Science Department

Mr. Panak – Room 201

Introduction to Chemical Science C

(IPS-C)

Course Description: This course will include exploration of basic chemistry and an introduction to laboratory safety and skills. There will be several laboratory exercises to complete throughout the twelve-week period. Students are expected to keep a notebook/portfolio throughout the course to help them become organized for their high school careers. This course will help students to develop note-taking skills, develop reasoning skills, and develop communication skills by working in small groups. The above-mentioned skills are needed for the students' upcoming high school careers as well as for any future career field.

This course will introduce students to how scientists learn about the physical world around them and explore the scientific content. This course will introduce the following major concepts of chemistry: classification of matter, atom structure, atomic theory, the periodic table, elements and their properties, valence numbers, chemical bonds, solutions and chemical reactions.

Text: Physical Science; Macmillan/McGraw-Hill

Course Outline: Attached is a tentative week-by-week schedule of this course, along with point schedule. This outline may be subject to change. The current copy will be posted on the assignment board.

Course Pathway: Students who excel in IPS and are interested in pursuing a science-oriented curriculum should check into the following courses offered at W.G.H. and the JVS:

Biology, Zoology, Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology, or Horticulture.

Clubs: Clubs students might be interested in include the W.G.H. science club or the F.I.R.S.T. robotics team.

Class Format: lecture, small group discussion, problem solving, group activities, and individual assignments.

Grading Policy: The grading scale used in this course is as follows:

A - Excellent (93%-100%)

B - Above Average (85%-92%)

C - Average (75%-84%)

D - Below Average (60%-74%)

F - Unsatisfactory (0%-59%)

E - No Credit due to lack of attendance.

Grading Criteria: The students in this course will be evaluated on written tests, group activities, quizzes, organization of materials, use of technology, verbal responses and conduct/class participation.

Students who score a (D) or below will be permitted to repeat any assignments/exams/quizzes until a passing grade is achieved, however, the highest score attainable on a repeat is a (C).

Assignments must be turned in by the last day scheduled for the given unit to be redone. Late assignments cannot be redone. The original assignment must be attached to the corrected work.

Notebook: The student will maintain a notebook throughout the term that contains his work product and daily notes. This notebook will be graded 3 times during the trimester. A copy of the scoring rubric will be provided prior to each grading deadline. I have acceptable binders available at cost.

How to hand in work: Completed work should be placed in the class drawer when leaving the room. All papers must have name, period number and date in the top, right hand corner.
Work Expectations and Course Requirements:

There are 1600 points available, distributed as follows:

Tests- 1 midterm worth 100 points, 1 final worth 200 points

Quizzes- 8 weekly quizzes worth 10-100 points each

Various in class assignments worth from 10-100 points

Portfolio- will be graded 3 times, worth a total of 300 points

Participation - 50 points maximum extra credit

Web Site Activities - 50 points maximum extra credit as explained on web site.

These figures are broken out on a separate point schedule handed out with this syllabus.

Materials Needed: Students are required to have a binder for their notebook. In addition, you will need paper, pens or pencils, a calculator. Students are expected to bring these materials to class everyday. Failure to do so will result in dismissal to room V-16. Additional items will be needed for various projects.

Handouts: You will be provided a number of handouts, which will be required to complete and turn in various projects. If you lose a handout, you will be unable to complete that project. When an assignment is given, handouts equal to 120% of the current class roster are printed, and any excess is placed in the handout bin for the class. It is the student's responsibility to obtain these handouts if class is missed. Once all are gone, no additional ones will be printed.

Computer Lab Rules: We have a number of scheduled periods in the computer lab or library. Successful completion of the assignments in these areas require the completion of prior unit work, or you will be excused from the lab or library to V-16 until the preparatory work is completed.

Questions and Concerns: I am available if any student, parent, or guardian wishes to contact me for questions, concerns, or additional help on course material. I can be reached by calling the W.G.H. main office at 841-2316, ext. 204 and leaving a message with Bonnie Lewis. I will then return your call. If you would like to request a meeting please do so for 6^th period or prior to the start of any school day starting at 6:30 a.m. Students may use 1:30-2:30 for additional study time, questions on assignments, or any concerns they might have regarding school or personal problems.

Course Fee: This course requires a $5.00 fee. This fee can be paid to me or can be paid in the bookroom. Students will receive two receipts for the payment, one of which should be taken home, and the other should be given to me.

Class Rules:

1. Be in your seats, with all needed materials, working on the daily assignment located on the board or projection screen, when the bell rings.

2. Raise hand for permission to talk, unless in-group work. In group work, talk only to the students in your group. Do not scream across the room, or you will be sent to V-16.

3. Raise hand for permission to get out of seat. If you are out of your seat without permission, you will be sent to V-16.

4. Stay in seat until the bell rings. Do not move toward the door, or you will be sent to V-16 the following day.

5. No passes out of room without your planner, and only if all work is caught up, you have a passing grade in the class and behavior merits this PRIVLEDGE.

6. Show respect for all other people before demanding it for yourself.

The 50-point extra credit for participation requires responsible, mature behavior during the trimester. Breaking any of the above rules will reduce a student's allocation of these points, as will failure to bring needed supplies, including your student planner. Contributing to class discussion will increase allocation.

*Syllabus is subject to change*