Course Outline – Introduction to Chemistry

Grade 8
Berwick Area Middle School
(570) 759-6400
Desiree Margani
Room 3312 570-854-7959
[email protected]
I. Course Summary
Chemistry is a yearlong introductory laboratory course covering states of matter, atomic structure,
periodic table, molecular bonding, and chemical interaction. Laboratory investigations, group projects,
readings, homework assignments, presentations, papers, and exams are in an integral part of this course.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills are addressed on a daily basis. Throughout the year, we will
learn by using real world problems, laboratory experiments, and journals to help students become
inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open minded, risk takers, balanced,
caring, and reflective.

These standards and benchmarks are covered in the following units.

II. Units of Study

Name of unit Approximate Duration of Unit
Unit 1: Nature of Science and Engineering 3 weeks
Unit 2: Matter 8 weeks
Unit 3: Atomic Structure and The Periodic Table 6 weeks
Unit 4: Bonding 7 weeks
Unit 5: The Mole 5 weeks
Unit 6: Chemical Reactions 5 weeks

III. Text and Methodology

The goal of this course is to build life skills such as organization, group participation, critical thinking and
reflection. Students should expect to work collaboratively with peerson a daily basis. We will be using the
following textbook throughout the course though we do not expect students to carry the book with them
daily.
Chemistry Matter and Changes by Burelezi, T., Dingrando, L., Hainen, N., Wistrom, C., & Zikr, D. (2008)
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
(http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/007874637x/)

Outside readings and homework will be assigned and often assessed through the use of an interactive
notebook which the students will work in daily. Expectations for the notebook follow below.
IV. Methods of Assessment
Students will engage in a summative assessment for each unit, which will show knowledge of the content
studied. Examples of summative assessment can include: exams, projects, lab reports, essays, and
presentations.

Summative assessments will represent 70% of the total student grade for each semester of the
course. Students will also engage in formative assessments for each unit, which will help students
develop skills and knowledge, and indicate progress toward the summative assessments given.

Formative assessments will represent 30% of the total student grade for each quarter of the course.
Examples of formative assessment can include: student notebooks, daily assignments, quizzes, and lab.

V. Interactive Notebooks
Students will be expected to maintain an interactive notebook throughout the year. Almost all classroom
work including notes, labs and activities will be done in the notebook. Materials will be pasted into the
notebook throughout the year. It is expected that this be a composition (bound) notebook for ONLY
chemistry and that students bring it to class daily. It may be stored in the room if desired. The notebook
will be graded for a formative grade weekly. Teachers reserve the right to grade notebooks more often.

VI. iPads and Schoology

Schoology will be used to deliver classroom materials to students. It is expected that students become
familiar with how to access Schoology, view course updates and retrieve/turn in work. We will spend time
going over how to use Schoology once iPads are distributed. Digital resources will only be allowed to be
accessed on a school issued iPad (NOT a cellphone or other device) so please be sure your iPad is
charged and with you daily!

VII. Absences, Late Work and Re-takes

Work (both summative and formative) due when a student is absent is due the date they return if
assigned prior to the absence. Any work assigned during the absence will be eligible for an extension.
The teacher and student will agree upon the length of the extension. Communication is key in both long
and short-term absences. Students should do their best to email their teacher during the absence to try to
collect any work that is missed. This will help prevent students from returning after an absence with
multiple assignments missing. Per the school’s grading policy, formative work may be turned in up to 3
school days late with a 10% reduction in score. After 3 days, work will not be graded. Summative work
is not to be accepted late except for on a rare case by case basis when arranged with the teacher prior to
the due date. Students are eligible for one summative retake per quarter. Retakes are meant for times
when the student did everything they could to succeed on the initial summative assessment but did not
achieve the score they would like. Retakes are NOT for when a student forgot to study or needs extra
time for completion. Minimum requirements for a summative retake will be: 1) Successful completion of
initial assignment. 2) All missing work turned in even if it is past the three day mark and students will not
receive credit. 3) Extra practice as decided on by teacher. 4) One after school relearning day with teacher
to ensure success on retake.
(Please refer to the handbook for further information).

