Download IB/AP Chemistry Course Requirements

preAP/IB Chemistry Course Requirements
PreAP/IB Chemistry is a course that is designed to cover the state-mandated curriculum for
chemistry and prepare students to take either AP or IB chemistry in the future. Chemistry is a
requirement for entrance into most universities and is a very rigorous course. By signing this
sheet, you and your parents verify that you understand and will commit to the requirements
listed.
Course Description:
 First Nine Weeks: The topics to be covered include laboratory safety and management,
matter, atomic structure, and chemical bonding.
 Second Nine Weeks: The topics to be covered include chemical formulas, mole concept,
and chemical equations and reactions.
 Third Nine Weeks: The topics to be covered include chemical equations and reactions,
stoichiometry, gases, and solutions.
 Fourth Nine Weeks: The topics to be covered include acids and bases, thermochemistry,
nuclear chemistry, and chemistry connections.
Supplies:
 Interactive Notebook: For the sake of efficiency, a 70-page spiral will be provided for your
student this year. If at any point during the year, the notebook is lost, the student will be
required to replace it at his/her own cost.
 Calculators: Students need to have a basic scientific calculator. An expensive graphing
calculator is not necessary. Calculators are available for check out by students in the
library if they are unable to purchase their own. Most of our math teachers require their
students to have calculators anyway.
 Scissors, Glue/Tape, Colored Pencils, Highlighters: These supplies are highly
recommended for your student. Some supplies are available in the classroom; however, they
are community supplies that must be shared by all.
 Paper, Pens, and Pencils
Grading Requirements & Policies:
 Course Grades: Students must maintain a minimum average of 70% at all times.
Parents/guardians will be notified approximately every three weeks if their student’s grade
drops below this minimum. Tutoring will be discussed at that time. A tutoring log will be
kept.
 Course Exam Grades: Students should score a minimum grade of 70% on all exams
without benefit of a curve or extra credit. Any student who fails an exam (less than 70%)
will be strongly encouraged to retake the exam once for a 70%. The student will be required
to attend two tutoring sessions (30 minutes each) prior to retesting. A tutoring log will be
kept. Parents will be notified of a failing grade and available tutoring times. The retest will
not be the same as the original exam.
 Homework: Homework will be given at times. This occurs most often when students
cannot complete the work within the class period. It is necessary to complete the
assignments and turn them in the following day. Homework is due at the beginning of class.




Late work policy: Late work will be accepted with a grade penalty. The assignment will
lose 10 points for each day it is late. After 5 days, the assignment will not be accepted. A
student will not be given less than a 50 on a late assignment.
Make-up work policy: If a student is absent the day an assignment is given, according to
district policy, the student will have 5 days to make up the work. However, if a student is
absent on the due date but was present when the assignment was given, the student is
expected to turn in the work the first day back in class.
Grade Calculation: According to district policy, in a preAP/IB class 35 % of a student’s
grade is formative and 65 % of a student’s grade is summative. Depending on the type of
assignment and amount of effort required, an assignment may be weighted more than once
in the grade book. Please pay attention to weight when viewing assignment through Home
Access.
Plagiarism/cheating is unacceptable. If plagiarism is suspected, the student will have one
opportunity to correct the issue. If it occurs a second time, a grade of ‘0’ will be given on the
assignment and the parent/guardian will be notified.
Laboratory Requirements:
 Safety Procedures: All laboratory safety procedures must be followed at all times or
students will be removed from the laboratory and receive a grade of zero for the laboratory.
If misconduct during laboratories becomes persistent, the student will be dismissed from the
lab until a conference can be conducted with the student and parent/guardian to discuss the
behavior. The safety of our students and faculty is extremely important!
 Lab Experiments: Students learn best by doing! Students will perform multiple
experiments and hands-on activities on a regular basis. It is important for the student to
remain on task so that these activities can be completed during the assigned class period.
 Lab Reports: Because of the nature of this course, students will be required to design and
conduct lab experiments at various times throughout the year. It is crucial that students do
the required preparatory work before beginning the lab. Lab reports may be required at some
point during the year. These reports must reflect a student’s unique thoughts and ideas.
 Missed Labs: When a student is absent for a lab, the student will either be required to come
in during tutoring to complete the lab or be given an alternative assignment that covers the
laboratory concept. This decision is based on the type of lab that was missed and will be
determined when the student returns to class.
Our common goal is to ensure student success. I am delighted to have your student in my class
this year and look forward to a challenging and enlightening year.
Teacher signature _________________________________________________________
Student signature _________________________________________________________
Parent signature __________________________________________________________
Parent’s daytime phone ____________Parent’s e-mail address _____________________
What is the best way to reach you? ___________________________________________