Syllabus

 
CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS				Beth Calvert                
2007-2008

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
It is a physical science that studies the composition, structure, and 
properties of substances and the changes they undergo. Through the study of 
chemistry, students should gain insight into the natural world and to be 
able to solve problems associated with such. The study of chemistry is based 
strongly on the inquiry process with an emphasis on laboratory exploration, 
safety and measurement techniques. One goal is to develop independent 
thinkers through the study of the elements and the reactions and properties 
associated with them. There is a heavy math component associated with 
chemistry with an emphasis on the algebraic properties.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Organize, present, evaluate, and transform data presented in one form to 
another form using the                 
	appropriate SI units for mathematical calculations, graphs, and 
charts.
2. Recognize how chemistry interrelates with all sciences and other 
disciplines including the effective use 
	of technology.
3. Select and safely use apparatus, materials, and techniques to 
appropriately conduct experiments.
4. Recognize the nature, methodology, terminology, symbols and models of 
chemistry,  and how these 
	have changed over time.

COURSE CONTENT:
Most topics are explored through discussion, demonstrations, laboratory 
activities, homework, and use of the computer lab for interactive tutorials 
and online activities.

1st Semester:
Chapter 1 – Matter and Change
A.	Branches of Chemistry
B.	Matter (Classification, Properties and Changes)
C.	Elements / Periodic Table (Introduction)
Chapter 2 – Measurements and Calculations
A.	Scientific Method (collecting data, forming hypothesis, 
experimenting, theorizing)
B.	Measurement (SI units, derived units, density)
C.	Conversion factors
D.	Using Scientific Measurements (proportions, scientific notation, 
percent error, accuracy / precision, sig figs)
E.	Laboratory Safety (rules, regulations, lab equipment, safety 
equipment)
Chapter 3 – Building Blocks of Matter
A.	Atomic Theory
B.	Atomic structure (discovery of nucleus and electron, neutron, proton)
C.	Counting atoms (Atomic mass, atomic number, isotopes)
Chapter 22 – Nuclear Chemistry
A.	The Nucleus (mass defect and nuclear stability, nucleons and nuclear 
stability, nuclear reactions)
B.	Radioactive Decay (types of decay-alpha, beta, gamma-, half-life, 
decay series, artificial transmutations)
C.	Nuclear Radiation (radiation exposure, applications)
D.	Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion 
Chapter 4 – Arrangement of Electrons in Atoms
A.	Modern Atom (electromagnetic radiation, photoelectric effect
B.	Quantum Model (quantum numbers-definition and application)
C.	Electron configuration (rules / principle)
Chapter 5 – The Periodic Law
A.	History of the Periodic Table
B.	Electron configuration and periodic table
C.	Atomic trends (atomic radii, electron affinity, electronegativity)
Chapter 6 – Chemical Bonding
A.	Types of bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic)
B.	Geometry-VSEPR-(hybridization, intermolecular forces)
Chapter 7 – Chemical Formulas and Chemical Compounds
A.	Names and Formula (ions, ionic compounds, naming, acids / salts)
B.	Oxidation numbers
C.	Using Chemical Formulas (molar mass, percent comp)
D.	Determining Chemical Formulas (empirical formulas)

Course Materials:	        1. Textbook – Modern Chemistry – Holt	
	2.  Scientific calculator      
		        3.  Safety goggles				4.  
3-ring binder 
		        5.  Notecards					6.  
pen/pencil
*Lab supplies as needed	

Class Expectations:
*Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.
*You will be in your assigned seat ready to learn (with necessary materials) 
when you are in the class room.  Do not be tardy.
*Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.  If you are caught cheating you 
will receive a zero on the test or assignment and parents will be informed 
of the incident.
*Listen to instructions the first time they are given.
*Safety is a primary concern in a laboratory based class, unsafe behavior 
will receive the harshest response allowed by school policy.
*Stay in your seat or lab station unless you have permission to do otherwise.
*The academic misconduct policy of the school will be followed for this 
course.  
*The attendance policy of the school will be followed for this course.  
*Any student who receives failing grades during this course is urged to 
discuss this with me.
	
	IF YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK A RULE
	First time:	Behavior Infraction Notice/conference
	Second time:	Behavior Infraction Notice/conference and Friday 
detention
	Third time:	Behavior Infraction Notice/conference, Student 
Action Plan,                            
			Friday detention and parents called.
	Fourth time:	Behavior Infraction Notice/conference, revision of 
Student
			Action Plan, Friday detention and parent conference.
	Fifth time	:	Referral to the office  

**A missed homework check results in a Student Responsibility Card.  A 
second missed homework check in one week results in a Card and detention. 
Consequences accrue.
**A day without required material in a semester will result in a Student 
Responsibility Card.  Two days without required material in a semester will 
result in detention. Consequences accrue.

