Waterford School District

WATERFORD HIGH SCHOOLS

COURSE SYLLABUS

2014-2015

Course Title: Chemistry

Instructor: Susan Hartley
E-mail: hartls01@wsdmi.org (preferred method, quickest response)
Conference period: 6
th
Hour
Room number: 401
Course Description
Chemistry I (or Physics) is the third science course required for high school graduation by the State of Michigan starting with
the class of 2011. This course is a physical science, meaning it is problem-based and MATH INTENSIVE. Students will
be engaged in inquiry-based learning activities and assessment of student achievement will be focused on application and
extension of covered concepts in addition to memorization and process. Students will exit the course with a solid foundation
of basic material to build upon at the collegiate level for future chemical and physical science courses.

**Calculator is required, preferably Texas Instruments TI-30 series (pictured on last page). A graphing calculator is
not needed.**
General Structure
Each individual standard will be tested separately, and each will take approximately a week, more or less. The typical
outline of how each standard will be approached in the following manner:
Day 1 Instruction (may be lecture, lab, introductory activity, etc). No homework will be assigned on this day.
Day 2 Pre-test. This will be about a six question test similar in structure to the post-test. Two questions will be
representative pre-requisite level knowledge, one of C level, one of B level, one of A level, and one of A+-
level. Student scores on the pre-test will determine their starting point for homework. Following grading and
discussion of the pre-test, students will choose their appropriate level homework (C, B, or A) and begin work.
Day 3 & 4 (or more if needed) Three question formative assessment (students choose C, B, or A), further activity or
homework of students choice (C, B, or A).
Final Day Post-test. Same structure as pre-test, with similar styles of (but not the same) questions. Students must complete
all questions; grade will be assigned based on correctly completed questions. Students will be able to see the post-
test after it has been graded, but the teacher will keep both pre- and post- tests on file. Prior to mid-term/final exams
these will be returned and used for review.

*This general structure is subject to change or adjustment during the course of the semester as needed*
Goal of structure:
As a chemistry department, we are committed to giving students every opportunity to gain success and knowledge at a level
that works for them. A differentiated learning structure, such as we have arranged here, allows students to know exactly what
they need to be able to understand and earn the grade that they have been working towards. At the same time, students will
know how they are performing at all points during the semester. Students are expected to perform at a minimum of a C level
based on the required Michigan high school content expectations for chemistry.

Homework/Formatives:
Homework and formative assessments will be graded based on completion only. It is to the students advantage to complete
all homework assignments to the best of their ability, as this will make up 25% of their grade. Homework assignments will
not be accepted for credit after the post-test or after corrected in class (often answer keys will be provided). Students are
expected to keep homework assignments and formative assessments in their binder as references for studying, along with
their notes. Students are welcome to, and encouraged, to seek out the instructor for clarifying and verifying questions before
the submission of any work in order to correct errors in their work.

Retention Tests & Retakes
Approximately each month, a retention test will be given. This exam will be accumulative of the information from current
unit of study. Students will have the opportunity to replace or improve the grade they previously earned for each standard
covered thus far (up to 90% of retention scores). Review of necessary topics will occur prior to each retention test.
Because the retention test gives students the opportunity to improve or replace their grade, no retakes for specific post-tests
will be given (besides the retention tests).

Units of Study
Matter and Changes
Atoms, Molecules & Ions
Chemical Names & Formulas
Chemical Reactions
Stoichiometry
Energy & Thermochemistry
Electrons in Atoms
Ionic Bonding & Compounds
Covalent Bonding
Gas Laws
Solutions
Acids and Bases
Grading
The purpose of grading in this class is to ascertain and to communicate, fairly and accurately, the academic achievement of
each student. Modified Grade will be noted on report cards for students who receive services per their current
Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Each standard will be assessed individually in the following manner
Homework (practice): 20 points
Formative assessments/pre-test (practice): 20 points
Retention Test (achievement): percentage awarded based on questions correctly answered/can replace post-test scores
Post-test (achievement): 100 points

Students overall grade will then be weighted in the following manner
Practice Factors (25%) This will equal 90% of a students semester grade
Achievement Factors (75%)
The midterm/final exam for the semester will make up the last 10% of the semester grade.

WSD grading scale:


















*50% is lowest score you can achieve on an achievement exam. Yet you can receive lower for not attempting
homework/labs/classroom tasks
Grading Practices
A students grade will be determined through the use of the Waterford School District Grading Practices and Procedures for
Grading and Reporting as defined by the Waterford School District.

Assignments that were due the day of an absence are due upon return to class. Absent work must be completed according to
the school absence policy. Students who are absent on test day should make up test within two (2) academic centers.
Students who are absent on a lab day need to see Mrs. Hartley to schedule a makeup time within one week of initial lab.

Plagiarism of any kind is unacceptable. If any plagiarism is discovered, disciplinary action will take place. Plagiarism
includes any form of cheating on tests, using electronic devices, or copying work of any kind from other students.


A 94.5
A- 89.5
B+ 87.5
B+ 84.5
B- 79.5
C+ 77.5
C 74.5
C- 69.5
D+ 67.5
D 64.5
D- 59.5
E 0

Classroom Expectations
1. Be respectful of each other and the materials/equipment.
2. Take notes during lectures. Participate during class discussions/activities. Perform all experiments with the proper
techniques.
3. No food or drinks in the classroom on lab days. The general rule with food and drinks is that it should not be
distracting. If students leave food wrappers, empty bottles, etc. around the room the privilege will be revoked.
4. Come to class prepared. Students need to bring the following to class every day: notebook, calculator, writing
utensil, homework assignments & textbook (when requested).
5. Open-toe shoes cannot be worn while performing a laboratory investigation.
6. Keep a Positive Attitude Every Day! Understand that while this course is challenging, that only when one is faced
with a challenge is there an opportunity for growth! Approach this course and your fellow classmates with an
optimistic outlook and you will have an enjoyable experience.