Honors+Semester+2+Information

=Honors Chemistry B= Mr. Dahlman jdahlman@totinograce.org (763)571-9116 Ext. 701

Congratulations! You have made it through one semester of honors chemistry. We covered a lot of topics 1st semester and I am very pleased with how the class went. Below is some information about the differences you will see between 1st and 2nd semester:

1. Much of the first semester was spend on building our background and theoretical foundation of chemistry. This semester, we will look at specific areas of chemistry and see how the theories in chemistry applies to gases, liquids, solutions, acids and bases, and organic/biochemistry. Here is a brief outline of the units we will cover:

Unit 5b: Stoichiometry (reaction calculations) Unit 6: Gases and the Gas Laws Unit 7: Liquids and Solutions Unit 8: Reaction Rates and Equilibrium Unit 9: Acids and Bases Unit 10: Organic and Biochemistry

2. Many of the assignments, especially labs, chemquestions and projects will focus on the following three ideas:

1. Collect relevant, meaningful information/data 2. Analyze/evaluate scientific ideas based on rational interpretation of scientific information 3. Communicate results and understandings effectively.

In other words, you’ll hear me say the following phrases a lot: “What is the data telling you?” “Does that make sense?” “Justify that answer.”

3. There will be a second semester project. Right now, the project is not going to be a big, one-time project, but rather a series of small assignments that you will be posting on-line. More information will be given about the project will be given next week.

4. An extra credit project will be offered again. The project will be an ongoing activity throughout the semester starting with unit 6, focusing on advanced problem solving. More information will be given when we get to unit 6.

5. Please do not hesitate to come in and see me throughout the semester if you are having issues with anything we are doing. Don’t save all your questions for the couple days before a test or before a project is due. Mornings are generally better than afternoons, but if I’m around, feel free to stop by.

A few reminders about grades:

6. As far as late work goes, I accept late homework at ½ credit up until the unit test covering that assignment. Anything after the unit test will receive no credit. For late lab reports and projects, there will be a 25% grade reduction for each day that the assignment is late.

7. Policies on attendance, academic dishonesty, etc. remain in effect. Just in case you forgot, the grading scale is below:

Weighting: Grade Breakdown: 45% Exams/Quizzes 30% Labs/Projects 10% Homework 15% Final Exam

Adjustments to the class based on student surveys:

I thank you for your honest feedback on the 1st semester surveys. Based on your feedback, there will be some adjustments to class procedures. Below are the major changes you will notice right away:

There were a good number of comments about struggling to take notes as well as listening/engaging during class lectures. Now, you will be able to print out the slides before class to follow along/add what you need. Or, go back after class and see if you missed something.
 * 1. Notes/Powerpoints will be made available on the wiki before we cover the material in class.**

See the wiki about the new lab notebook procedure.
 * 2. The lab notebook assignments are going to be adjusted.**

This should help you plan your week out and manage your time. The assignments and schedule are subject to change based on how the week is going.
 * 3. The class schedule/assignments will be posted at least one week in advance.**