LaSalle College High School



LaSalle College High School

Chemistry

Course Syllabus and Guide

Mr. Charles Cirelli 2007-2008

Course Description: This is a full year, two semester, presentation of the fundamental concepts and experimental techniques of modern chemistry. Using hands-on applications of the scientific method, the course material is presented through a cooperative learning perspective. Upon mastery of the first semester subject matter, students progress into a more vigorous second semester that uses application-style approach to interpret and validate the conceptual theory. The material during the second semester is presented in a more formal college-style lecture format.

Goals:

• To learn the facts, formulae, and principles that makes up modern Chemistry.

• To understand the basic concepts underlying the facts, formulae, and principles that makes up modern Chemistry.

• To develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through application of the scientific method.

• To appreciate the role chemistry plays in society and the world around us.

Required Material:

Textbook: Introductory Chemistry: Concepts and Connections, 3rd Edition. Charles H. Corwin. Upper Saddle River, NJ; Prentice Hall, 2001.

Lab Manual: Chemistry Lab Manual. Charles Cirelli, Julia Maher & Dorothy Ponisciak. LaSalle College High School Department of Chemistry, Current 2007-2008 edition.

Notebooks: 1 classroom style notebook for “in class” notes.

1 classroom style notebook for “at home” recopying and practice problems.

1 classroom style notebook for lab data collection.

Folder/Binder: 1 organizer/folder (to keep handouts and pass backs organized)

Calculator: Graphing Calculators are NOT required. For less than ten dollars a TI-30 scientific series or Casio FX-260 are recommended. Whatever you purchase make sure that it is a Scientific Calculator, i.e., it can perform exponential notation.

Grading Policy: Each grading period grades will be calculated on the following basis:

• Every assignment will be issued a point value. Each student will receive an EARNED number of points out of the total possible points. At the end of each quarter each student can add the total EARNED points and divide by the total possible points then multiply by 100 to calculate the percent grade.

• Grades will result from points EARNED from assigned homework (5 pts), lab reports (75 pts), and tests (100 pts). Positive class participation is expected and will impact a student on his class contribution grade (25 pts).

• Students are encouraged to keep track of their grades.

Assignments: Each grading period grades will be calculated on the evaluation of the following:

• Homework will generally be given every night. It will take the form of both writing and reading assignments. Daily reading, review, and re-writing of notes are just as important as assigned written work. Late homework is NOT accepted!

• One lab each quarter will be designated as a “Laboratory Report Experiment”. A formal Lab Report will be due for this lab. A guideline for formal lab reports will be made available to students. It is important the students are not absent for chemistry laboratory. Make-up labs will not be conducted.

• Tests are given at least three times per quarter. They will consist of objective questions, problem solving and essay. A missed test due to an excused absence (funeral or illness only) will be replaced with a quarter exam given after school at the end of the quarter in which the test was missed. It is a cumulative exam covering all the information covered in the quarter, not just the information from the missed test. A missed test because of unexcused absence (cutting class, cutting school, vacation) can not be made up and is assigned a zero grade.

• Class contribution is a daily opportunity to learn and contribute to each other’s learning. It is expected that each student contribute to class in a positive way. Attentiveness and appropriate classroom behavior is always expected.

Special Information: If you are absent and have missed class work, notes, homework or announcements, you are required to obtain and are responsible for that information or assignment. The correlation between absence and low grades is extraordinary. If at any time during the year a student feels he does not understand the subject matter he MUST inform the teacher. Arrangements should be made for extra help before it becomes a problem. Mr. Cirelli will be found on the 3rd floor Chemistry/Physics wing (room #301, #302 or in the science office at the other end of the hallway) everyday before and after school. My office and free time are always available for getting advice, help with homework, or dealing with problems. In addition, officially sanctioned LaSalle tutoring is available through the Counseling Center/College Placement Office. See Mrs. O’Connell or Mrs. Ponisciak to set up a schedule.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!

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