Foundations+Syllabus

=Foundations In Chemistry= Room 103 Mr. Dahlman Phone: (763)571-9116 ext. 701 E-mail: jdahlman@totinograce.org

**Student Responsibilities/Keys to Success:**
2. Ask Questions 3. Come Prepared 4. Be Respectful**
 * 1. Work Hard

Course Requirements
Textbook (MUST BE COVERED) Three-ring binder Paper for the binder Pencils/pens Scientific Calculator Periodic Table (will be provided)
 * Materials**

It is expected that you will be in class everyday. If you are absent it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to pick up your homework and find out what you missed. You have two days per absence to make up missed work. You have one week to make up a missed lab activity. If you miss a test you will be expected to take the test in class on the day you return.
 * Attendance**

It is important that you know that you will be required to show your work. Late work will receive a maximum of 50% of the assignment’s points. If missing assignments become a problem, your parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified.
 * Homework**

Quizzes will be given approximately four times a unit (usually at the end of each section). Your three-ring binder will be allowed for most quizzes, therefore, it is to your advantage to take good, organized notes and keep your work organized and together. Retake options will be available (usually in the form of an error report). A maximum of 80% of the possible points can be earned on a retake. All homework for that unit must be turned in before you have an option to retake a quiz.
 * Quizzes**

The labs have a large effect on your grade. Lab write-ups that are not done on the day they are due can be handed in one day late for 80% of the possible points or two days late for 60% of the possible points. Lab write-ups that are more than two days late will receive a zero. Any student excused for violating the safety in the lab will receive a zero for the lab.
 * Labs/ Mini-Projects**

There will be one large project each unit. These projects will be discussed in class and a scoring rubric will always be provided.
 * Unit Projects**

Tests will be given at the completion of each unit (approximately 3 each semester). Retake options will be available. A maximum of 80% of the possible points can be earned on a retake. All homework for that unit must be turned in before you have an option to retake a test.
 * Tests**

A final exam will be given at the end of each semester.
 * Final Exam**

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in any shape or form. It will result in a zero score, a call home, and all appropriate academic penalties according to the student handbook. Please note that identical papers and/or allowing someone to copy your work will be considered cheating. Work together, but make sure your answers are a product of your own thought.
 * Academic Dishonesty**

**Grades & Grading Scale**
40 % Exams/Unit Projects 25 % Labs/Mini-Projects 10% Quizzes 15 % Homework/Binder Checks 10% Final Exam
 * Grade Weighting**

Listed below are the cut-off percentages for each letter grade:
 * Grading Scale**

A 93.0% C+ 77.0% A- 90.0% C 73.0% B+ 87.0% C- 70.0% B 83.0% D+ 67.0% B- 80.0% D 63.0% D- 60.0%

**Extra Help**
Please know that I am always willing to work with you if you would like extra help on any of the ideas presented in class or on the assigned homework. I am willing to meet in the morning, during any free period, or after school. All you have to do is ask and schedule an appointment.

=Tips for success in chemistry:=

2. Stay organized. Get a binder for this class and keep everything you get in there. 3. Don’t try and figure out chemistry by yourself. Science is collaborative, meaning the insights of others are valued and essential. Work with your classmates on assignments, ask questions, look on the internet for information, or use any other resources you have available to further your chemical knowledge. 4. If you have a question, ASK! Chemistry is not easy, so do not think you are the only person who does not understand what is going on in class. It is through asking questions that true understanding can be reached.**
 * 1. DON”T FALL BEHIND!! Keeping up with homework is best way to have and maintain success in chemistry. It gets harder and harder to do well if you keep falling further and further behind.