What prerequisites do I need to take ACP Chemistry? 

All JUNIORS and SENIORS should have completed one full year of Algebra and one full year of another college prep mathematics class (e.g. Geometry) with "C" or better for all 4 semesters. In addition, students should be currently enrolled in a second year of college prep Algebra (typically Algebra II). Juniors and Seniors should have above a 2.9 GPA. SOPHOMORES currently enrolled in the Honors Math program (taking both Algebra II and Geometry I as sophomores) may enroll in this course only after receiving permission of the science department chairman. FRESHMEN may not enroll in Chemistry.

Can I take this course for IU credit?

Starting with the 2010 school year, all Chemistry I students will have the option of taking the course for dual credit through Indiana University as part of the ACP (Advance College Project) program.  Students will need to be admitted to the ACP program and strict application prerequisites must be met to be considered for this opportunity.  If students choose this option, they will pay for the IU course for 5 credit hours with the special ACP tuition: $433.25.  Incidentally, the Fall 2010 cost for IU Bloomington for in-state residents is $253.70 per credit hour; for this 5 credit class, that would total $1268.50!   However, if a student's family is elegible for free and reduced lunch (federal guidelines), that student may apply for a full tuition waiver. 

Students choosing ACP will receive 5 college credit hours for Chemistry 101 (3 lecture credit hours) and Chemistry 121  (2 lab credit hours).  Details on how to sign up for the course will be given to students the first week of school.  If a student chooses to enroll in the ACP Chem 101, after September 15th, no withdrawals are permitted and no refunds will be given.

Indiana University Policy Statement for Student Eligibility to Take ACP C101/C121 as sophomores:

Students who meet ALL the following criteria are eligible to take ACP Chemistry C101/C121:

• GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4 point scale (unweighted)

• Rank in top half of class

• Have science department chairman sign-off

Normal ACP policy does not allow sophomores to take ACP courses. Chemistry C101/121 is the only exception to this policy.

Indiana University Policy Statement for Student Eligibility to Take ACP C101/C121 as juniors or seniors:

Students who meet ALL the following criteria are eligible to take ACP Chemistry C101/C121:

• GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4 point scale (unweighted)

• Rank in top half of class

• Have SAT scores of at least 500 in both Critical Reading and Mathematics or an ACT composite score of 21 or higher. 

• If the student is a junior and has not yet taken their SATs (typically taken by juniors in the fall), they may use their PSAT scores.  PSAT scores must be at least 50 in both Critical Reading and Mathematics.

• Have science department chairman sign-off

:ACP C101/121 can be used toward the dual credit option of the Academic Honors Diploma. The five hours credit earned in C101/C121 do not completely satisfy the dual credit option because the option requires 6 college credits. Students wishing to use C101/121 toward the AHD will have to also take another dual credit course or an AP course and corresponding AP exam.

Students who take C101/C121 at IU usually need a Natural & Mathematical Sciences credit or need a low-level chemistry course for their major. Indiana University considers this a "nursing-level" chemistry course. Approximately 200-300 students take C101 in the fall and another 200 take it in the spring. However, only about 30-40 students go on to take the continuing class, C102/C122, which is only offered in the spring semester. C101/C121 usually comes in as an N&M credit at IUB and this is what most students use it for when coming to IUB. Since C101/C121 is an overview of the most relevant chemistry topics, it covers the same topics as our C117: Fundamentals of Chemistry & Biochemistry yet at a much lower level.

What is the focus of ACP Chemistry this year?

Basically, we will focus on four things:

1. Knowledge leads to understanding.

2. How to study.

3. Proper problem solving technique as it relates to the application of mathematics.

4. How to read a science textbook for understanding.

Chemistry is often the most challenging course that students take as Juniors.  But, you will learn skills that will help you in your other classes -- especially your college prep classes.  Students who have successfully completed Chemistry often come back and tell us that Chemistry was one class that best prepared them for the rigors of college -- even students who never again took another science class!

