CHEMISTRY Magnet 2014-15
Guidelines, Rules, and Procedures
Mrs. Hoyer Room 122-123
Welcome to Chemistry!
I hope you find this Chemistry class challenging and fun. I love Chemistry. I think it is fascinating! As your
teacher, I will commit to teach you Chemistry to the very best of my ability. By communicating and working
together, we will meet the challenge. In order to start the year off smoothly I have prepared this information for you
and your parents. Please read everything carefully. Take it home, share it with your parents, have it signed, and
then place it into your Chemistry notebook as the first pages.
Course Description:
Chemistry is the study of matter, state changes of matter, chemical reactions, and the energy associated
with chemical processes. In the laboratory, you will investigate matter, its interactions, and the factors affecting the
interactions. Chemistry is a laboratory-oriented course that stresses the observation of matter and its behavior,
classification of matter, communication of data, measurement of chemical quantities, prediction of chemical
phenomena, and manipulation of chemical investigations. You will acquire data by using your senses and
instrumentation. The laboratory investigations emphasize accurate observations, data collection and analysis, and
the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.
The topics covered in this course include: scientific measurement, matter and change, subatomic particles,
nuclear chemistry, chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, elements and compounds, chemical formulas/equations,
chemical reactions, stoichiometry, states of matter, representative gases, aqueous solutions, and acids/bases.
Class Communication
Modes of Communication
There are several ways we will work and communicate electronically in this course:
 Classroom Edmodo: lesson plans, assignments and resources will be available via the Class Edmodo
page. Both parents and students can create Edmodo ‘virtual’ classroom. Instructions for creating both
parent and student Edmodo accounts and entering the Edmodo classroom are attached to this syllabus.
 Gradespeed/PSC: Classroom assignments and grades are found here. If you need a PowerPoint or any
document to complete an assignment, click on the assignment in Gradespeed, then click the paper clip
icon. Both parents and students need to have a Gradespeed/PSC. Parents and students are highly
encouraged to communicate directly with the instructor via Gradespeed. Instructions for creating both
parent and student accounts for Gradespeed/PSC.
 QUEST: QUEST is an online learning environment created by the University of Texas at Austin. Much of
the homework associated with the course will be completed and submitted through QUEST. QUEST
homework can be completed on any internet-connected computer, tablet or smartphone. Instructions for
creating student QUEST accounts are attached to this syllabus. The instructor will send homework
reminder emails using QUEST.
 Email: During the first weeks of school, I will be setting up email lists for each class. You will receive a note
to take home which will explain how to subscribe to the parent and student email. I can always be reached
by email at [email protected].
 Text: Please text me, day or night, with any questions or concerns you may have at (832)276-3536.
Nothing is more important to me than your success in this course. If you find yourself struggling, it
is imperative you communicate with me – I will do everything in my power to help you.
Fall 2014 Course Outline
Textbook: Chemistry, Addison-Wesley
By A.C. Wilbraham, D.D. Staley, M.S. Matta, and E.L. Waterman
Chapter
1
2
3
4
5
13
14
Topic
Lab Safety
Introduction to Chemistry
Matter and Change
Scientific Measurement
Problem Solving in Chemistry
Atomic Structure
Electrons in Atoms
Chemical Periodicity
1
6
15
16
28
Chemical Names and Formulas
Ionic bonding
Covalent Bonding
Nuclear chemistry
Final Exam review Week
Final Exam
Note: This syllabus may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Classroom Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Be here and be on time.
Follow all Procedures and directions the first time given.
Respect yourself, fellow students, the teacher and equipment.
Work hard.
Abide by the Code of Student Conduct.
No food or drink is allowed during class.
Consequences: If you choose to break a rule….
First Time:
Formal Warning.
Second Time:
Complete a Back on Track Action Plan form for homework.
Third Time:
Parent contacted. Action plan modified.
Fourth Time:
Parent student conference.
Fifth time:
Referral to principal.
Classroom Procedures
Procedures are an important part of life. We follow procedures when we drive, when we board an airplane, when
we cook ---almost everything we do involves a procedure or routine. The reason we have procedures in life is so
that people and society can get through the day safely and efficiently. Imagine what would happen if, suddenly,
drivers ignored the procedure for stopping at red lights and going on green lights. Instant Chaos, right?
