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:________________________