Is ACP Chemistry a CORE 40 class?

Yes, it sure is.  Students who are planning on attending a four year university or college should be sure to complete the CORE 40.  Chemistry is one of those courses.  Students will take the Indiana CORE 40 exam at the end of the school year.  This course covers all of the Indiana Chemistry Standards.  If you check out the chemistry standards posted on-line here, you will see that each standard has been correlated to a particular chapter and section in the book.

Why should I study Chemistry?

We live in a world that is made up of chemicals. If we want to have a greater control and understanding of our lives we need to know chemistry. Unfortunately in our society and culture chemistry has some negative connotations. One negative connotation of chemistry is that chemistry is dirty, it causes pollution and cancer. Chemistry does not do these things. Chemistry is the study of matter. It gives us knowledge of how chemicals behave. The problems listed above are problems caused by either ignorance of chemistry or the misuse of chemistry ( If you are a "greenie" and like to rail against pollution and use of insecticides and so on I challenge you to get a degree in chemistry and become part of the solution). If we know, understand and use chemistry properly these things can be avoided or at least reduced. Without chemistry we wouldn't have the fertilizers or insecticides (chemistry is constantly producing newer, less environmentally harmful insecticides) to provide food for the growing populations of the world. We wouldn't have the synthetic fibers to clothe people. We wouldn't have the additives to food to preserve it and provide nutrition ("all natural" food is a possibility for some people, but not for all). We wouldn't have the plastics that make so many of the products we use daily. We also wouldn't have many of the medicines which provide, preserve and restore health. The list could go on. 

Another negative connotation is that chemistry is only for geeky nerdy types. This is not true. Chemistry, like all areas of study can be mastered by anyone willing to put in the effort. The study of chemistry will prepare you for life. The problem solving skills, patterns of thinking, and math skills will be very helpful in all areas of life. The information you learn will help you evaluate decisions concerning your health or the environment. 

One more reason you should study chemistry is that you may decide to make a career in chemistry. Chemistry is a demanding field, but has many opportunities. Environmental chemists are needed to work out in the field to collect data and to provide the answers to environmental problems. Pharmaceutical chemists are needed to develop more effective drugs with fewer side effects. Agricultural chemists are needed to develop better fertilizers and insecticides that have fewer environmental problems. Industrial chemists are needed to develop cleaner and better ways to provide the products that make our lives better. Or how about chemical oceanography? There are many, many possibilities in chemistry

What are the salaries for chemists?  The latest ACS (American Chemical Society) survey of its membership determined that the median base salary for all chemist respondents was $78,000 in 2009 and the outlook is for continued growth in salaries (5%/yr) due to increasing competition.

The study of chemistry will also develop many skills that are transferable to other areas of study. These include:

• has good technical reading skills

• has an aptitude for accurate observation of details

• can organize, analyze and interpret scientific data

• can memorize and recall data proficiently

• can mathematically manipulate and understand data

• has good manual dexterity and can manipulate equipment

(Information courtesy of Mr. Ferwerda http://www.lni.net )

What are the keys to success in Chemistry?

The most important thing that you can do as a student is to STUDY CHEMISTRY on the SAME DAY as you have the class.  For example, if you have Chemistry on a Gray Day, study your chemistry THAT NIGHT.  Don't wait till the next night to begin your work.  You will find that you will have questions.  And, you'll then have one more day to come in and get help or contact one of the teachers so that you can get your questions answered.  

The next most important thing is to NEVER LET YOURSELF GET BEHIND.  The absolute worst thing that you can do it blow it off and hope that the next part of the class will be easier.  Chemistry is one of those subjects that is cumulative in nature.  We keep building on previously learned principles.  If you get behind, you will find that it will be harder and harder to catch up.  Conversely, the more you understand about a topic, the easier the next topic will be.

