Chemistry Mrs. R. Aragones INTRODUCTION Chemistry is the study of matter - its structure, properties, the changes it undergoes, and the energy that accompanies these changes. Understanding this branch of science will increase the student’s appreciation and awareness of the structure and behavior of the world around him/her. The University of California system and equivalent universities and colleges have given Chemistry at George Washington High School, a college preparatory status. Chemistry therefore, is a required course if a student plans to attend college. At the end of the course, the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of Chemistry through a variety of classroom activities: lecture/discussion, demonstrations, laboratory experiments, class/group work, projects, reports, and homework. COURSE CONTENT Fall Semester: 1st Marking Period Matter Atomic Structure Radioactivity Electron Clouds and Probability Fall Semester: 2nd Marking Period Periodic Table Periodic Properties Chemical Nomenclature Chemical Reactions Fall Semester: 3rd Marking Period The Mole Stoichiometry Chemical Bonding Polarity of Molecules TEXTBOOK/REFERENCE Zumdahl, Zumdahl and DeCoste. 2003. The World of Chemistry. McDougall Littel MATERIALS Bound Composition Notebook (for taking notes) scientific calculator Bound Composition Notebook (for homework) binder paper Blue/black pen for writing graphing paper Red pen for correcting papers other materials (announced as the need arises) One roll of paper towel or box of tissues (per school year) Spring Semester: 1st Marking Period Phase Changes Thermochemistry Reaction Rates Chemical Equilibrium Spring Semester: 2nd Marking Period Gases and the Mole Solutions and Solubility Acids and Bases Biochemicals and Polymers Spring Semester: 3rd Marking Period Colligative Properties Hess’s Law/Enthalpy of Reaction Titration

GRADING SYSTEM The final grade for the course will be calculated as follows: Average of three grades in progress 80% Final Examination* 20% * final examination is mandatory. COURSE POLICY 1. Attendance It is mandatory that a student come to class on time every day. Failure to do so can severely affect one’s citizenship. Readmit slip must be presented within two days after the student comes back to school. Beyond this, the absence will be considered unexcused. 2. Make-up Work Make-up work due to excused absence must be done within two days after the student returns to class. A folder containing the missed work will be available for reference. Beyond that time, make-up work will only be accepted for completion. No make-up work will be given for an unexcused absence or tardiness. Most laboratory experiments can not be made up. Alternative activities will be given instead. 3. Missed Long Test A general make-up test at the end of the marking period will be given to students who miss a test in that period. A readmit slip presented on time is needed before a student is approved to take the test. 4. Homework Home work not turned in on time will only be accepted for completion. Exception is when the student’s absence or tardiness is excused. In this regard, homework must be turned in on the day the student returns to class. For missed homework due to excused absence, see #2 policy. 5. Field Trip A student is allowed to participate in field trips and other official school activities as long as the grade is not affected. When the grade seems to be affected by excessive excused absences due to these activities, the student may be prevented from attending succeeding activities. 6. Cheating Cheating is not tolerated in this course. A student caught cheating during an examination will be referred and suspension will be recommended. Grade (whether in progress or final) may be lowered one step. This also holds true for the student who allows a classmate to copy his/her answer. 7. Safety in the Chemistry Room Classroom policy regarding safety is expected to be followed in this course. Failure to comply with safety guidelines will not be tolerated and will be referred to the counselor at the first instance. Permanent removal from class may be recommended depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense.

CALLS AND CONFERENCES A parent or guardian may be emailed or phoned at home/at work when the need arises. I am available for conference on Tuesdays and Thursdays during 6th period; Parents and guardians can call (415) 750-8400 or email me at aragonesr@sfusd.edu to set an appointment or communicate with me.

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I have read the course description and policies. I understand what is required of me in this course. I also understand that if I don’t do my work or follow the course policies, I may receive an UNSATISFACTORY citizenship which will keep me from participating in school activities and from being included in the school’s Honor Roll.

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