THE FOLLOWING MISBEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REFERRAL TO THE OFFICE:
1.  Defiance			2.  Profanity	   3. Leaving class without 
permission	
4.  Damage to school property	5.  Fighting

Assessing your Performance
* Taking points earned and dividing by total points possible will calculate 
the grade.  Grades will be awarded	for test, quizzes, notebook test, 
class work, assigned projects, homework and labs.	
*Make-up Work: Any tests/quizzes/labs missed must be made up within 3 days 
upon return to school. These tests/quizzes/labs will be scheduled before 
school.  If you miss a pre-arranged make-up time without a valid reason, you 
will receive a “0” for that test/quiz/lab.
*Extra Credit: Points from “What Do I Do Next” list. The only other extra 
points will be the occasional bonus question on a major test.


ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SYLLABUS
Beth Calvert							2007-2008

Welcome to Environmental Studies. This course will give an overview of the 
environment and mans interaction with it. This will include both the 
immediate and the long-term effects of man's treatment of our planet.  Some 
of the topics explored will include the ecosystem, acid rain, various forms 
of pollution, the greenhouse effect, energy sources, global warming, and the 
weather.

MATERIALS:
1. Textbook- Holt Environmental Science, Karen Arms
2. Three-ring binder to keep assignments (Lab Journal)
3.  Colored pencils

COURSE CONTENT STANDARDS/OBJECTIVES:
1. Id the influence of human population, technology, cultural and industrial 
changes on the environment  
2. Evaluate various fossil fuels for their effectiveness as energy resources.
3. Evaluate other sources of energy for their effectiveness as alternatives 
to fossil fuels.
4. Identify the impact of pollutants on the atmosphere.
5.  Describe properties of water that make it a universal solvent.
6.  Identify sources of local drinking water.
7.  Identify reasons coastal waters serve as an important resource.
8.  Id major contaminants in water resulting from natural phenomena, homes, 
industry and agriculture.
9.  Describe land-use practices that promote sustainability and economic 
growth.
10.  Describe the composition of soil profiles and soil samples of varying 
climates.
11.  Describe agents of erosion, including moving water, gravity, glaciers 
and wind.
12.  Identify positive and negative effects of human activities on 
biodiversity.

GRADING PROCEDURE:
All grades are determined on a cumulative point system as follows:
Lab Journal, Lab, Miscellaneous, Computer Reviews, Video Lab, Quizzes, 
Tests, Culminating Projects and Class Participation.  Taking points earned 
and dividing by total points possible will calculate the grade.  
**Grades are available to students or parents at any time. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:
1. School phone 734-3923 
2. Email bcalvert@cullmancats.net
3. Feel free to contact me at any time concerning any situation.

Class Expectations:
*Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.
*You will be in your assigned seat ready to learn (with necessary materials) 
when you are in the class room.  Do not be tardy.
*Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.  If you are caught cheating you 
will receive a zero on the test or assignment and parents will be informed 
of the incident.
*Listen to instructions the first time they are given.
*Safety is a primary concern in a laboratory based class, unsafe behavior 
will receive the harshest response allowed by school policy.
*Stay in your seat or lab station unless you have permission to do otherwise.
*The academic misconduct policy of the school will be followed for this 
course.  
*The attendance policy of the school will be followed for this course.  
*Any student who receives failing grades during this course is urged to 
discuss this with me.
	
IF YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK A RULE
	First time:	Behavior Infraction Notice/conference
	Second time:	Behavior Infraction Notice/conference and Friday 
detention
	Third time:	Behavior Infraction Notice/conference, Student 
Action Plan,                            
			Friday detention and parents called.
	Fourth time:	Behavior Infraction Notice/conference, revision of 
Student
			Action Plan, Friday detention and parent conference.
	Fifth time	:	Referral to the office  

**A missed homework check results in a Student Responsibility Card.  A 
second missed homework check in one week results in a Card and detention. 
Consequences accrue.
**A day without required material in a semester will result in a Student 
Responsibility Card.  Two days without required material in a semester will 
result in detention. Consequences accrue.

THE FOLLOWING MISBEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REFERRAL TO THE OFFICE:
1.  Defiance			2.  Profanity	   3. Leaving class without 
permission	
4.  Damage to school property	5.  Fighting

TENTATIVE OUTLINE OF THE COURSE:
FIRST SEMESTER
Chapter 1 Science and the Environment
Chapter 2 Tools of Environmental Science 
Chapter 3 The Dynamic Earth
Chapter 4 The Organization of Life
Chapter 5 How Ecosystems Work 
Chapter 6 Biomes 
Chapter 7 Aquatic Ecosystems 
Chapter 8 Understanding Populations
Chapter 9 The Human Population
Chapter 10 Biodiversity 
SECOND SEMESTER
Chapter 11 Water
Chapter 12 Air
Chapter 13 Atmosphere and Climate Change
Chapter 14 Land
Chapter 15 Food and Agriculture
Chapter 16 Mining and Mineral Resources
Chapter 17 Nonrenewable Energy
Chapter 18 Renewable Energy
Chapter 19 Waste
Chapter 20 The Environment and Human Health
Chapter 21 Economics, Policy and the Future