1. Chemistry West Lafayette High School Mr. Peter von Werder 2006-2007

2. Mr. Peter von Werder 17.5 years teaching experience
Beginning my 8th year at West Lafayette HS
Currently I teach:
Chemistry I
Chemistry I Honors
Chemistry II (AP)
B.S. Chemistry - Valparaiso University
M.S. Science Education – Purdue University
Married with four children

3. Topics (Chemistry I) Tools of Chemistry Atomic and Molecular Structure
Measurement, Problem solving
Classification of matter, Basic thermochemistry
Atomic and Molecular Structure
Composition and structure of the atom
Nuclear chemistry
Periodicity; oxidation/reduction
Chemical Bonding; organic chemistry
Language of chemistry; the mole concept
Chemical reactions and stoichiometry

4. Topics (Chemistry I) cont.
State of Matter
Physical properties of gases
Condensed states of matter
Solution Chemistry
Chemistry of aqueous solutions
Chemical equilibria
Electrochemistry

5. In Class Activities Lecture Discussion Problem solving
Individual and Group Work
Labs, reports
Quizzes, tests
Demonstrations

6. Homework Reading Comprehension Problem solving / skills practice
WebAssign (new this year)
Study for quizzes / tests
Lab analysis / reports
Long term projects
Element poster
Perform and explain a demonstration

7. Quizzes and Tests Quizzes Tests Occur about once a week
Usually 1-3 questions/problems
Tests
Multiple choice component
Short answer / problem component

8. Help for Students
Encourage the students to seek help from me at the onset of difficulty; ask questions in class
Students can arrange a help session with me during lunch, after school, …
Review materials posted to web site
Check with Guidance for in-school tutors (NHS, Beering Scholars from Purdue)
Investigate on-line resources
Chem I
Chem I, H

9. Contacting Mr. von Werder
Voice mail: Ext. 440
Best time to call to speak with me directly:
Second period: 9:03 – 9:53 am
After school: 3:30 – 4:00 pm

10. Special Projects new this year:
WebAssign – electronic homework delivery system
Science Express; Purdue chemistry outreach
Instrumentation (GC, Spec, FTIR, probes, N2(l)…)
Science Olympiad; academic competition
23 events in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Earth Science
Grant funded projects/labs:
Nuclear decay (WL Parent council, Lilly)
States of Matter (Lilly)
Emission spectra (Lilly)