The third most important thing to ensure success is to ASK QUESTIONS.  Don't be passive.  Don't just assume that you will have a "flash of inspiration" and that the concept will somehow make sense.  Those students who are ACTIVE LEARNERS are by far the most successful in this class.  While you may feel intimidated with this subject, remember -- that is perfectly normal.  You may have been exposed to Chemistry at an earlier grade level but it is very unlikely that you have studied and learned it the way you will in this class.

What materials do I need?

• Textbook: Glencoe Chemistry - Matter and Change (2005)

• 2" to 3" three ring binder

• Pens, pencils

• Spiral bound notebook or three ring notebook paper

• Scientific calculator: Have a calculator which uses scientific notation or exponential notation. The calculator must have a key marked "Exp" or "EE", etc. Each student will be responsible for thoroughly reading the manufacturer's directions for calculator usage.

  • Note: Graphing Calculators may NOT be used in this course.

  • Note: Students may not share or borrow calculators in class.

  • If you forget your calculator and need  to borrow one, you will need 25 cents and your ID to "rent" one for the period.

• Three (or more) plastic covers for special reference pages (these may be purchased from the teacher for $.25 @)

• Goggles and socks (feet fully covered) during lab days - goggles will be distributed by the teacher

Students must bring items to class EVERY DAY (unless told by the teacher that certain items are not necessary for a particular day). For example, if a calculator is needed on the daily quiz and the student fails to bring their calculator, work will have to be completed without the aid of a calculator (which increases the likelihood of math errors and consequently, a lower grade).

How will I be graded?

The school grading scale will be used.

A+	98-100	B+	87-89	C+	77-79	D+	67-69	F	0-59
A	93-97	B	83-86	C	73-76	D	63-66
A-	90-92	B-	80-82	C-	70-72	D-	60-62

All work done will be assigned a certain number of points. Grades at the end of each six weeks will be on a straight percentage basis which is then translated into the letter grades above. Grades will be calculated to the tenths (an 89.49% is a B+).  Approximate percentages distribution for determination of nine week grade:

• Lecture 60% (daily quizzes, tests, homework)

• Labs 40% (lab participation, lab preparation, lab reports)

A computer grade book package is used to record and calculate grades. Webgrades will be routinely posted on the Lawrence Central web site via LTOnline.  Thus, grades at the end of the nine weeks and the semester should never be a "surprise."

In addition, each marking period, a certain number of grades will be automatically "dropped" (i.e. not counted).  The number will depend on the total number of items grades that marking period.  The primary reason for dropping grades is so that if a student misses making up a quiz or homework or some assignment other than a major test or "big point item," the "zero" would likely be one of the grades dropped.  Therefore, these dropped items will not count and do not negatively affect the student's overall marking period grade. 

Exams will contain typically combination of multiple choice and free response questions. Student handbook rules will be followed for makeup of all exams. It is the student's responsibility to schedule the specific time for exam makeup with the teacher. Failure to do so may result in the student receiving a 0 on the exam. 

Marking Period Grades and Semester Grades:  

Nine Weeks Grades: Nine weeks grades are determined first as a percentage which is then reflected as a letter grade (see grading scale above). 

Semester Final Exam: Chemistry final exams are cumulative (covers information from the entire school year) and are made up of problems and essays and multiple choice questions. 

Final Exam Second Semester: All Chemistry I students will take the ACP Chemistry final exam. Students enrolled in the ACP program for 5 college credit hours may not skip the final (even if they meet all requirements for skip-a-final).

Semester grade: Each 9 week marking period will count 40% and the final exam will count 20%.  Semester grades are typically calculated by a weighted average of the percentages earned for the marking periods and the final exam percentage.  When a student is "borderline," the teacher always has the option to use their professional judgment in terms of determining the final grade.

What about homework?

Remember, homework is part of the LEARNING process ... Measurement of the learned product will occur primarily through the daily quizzes, experiments, tests and other projects.  So, if you don't do your homework (graded or not), it is much less likely that you will do well on the assessments.

