LA Promise Charter High School #1, 2019-2020

Francis N. Le
francisl@lapromisefund.org
Welcome to the World of Chemistry!

I. Course Description:

This course introduces students to the foundation in Chemistry. Students will explore
the fundamental principles of Chemistry through learning of the properties of matters
and their reaction with each other. This class utilizes both the traditional lecture and
hands-on activities, which emphasize chemical principles, application, problem-
solving, and development of laboratory skills. Conclusions are developed using both
qualitative and quantitative procedures. The topic of discussion includes
measurement, atomic structure, electron configuration, bonding, gas law, state
properties, solution, stoichiometry, reaction, kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base, organic
and nuclear chemistry.

Course website: mrlechemistry.weebly.com

II. Course Objectives:

The main goal of this course to provide students with a solid foundation in Chemistry.
Through various activities, students will learn to demonstrate the application of
theories in a laboratory situation and daily life:
+ Appropriate scientific processes and principles in making decisions
+ Effectively engage in public discourse and debate about matters of scientific
and technological concern
+ Increase in students’ economic productivity throughout their careers through the
use of knowledge, understanding, and skills employed by the scientifically literate
person

III. Materials and Preparation:

Material: STEMSCOPES: Chemistry in the Earth System

Students will utilize other materials related to the content of the lessons. All required
equipment will be provided by the schools (folder, writing utensil, calculator)

This class also utilizes Google Classroom, STEMSCOPES, and Weebly as the
learning platforms on which students can find announcement regarding class
activities and assignments.

IV. Evaluation:
 Score Evaluation
4 _ Students successfully demonstrate a clear understanding
of the material with effort in showing the thinking process.
_ Students completed all the required task with only minor
or no mistakes
3 _ Students successfully demonstrate a good understanding
of the materials with effort in showing the thinking
process. However, there are some mistakes and room for
improvement
_ Students completed most of the required task with some
mistakes
2 _ Students somewhat demonstrate a good understanding of
the material with effort in showing the thinking process.
However, there are rooms for improvements.
_ Students complete some of the required tasks with some
mistake
1 or NP _ Students fail to demonstrate s good understanding of the
material with little effort in showing the thinking process.
/ _ Excused (Official – no grade deduction)
_ Students have one week after coming back to school to
complete the missing assignments.
M _ Missing (Expected to be turned in a treated as a late
assignment)
AD _ Academic Dishonesty
_ Students will receive an alternative assignment.

V. Homework and Assignment:

_ Most homework and assignments are to be submitted at the beginning of the
indicated class meeting (usually the day after assigned). Late assignments will result
in one score deduction each day.
_ You will have to work on your missing assignment during lunch once your
assignment’s score drops down to 2.
_ All homework and assignments must be turned into the designated location.
_ Students have five minutes at the beginning of the class meeting to turn in their
work(s). Any work became in later than 5 minutes after the bell is considered to be
late.

VI. Laboratory and Projects:

_ All laboratory experiments will be done in groups, but assignments (handout or lab
report) can be done individually.
_ Late assignments and reports will result in a deduction of 1 score per day.
_ Always follow laboratory safety rules
 _ Certain projects and laboratory experiments may consist of multiple steps, and you
are responsible for completing each of them promptly.
_ Each project will be given a certain amount of time to finish.

VII. Self-Evaluation:
_ All self-evaluations will be announced in advance.
_ There will be a review for each exam. However, students are expected to bring their
questions. If there is not any question, students can work in groups to solve problems
that they still need help.
_ Each evaluation covers the most recent chapter along with materials from lab
experiments, discussion, textbook reading, and application. However, Chemistry is
cumulative, and students are expected to review older materials for each exam.

VIII. Electronic Devices.

_ Cellphone and other electronic devices usage is strictly prohibited in class. Students
must place their cell phone in the Chromebook cart accordingly to their assigned
number.
_ Failure to follow electronic device-related policies will result in saber balance
deduction and the device will be confiscated.

IX. Other Course Policies:

_ Entering class procedure:
1. Walk to your seat accordingly to my instruction
2. Sit at your assigned seats
3. Put your backpack behind your seat
4. Work on the do-now
5. Wait for direction to turn in your cellphone and pick up Chromebook
_ The class is dismissed by the teacher and NOT the bell.
_ Chemistry class is for studying Chemistry. You will not be allowed to work on
homework for another class unless your chemistry homework is completed. Any
homework from other classes that is out during Chemistry class will be confiscated.
_ Participation is highly recommended in class. There will be numerous chances for
you to join in with the calculations, problem-solving, and earn saber credit.
 LAB SAFETY RULES:
1. Follow all instructions given by your teacher.
2. Report all accidents, injuries, and breakage of glass or equipment to instructor
immediately.
3. Keep pathways clear by placing extra items (books, bags, etc.) on the shelves or under the
work tables. If under the tables, make sure that these items cannot be stepped on.
4. Long hair (chin-length or longer) must be tied back to avoid catching fire.
5. Wear sensible clothing including footwear.
_ Long pants or jeans, no short or skirt.
_ Long sleeves shirts are highly preferred
_ Closed-toe shoes only. Absolutely not sandals or flip flop
_ Gloves and googles once required
6. Contact lenses are strictly prohibited
7. Cellphone usage is strictly prohibited
8. Work quietly — know what you are doing by reading the assigned
experiment before you start to work. Pay close attention to any cautions described in the
laboratory exercises
9. Do not taste or smell chemicals.
10. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes when heating substances, dissecting, etc.
9. Do not attempt to change the position of glass tubing in a stopper.
10. Never point a test tube being heated at another student or yourself. Never look into a test
tube while you are heating it.
11. Unauthorized experiments or procedures must not be attempted.
12. Keep solids out of the sink.
13. Leave your work station clean and in good order before leaving the laboratory.
14. Wash your hands before leaving the lab
15. Do not wear gloves from the lab outside of the lab room. Remove them before leaving (or
touching the door knob)
16. Do not lean, hang over or sit on the laboratory tables.
17. Do not leave your assigned laboratory station without permission of the teacher.
18. Learn the location of the fire extinguisher, eye wash station, first aid kit and safety
shower.
19. Fooling around or "horse play" in the laboratory is absolutely forbidden. Students found
in violation of this safety rule will be barred from participating in future labs and could
result in suspension.
20. Anyone wearing acrylic nails will not be allowed to work with matches, lighted splints,
Bunsen burners, etc.
21. Do not lift any solutions, glassware or other types of apparatus above eye level.
22. Learn how to transport all materials and equipment safely.
23. No eating or drinking in the lab at any time.
I have read and understand this course’s practices and expectations.

Student:

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