There are also procedures in this class. We will do real laboratory science in this class. We may use open flames,
explosives, flammable liquids and poisons. We may shoot projectiles or drop objects from great heights. To do
these things safely, we must all “be on the same page” - we need to all follow the same procedures, and do things
at the proper time.
Entering the Classroom
1. Pick up your folder.
2. Complete any management duties.
3. Take your assigned seat quietly.
4. Look over contents of the completed work pocket. File graded work in the 3-ring portion of your binder.
5. Make sure your pencil and pen are ready for today’s action, and all drawer contents are present.
6. Complete the warm-up. You will have a maximum of 5 minutes after the bell rings to complete and close
your warm-up packet.
7. Gather all materials needed today. Record the objective and assignments in your Time Tracker. During this
time, I will take attendance, check off homework and/or collect any assignments.
8. Read over any new papers in the Work to Complete pocket of your folder.
Pencils and Pens
To make your life easier, Mrs. Hoyer supplied you with a pencil and a pen on the first day of school. You are
also given a way to store them in your binder. Therefore, THERE IS NO REASONABLE EXCUSE FOR NOT
HAVING SOMETHING TO WRITE WITH.
BEFORE the bell rings, make sure your pencil is sharp and your pen works. There will be absolutely no
pencil-sharpening once the bell rings.
If your pencil has become too short to use comfortably, no problem. See Mrs. Hoyer for a trade-in.
If your pencil lead breaks during class, no problem. See Mrs. Hoyer for a trade-in.
If your pen is out of ink, or otherwise misbehaving, no problem. See Mrs. Hoyer for a trade-in.
BE SURE TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL MATERIALS AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF CLASS!
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Handing out and Turning in Papers
Paper is noisy, distracting and has the bad habit of catching fire when exposed to sparks or flames. To make
ourselves more safe and productive, we keep the movement of paper to a minimum.
When you have completed any written work, place it in the Work Due Today pocket inside your folder. Mrs.
Hoyer will correct the papers and put them back into the completed work pocket.
For your convenience, the papers you need for the day will EITHER already be in your Work to Be Completed
pocket when you arrive for class, or will be distributed at the beginning of class.
End of Period and Dismissal
As the end of class draws near, Mrs. Hoyer will call for your attention.
Restore any equipment to its storage place.
Complete the Reflection side of your journal.
Look on the Board to see what work needs to be turned in today. Place this work into your Right side folder.
Put any work in progress into your Work to Be Completed Pocket. Gather any homework or take-home study
materials you need.
THE SCHOOL BELL DOES NOT RELEASE THE CLASS. MRS. HOYER RELEASES THE CLASS AS
SOON AS WE ARE ALL READY. EVERY STUDENT MUST BE SEATED AND SILENT BEFORE I CAN
RELEASE THE CLASS. Turn your folder in to Ms. Hoyer at the door as you exit.
When you are tardy
The first rule in this class is “Be here and be on time”. You need to minimize how disruptive you are when you
enter the room. Tardy students MUST have an office tardy pass.Enter the room silently. Get your folder from
front table.
Follow the usual entering the classroom routine - except don’t bother with the Warm-up if you are 5 minutes
late or more. One consequence of being tardy is you do not have enough time to do the warm-up, so you
get a grade of Zero.
There is no need to check in with Mrs. Hoyer. You were marked absent at the bell. Your absence will be
converted to tardy once you pick up your folder and fill out the Tardy Log .
Please keep in mind that a significant portion of your Report Card Grade comes from work done the
first few minutes of class!
Absences - Excused and Unexcused
This classroom follows the School Policies concerning both excused and unexcused absences. Consult your
Student Handbook.
As a consequence of choosing to skip my class, you missed the day’s work and will receive a zero for
all the work. I am willing to help you catch up on the content you missed after school and at tutorials.
The first rule in this class is “Be here and be on time”.
If your absence is excused, you are free to make up any missed lessons and assignments during Tutorials. For
safety reasons, all make-up labs must be completed within three school days of the absence. Often,
you can access any paper(s) you need make up via Gradespeed or Edmodo. Upon returning to
school, come by the room to get missed assignments (right before or after school).
To turn in make-up work: Please bring your make-up assignment by during tutorials, so that I can
assess your understanding of the work. DO NOT PLACE MAKE-UP WORK INTO YOUR FOLDER. IT
WILL NOT BE GRADED FROM YOUR FOLDER.
Make-up work for all excused absences must be done at tutorial.
