Conceptual Chemistry Syllabus

                     Paul VI Catholic High School
                       Conceptual Chemistry 431
                             Ms. Cleary
                         mcleary@paulvi.net                              



Goals:  To develop in the student an understanding of matter, its 
composition and structure, and the nature of its behavior.

To instruct the student in fundamental laboratory techniques, providing them 
with laboratory experiments giving them the opportunity to inquire, 
discover, and make application of the principles being learned.


Text and Materials:
Required Textbooks:    Chemistry (Prentice Hall 2008)
	                         ISBN 0-13-251211-4
			  
			      	
Required Calculator: TI-30X Solar Scientific or TI36X Solar Scientific (or   
                     equivalent). The calculator will have Scientific” 
                     printed on it. No programmable calculators (TI82 or 83) 
                     are allowed in class.   

                     3-ring binder 

Teaching Units:
Matter and Energy (approximately 5 weeks)
Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in the textbook relating basic forms of matter and 
energy and the relationships between the two; reviewing and strengthening 
basic math skills as applied to scientific calculations and graphing.  
Discussion and exercises on scientific method, density, physical and 
chemical properties and changes, homogeneous and heterogeneous matter, 
elements, compounds and mixtures, exothermic and endothermic processes, 
charged particles.  Laboratory experiments in basic procedures, the 
scientific method, density determination, physical and chemical changes, 
heat of fusion.  Problem solving in scientific notation and algebraic 
calculations, density and calorimetry.

Atomic Structure, Electron Configuration and Bonding (approximately 6 weeks)
Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 in the textbook introducing the periodic table 
and periodic properties; relating Dalton’s Atomic Theory to the structure of 
the atom, relating electron configuration to bonding between atoms. 
Discussion and exercises on atomic models, spectroscopes and quantum 
mechanics, periodic properties, bonding models.  Problem solving where 
applicable.


Formulas and Equations (approximately 9 weeks)
Chapters 9, 10, 11, and 12 in the textbook writing chemical formulas and 
writing and balancing equations, predicting products from types of 
reactions, correlating chemical formulas and chemical equations to 
quantitative relationships in a chemical reaction. Laboratory experiments in 
flame tests, types of chemical reactions, mass-mole relationships in 
chemical reactions, relating moles to coefficients in chemical equations.  
Problem solving in formula weights, percent composition, mass/mole 
conversions for elements and compounds, determining empirical formulas from 
percent compositions, moles and mass of reactants and products, mass/mass 
relationships.


Phases of Matter (approximately 5 weeks)
Chapters 13, 14, and 15 in the textbook relating phases of matter; the 
theory of gas laws and quantitative relationships; the Kinetic Theory to the 
properties and phases of matter; phase changes.  Discussion and exercises on 
the properties of solids, liquids and gases; Kinetic Theory and molecular 
motion of gases; Boyles Law; eudiometer; Van der Waals forces and phase 
change; water of hydration.  Laboratory experiments in heating and cooling 
curves, effect of temperature on volume, composition of hydrates.  Problem 
solving in Boyle’s Law, Charles Law, Combined Gas Laws, Ideal Gas Law, 
collecting by mercury displacement and water displacement.


Solutions (approximately 3 weeks)
Chapter 16, 17, and 18 in the textbook relating properties of solutions to 
solubility, concentration of solutions and colligative properties based on 
concentrations.  Discussion and exercises on solutions and suspensions, 
factors affecting solubility, heat exchange in solution processes, 
conductivity of electrolytes.  Laboratory experiments in solubility rates 
vs. temperature, molecular mass determination by boiling point and freezing 
point changes.  Problem solving in molal concentration, boiling point 
elevation, freezing point depression, determining molecular mass through 
boiling point and freezing point changes, molar concentration.

Acids, Bases, and Salts (approximately 3 weeks)
Chapter 19 in the textbook introducing ions in solution in defining 
acid/base concentrations; neutralization and quantitative applications. 
Discussions and laboratory experiments on the properties of acids/bases and 
titrations.   Problem solving in determining pH and relating hydronium and 
hydroxide ion concentration to pH.

Enrichment Topics (time permitting)
 Carbon and its’ compounds and an introduction to polymers and current 
commercial products and their chemical nature, nuclear chemistry, 
environmental chemistry, biochemistry.  Textbooks supplemented with current 
periodicals. 

	Note:  Content of syllabus may be subject to change.


CLASSWORK:

Read assigned text material ahead of the class in which it will be discussed.

Get your questions answered as soon as possible.

Participate in class by asking your questions, offering answers to your 
classmates including observations, experiences you have had, or current 
science events into our discussions.

Daily drill to be completed and reviewed during the beginning of most 
classes.


HOMEWORK:

Homework is an expeditious way to practice your proficiency with various 
concepts in chemistry.  Homework will be assigned as a block at the start of 
a chapter and is due no later than the day of the chapter test.  Students 
are encouraged to complete reading and homework assignments daily.

