Science as a Way of Knowing the World

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STEM Chemistry 2014-15
Instructor: Ms. Riske Webpage: www.riskescience.com Room: D-6
Email: korin_riske@beaverton.k12.or.us Phone: (503) 259-5050


Course Overview: This year long, lab-based course will study the interactions among different
forms of energy and matter, emphasizing higher-level mathematical relationships and reasoning.
The mathematical skills necessary for success include algebraic manipulation, graphing, and data
analysis. This course is intended for students who are interested in exploring Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) career or educational pathways. It will address, with
extended depth, National and State Science Standards.

Topics addressed will include:
The structures of atoms and compounds, the Periodic Table of the Elements, chemical reactions,
gases, solutions, chemical quantities, kinetic theory, and thermodynamics. The class will be
composed of hands on activities, class discussion, small group work, reading & reflection,
mathematic manipulations, as well as lecture.

Classroom Values/Expectations
I have high expectations for students in chemistry. We will be learning a lot of information this year
and moving at a reasonably fast pace. It will be important for you to come to class everyday and
complete all assignments on time and to the best of your ability. The information in this class builds
on itself so if you dont understand something then you will likely have more difficulty
understanding following topics. It is critical that you come in for help if you feel that you do not
understand something and certainly if you feel that you are falling behind. This is a college prep
course and so I also expect you to self-advocate and take responsibility for your own learning.

Our classroom is a place for new ideas, experimentation, and investigation. It is expected that
students and visitors alike will demonstrate an attitude of respect and compassion for everyone in
our classroom community. Our classroom is fully inclusive and I will make all reasonable
accommodations that may be needed.

Class & Lab Behavior
You are encouraged to discuss your assignments with classmates. You are encouraged to
share your data and ideas when appropriate, but you MUST do your own work. Copying
work is unacceptable and only damages your learning.
Lab equipment is fragile and valuable. Use it carefully so that others can use it after you.
Each lab group is responsible for clean up and equipment care. There will be a fine for
equipment breakage.
All safety rules must be followed at all times. All students will be required to sign a safety
contract and pass a safety quiz before participating in lab activities.

Science as a Way of Knowing the World
Think Engage Imagine Wonder Question Investigate Share Discover

Science is Fun!
Assignments & Assessment
District-established standards support the content we will learn this year. Learning goals and targets
will always be expressed; the objectives of our activities should never be a mystery.

Grades: Your work will be assessed and or reviewed formally and informally by me, by yourself and
on occasion by your peers. All large projects, assignments, tests and quizzes will be graded on a
proficiency basis following a rubric so you will know precisely what you need to do to succeed.
Assessments missed due to an excused absence may be made up within one week of the date given;
it is your responsibility to communicate with me to schedule any make-up assessments.
-Multiple Opportunities: You will have at least three opportunities to demonstrate your
proficiency on every standard assessed in this class.
-Summary Judgments: The summary judgment for each standard will be determined
using a power-law aggregation which averages scores and weights the most recent scores
more heavily resulting in a grade that represents your overall performance while
emphasizing your proficiency at the end of the learning cycle.
-Overall Grade: Your final grade in the course will be determined following district
guidelines and will be determined using an average of all of your summary judgments for
the standards assessed during the term, with me having the final say for all grades.

Success: While participation is not explicitly part of your grade, your participation and engagement
in this course is necessary for your success as well as the success of the class as a whole. In addition
to whole class activities, much of our work will involve working in pairs and small groups.
Collaboration is a big part of science, and although each student will generally be responsible for
their own work working together is going to be the most efficient and effective way to develop your
own understandings and knowledge.

Tests & Quizzes: For most standards you will have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency on
a quiz, a unit test, and the final exam. It is critical to keep up on your reading and homework to be
successful on these assessments.

Labs: Work in the lab will be used to both develop your technical skills and to support your content
learning. For some standards labs will provide an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency.

Science Literacy: As part of learning chemistry you will need to develop your science literacy; we
will be engaging in regular reading, reflecting, and writing activities as part of your learning.

Chemistry Notebook: An important part of science is learning to keep a lab notebook. Notebooks
should be kept organized so that you and I can access information easily

Required Materials
Textbook: Chemistry, Pearson/Prentice Hall
A bound 9 x 7 lab notebooks ~200 pages (composition book)
Pencil, pen (blue or black ink)
Scientific Calculator
A good attitude, solid work ethic, and an open mind
Science as a Way of Knowing the World
Think Engage Imagine Wonder Question Investigate Share Discover

Science is Fun!
Stakeholders Agreement
There are a number of stakeholders when it comes to education, community, government, schools;
and more personally the teacher, student, and parent/guardian of the student. I believe it is
important for these stakeholders to recognize and acknowledge their responsibility and roles in the
learning process. In this syllabus I have tried to outline the basic goals and guidelines for this class; it
is my hope that this will help to guide and inform you, and your parent/guardian about your roles
and responsibilities for success in this class. After reviewing the syllabus please sign the following
contract so we can all be held accountable to our role in your education.

I have read and understand the goals and guidelines of this course and agree to take ownership of
my learning and responsibility for my contribution to the classroom community.

________________________________________ __________________
Student Name/Signature Date

I have read and understand the goals and guidelines of this course and have discussed them with my
student. I agree to support his/her learning and efforts in this class.

_________________________________________ __________________
Parent or Guardian Name/Signature Date

I agree to do everything in my power to provide opportunities for success, and to support you in
your learning process.

_________________________________________ __________________
Ms. Riske Date
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Please cut here and return the bottom portion to me. Thank you.

I have read and understand the outline and guidelines of this course and agree to take ownership of
my learning and responsibility for my contribution to the classroom community.

________________________________________ __________________
Student Name/Signature Date

I have read and understand the outline and guidelines of this course and have discussed them with
my student. I agree to support his/her learning and efforts in this class.

_________________________________________ __________________
Parent or Guardian Name/Signature Date

I agree to do everything in my power to provide opportunities for success, and to support you in
your learning process.

_________________________________________ __________________
Ms. Riske Date