Is homework really that important?  Yep, sho' is.  Homework is a necessary and vital part of the learning process.  Homework:

• reinforces skills and materials learned in class

• prepares you for upcoming class topics

• teaches you to work independently

• aids in the evaluation of your progress.

Homework is assigned each class meeting.  It is the expectation that all students will complete all work.  This is a college prep class.  We are preparing you for college.  And, when you get to college, the professors certainly expect that you complete all work.  Failure to complete work will be addressed on an individual basis.

All "outside of class" assigned work is to be done outside of class and students who are still working on their assignment when the bell rings will not receive credit for that work. In other words, madly trying to finish the assignment or to place heading including name at the top of the paper after you get to class is NOT acceptable: Homework is due to the assigned location by the bell.

Tell me about those daily quizzes that I've heard about.

One of the things that will be likely different from your other classes is that in Chemistry, quizzes will be given every day.  You should expect this on a routine basis.  Daily quizzes count as daily work. Quizzes will  typically include mainly multiple choice but may also include solving math-based problems.

• Every student who receives a quiz from a teacher is required to turn back in the quiz.  Failure to return quizzes puts the teacher in the position of assuming that the student is choosing to be dishonest.  This cheating infraction will be noted in the student's discipline folder in the dean's office.

Is the internet used a lot in this class?

In a word, YES.  This course involves a great deal of internet work. Students are encouraged to have access to the internet at home. However, students will also have internet access in all LCHS computer labs and in individual classrooms during study hall and before and after school depending on teacher schedules. 

All research papers and work one page in length or longer are to be typed or word-processed. Computers are available in the Science Computer Lab for student use during school hours and before school by appointment.

With the use of "spell check," dictionaries and grammar books, students will be expected to correct mistakes prior to their handing in work. "Typos" also are not to be left uncorrected in turned-in work.

Computer rules: Any student who accesses any computer software or the operating system for which he or she has not received specific permission will be subject for withdrawal from the course and possible expulsion from Lawrence Central High School. No student is permitted to load any of his or her own software onto a hard drive, nor are students permitted to use any software on their own discs.  "Browsing" or "checking out" other computer software operating system is strictly prohibited. In addition, any attempt on the part of a student to modify (in ANY way) existing computer software is strictly prohibited.

What about experiments?

The nature of chemistry labs often involves expensive chemicals and potential dangers to the student if that student is not extremely well prepared for the laboratory. 

All students will be required to bring a completed LABORATORY CONTRACT before they can participate in the lab.

LAB PARTICIPATION POINTS CANNOT BE MADE UP.  It is essential that you participate in the lab.  If you are absent when we are in the lab, you will not be allowed to make up the missed participation points.  If you know you are going to be absent ahead of time, arrange to get a pass from your teacher to come to chemistry during your study hall.

About experiment write-ups.....

• Before each experiment, students must have prepared the data tables..  

• All data will be collected and written in blue or black ink (no pencil).

• Paper must be neat -- no "raggedy" edges, no scratch outs, no white-out.

• Formal lab reports will be completed (approximately 10 per year).  One report will be turned in per lab group.  Details to follow at a later time.

NOTE: In the chemistry lab, latex may be present in some items (rubber aprons, foam rubber, rubber rings on different devices, etc.).  If you have a latex allergy, BE SURE TO CONTACT YOUR TEACHER so we can work out a feasible and reasonable plan.  Please note however, that we do NOT have any latex bandaids, any latex rubber gloves, nor latex balloons.