Homework should be submitted on white paper with straight edges and be neat, 
and easy to read.  All work for problems and calculations must be shown. 
There will be a 5-point deduction for late homework.  (This usually 
correlates to a letter grade decrease.)


EXTRA CREDIT:

Extra credit is assigned during each quarter and usually varies between 20-
35 points.  It is  optional.  There is no extra credit beyond what is 
assigned and no make-up is permitted once the due date is passed.


LABS:

Before each lab I will explain the lab to you.  Preparation for 
the lab is essential.  You should carefully read each lab before the 
scheduled lab time and complete any pre-lab work required before the 
scheduled lab time.

Labs will take one class period only; therefore you must bre ready to work 
when you enter the lab.  Incomplete labs will lose points!

Normally, one lab will be performed for each chapter covered.  Lab 
assignments are due the second class after the lab; they must be neatly typed 
or written and easy to read, with all data and calculations shown. (Refer to 
format).  
There will be a 10-point deduction for late labs. There is no make-up for 
labs.


LAB SAFETY:

Safety in the chemistry lab is critical.  Students will follow proper lab 
procedures and wear personal protective equipment at all times while 
conducting experiments.  Any student disregarding safety rules or engaged in 
horseplay will be removed from the lab and receive a grade of “0” for the 
particular lab.
 

TESTS:

Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. If you are absent on the day 
of a test, you must make it up within 1-3 days after  you return to class 
depending upon the length of your absence.   It is your responsibility to 
arrange for the make up of a test.  Tests are not curved.

Please read the student handbook for course attendance policies.

NOTEBOOKS:

Students are required to maintain a notebook (three ring binder either 
separately or shared with another subject) for the purpose of organizing 
work, providing a record of progress, and as a source of information.  The 
notebook my be maintained in chronological order or it should contain 
separate indexes for the course syllabus, class notes, homework, and returned 
tests and quizzes. The student may decide which format is best for him/her. 
Save all work in the event that a grade or assignment is in question. 



EXTRA HELP: 

Extra help is available upon request and you may make arrangements for this 
with me as necessary.  If you come in for help, be prepared to ask specific 
questions.  I am here early and after school every day.

GRADES:

Grading will calculated on a percentage system.  
                        Tests/Quizzes     50%
                        Homework          35%
                        Labs              15%
NOTICE:  If you do not do your homework, it will be impossible to pass this 
course!

GRADING SCALE:                   A……..93-100
                                 A-...90-92
	                         B+…….87-89
	                         B…..…83-86
                                 B-...80-82
	                         C+…….77-79
	                         C……..73-76
                                 C-...70-72
	                         D……..65-69
	                         F……..64-below


Grading:  Grades are calculated as total points earned divided by total 
points available.  If you are within one half point of the next highest 
grade, I look at extra credit completed, quality and timeliness of completed 
lab reports and homework, class conduct, and class participation to 
determine if the higher grade is deserved.  There is no automatic rounding 
up regardless of how close you are to the next highest grade!


Academic Honesty:
Although students are allowed to work together, they are not allowed to copy 
homework, copy lab data, information, or calculations from other groups, 
program formulae, vocabulary, etc into calculators, give or receive testing 
information, or submit any work that is not their own.
		

LABORATORY  GUIDELINES
2008 - 2009
Chemistry 432								

Attire
1.During all experiments, students are required to wear safety glasses; 
aprons are also required.
2.Only school approved shoes may be worn; refer to Dress Code Policy. 
3.Long hair will be tied back for experiments.

General Safety
1.Students are NEVER to work alone.  No working without direct teacher 
supervision.  No unauthorized experiments are allowed.
2.No eating, drinking, or chewing gum while working in the lab as you may 
inadvertently ingest some chemical substance.
3.Lab is not a social hour. Students will work quietly and must remain at 
their lab stations unless obtaining supplies. Students may not “visit” with 
other groups.  Excessive noise in the laboratory is viewed as a safety 
hazard.
4.Students must know where the eyewash, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket 
are and how to use them.
5.Any accident of any kind must be immediately reported to the teacher.
6.Never heat a “closed system” such as a stoppered flask.
7.Never leave a lit Bunsen burner unattended.
8.Dispose of broken glass in the specially marked waste receptacle.
9.Keep your work area clean, and help keep the common areas of the 
laboratory clean.  If you spill something, clean it up right away to avoid a 
slip hazard.
10.As always, students will conduct themselves in a decorous manner.  No one 
has the right to jeopardize the safety and well being of others.

Chemical Handling
1.Consider all chemicals to be hazardous and read all labels carefully.
2.Never touch or taste chemicals.
3.Never directly inhale chemical fumes.  Waft a tiny amount of vapor toward 
your nose.
4.Do not return excess chemicals to their original container.  Always use 
the smallest amount of substance required for an experiment.
5.Solids are not discarded in laboratory sinks.
6.Never add water to a concentrated reagent when diluting the reagent.  
Always add the reagent to the water.  If water is added to a concentrated 
reagent, local heating and density effects may cause the solution to be 
splashed back.
7.When in doubt, ASK.



