Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

Chemistry is the study of matter; energy and the composition of the universe. Areas that we will investigate are; identifying consistencies in experimental data; structure of matter as a key to chemical and physical properties; mole concept; energy changes in matter; conservation of energy; and stoichiometric relationships; laboratory work and the scientific method are emphasized.

Course Objectives:
1. To develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the physical world.
2. To discover and understand the composition of matter.
3. To develop the ability to apply abstract mathematics to concrete events.
4. To develop problem-solving skills.
5. To develop the ability to communicate using precise scientific language.

In order to achieve these objectives; we will first make careful observations of the natural world. An instructional unit for the course will usually begin with a laboratory experiment designed to challenge our observation and thinking skills. During the laboratory investigation we will identify which aspects of a physical phenomenon we can measure; and we will design and perform experiments to study the relationships between measurables and observables. We will then evaluate the results of our experiments by creating models (tables; graphs; diagrams; and mathematical equations); which summarize and clarify what we observed. These models will be applied to new physical situations; which will allow us to predict natural events and solve problems. Finally; we will learn to clearly explain our findings and problem solutions to each other using the terms and mathematical models discovered. This is a student-centered classroom. I rarely lecture to the class. More often; class time is spent in student whiteboard presentations; class discussions; labs and demonstrations. Students are expected to: use chemistry class time only for activities related to chemistry class; and to act responsibly and in a way that promotes learning (both their own and others) whenever they are involved in a chemistry activity; both in the classroom and out. Students should expect to work every day in this class.

Topics

Electric Forces; Fields and Potential: Electron distributions and actions at a distance
Intermolecular Forces and Biological Macromolecules: Attractions not bonds
Equilibrium: Reactions that do not go to completion
Acids and Bases: pH and proton transfer
Temperature and Energy: Thermal equilibrium and microscopic energy distributions
Making Work Useful: Heat engines and enthalpy
Entropy: How probable is a reaction to take place
Electrochemistry: Oxidation and reduction reactions
Reaction Kinetics: Rates of reactions and catalysis

Class Supplies and Procedures

Supplies:
ÔÇü A bound composition book (not a spiral notebook or three-ring binder) for use as a lab notebook
ÔÇü A blue or black pen
ÔÇü A graphing calculator

Bring to class every day: Lab notebook; pen; calculator

Recommendations:
ÔÇü Take notes. Writing down important points helps you to remember the key concepts and provides you with information to review for tests and quizzes.
ÔÇü Complete your assignments on time. Class activities and discussions require that you read assignments and give your best effort to solving the problems.
ÔÇü Please use PEN for your assignments. We use a bound lab notebook and a pen so that everything that happens in class is recorded for posterity. In science; data integrity is of the utmost importance; and making all of our observations and data recordings permanent is one way to achieve this.

Evaluation: Your evaluation and grade will be based on your depth of inquiry into; understanding of; and attitude toward the material presented in class. These will be assessed by your performance in the following categories:
 Class participation - I need you to help me teach this class. I expect you to ask relevant questions; volunteer answers; share insights and observations during the class discussion; and participate in class activities. “The mind is not a vessel to be filled; but a fire to be kindled” - Plutarch
ÔÇü Assignments
ÔÇÆ Written assignments should be done in ink. If the assignment is done in your lab notebook you should write the date in the upper right corner. If you are handing in a separate piece of paper; you need to write your first and last name and the date in the upper right corner.
ÔÇÆ Clearly communicate your solution steps and thought processes on the paper. I want to see your brain at work.
ÔÇÆ Assignments should be completed by the due date.
 When there is no written assignment due the next school day; your homework is to review your notes; the readings and any graded material that has been handed back. Prepare some questions for the next day’s discussion.
ÔÇü Experiments and laboratory activities are a vital part of Chemistry. You will be required to write an extensive (several page) report on at least one lab per semester. Requirements for the reports will be communicated during the introduction to the lab activity.
ÔÇü Quizzes and Tests - There will be periodic quizzes throughout the course. Tests will be given approximately every 3 to 4 weeks. A major test will be announced one week in advance so that you have time to organize and review the concepts. If you keep up with the material; complete your assignments; and participate in class; you should have no problem with the quizzes and tests.
Course Objectives:
1. To develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the physical world.
2. To discover and understand the composition of matter.
3. To develop the ability to apply abstract mathematics to concrete events.
4. To develop problem-solving skills.
5. To develop the ability to communicate using precise scientific language.

