Panther Valley High School Syllabus

Term:  2014-2015

Revised: 8/19/14

 

Course:  4210 Chemistry

Grade: 10-12

Instructor: Frank Karnish

Email:  karnishf@panthervalley.org

Phone: 570-645-2171

 

Course Information:

Class Meeting:  M-F

Room Number: 125

 

Course Description: 

This is a science which deals with the study of matter; its properties, structure, composition, and use.  It also focuses on the interaction of matter.  The course includes laboratory experimentation, classroom discussion, lecture, demonstrations, and student participation.  Basic to its understanding is a well founded understanding of mathematics and its respective operations and related applications.

1 credit - 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Algebra I and Biology or Applied Physical Science I

 

Course Objectives:

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

1. Describe and explain the scientific method.
2. Gain an understanding of composition of matter and its properties.
3. Learn to use the metric system of measurements and be able to convert from one unit to another using dimensional analysis (the factor-label method).
4. Recognize the ways that elements are combined to form compounds (ionic, metallic and covalent bonding).
5. Be able to write and balance chemical equations and perform calculations involving reaction equations.
6. Recognize the way matter is arranged in the solid, liquid, and gaseous states and solve gas law problems.
7. Understand how to calculate solution concentrations and the dynamics of the solution process.
8. Differentiate the acid, base, and salt classifications of matter and to understand the properties of each.
9. Prepare written laboratory reports.

 

Required Materials:

• Textbook: 

Chemistry, Wilbraham, Staley, Matta, Watterman.  Pearson Prentice Hall.Boston, 2005. ISBN: 0-13-190357-8.

• Notebook,

 

Suggested Materials:

• Calculator, preferably a scientific or one capable of scientific notation

 

Evaluation/grading:

Marking period evaluation/grading is calculated by the following. 

 

     

 

Extra Credit

Extra credit work may be assigned by the instructor as an option for the entire class.  No individual extra credit assignments will be offered

 

Attendance Policy:

Success in this course depends on your attendance, ability to participate and fully engage in all classroom activities.

 

Laboratory attendance is critical.  Due to set up and availability constraints, laboratories cannot be made up.

 

Missed work:

Deadlines are enforced.  Unless prior arrangements are made, assignments submitted after the deadline will be deducted a 10% penalty from grade up until 5 days.  After this period, no credit will be given for missed assignments.

 

It is the student’s responsibility to reschedule missed exams or quizzes.  Students have 5 days to schedule a make up assessment from the time of the assignment.

 

Preparation:

You will get the most out of the class if you:

• read the new material before coming to class,
• take adequate notes during lecture, and
• Review text material discussed during class.

  .

 

Academic Honesty:

This instructor expects that all work produced by students will represent their personal effort. Academic dishonesty includes but should not be limited to:

• Cheating on tests and exams.
• Using test aids.
• Copying.
• Sharing work with others.
• Stealing test materials.
• Plagiarism - Quoted materials must be enclosed in quotation marks with complete documentation indicating the source. Materials used without direct quotations should have the source indicated.

• Copying any written assignment such as papers, homework, lab reports, etc.
• Copying any electronic assignments such as papers, homework, lab reports, programs, etc. Do not copy something from the Internet and call it your own – it is very easy to get caught doing this and I will check suspicious papers!
• Purchase of all or part of papers, reports, workbooks, or other assignments.
• False statements designed to earn the student the right to make up missed work.

 

All offenses will be referred to the high school disciplinarian.

 

Consequences of cheating or academic dishonesty may include any of the following:

• Receive a warning and retake the test or redo the assignment immediately

• Ability to retake the test or redo the assignment immediately with a loss of points
• Receive a grade of zero on assignment or test

 

Safety:

Safety is of prime importance in the laboratory and strict safety practices will be followed in the lab at all times. These policies are thoroughly discussed during your first lab meeting. Any violations will result in disciplinary action.

 

Note:  This syllabus is intended as a general guideline.  The instructor reserves the right to change this schedule at any time.