Electronics Policy
For academic and test security concerns, there will be NO use of personal electronic communication devices
inside Room 122 without teacher permission. This policy includes cell phones, Blackberries, MP3 players,
and any device with photo, internet or text-messaging capability.
No earphones may be visible at any time. The DeBakey confiscation policy is strictly enforced in Room 122.
Academic Integrity Policy
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There are 3 main reasons Ms. Hoyer gives tests and assignments:
1. To judge how effective labs and activities are.
2. To decide whether the class is ready to “move on” to the next Unit.
3. To get individual help to anyone who needs it.
Cheating makes it impossible for me to give you the instruction you need. Truly, you are only cheating yourself
by being academically dishonest.
No cheating will be tolerated. The DeBakey honor policy will be strictly enforced.
I will specifically inform you when group collaborative work is expected on an assignment. Please
assume an assignment is to be your individual work unless informed otherwise.
Repeated cheating is a Level 3 offense. In the unlikely event of a second cheating offense, the student will be
referred to their Administrator for discipline, and will receive a U in conduct.
Vandalism and Graffiti
Under the Texas Penal Code, defacing school property is a FELONY offense to deface any school property.
Marking, “tagging”, or in any way writing on any surface (i.e., bench tops, desks, walls…) will result in
immediate referral for expulsion.
Please protect yourself by inspecting your lab station when you arrive every day. Report any defacing
IMMEDIATELY.
Manager Tasks
There are several management tasks that students are called on to do. Every student will be a Manager this
year. Manager assignments change every six weeks. I will go over your responsibilities in detail when you
receive your assignment. How you accomplish your job is up to you - just make sure it is completed by Report
Time at the end of class.
Chemistry Six-Week Grading Plan
Mrs. Hoyer does not “give” grades- you earn your grade. In each 6-week grading period, there will be
APPROXIMATELY 500 points available for you to earn.
If you earn:
Expect to receive a grade of:
450-500
A (90-100%)
400-449
B (80-89%)
375-399
C (75-79%)
350-374
D (70-74%)
below 350
F (below 70%)
Points are available as follows:
Category
Percent of Grade
Chemistry Common Assessments/Projects
50%
Quizzes, Class Activities, Lab
40%
Warm-Ups, Reflections, Homework
10%
100 %
Comments
I want you to be successful! You can get a “do-over” on any 3-week test or project. “Do-over” must be
done during the same six weeks the assignment was originally given. Redo work can ONLY be performed
during tutorial times and ONLY with Ms. Hoyer present. See retake section below.
2. Note much of your final grade is determined through class and homework performance and homework
each day. Hence, it is almost impossible to earn enough points to pass the course if you don’t do your
activities.
3. Bottom line – as long as you work hard in class, you WILL be successful in this course!
1.
To turn in make-up work : Please bring your make-up assignment during TUTORIALS, so that I can assess
your understanding of the work. DO NOT PLACE LATE WORK or MAKE-UP WORK INTO YOUR
FOLDER. IT WILL NOT BE GRADED FROM YOUR FOLDER.
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Tests/Projects
For tests and projects, at least three school days advanced notice will be given. Tests will be over textbook
material, homework, laboratory assignments, and lectures. Graded tests will be returned to the student for review
in class and cannot be taken outside of the classroom. The students are welcome to further review their tests in
the classroom at a later date, but only after making an appointment with the teacher. Retakes cannot be permitted
on End of Cycle Common Assessments and Projects.
Quizzes
It is crucial that you keep up with your daily homework and studies! Quizzes may be announced or unannounced
and will be over homework or in-class assignments.
Laboratory Assignments
Participation in lab is a privilege not a right. Above all else, safety comes first. Therefore, for the safety of
everyone, each student is required to read and/or write up the procedures of the lab assignment BEFORE
performing the lab. If a student does not complete the pre-lab assignment, then the student cannot participate in
that lab activity. The teacher will provide data to that student so a written lab report can still be completed.
However, the maximum grade for the lab report will be a “70%”. All labs must be performed properly and safely. If
a student is removed from the laboratory for misbehavior, that student will receive an automatic “0%” for the lab
grade. In both instances, the teacher will give an alternate in-class assignment to the student during the lab
activity.
Lab reports will be graded.
