1. GENERAL CHEMISTRY Mr. Sparks Room 205

2. COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

3. Introduction General Chemistry is a full year class The other General Chemistry instructor is:  Mr. Taruscio All Classes will cover the same material

4. Pre-Requisite Pre-requisite: Algebra I (completed) – Soph/Junior/Seniors

5. Course of Study Lab Safety Scientific Method Metrics Units and measurements Significant figures Energy, Temperature, Matter Elements and compounds Mixtures Atomic Structure Periodic table Chemical bonding Chemical reactions Stoichiometry Gases, Liquids, solids Acids and bases Chemical equilibrium

6. Grade Breakdown Tests– 40% Quizzes– 5% Homework– 20% Labs– 20% Independent science project --10% Reflections – 5%

7. Grades A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% Below 60 % not so good

8. No one likes tests, even teachers. In the old days, when people learned by apprenticeship, there wasn’t a need for tests because the master knew how the apprentice was doing by watching them and regularly asking them questions. However, in a classroom of 30 students, I may have no idea how much you have learned, so a test is one way of finding out.

9. My expectation is that everyone understands everything on the test and gets it 100% right. Everyone may not get it 100% the first time, but they should get it correct on the 2 nd, or 3 rd time. It makes no sense to go on when there is something critical missing. Much of chemistry builds off the previous material. Of course, a person who takes three tries to get a question right doesn’t deserve the same amount of credit of the person who got it right the first time. But getting it right the third time still deserves credit.

10. On tests if you score less then 70% you can retake the test. Criteria for test retakes: If you score between 60-69% or below on a test and choose to retake the test and you score above 70% the best score that you can get on the retake is 70%. If you score between 60-69% on the retake I will give you the highest of the 2 scores in that range.

11. If you score below 70% on a test and choose to retake the test and you score above 70% the best score that you can get on the retake is 70%. If you score between 60-69% on the retake I will give you the highest of the 2 scores in that range.

12. For example, if you score a 76% on the test and choose to retake it and get an 84% on it then the highest grade that you can get is 80%. If you score a 78% on the retake I will give you 78%. You have to make an extra effort to do it again (during office hours). In short, I’m more interested in you learning the material than giving you low grades

13. Quizzes Quizzes are everyday These will range from 5-20 points per quiz It will cover the previous days material For example our next class period quiz will cover this intro material

14. Homework There will be time allotted in each class to work on some of the home work There will be homework in this class If no due date is given assume that it is due the next class period

15. Labs Lab write-ups are due 2 class period days after the completion of the lab Adhere to all lab safety requirements Participation from all lab partners is required DO NOT miss lab days

16. Independent science project IS REQUIRED For this class will be in April 2016. There are certain parts that are required each quarter and semester The rubric and overall requirements will be explained at a latter date There will be class time allotted for the initial work on your science experiment NO more than 2 students per project, must be in same class period

17. Reflections Every Friday that you have this class you will write a reflection of what you have learned during the week in your reflection notebook. It should include the learning targets for the week How you meet those learning targets The length should be 150-300 words, handwritten I will read these not for content, but to ensure that there is nothing that would require administration intervention

18. Close and Technical Reading This is a required part of the class Groups will choose and article to read (no more than 4) Choose a leader(it will rotate), a recorder for the group, and 2 helpers Discuss the article as a group Develop pros and cons about the article Search for additional articles to support the pro and cons you selected What the group learned from the articles in your own words Submit a two page typed, double spaced, New Times Roman, 12 pitch, Given on Mondays due the following Friday (2 weeks)

19. 19 The Best Approach to Learning Chemistry Learn the Vocabulary of Chemistry – Definitions of Terms – How Common Vocabulary is Applied to Chemistry Memorize Important Information – Names, Formulas and Charges of Polyatomic Ions – Solubility Rules Learn and Practice Processes – Systematic Names and Formulas – Dimensional Analysis Do the Questions and Exercises

20. STUDENT SUPPLY LIST Bring everyday Notebook 2 Composition notebooks (1 for reflections, 1 for labs)(both can be left in the classroom) Writing utensil (pencil preferred) Calculator (Must have the Log function) And an open mind

21. KEYS TO SUCCESS INSTRUCTOR EXPECTATIONS: 1. Specific expectations for each student are as follows: RESPECT all others space, property, and opinions. Arrive with a positive attitude and PREPARED with all required material. Words, actions and demeanor must be appropriate for a safe learning environment. Work hard and follow directions.

22. 2. Specific positive outcomes for each student are: Positive praise and daily points. Positive parent contact. Additional classroom privileges. KEYS TO SUCCESS

23. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: 1. Specific expectations for each student are as follows: An instructor that is prepared everyday An instructor that RESPECTs all students and opinions. An instructor that has a positive attitude.

24. 2. Specific positive outcomes : Homework and tests grades accurately and returned in a timely manner Positive praise and daily points. Positive parent contact. Additional classroom privileges.

25. 3. Negative behavior will have consequences: Initial verbal warning Individual student / teacher conference Parent contact/student/teacher conference After class and /or after school detention Referral to administration

26. KEYS TO SUCCESS cell phones, or personal computers in class. Turn them off before entering. If you are caught it texting, snapchatting, twittering with your phone it will be confiscated until the end of the class period. If you are not on an appropriate website your computer will be confiscated until the end of the period No Food or Drinks in the classroom except water in clear bottles with a screw cap. Stay in seats until the bell rings

27. CONTACT TIMES My office hours are 7:00am -7:45 am and 2:25-4:00pm in room 205. First come First served E-mail: sparksltc@aol.com Phone:

28. SUCCESS IS YOUR CHOICE