LABORATORY  EXPERIMENTS

      Laboratory experiments will be conducted as a team project; four 
students per team with shared responsibilities that will be rotated with 
each laboratory experiment.  Everyone must participate, not just observe.  
Duties of team members include those listed below.  Each team has the 
flexibility to assign as they wish provided the work is shared equally and 
everyone participates in each lab.
1.Setup-this student is responsible for obtaining and setting up the 
necessary materials and equipment to conduct the experiment.
2.Experimenter-this student will conduct the experiment and generate data 
and observations.
3.Scribe-this student will record all observations and data, and generate 
one report for the group to be submitted for the team grade.
4.Cleanup-this student is responsible for dismantling equipment, cleaning 
all glassware and other equipment as needed, proper disposal, and return of 
all materials and equipment to their proper location.  Any station not 
properly cleaned up will result in a full grade reduction of the lab report 
after it is graded on its merit (i.e. A®B). 

All lab experiments will be assigned a day or two in advance if possible.  
Students must have read the laboratory experiment prior to the lab and be 
fully prepared to conduct the experiment including having calculated formula 
weights of chemicals, construct tables for data entries and observations if 
required, etc.  

Each student is responsible for recording all data and observations in their 
laboratory manual as well as answering all questions.  The notebook and 
final report should record both successful and unsuccessful experiments.  If 
you make a mistake, record what happened so that you will not repeat the 
same mistake.  All calculations you have performed before, during, or after 
an experiment should be entered, both to help you understand your results 
and help me find errors you may have made.  

Team Report 
Each team is to submit one report for each laboratory experiment for a group 
grade.  The format for the report is as follows:
1. Title of the laboratory experiment and date. (Cover page)
2. Names (first and last in alphabetical order) and responsibilities of  
   partners along with your P– day schedule number. (Cover page)
3. A Statement of Purpose or Objective of the experiment with all pre- 
   laboratory data and calculations if required.
4. Description of the experimental procedure.  Do not just copy the 
   description from the lab manual.  Instead, understand the basics of the 
   procedure used and summarize this in a few sentences.  Use diagrams to 
   reduce lengthy descriptions.  Observations written in the manual should 
   be complete enough so that anyone with your level of scientific training 
   could understand what you have observed and measured.
5. Results.  This is where all of your data and calculations appear along 
   with the calculation of experimental error based upon deviations from the 
   standard or accepted values. All your original data must be included in 
   data tables and all calculations must be shown along with the 
   corresponding units.  
6. Discussion of Results includes answering all of the questions in the 
   manual in complete sentences; i.e. what went wrong and what went right, 
   what could have been done differently to improve results, comparison of 
   your results to accepted values (additional research may be required), 
   calculating percent error, and general observations/theories that can be 
   drawn from your results.  Note: Number your question responses as they 
   appear in the lab manual. Do not answer questions in paragraph form. It 
   is not necessary to copy each question; however, include the question in 
   your answer.
7. Conclusions include a concise summary of how successful you were in 
   accomplishing the objectives of your experiment, what could have been   
   done differently etc.  Evidence should support your conclusions. 

I consider these team reports to be technical papers.  As such, they must be
written neatly and legibly or typed and complete using proper formatting and 
fonts (superscripts and subscripts for exponents and chemical equations).  
Use Times New Roman with 12 point font and 1” margins. Major deductions will 
be given for sloppy or incomplete work.    
                                                                           
You may use hand or electronically generated sketches to 
aid in descriptions.  Each member of the team will receive the same grade 
assuming equal contribution.  Each report will be graded on content as well 
as presentation which includes correctly following the format, neatness, 
proper use of grammar, ease of understanding, inclusion of all original data 
(in data tables), showing all formulas and calculations, answering all 
assigned questions etc.  

Lab due date: The lab report is due on the date assigned at the start of 
class. If a class drops on that day, the report must be submitted to me 
before the end of the day. There will be a 10-point deduction for late labs 
unless prior arrangements are made. Extensions are rarely given.  Note:  
Team members are responsible for reviewing the report prior to submittal to 
ensure it properly reflects the agreed upon content, but all members are to 
turn in their own copies and anwer the questions in his/her own words. 

Any student who does not contribute fairly to the completion of the lab will 
receive a grade of “0” and may or may not receive an alternate assignment at 
my discretion. 

Any lab missed due to a legitimate absence must be made up immediately upon 
the student's return to school.

Late Work: 
1. Homework is due at the start of class on the day of the test. Late 
   homework is a minimum 5-point deduction.

2. Lab reports are due at the start of class on the day assigned.  If a 
   class drops on the assigned day, students have until the end of the 
   assigned day (3:00 pm) to turn in the report. There is a minimum 10-point 
   deduction for late labs.

3. Extra credit is due on the day assigned and must be complete. There is no 
   partial credit and no make-up is permitted once the due date is passed.

   Note: There are no exceptions unless prior arrangements have been made 
         with me.


Student signature:___________________________________


Parent signature:____________________________________

Date:________________________