CLASS GUIDELINES
Pre-AP Chemistry I -
Stephen L. Cotton, Instructor 2009-2010
1.
GENERAL PROCEDURES:
This is a college-preparatory class, and your conduct and performance
on a daily basis is expected to reflect this objective.
a. Bring these materials to class EVERY day. 1) Textbook 2) Lab Manual 3) Paper (no spiral notebooks, 3-ring binder recommended) 4) Calculator (a Scientific Calculator is best) 5) Red ink pen 6) Blue or black ink pen 7) pencil.
b. Be seated and quiet when the bell rings - start to work by writing
assignment/notes/review. We will work
the entire class period, so it is expected that you keep books open and
working on assignments each day until the teacher dismisses you after the bell
rings.
c. Use the class break for restroom, water, phone, etc.
d. Make sure you understand the grading policy handout, which is also available to you. Click à here
e. Your grades are weighted as follows:
Chapter Tests = 35%
Experiments = 15%
Quizzes = 15%
Homework = 10%
Final Test = 25%
Your final grade will then be determined using the grading scale of 90 to 100% = A, 80 to 89% = B, 70 to 79% = C, 60 to 69% = D, and below 60% you will not receive a passing grade.
Grades can be accessed from the website. Click à here
If you ever have questions or need extra help, please ask! Help is also available: each morning class opens around 7:00 a.m.; at lunch; and after school.
Note: there is no extra credit. You will have enough to do, without having to do any extra.
f. Attendance is of
vital importance. Upon receiving a tardy
to class, you will be referred to the administration for disciplinary
action. It is very disruptive to come in
late. If you don't like the consequences, DO NOT BE TARDY TO CLASS.
2. LABORATORY ACTIVITIES:
a. No horseplay or unauthorized experiments allowed. Follow all instructions completely, both written in the laboratory manual, and also those given by the instructor.
b. You will be provided with instructions on how to use equipment and chemicals, as well as safety procedures. Failure to follow these procedures will result in possible removal from class.
c. You will be working with a team; however, you are still responsible for your own individual grade and work to turn in.
d. Begin cleanup when the instructor tells you. If you should finish early, return to your desk and start on the questions/write-up. If you do not finish, make arrangements to come in and finish.
3. CLASS ACTIVITIES:
a. Notebook: 3-ring binder recommended. Enter these items for each chapter/topic:
1) Start by having definitions of the Key Terms of each chapter, 2) Date, 3) Assignment for that day, 4) Lesson title, and 5) the Notes themselves. (Items 2-5 are given daily on the board.) The class notes are available in PowerPoint format, or as a .pdf file, from the Internet website, and how to view is available by Clicking à here
Need some tips on good study techniques? Click à here
b. Homework is assigned from the current material - remember what and how you did it!
c. Quizzes will be taken from the lectures and homework material - are you prepared?
d. Read your textbook. It contains information that is very
valuable. The textbook publisher also
has an Internet web site with Internet activities and a self-test. Click à Chemistry
e. An activity of some sort is done each day – you are not allowed to do nothing in this class. Consistency is the key: Study the material daily.
f. Make-up assignments are your responsibility to complete within the guideline time (see student handbook), and also to attach the completed Absent/Makeup coversheet.
I will provide for you the finest education possible. In return, you also need to guarantee that you will: 1) Be HONEST in doing your own work, 2) Be RESPECTFUL (to teachers and other students), and 3) Do ALL the assignments to the BEST OF YOUR ABILITY.