Class Description

(open to juniors/seniors) A two semester course that explores basic chemical principles. It is intended for college and non-college bound students. A study of atomic structure, bonding and mathematical relationships is included. A brief overview is given of a number of branches of areas: organic, acid/base, solutions, and oxidation/reduction. This course includes lecture/discussion as well as lab work. A science fair project is required.

Class Expectations

Testing:

1. Tests are given every 2-4 weeks (occasionally shorter or longer)

2. Tests are returned to students, after reviewing them in class

3. First quiz is generally given 3-4 weeks after school starts.

Daily Work:

1. "Daily" Work is assigned at irregular intervals. Some units have more than others.

2. Daily work consists of reading and text questions, problems, completion of Lab reports, and some light research.

3. Daily work is graded; sometimes merely for completion, but usually on the basis of neatness, completion and accuracy. Points are deducted twice as fast for incomplete work than inaccurate work, to encourage attempts at answers.

Major Projects:

1. Two are assigned, both of which can be group projects. Each project has the value of at least one test. The option is available for these to be individual projects if the student desires.

2. The first project is a Science Fair project. This will be assigned in September, though most of the work will be done in January and February, with the Final Full Science Fair Presentation (Boards) in the last week of February or the first week of March. The Regional Science Fair is usually the first Friday of April. The major Grade for Science Fair will come in the Third Quarter.

3. In the second quarter a Time Line is assigned which shows the significant dates, events, and people in the development of the atomic model, and how those developments influenced, and were influenced by, religion. Creativity and understanding are important components of this project. Due date is November to December.

Miscellaneous:

1. Quizzes are usually announced, and count for approximately 1/4 of a test.

2. Class participation is expected. It is virtually impossible to not participate in Labs. Verbal participation in class discussions is also expected, though not specifically graded. Participation is most helpful for students who are poor test takers, since a student’s participation can give an indication of knowledge and understanding gains during the course.

Final Grade:

1. Grades are determined by the percent of points earned in a quarter. There are generally 2-4 tests in each quarter, each worth 100 points. Daily work generally adds up to another 100 points, making daily work equivalent to one test. Projects are included as discussed above.

2. Semester grades are determined by: 40% first quarter grade, 40% second quarter grade, and 20% from the exam. Any borderline grades are influenced by class participation and a subjective evaluation of the students knowledge of the material as displayed through the entire semester.

Class Outline

I. Introduction

A. Science and its "method"

1. Relationship between theory, Observation and Experiment

2. Logic

B. Chemical and physical properties

1. Theory

2. Application: Ores

C. Heat and Kinetic Theory

1. Phases of matter

2. Kinetics

II. Atomic Model

A. History

B. Relationship between Science and Religion throughout history.

C. Theoretical models

D. Experimental basis

E. Periodic Table

III. Atomic relationships

A. Naming

B. Stoichiometry: the Math of chemistry

C. Reactions

D. Ionization Energy, electronegativity

E. Bonding

1. Ionic, Covalent, Metallic

2. Hydrogen, Vander Waals

IV. Gas Laws

A. Relationships

B. Chemical importance

V. Solution chemistry

A. Solubility

B. Measures and applications

VI. Equilibrium: Dynamics with emphasis on acid-base relationships

A. LeChatelier's Principle

B. Electrolytes

C. Acids, Strong and Weak

D. Bases

VII. Organic Chemistry

A. Applications

B. Reactions