Stuart Crocker

scrocker@bguilfoyle.org
944-4014 ext. 204
http://mrsjcrocker.weebly.com

Chemistry Lab

Course Overview
Chemistry Lab is an academically challenging course to prepare students to take their place in an
increasingly technological world. Students will learn about the core science, chemistry, through student
centered, hands-on activities to help develop an analytical methodology of viewing the world around us.

Students will learn about the make up of matter and how matter interacts. No true appreciation of
science can take place without understanding the development of scientific theories. An exploration of
the history of chemistry and its core concepts is interwoven with the introduction of the theories
themselves.

Students will be introduced to such key concepts as stoichiometry, chemical reactions, and
systematic nomenclature to prepare them for their next step in their scientific journey.

Major Course Objectives

Students will be able to:
Compare and contrast between the different branches of science, chemistry, and research
Define the different categories of matter
Give the name and symbol of the elements
Differentiate between the steps of the scientific method
State the fundamental units of the SI system
Convert from one unit to another
Use significant digits in scientific calculations
Describe the development of the atomic theory from the beginning of time up to Dalton
Discuss the experiments that led to the discovery of the parts of the atom
Use Avogadros number to determine the makeup of the isotopes of an element
Discuss the development of the modern atomic theory
Write the electron configuration notation, orbital notation, and draw the electron dot structures of
the elements
Discuss the development of the periodic table
Explain the patterns found in the periodic table
Differentiate between the various types of bonding
Determine the molecular geometry of a compound using VSEPR and hybridization theories
Determine chemical names from formulas and vice versa
Determine chemical formulas from elemental data
Describe the major types of reactions
Determine products from reactant data
Calculate solutions from stoichiometric data
Textbook, Instructional Materials, Resources
A Natural Approach to Chemistry, Hsu, et al, Lab-aids, 2016
Integrated labs from Lab-aids
MahJong Chemistry app

Grading

Grading is calculated by taking the points scored on each assignment and dividing that by the number of
points the assignment was worth. At the end of most sections there will be a 50 point test of the concepts
contained in that section. At the end of each chapter there will be administered a major test worth
between 600 to just over 1000 points. A lab report will be written for most labs. These are due after the
lab is performed and can be worth from 10 up to 100 points. Class participation is given and can be worth
up to 10% of the total number of points for the quarter.

Technology

Technology is an ever increasing part of our lives, at home as well as in school. This course will utilize
technology whenever appropriate. eBackpack will be used for virtual snow days/school days with
assignments being delivered and work turned in via this app. The textbook is on the ipad and should be
utilized daily. The MahJong Chem app is also on the ipad. Teacher communication should be through the
schools e-mail system but I can also be reached by the schools phone system.

Student Expectations (examples)

The student should realize that chemistry can be very challenging. As such the student should be
prepared to read the text book every day for at least 20 minutes. Sections should be read before
they are covered in class in order to facilitate the understanding of the challenging material.
Promptness is important in any scientific endeavor. There will be a 10% penalty per school day
for any late work.
Labs are usually done in small groups. The lab report, though, is an individual piece of work.
Copying lab reports of others is considered plagiarism and will be dealt with accordingly.
Chemistry is a math intensive science. It is necessary for each student to bring a scientific
calculator to class each day. It is important that the student learn the proper use of the calculator,
in particular the use of the scientific notation button.
Laboratory equipment may not be able to be used after the day of the lab. Therefore it is very
important to avoid missing lab days.
If a student is absent for a test, the student is to make up the work on his/her first day back at
school.
Acknowledgment:

Please sign and return this sheet by tomorrow.

A copy of this syllabus can be found on http://mrsjcrocker.weebly.com

I have read and understand the course description and student expectations for Mr. Crocker and
Chemistry Lab.

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