Lutheran High School in Mayer
2008-2009 School Year Course Syllabus
I. Everyday Chemistry
II. Instructor - Mr. Gary Loontjer
III. Grade Level – Grade 10-12
IV. Prerequisite – Students must have passed a previous science class and
cannot take this course if they have received a C or better in a chemistry
class.
V. Length of Class – Semester long course
VI. Course Summary Description
This course is designed to introduce chemistry to students and to
show students
how chemistry is a part their lives and the world around them. This course
is a balance of conceptual development and quantitative applications using a
balance of thinking skills, process skills, and communication skills. Lab
activities are an integral part of the coursework and students will be
challenged to learn and use new skills as they perform the activities.
VII. Integration of Faith & Christian Leadership
A. Service: It has been said that “service to humanity is the best work
of life”. We will serve others as we work to keep our classroom and lab in a
suitable condition for all to use. Equipment and supplies are often shared
with other classes and their proper use and storage is a positive service to
others. It is my goal to set up a science mentor program for help sessions.
Other outside opportunities for service may arise as the year progresses.
B. Faith Integration: Each class session begins with a
prayer/devotion. Many devotions are based on a creation science theme.
Prayers include individual prayer requests as they arise.
VIII. Course Objectives
A. Reading/Comprehension: Textbooks have been selected at the appropriate
reading
level for the majority of students taking this course. Study aids provided
by the book will be explained and implemented as needed. Directions on note
taking will be given to help guide comprehension of the material covered.
B. Writing Skills: Students will increase the effectiveness and quality of
their writing by following templates for lab reports and using applicable
writing conventions for major lab reports.
C. Attitude: Garner an appreciation of the applications of chemistry in our
lives and generate a renewed awareness of the created world.
D. Content: Gain knowledge of the principles and concepts of chemistry and
learn & practice lab skills.
E. Problem Solving Skills: Expand on the ability to solve problems using
dimensional analysis.
F. Have fun!
IX. Outline of Topics Covered
Introduction to Matter States of Matter
Changes in Matter Elements and the
Periodic Table
Atomic Structure and Bonding Carbon Chemistry
Chemical Reactions Acids, Bases, and
Solutions
Exploring Materials
X. Evaluation Procedures
A. Grading scale: The LHS grading scale is: A: 92-100%, B: 83-91%, C: 74-
82%, D: 65-73%, F: 0-64%. The semester grade is calculated with each quarter
worth 45% and the final exam worth 10% of the total. Weightings for classroom
grade: Lab reports-30%, Tests (paper & pencil and lab practicals)-30%,
Worksheets & reports-30%, and Effort & Behavior-10%.
B. Homework: Will include lab reports, test preparation, and
worksheets.
C. Late work: Work received after the due date but prior to the
chapter test will
receive a maximum of 70% of the original points. Work from a given chapter
will not be accepted following the day of the chapter test. If you are
absent from school, you will have the number of days absent plus one to turn
in work, complete labs, or take any tests that were missed. Planned absences
require advance notification (two days) and may require that certain work be
done prior to the absence. Planned absence days will be handled with the
same number of days absent plus one guideline.
D. Cheating/Plagiarism – You will only get credit for work that is
yours. Taking
advantage of another person’s work is stealing and will result in no credit
for that work. If you allow someone to use your work to complete theirs you
will also receive no credit for that work. You must make use of proper
citation in reports and the act of “cutting and pasting” reports from
internet sources will not be allowed.
E. Tests: A test will be given following the completion of each chapter.
These tests will take on several forms: paper/pencil, lab practical,
projects.
F. Semester Exams: A cumulative semester exam will be given to include
activities and projects.
G. Projects: Project constructions will constitute the extended projects for
this course of study. Guidelines for these reports will be given as needed.
H. Participation: The effort & behavior portion of the classroom
grade will be
my assessment of how well you are using your talents and if you are making
wise use of your time in class and lab.
I. Extra Credit: No extra credit work is planned for this course.
XI. Classroom Expectations
A. It is very important to be in class, being tardy or absent may cause a
reduction in your grade.
B. Before entering the room, be sure that you have all the supplies you need
for class. Do not bring book bags, back packs, coats, or other “extras”.
Space is at a premium in room and lab.
C. Feel free to use the restroom (remember the hall pass) when I am not
lecturing or giving directions. I will allow a maximum of two to be out of
the room at one time.
(Two restroom passes)
D. Respecting other’s property avoids causing problems for others.
E. I will gladly accept all papers that turned in on time and meet the
neatness standard and use proper headings.
F. At times you may be anxious to talk, and I listen to students who raise
their hands.
XII. Materials
Be sure to bring your textbook, a folder/notebook for notes, reliable writing
utensil (pencils for labs). You will have free use of a calculator for all
homework and labs in this course.
XIII. Technology Integration
Students will make use of computers and search engines for lab reports and
some other projects. Many labs will use a variety of technological devices.
Students will be exposed to some content delivery using the computer.
