Academics at Champion

General Chemistry prepares the student to attend chemistry in college, yet those needing a science credit will find it fun and not so difficult.
The topics covered in chemistry are periodic table and history, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, acid/base reactions, redox reactions, thermochemistry, biochemistry, applied and analytical chemistry, titrations, gemstones, stained glass, and much more.
Laboratory is an important part of chemistry and when students leave this course, they are fully prepared to enter college laboratory with lab and problem solving skills. Demonstrations help to reiterate the topics discussed and group activities engage students in discussions and team work.

Chemistry Syllabus
Prerequisites:
Algebra I (C or better) and Suggested Algebra II (C or better)
Course Objectives:
Student will come to appreciate the levels of chemistry in day to day life.
Student will be exposed to problem-solving skills useful in critical thinking.
Student will demonstrate a level of competency when working in a laboratory setting.
Supplies:
Text and Laboratory Manual
Laboratory Notebook (sewn binding, quad ruled)
Notebook Paper (no perforated, college ruled preferred)
Colored Pencils
Pencils and Pens
Binder with Pockets and Dividers
Project and Research Supplies (information provided later)
Calculator (any scientific calculator)
Blank Computer Disk
Grading:
Assignments 30%
Assessment 30%
Experimentation 20%
Project/Presentation & Research Papers 20%

Final Exam 20% per semester
All assignments, assessments, lectures, activities and laboratories will be used to meet the California State and National Standards (a copy will be provided).
Assignments:
These will be used to build on concepts and will include group assignments, worksheets, class discussions, textbooks, and activities.
Exams:
There will be an exam for each chapter that includes labs, lecture, worksheets, assignments, text information and activities.
Assessment:
There will be informal assessments. These will be in the form or oral, written, or demonstration of understanding.
Quick Write:
A topic, question, activity, video or some other scientific format will be given at the beginning of class for the students to take 5-10 minutes to write about.
Experimentation and Investigation:
Twenty percent of class time will be laboratories and demonstrations to meet the “a - g” University of California requirements.  “These hands-on activities should account for at least 20% of class time…” There will be lab write-ups, graphing, diagramming, quizzes and questions to answer.
Project/Presentation:
There will be at least one a semester. Such projects/presentations will be design and present an experiment, a chemistry topic of interest or from the text, such as biochemistry, nuclear chemistry, nanotechnology, artificial blood products, etcetera. Throughout the semester, other presentations will be assigned as either small group, independent, posters, in class, etcetera. Descriptions, lists and rubrics will be provided later.
Research Papers:
These will be backed by scientific evidence and publications. This is not a report defining a subject or giving a historical account. Students will choose from a variety of topics and type a well written paper with supporting evidence, pictures and diagrams. Descriptions, lists and rubrics will be provided at least one month before the due date. All papers will require a scientific citation method based on scientific literature, so that they will have experience in scientific publication. This information will be presented in class and should not be confused or compared to MLA standards of writing for English.
Final Exams:
Each final is a comprehensive exam on the semester’s activities, readings, lectures, and concepts. The exams will consist of problem-solving techniques, critical analysis, hypothesize and predict, and application of information that will demonstrate mastery of skills and knowledge.
Late or Missing Assignments:
Students have until the end of the day (4:00 p.m.) to turn in assignments the day it is due, whether it is complete or not. Anything after that is considered late and will receive a zero in the grade book. No more than 50% can be earned on assignments turned in by the end of the week. Absent work is to be made up in a time frame deemed acceptable by the teacher.
Make up Exams and Laboratories:
Missed exams & laboratories will be made up on the student’s own time, so as to not interfere with further learning. If the student does not complete the make up exam or laboratory within the time allotted by the teacher, he or she will receive a zero. Note: Some labs require special preparation and cannot be made up. In this case, an alternate assignment (i.e. research paper, handout or activity) will be given instead.
***Syllabus is subject to change at the teacher’s discretion***