Depending on the nature of the experiment, you may be required to  take a "laboratory prep quiz" to ensure that he or she is well prepared to enter the lab. A passing grade of a 70% or higher (or as determined by the teacher) must be achieved in order for that student to continue with the lab. You will have only one chance to take the quiz. If you fail to pass the quiz, you will not be permitted to continue further with that laboratory and will receive no points for that work. If, after the lab has been completed by the classes,  the laboratory equipment has to be dismantled in order for the lab space to be used by a different class or teacher. If a student misses part of a laboratory (for multiple day labs) due to absence of any kind, the student will only receive credit for the day(s) in which he or she was present.

This situation is one we want to AVOID!!!

Attire for laboratories:

• Students will ALWAYS wear the school-provided rubber lab aprons and safety goggles at all times.  On lab days, students will be required to bring their goggles to class.  One pair of chemistry safety goggles will be given to each student at the beginning of the school year (these are the students to keep).  Replacement goggles cost $8. 

• In addition, feet will be completely covered with shoes and socks. If sandals are worn without socks to class, you may purchase new socks at a cost of $3.00 per pair. (You get to keep the socks).

• Long hair will be secured. 

Failure to comply with the safety rules are considered to be a hazard (to the individual, the other students and the teacher) and therefore will be removed from the laboratory and no points may be earned for the lab.

What do I do when I am absent?

When you are absent, the very first thing you should do is check the ChemCentral website.  Check to see what you've missed.  Of course, since we have the schedule posted on-line for about a week at a time, you'll know BEFORE you are absent what you've missed.  If you've missed a lab, you will need to make it up.  Students should routinely check their webgrades to see what work was graded (and perhaps missed).  

You can assume that the teachers will help you with what you've missed.  However, it is still the student's responsibility to take charge of their own learning.  This can be accomplished in many ways: working with a National Honor Society tutor, checking out the tutorial sites on-line, email or call Mrs. Weir or Mrs. Murphy. 

How do I make up work?

It is the student's responsibility to make up work missed.  School handbook policy for making up work is followed - You have one day to make up missed quizzes.  Your makeup quiz is different than the one given in class and is typically short answer and essay.

When students are absent, it is the expectation that they ALWAYS check ChemCentral to print off worksheets they may need.  Students should routinely check ChemCentral so they know what they have missed.  Students should routinely check their webgrades to see what work was graded (and perhaps missed).

If you have a pre-arranged absence (e.g. field trip, college visit, musical performance), you will need to make special arrangements with your teacher BEFORE you go on your pre-arranged absence so that you can make up the work by coming to a chemistry class during your assigned study hall block.

SPECIFIC MAKE UP WORK POLICIES

1. If you are absent ONE DAY, you are to have made up your missed quiz NO LATER than the NEXT CLASS meeting.  For example, if you are absent on Monday, by the time you come to class on Wednesday, you should have already made up the missed quiz that you would have had on Monday.

2. If you are absent TWO DAYS IN A ROW, you need to contact your teacher about SPECIFICALLY when you will make up your work.  Remember, if the quiz HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE WEBSITE, you may NOT make up this quiz.  

3. Quizzes may be made up ONLY before school.  Mrs. Weir gets here about 6:55 AM daily.  Quizzes typically take 10-20 minutes. 

4. Tests may be made up ONLY during Study Hall.  See either Mrs. Weir or Mrs. Murphy for pass.  DO NOT WAIT WEEKS TO TAKE MAKEUP TESTS!

5. Labs participation points may NOT be made up.

6. The opportunities for extra credit are a good way to make up missed points.

7. Remember (and this is IMPORTANT), the primary purpose of dropping several grades at the end of the nine weeks is to help out those students who have been absent and who are missing points due to those absences.  So, if you are told you cannot make up a missed quiz, the dropping quiz scores at the end of the nine weeks will help to take care of this.  If you miss additional points, be sure to take advantage of the extra credit opportunities.

8. If you are absent for an extended period (3 days in a row or more), YOU MUST CONTACT your teacher individually!  We may assign alternative work.

Finally, AS ALWAYS, 100% of all "handouts" are ALWAYS available for you on the ChemCentral website.  We are diligent in posting absolutely everything!  When you are absent, you MUST check ChemCentral and see what you missed!  (That's why we post it there, guys....)

