PreAP Chemistry
Permian High School
Instructor: Dr. Tesfaye Degefa
Room Number: S-7
Course Description:
The PreAP Chemistry course is designed to prepare students for AP Chemistry course as well
as General Chemistry courses in college. The course offers an overview of a wide range of
topics in chemistry. For these reasons this is an accelerated and more rigorous class in
comparison to a regular chemistry class and provides a greater challenge, a higher level of
critical thinking and problem solving skills. Thus in order to remain in the course, the student
is expected to maintain a high level of academic performance through increased effort both in
the class and out of class by having a regular study schedule.
My main goal of the class is to develop independent, critical and analytical thinkers with
problem solving skills. To accommodate varied learning styles I provide various teaching
styles. Lecture, discussions, open ended questioning techniques, various activities, labs
associated with the concepts being taught, demonstrations, paired readings, problem solving
and “what if” situations are provided to foster thinking and learning.
Tutoring:
Students are strongly encouraged to seek tutorial/remedial help from me in case of difficulties
to understand any of the concepts discussed in a class. I am committed to help you develop
a strong knowledge in chemistry and facilitate your learning and success. Tutoring is
available from 8:00 – 8:35 AM (Monday to Friday) in room S-7. You must sign the tutoring
log and set up a time with me in advance. If you make arrangements for tutorial help, please
keep the commitment.
Contact Information:
Conference: 1st period (8:40 – 9:30 AM)
Room Number: S-7
Telephone: 432-456-2292
Email: [email protected]
Grading System:
Major Grades:
Minor Grades:
Student Planner Grades:
Major grades include:
Minor grades include:
60%
35%
5%
Test, Projects and Major Labs
Quizzes, Homework, Class Work, and Minor Labs
Class Participation and Notebook Checks
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Course Content:
Unit 1. Introduction to Chemistry and
Laboratory Management
Unit 8. Mole Concept
Unit 2. Matter, Measurements and
Calculations
Unit 9. Stoichiometry
Unit 3. Atomic Structure and Periodic Table
Unit 10. Gases
Unit 4. Chemical Bonding
Unit 5. Chemical Formulas
Unit 11. Solutions and Colligative
Properties
Unit 12. Reactivity
Unit 6. Chemical Equations and Reactions
Unit 13. Thermochemistry
Unit 7. Nuclear Chemistry
Unit 14. Chemistry Connections
Text book:
Sarquis, Mickey, Sarquis, Jerry L., Texas Modern Chemistry, HMH publishing company,
Orlando, FL 2015.
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There will be a class set of the textbook for student use during the class or tutorial.
Class Supplies:
Required for the course:



3 Subject spiral
Writing utensil (black or blue pen and pencil with a good eraser)
Highlighter pens
Wish list (optional):
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Box of Kleenex
Hand sanitizer
Package of 4 AAA Batteries
Gallon of distilled water
Ream of white computer paper or Notebook paper
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Classroom Policies: I would like to lead a dynamic, respectful and disciplined classroom,
and facilitate the learning process. In order to do this I have established some policies for our
classroom.
Class Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be at your assigned seat and ready for the class when the bell rings.
Be responsible for your learning.
Follow directions when they are given.
Show respect for yourself, your classmates, and the learning environment.
Obey all the school rules.
Consequences: Your behavior is your choice. If you choose to break a rule, the punishment
will fit the violation and will be dealt with as I see. Any form of disruptive or violent
behavior will result in an immediate referral.
Note taking: Class room activities, homework, assignments and/or announcements will be
posted or shown using power point presentations. You are responsible for following all
instructions. You will have the option of taking notes in class during discussion and lecture.
You will be also given guiding key vocabulary and objectives at the beginning of each unit.
At the end of each unit, you are expected to complete the definitions and write a unit
summary. There will be at least one quiz at the end of each topic and one compressive test at
the end of each unit as needed.
Collecting extra points: Extra points will be given based on students’ active engagement to
the learning process and solely based on answering questions during class discussion.
Homework/Assignments: Homework/assignments are intentionally designed to enhance the
development of higher level of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Thus,
homework/assignments must be individually done. Copying work of others will result in an
immediate grade of zero for the activities involved.
Lab Safety: Lab safety will be discussed in detail at beginning of the school year as well as
prior to each lab session with specific information related to the procedure. Violation of lab
safety or disruptive behavior during lab activities results in a removal from the lab and a
grade of zero.
.
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Absences: It is the responsibility of the student to see what he/she missed and to make
arrangements to do the makeup work. All work from classes missed must be completed
within 1 class day for each class day missed.
Homework/assignment, lab report, project and makeup work grading:
(i)
Day assignment is due - up to full credit
However, the following grade penalties are applied to any late work:
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
1st day past due - 20 points taken off
2nd day past due - 40 points taken off
3rd day past due - receive zero
You are required to complete a late work form and turn in with the late work.
Corrections: You are required to correct tests, quizzes, and assignments that receive grades
below a 70. It is important that you complete the corrections within the allowed time window
in order to understand the material covered and correct your misunderstandings.
Helpful hints for success:
1. Show active participation.
2. Have a regular study schedule.
3. Complete all your homework/assignments/reports/projects on time.
4. Do all corrections on time.
Expectation:
1. High level of academic performance.
2. Take responsibilities for your learning.
3. Obey all classroom and school rules.
Remark: The instructors reserve the right to modify this syllabus and schedules at any time
with student notification.
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