VIII. Additional Classroom Expectations

Class Expectations: Safe, Respectful, and Responsible
It is important that each student comes to class on time each day prepared to learn, work hard,
participate, help other students, and advocate for him/herself when help is needed. Additionally, it is
important to be organized, proactive, mature, and to have a good attitude. In order to have a comfortable
classroom environment, it is essential to be respectful to staff, students, property, ideas, and opinions.
Please do not bring food or drinks (water in a closed container is permitted) into the science classroom.
School policies will be followed regarding electronic equipment, headwear, attire, inappropriate language,
absences, and tardiness.

Materials Needed / Supply List:

Pens (no-gel) and/or Pencils
Composition notebook for science only – everything will be secured in this notebook for class and
kept in the classroom.
Please no five subject notebooks or spiral notebooks!
Pocket folder
Scientific Calculator (graphing calculator NOT required)
Additional items not required but helpful
1 Dry Erase Marker in a dark color (black, or blue, green)
Personal colored pencils
Personal Kleenexes

*Donations are welcomed and appreciated for any of the supplies listed above.
Extra Assistance:

It is better to keep up than to catch up! Students can attend after school help sessions regardless of their
classroom teacher. Schedules for after school help can be found outside our classrooms and on our
websites. Last minute changes will be posted outside our classrooms.
Cheating, Plagiarizing, Stealing, Etc.:
Cheating, assisting with cheating, plagiarizing (intentionally or unintentionally), stealing, and defacing
property are not tolerated and will be dealt with as directed by school policy (see student handbook).
Pass policy:
Passes will be issued at convenient times for the class (ex. during work time, not during lecture) as long
as the student is in good standing. No passes will be given out the first and last ten minutes of class.
IX. Chemistry Safety
The following are a list of safety rules which must be adhered to in order to participate in the chemistry
classroom. Failure to comply with these rules will result in a three step system as follows:

First Offence: Verbal Warning – Allowed to stay in lab with correction

Second Offence: Written Warning, Parents Informed – Removed from lab for class period, Allowed to
return to lab next day, Missed lab day must be made up after school within 3 days

Third Offence: Conference with Admin/Parents – not allowed in lab until this occurs
Please read the following with your parents/guardians. By returning the signed paper at the end of this
you stating that you understand and are agreeing to follow these rules when performing lab activities.

Whenever performing a chemistry investigation I will:

1. use the science laboratory for authorized work only.
2. study the laboratory investigation before coming to the lab. (If in doubt of any procedure, I will ask my
teacher.)
3. know how to use the safety equipment provided and know the location of the fire extinguisher, eye
wash station, safety shower, and fire blanket.
4. report any accident, injury, or incorrect procedure to the teacher at once.
5. never taste, touch, or smell any substance unless specifically directed by the teacher to do so.
6. handle chemicals carefully, check the label of every bottle or jar before removing the contents, and
never return unused chemicals to reagent containers.
7. when heating a substance in a test tube, make sure that the mouth of the test tube points away from
other people and away from myself.
8. use proper equipment to handle hot glassware.
9. tie back long hair, remove dangling jewelry, role up loose sleeves, and tuck in loose clothing.
10. at the end of the lab, clean the work area. Wash and store all materials and equipment, and turn off all
water, gas, and electrical appliances.
(Please complete, sign, and return this page)
Take this syllabus home, read it through with your parents/guardians, discuss it, purchase the
materials and then sign it
together. Keep the previous pages for your reference. Only return this signed page to
your teacher.
I have read this document and will do my best to fulfill these expectations.
_________________________________________ _______________________
Print Student Name Class Period
_________________________________________
Student Signature (first and last name)
I have read this document and will encourage my student to meet these requirements.
_________________________________________
____________________________________
Print Parent/Guardian Name(s) Parent/Guardian Signature
__________________________________ ____________________________________
Daytime Phone Number Parent/Guardian Email