CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS

Chris Oglesby, Instructor   oglesch@richmond.k12.ga.us      (706) 772-8140

Course Description- Welcome to Chemistry!!  Chemistry is a challenging, but rewarding course. The Chemistry Georgia Standards of Excellence are designed to continue student investigations of the physical sciences that began in grades K-8 and provide students the necessary skills to be proficient in chemistry. These standards include more abstract concepts such as the structure of atoms, structure and properties of matter, the conservation and interaction of energy and matter, and the use of Kinetic Molecular Theory to model atomic and molecular motion in chemical and physical processes. Students investigate chemistry concepts through experiences in laboratories and field work using the process of inquiry.

Chemistry students use the periodic table to help with the identification of elements with particular properties, recognize patterns that lead to explain chemical reactivity and bond formation. They use the IUPAC nomenclature in order to predict chemical names for ionic (binary and ternary), acidic, and inorganic covalent compounds, and conduct experiments to manipulate factors that affect chemical reactions.

Curriculum:  Students are required to meet the Georgia Performance Standards for Chemistry.  A copy of these standards can be found at www.georgiastandards.org  There will also be periodic assessments throughout those units. 

Required materials: Writing utensil (pencil or pen), paper, 3 ring binder, scientific calculator

Instructional Philosophy: As an educator, I feel that teachers need to do everything in their power to ensure that all students reach their goal of graduating from high school.  Therefore, I will do everything in my power to help you master the skills needed to pass Chemistry.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:Students are expected to attend class and be here on time each day.  Homework will be assigned periodically to further enrich the students understanding of the coursework.  All assignments are due the next day at the beginning of class.  All assignments will be posted in the classroom.  If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to check the assignment board and make up missed assignments.  Tests will be given as material warrants.  If you are absent on the day of a test, but were present for the review, you will take the test the day you return to school.  If you fail to make up assignments or tests, you will receive a zero.  You are expected to do your own work and apply yourself at all times.  Cheating will not be tolerated.  If additional tutoring is needed, arrangements can be made for after school.

DISCIPLINE: Each student is expected to follow the following class rules and the Student Code of Conduct for Richmond County. Parents will be contacted immediately for class disruptions and undesirable behavior that interferes with the teaching and learning process in the classroom.

You are expected to be on time daily.  The tardy policy will be strictly enforced.  You are expected to act like ladies and gentlemen.  Please have the courtesy to respect your classmates at all times.  Misbehavior will be dealt with on an individual basis.  Bullying of any type will not be tolerated.

1. PLEASE BE ON TIME TO CLASS, SEATED BEFORE TARDY BELL AND PREPARED TO LEARN.
2. NO TALKING DURING TEST AND QUIZZES.
3. BE CONSIDERATE, RESPECTFUL, AND HONEST. NO PROFANITY OR DISRUPTIONS IN CLASS.
4. NO SLEEPING IN CLASS. IF YOU ARE SICK, SEE ME TO GET A PASS TO THE NURSE.
5. Students must have name on any work turned in to be graded…NO NAME, NO GRADE, NO EXCEPTIONS.
6. NO PLAYING IN THE LABORATORY. IF CAUGHT PLAYING, STUDENT WILL BE REMOVED FROM LAB AREA.
7. NO FOOD OR DRINKS.

ANY DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN:

a.) verbal warning and a call home to parents

b.) detention: Wednesday afternoon

c.) discipline referral

Grading Scale

Tests (to include a science fair project) -- 50%

Class work, homework, labs, and quizzes -- 50%