Syllabus
Morning Module : Quarter 1
Teacher: Alvin Fridie
email: alvin@ nsnva.pvt.k12.va.us/
Course Description
This is an intermediate science course focusing the physical and chemical properties of various materials. Students will read contemporary theories on why things break and develop informative images to present during the exhibition. Focusing on the chemistry of concrete and biodegradable substances, students will complete specific exercises. In the lab, students will practice close observation, careful note taking, data analysis, and most importantly, creative imagining of results. The exhibition is a presentation of a design project developed throughout the quarter.
Pre-requisites: Students should be comfortable organizing ideas and work in a science lab notebook. Students are expected to read independently scientific texts.
Class Skills: Students will develop additional safe lab techniques and create visual representations of abstract molecular principles.
Essential question: How can the chemistry of materials be manipulated to control breakage?
Focus Skills
Solves Problems
Communicates Effectively
Grading System
Course Requirements/Grading System Possible Points
Homework 25
Tests/Quizzes 15
Labs/Notebook 15
Participation/Discussion 15
Exhibition 30
Total Points 100
Homework (25% of final grade)
- Homework are generally short general chemistry problems which focus on important theories developed by chemists to explain different molecular behavior. The homework will include a variety of questions including basic vocabulary, mathematical problem solving, and more though proving problems. The homework should be placed in the class notebook. In order to earn all the points for an assignment, students need to pass the assignment (70%). Incomplete or late assignments up to three days late will receive partial credit.
- Students are expected to read the Food Section every week from the Washington Post (Wednesday) and review and article. The review should be placed in their notebook.
Tests/Quizzes (15% of final grade)
- Tests and quizzes are in-class exams for students. Quizzes will be questions based upon homework assignments and recent class discussions. Tests will have similar questions as the quizzes and also some longer essay questions.
- Quizzes will occur at the beginning of class and will generally cover recent material . Late students will not be given additional time to finish. Arrive on time!
- Excused absences from tests and quizzes must be obtained three days in advance.
- Missed quizzes will not be made up. Missed tests will be made up on the first day the student returns.
Labs/Notebook (15% of final grade)
The class notebooks are a place for illustrations, asking questions, and a record of research for the class. Of course, the ability to describe one’s ideas through writing is a useful skill in most academic fields. This includes not only your summary of covered material but also questions with the information presented. Years from now, you should be able to read your notebook as a reference for information. It will contain the results of chemistry demonstrations and laboratory exercises.
Participation/Discussion (15% of final grade)
One of the goals of the class is to provide a conducive environment for learning chemistry and working on projects. Student participation is essential to maintain a healthy workspace to discuss and to evaluate ideas. While I do present many topics, students are expected to present their ideas in class to other students. During class discussions, students are expected to come prepared both to ask and to answer questions Students earn a daily grade, 5 pts for excellent behavior, 3 pts for excused absences, 0 pts when repeatedly asked to work.
Exhibition (30% of the final grade)
The Exhibition is a public presentation of chemistry knowledge at the end of the course. In order to present a formal exhibition, every student will be graded on developing an outline, bibliography and questions to be answered on their exhibition. A complete practice exhibition must be prior to a final exhibition in front of an audience. Classwork will include assignments for the exhibition, creation of study materials and work in the lab. The lab space has special rules for behavior. Students, who are unable to work appropriately, will be sent out
Text
World of Chemistry Essentials â€" 2 ed. Joeston & Wood
Why Things Break: Understanding the World by the Way It Comes Apart Mark E.Eberhart
Web sites
http://workbench.concord.org/ Molecular Workbench
Class Schedule ( Major Assignments)
Week 1
Chap 1-3 - WTB
Concrete Labs
Chapter 2 Chemistry Essentials
Week 2
Chap 4-9 - WTB
Notebook Check
Week 3
Chap 10-13 - WTBH
Chapter 5 Chemistry Essentials
Week 4
HW packet #3
Lectures 16-20 (oxford)
Biodegradable Materials
Week 5
Images Chap 1-3 - WTB
Chapter 6 Chemistry Essentials
Notebook check
Week 6
Images Chap 4-9 - WTB
Exhibition outline/references
Lab practical
Week 7
Images Chap 10-13 - WTB
Chapter 14 Chemistry Essentials
Final Notebook check
Week 8
Exhibition Practice
Final Thoughts
- If you are having any trouble with the course, come and talk with me. I am available both before and after school most days. I have a free period, A module and a study hall B module.
- I encourage students to work with each other. Students can help each other complete homework and study for the exams.
