Lincoln High Chemistry

Course Description & Expectations: 2007-08

Room/Office:  S383 & S383A (back of the classroom)

Phone: 436-1301 ext. 373 (If you get the answering machine, leave your name, number and message)

Email: sputnam@lps.org   

Office Hours: By appointment. I am here usually by 6:30 a.m. and during my lunch hour.

Course Description: Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes.  We will explore many different topics pertaining to chemistry including:  structure of matter, behaviors of matter, and the properties pertaining to the changes in matter.  This course is will also consist of laboratory experiences where we will examine the concepts found within the curriculum.

Expectations:  As a student in my class you will be expected to:

1.

 Be prompt.  You will need to be in your assigned seat when class begins.

2.

Be prepared. You will need to have all essential materials at the beginning of the class.

3.

Be respectful.  You will respect the opinions and property of each person in the classroom.  Harassment (including inappropriate language) of any form will not be tolerated.

4.

Be honest.  Give a fair and honest effort toward learning, participating in and enjoying chemistry.

Classroom policies

1.

Attendance.  There is no substitute for being in class and your success is directly influenced by your participation.  I will expect everyone to be in attendance.  If you are planning to miss class, I expect that you will inform me in advance and make arrangements for getting classroom information & assignments.  If you are unexpectedly absent, you will be responsible for arranging to make up any work. If you miss a lab, there is no guarantee that you will get to make up the lab.  

2.

 Tardies.  These are unnecessary and interruptive, so I expect you to be on time. Excessive truancies (more than 3) will result in classroom detention(s), parental contacts and/or referrals. If you are tardy you will need to sign in on the sign-in sheet. 

3.

 Late Work.  For an excused absence, you will have 2 school days to make up any and all work.   Prolonged absences (more than 2 days) will require that you contact me (email, phone or student discussion forum) and get the materials needed from class.  For unexcused absences, you will need to have it turned in within 2 school days and will receive 60% credit of the completed work.  For incomplete work or not finished, DONíT BOTHER!!!!

Your assignments are posted on-line under Weekly Plans.  I suggest you print these off each week so there are no confusions about due dates for homework, quizzes and tests. 

Practice problems are not typically graded in class but you will still be expected to complete these activities. They are there to help you review the concepts covered in class and evaluate your comprehension.

4.

Classroom/Laboratory appearance.  I expect everyone to assist in maintaining an orderly classroom and clean lab. Desks will be placed in the correct place and stools pushed under the lab tables.  All lab equipment used will be cleaned, dried and placed back into the designated spot.  

5.

Grading. Your grades are calculated based on total points and will be reflective of the 

following scale:

  A: 90-100%      B: 80-89.9%       C: 70-79.9%        D: 60-69.9%        F: < 60% 

I do not round scores. Quarter grades are posted under the Grades Section.  You will need to obtain a password from me in order to access your grades. 

6.

Lab Safety:  You will be expected to follow the adopted safety rules by signing a lab contract. Food and drink are not allowed in the lab/classroom area. 

7.

 Evaluations.  Most tests are part multiple choice and part free response (problems, short answers, essays, etc.). Tests will comprise, at a minimum, 50% of your final grade.

I do not allow retakes.  I feel it is important to prepare for the test and do your best.

.

The Semester Test & Final are comprehensive and will cover the entire semester/year. It is important that you plan ahead and prepare well in advance.

8. 

Extra Credit.  I do not offer extra credit projects, although some tests and quizzes will have bonus questions which allow you to demonstrate a mastery of the subject above the minimum.

9.

Classroom materials.  You will need to have a notebook to keep your notes, handouts, & homework.  A calculator (scientific), writing device and a book are also essential for class.   

It is imperative that you are organized in class. You will have lots of notes, handouts, practice problems, and evaluations that will be used for studying for tests. The better organized you are, the easier it is to study.

10.

Web-Site.  In an attempt to make sure that students have fair and equitable opportunities to learn both inside and outside of class time, I have designed this web site for that purpose.  Students that do not have access at home are more than welcome to use the school facilities (library, computer labs and classroom computers).  There will be times where you will have to print material off and retain as either homework, handouts or notes. 

Suggestions for Success

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Study chemistry every day or as often as possible. This helps keep already learned concepts fresh in your mind and improves learning new concepts by making better connections.

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Come to class prepared.  Make sure you have the assigned reading, homework and studying done before class begins, this includes textbook and web site information.

**

Don't cram for exams.  If you wait until the night before or the minutes before a test or quiz, you can become easily overwhelmed and create unnecessary stress.

**

Develop good study habits at the beginning of the year and continue with them throughout the year.

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Working on the practice problems will help you better understand the concepts.  Don't put them off for they may help improve your grade.  

**

Don't be afraid to ask.  I am here to help you succeed in chemistry but YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR EFFORT.