In order to achieve these objectives; we will first make careful observations of the natural world. An instructional unit for the course will usually begin with a laboratory experiment designed to challenge our observation and thinking skills. During the laboratory investigation we will identify which aspects of a physical phenomenon we can measure; and we will design and perform experiments to study the relationships between measurables and observables. We will then evaluate the results of our experiments by creating models (tables; graphs; diagrams; and mathematical equations); which summarize and clarify what we observed. These models will be applied to new physical situations; which will allow us to predict natural events and solve problems. Finally; we will learn to clearly explain our findings and problem solutions to each other using the terms and mathematical models discovered. This is a student-centered classroom. I rarely lecture to the class. More often; class time is spent in student whiteboard presentations; class discussions; labs and demonstrations. Students are expected to: use chemistry class time only for activities related to chemistry class; and to act responsibly and in a way that promotes learning (both their own and others) whenever they are involved in a chemistry activity; both in the classroom and out. Students should expect to work every day in this class.

Topics

Electric Forces; Fields and Potential: Electron distributions and actions at a distance
Intermolecular Forces and Biological Macromolecules: Attractions not bonds
Equilibrium: Reactions that do not go to completion
Acids and Bases: pH and proton transfer
Temperature and Energy: Thermal equilibrium and microscopic energy distributions
Making Work Useful: Heat engines and enthalpy
Entropy: How probable is a reaction to take place
Electrochemistry: Oxidation and reduction reactions
Reaction Kinetics: Rates of reactions and catalysis

Class Supplies and Procedures

Supplies:
ÔÇü A bound composition book (not a spiral notebook or three-ring binder) for use as a lab notebook
ÔÇü A blue or black pen
ÔÇü A graphing calculator

Bring to class every day: Lab notebook; pen; calculator

Recommendations:
ÔÇü Take notes. Writing down important points helps you to remember the key concepts and provides you with information to review for tests and quizzes.
ÔÇü Complete your assignments on time. Class activities and discussions require that you read assignments and give your best effort to solving the problems.
ÔÇü Please use PEN for your assignments. We use a bound lab notebook and a pen so that everything that happens in class is recorded for posterity. In science; data integrity is of the utmost importance; and making all of our observations and data recordings permanent is one way to achieve this.

Evaluation: Your evaluation and grade will be based on your depth of inquiry into; understanding of; and attitude toward the material presented in class. These will be assessed by your performance in the following categories:
 Class participation - I need you to help me teach this class. I expect you to ask relevant questions; volunteer answers; share insights and observations during the class discussion; and participate in class activities. “The mind is not a vessel to be filled; but a fire to be kindled” - Plutarch
ÔÇü Assignments
ÔÇÆ Written assignments should be done in ink. If the assignment is done in your lab notebook you should write the date in the upper right corner. If you are handing in a separate piece of paper; you need to write your first and last name and the date in the upper right corner.
ÔÇÆ Clearly communicate your solution steps and thought processes on the paper. I want to see your brain at work.
ÔÇÆ Assignments should be completed by the due date.
 When there is no written assignment due the next school day; your homework is to review your notes; the readings and any graded material that has been handed back. Prepare some questions for the next day’s discussion.
ÔÇü Experiments and laboratory activities are a vital part of Chemistry. You will be required to write an extensive (several page) report on at least one lab per semester. Requirements for the reports will be communicated during the introduction to the lab activity.
ÔÇü Quizzes and Tests - There will be periodic quizzes throughout the course. Tests will be given approximately every 3 to 4 weeks. A major test will be announced one week in advance so that you have time to organize and review the concepts. If you keep up with the material; complete your assignments; and participate in class; you should have no problem with the quizzes and tests.

School country

School state

School city

High school

School / district Address

School zip code

Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• LADV
• Advanced science

• LCHM
• Chemistry

Approved date

Online / Virtual