We know it stinks to be absent.  But, remember that we are trying to get you to get good habits for when you get to college (trust us, your profs are NOT going to ever nag you to turn stuff in ...).  Learning to be responsible NOW will help you when you get to college and your mom/dad/aunt/grandma/other adult won't be around to check to see if you are getting your work done!

How can I get extra help?

The primary thing that you need to remember is that your teachers are here to help you.  But, the primary responsibility for learning still needs to be yours (the students).  Just about all Chemistry students need help at one time or another -- this is perfectly normal -- even acceptable!  In fact, those students who routinely come in for extra help typically do better than those students who do not.

When you want extra help, remember that some effort on your part needs to have take place prior to asking for extra help so that help can be better directed and more effective!  Coming in and saying, "I don't understand anything" will likely not be a productive use of your or the teacher's time.  Have some concrete questions to ask.

• Mrs. Weir can help you in the morning and Mrs. Murphy can help you after school - check with either one to make an appointment so we can make sure we are here to help you.

• Emails are encouraged to both teachers: 

  • Mrs. Weir  

  • Mrs. Murphy

What about extra credit?

The planned curriculum contains the Indiana ACP curriculum for Chemistry 101 and Chemistry 125 and the Indiana DOE Chemistry I standards.  These are the most important objectives and skills that you will need to focus on.  You need to spend time and effort on these assigned materials from the curriculum.  There may occasionally be some specific items of extra credit at various times during the year. 

What about cheating?

OK, so we all know that cheating is plain-old WRONG.  Don't do it.  Remember, you have to CHOOSE to do the right thing.  In the long run, cheating will only hurt you so, stay honest.

Not sure about what cheating is? Some examples of cheating include:

• copying homework (in part or in whole)

• communication of any kind during a test or quiz

• copying information from books without giving the author credit (plagiarism)

• telling other students questions or answers from tests or quizzes after you have taken the test or quiz.

• "aiding or abetting" others to cheat.

All students who receive a quiz from a teacher is required to turn back in the quiz.  Failure to return quizzes puts the teacher in the position of assuming that the student is choosing to be dishonest.  This cheating infraction will be noted in the student's discipline folder in the dean's office.

Consequences for cheating will result in a zero for that activity for 1st time offenders, a zero for the 9 weeks for 2nd time offenders and an F for the semester and withdrawal from the course for 3rd time offenders. However, if a student is caught cheating and evidence is presented indicating that multiple incidents of cheating has occurred, an F for the marking period will be recorded.

Cheating on the CORE 40 exam will result in an automatic F for the semester grade.

All cheating will be documented in the student's discipline folder in the dean's office.  

What are the general classroom conduct policies?

• Tardiness in not acceptable. See student handbook.

• Food and drink is not permitted in science laboratory rooms (OSHA requirement).

• NO cell phones (or any hand-held electronic devices) may be visible nor heard nor used during the day (best idea: turn them off at 7:30 AM).

• TALKING when the teacher or other students are talking is just plain rude!

• Combing hair, putting on makeup, etc. is to be done outside the classroom.

• All "outside of class" assigned work is to be done outside of class and students who are still working on their assignment when the bell rings will not receive credit for that work. In other words, madly trying to finish the assignment or to place heading including name at the top of the paper after you get to class is NOT acceptable: Homework is due to the assigned location by the bell.

• All safety precautions will be followed during a laboratory or demonstration. 

• NO HORSEPLAY IS ALLOWED AT ANY TIME. 

• Failure to wear goggles and apron during lab time may result in being removed from the lab.  And, if you can't complete the lab, you won't get credit! 

• If there is any "free time" at the termination of that day's activity, students are to remain in their seats and will NOT congregate by the door waiting for the bell. Students may leave their seats when the bell rings and after teacher dismissal.

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