Chemistry 2016-2017

Mr. Kelleher
Room 225 (Period 1,2) and 224 (Period 4,5,8)
Office Hours are by appointment (before or after school)
Website: mrtkchemistry.weebly.com
tkelleher15@gmail.com

Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the foundational aspects of Chemistry.
Students will be exposed to the Periodic Table, Acid-Base Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry,
Electrochemistry and Elemental Chemistry.

Teaching/Learning Strategies
Chemistry is a very challenging course that combines both mathematical aspects and critical
thinking. Throughout the year students will be quizzed on vocabulary and, in essence, chemical math
problems. Most work will be done individually via homework and study materials at home, but one day
a week, students will present group work during Lab Days. This will be conducted through lab
experiments that help reinforce the principles learned during lecture.
Course Website
In an effort to keep parents informed of course expectations and activities, accommodate
students and be greener, I will be using a course website. Due dates for homework and tests/quizzes
will be available in advance so it is imperative for students to check the website regularly. If you are
absent, please be sure to check the website to make-up any work you may have missed. Website:
http://www.mrtkchemistry.weebly.com
Chapter Reading Vocabulary
Students will be asked to read certain pages in the book and write down each vocabulary term
that is presented. These vocabulary words will then be used in a Vocab Quiz, the following day, where
students can earn extra credit depending on the number of correct answers given. This will be
explained more in class.
Short-Answer Questions
Throughout the book, students will notice mini-questions following a reading on a specific topic
in the book. These questions should be answered and turned in the following day, first thing. When
grading these questions, I will determine if students had a difficult time on a specific topic and choose to
go over the problem the next day. This ensures that a topic is re-learned and any difficulty is alleviated.

Assessments/Evidence
Grades are based on the following:
Tests - 100 points each. Tests will assess student understanding at the end of each unit. They will be
made up of 35 multiple choice questions, 10 fill-in the blanks, 5 essays (students must choose TWO to
complete).
Vocab Quizzes 10 points each. These vocab quizzes will be first thing to get students focused on
Chemistry for the period. This will also serve as a study tool for learning vocabulary and be an
opportunity for extra credit. The top 5 students with the most points at the end of each week will be
awarded 4, 3 and 3 points accordingly.
Lab Experiments/Lab Participation 50 points. Experiments will be conducted once each week. These
will help enforce specific topics discussed in class. Participation among ALL FOUR STUDENTS will be
observed by me and be awarded accordingly. If I observe a student not participating, their grade will
reflect that! ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR SAFETY GOGGLES ON LAB DAYS!!!!!!!
Homework/Class Work 50 points. All homework will be due on the due date, graded in a timely
manner and returned to the students. I believe in assigning homework/class work that is MEANINGFUL
and not just busy work. Therefore, I understand it is on me, as an educator, to return homework in a
timely fashion so students can use this as study material.
Class Participation 50 points. During lecture, students will have an opportunity to answer questions or
ask questions. Their grade will reflect their participation accordingly. If you have a problem with your
Class Participation, please see me before or after class to discuss.
Final Exam 200 points. This is a cumulative final exam on all topics discussed during the school year.
Grading Scale: A: 85-100
B: 78-84
C: 70-77
D: 59-69
F: 0-58
General Policies, Homework, Late Work and Absences

An assignment is on time if it is turned in at the beginning of class when the teacher collects it.
An assignment can only receive credit if I can READ YOUR ANSWERS. Therefore, it must be neat,
legible and have the YOUR NAME in the top right corner with date and class period
In certain circumstances, homework will be accepted late. Please see me to discuss this.
Everyone misses class sometimes! I understand this. If you are not in class when a homework is
due, you must hand in the homework whenever you are in class next, no exceptions. If you are
absent on a test day, you must contact me and schedule a make-up date that is within reason.
You have one week to reschedule the make-up test.

I have learned this material already! It is up to you, the student, to learn this! Please see me for
whatever make-up work you need if you miss a class lecture or homework assignment!
Lincoln Parks attendance policy is in full effect for this class! (And should be for ALL your
classes!)
Students will be allowed water and snacks as long as you are not disturbing others learning
environments.
NO Cell Phones will be allowed in my class AT ALL! If I see it, I will ask to hold it for the rest of
class. If one goes off, I will kindly answer the phone and ask the person on the other end to not
interrupt my class, again, as kindly and caring as I can.

Academic Integrity
Academic honesty is an expectation of all students. Cheating on exams or quizzes, allowing
others to copy homework or lab notebooks, or plagiarizing will not be tolerated. Depending on the
circumstance and after having a conversation with your parents or guardians, sanctions include
receiving an F for the class, for the assignment or for the test/quiz. Furthermore, administration will be
involved to determine what is appropriate. So, do yourself a favor, save all parties involved time and do
not CHEAT.