is to have you not only understand these questions, but to make life-long use of your problem- solving skills, to become a self-directed learner who contributes positively to your community, and to be a clear and effective communicator who makes responsible and informed decisions.
Regardless of who you are outside of this class, within these walls, you are a scientist. You will be expected to ask questions, to make predictions, and to design experiments to answer questions. Hopefully, you will also have fun along the way.
ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS
Students (that’s you) will understand THAT...
the world we experience in our daily lives is the result of reactions and properties that exist on a sub-microscopic level. science is not a collection of facts, but rather a process by which we discover and explain those facts. science is a highly social, collaborative process that requires detailed and careful communication
TOPICS (UNITS)
1 Intro to Chemistry, Measurement, Structure & 5 Chemical Calculations Classification of Matter 2 Atomic Theory & Chemical Compounds 6 Gases 3 Chemical Reactions & Acids & Bases 7 Process of Chemical Reactions 4 Oxidation Reactions 8 Nuclear Chemistry
COURSE STANDARDS
A2 M odels Students evaluate the effectiveness of a model by comparing its predictions to actual observations from the physical setting, the living environment, and the technological world. A4 Scale Students apply understanding of scale to explain phenomena in physical, biological, and technological systems. B1 Skills and Traits of Scientific Inquiry Students methodically plan, conduct, analyze data from, and communicate results of in-depth scientific investigations, including experiments guided by a testable hypothesis. C1 Understandings of Inquiry Students describe key aspects of scientific investigations: that they are guided by scientific principles and knowledge, that they are performed to test ideas, and that they are communicated and defended publicly. C2 Understandings About Science and Technology Students explain how the relationship between scientific inquiry and technological design influences the advancement of ideas, products, and systems. C3 Science, Technology, and Society Students describe the role of science and technology in creating and solving contemporary issues and challenges. C4 History and Nature of Science Students describe the human dimensions and traditions of science, the nature of scientific knowledge, and historical episodes in science that impacted science and society. D3 Matter and Energy Students describe the structure, behavior, and interactions of matter at the atomic level and the relationship between matter and energy D4 Force and Motion Students understand that the laws of force and motion are the same across the universe.
COURSE ASSESSMENTS
There will be a variety of formative and summative assessments throughout the semester. Formative assessments will help the teacher (and you) evaluate how well you are mastering the course content. Summative assessments evaluate how well you have mastered the key concepts, procedures, and content standards.
Graded Assessment types will include: 1. Tests (to assess how well you have mastered the content, i.e. have met the standards) 2. Quizzes (as a progress check and to check for understanding of homework) 3. Lab Reports (since this is a lab class, these address standards B1 & C1, as well as integrate content knowledge, practice, and communication) 4. Projects/Writing (to assess your ability to apply what you learn, as well as a chance to learn by doing) 5. Reflections (your chance to think about what you are learning, as well as to evaluate your class performance)
POLICIES
1. Re-Doing assignments. You may retake tests for a maximum score of 90%. The retake will replace your original grade. You may be required to do a “qualifying assignment” first, to assess your readiness to retake the test.
2. Missed & Late Work Late work: In the past, I have tried to be lenient with late work and have been made to regret it. Therefore, if I collect homework for grading, and you turn it in late, I will only accept it if you stay after on the next makeup day (or before) to complete it. You will receive a maximum of 70% on late homework. For other work, such as lab reports and projects, there will probably be late penalties built into the rubric.
Missed Labs must be made up on the next makeup day. 3. Grading Grading will be based mainly on a total point system. Dividing the total number of points you’ve received by the total possible gives you your percent grade.
PREPAREDNESS
You are expected to be prepared for class each day. That means more than just showing up for class. You need to bring your brain and a willingness to use it, along with the following items. Scientific calculator (NOT YOUR PHONE, PDA, IPOD, etc.) Pencil Blue or black pen Lab Notebook Dry erase marker Chemistry notebook
We will be using two text books 1) a regular text book: Introductory Chemistry, by Zumdahl & DeCoste 2) a downloadable book: An Introduction to Chemistry, Atoms First, by Mark Bishop: http://preparatorychemistry.com/Bishop_Atoms_First.htm
NOTE: There are so many other details about this course that we’ll discuss them as we encounter them. Lab Chemistry Syllabus Signature Page
Student: My signature indicates that I have read the COURSE SYLLABUS.
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