Retake/Redo Policy
If the student fails a test or project, then the student has an opportunity to retake a similar assessment covering the
same topics or redo the project. If the student chooses to participate, then the student is responsible for requesting
and scheduling the retake or redo in writing during the class period that the graded assessment and/or class
assignment is returned. Retakes must be scheduled for outside regular class time. The student will have five
school days to do the retake or redo. Once complete, the student’s retake / redo grade will be averaged with the
original grade for a final assessment / assignment grade of no higher than “70%”.
Please note that there is NO RETAKE ON END OF CYCLE EXAMS !!!!
Homework
Homework credit will be given only if the assignment is complete at the beginning of the class period
Late Work
Projects, lab reports, and homework may be turned in ONE class day late at Tutorial ONLY, but will receive a
maximum score of “70%” or less. No late work will be accepted beyond that time and the assignment will be
marked as a zero. All students must maintain a grade log.
Other
There is no extra credit.
Supplies:
1 three ringed binder
1 spiral notebook (for TAKS-related notes and focus questions)
Loose leaf paper
5 dividers for: Grade record, Notes, Vocabulary, Assignments (In-class/Homework), and Quizzes
Scientific calculator
Blue or black pen, pencils
Notebook Guidelines:
The notebook is an important tool for organizing information. The spiral notebook, course outline, and grade record
should be placed at the beginning of the binder notebook. You should keep all your work in chronological order in
each of the proper sections. A grade on notebook organization will be given through notebook quizzes.
Assignments:
Paper is noisy, distracting and has the bad habit of catching fire when exposed to sparks or flames. To make
ourselves more safe and productive, we keep the movement of paper to a minimum.
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When you have completed any written work, place it in the Work Due Today pocket inside your folder. Mrs. Hoyer
will correct the papers and put them back into the completed work pocket.
Write in ONLY blue or black ink or pencil – anything else will be returned. You may write on the backside of your
paper. Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class.
Labs:
Laboratory / in-class assignments will be used to reinforce abstract concepts. Each assignment will be handed out
during the class period. Students will work in cooperative groups. I am the only one with authority to change the
group members. The group is expected to read and/or write up the procedures of the lab assignment BEFORE
performing the lab. All labs must be done properly and safely. Specific safety guidelines will be discussed
independently and will be strictly enforced when the lab is in session. Participation in lab activities is a privilege,
one that can be taken away if the proper procedures are not followed. After completing the lab, all supplies must
be returned and the lab area must be wiped cleaned. The class will not be dismissed until I approve the final
inspection.
Fire Drill:
At the sound of the bell, push in your chair and walk through the door. Turn to the Left from room 122; go straight,
EXIT at the main entrance of the building. Walk across the street and up past the curb. Gather around Ms. Hoyer,
as attendance must be taken during the drill.
Tutoring/Conferences
I am available for classroom tutoring either during scheduled tutorials, at lunch, or after school. To request tutoring,
please see me to make arrangements for a convenient time to meet. If at any time you or your parent would like to
discuss your progress, please request an individual conference with me by phone or text (832-276-3536) or E-mail
([email protected]) at least one day in advance.
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Mrs. Hoyer’s Chemistry Class
Acknowledgement of Guidelines, Rules, and Procedures:
Thank you for carefully reading this information. I expect you to do your very best each class period. In return, I
will put my best effort into each class that I teach you. By working together, we will all have a successful semester.
If at any time you are having difficulties in this class, let me know immediately and I will be glad to help you. Please
mark the appropriate box below regarding online access, then sign the acknowledgement.
Internet and computer access is available in the student’s residence. The student may do online activities
from home.
Internet and computer access is NOT available in the student’s residence. The student/family is willing and
able to arrange for internet access outside school (public library, friend or relative’s residence, public WIFI,
etc.)
Internet and computer access is NOT available in the student’s residence. The student/family is not able to
arrange for computer/internet or smartphone access. The student requests paper versions of online
assignments.
STUDENT: I have carefully read and understand these guidelines, rules, and procedures. I will honor them at all
times while in Ms. Hoyer’s room classroom.
____________________________
Student’s Signature
_____________________________
Student’s Printed Name
_____________
Date
PARENT: I have carefully read and discussed these guidelines, rules, and procedures with my child. I understand
and will support them.
____________________________
Parent’s Signature
_____________________________
Parent’s Printed Name
_____________
Date
TEACHER: I will be fair and consistent in administering the guidelines, rules, and procedures.
___________________________
Teacher’s Signature
______ _____________________
Teacher’s Printed Name
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_______________
Date