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CHEMISTRY 1 HONORS
Instructor: Fastovsky, L.
Mrs Fastovsky's Honors Chemistry
At WHS, chemistry is:
- A Blended classroom that is Learner-driven with Independent-, & Active-learning
- Center-based
- A Spiraling curriculum
- About Real-world connections
- Interact directly with the natural and designed world using tools, data collection techniques, models and theories of science;
- Actively participate in scientific investigations and use cognitive and manipulative skills associated with the formulation of scientific explanations; and
- Use evidence, apply logic, and construct arguments for their proposed explanations.
- Are engaged by scientifically oriented questions;
- Give priority to evidence, which allows them to develop and evaluate explanations that address scientifically oriented questions;
- Formulate explanations from evidence to address scientifically oriented questions;
- Evaluate their explanations in light of alternative explanations, particularly those reflecting scientific understanding; and
- Communicate and justify their proposed explanations.
- (Excerpted from: Laboratory Science in the 21st Century Michael Heinz, Science Coordinator, Office of Math and Science Instruction, NJ Department of Education)
This chemistry course is designed to:- Promote critical thinking and reasoning
- Improve organizational skills
- Demonstrate how theory is applied in laboratory situations
- Develop and practice good laboratory technique
- Become a proficient problem-solver and a keen observer
- Relate chemical principles to everyday life
- Use scientific principles as vehicles for understanding abstract concepts
- Develop technical writing skills through chemical exploration activities
This will give you a brief explanation but for more on each topic, see the "Resources" tab:- Blended Classroom is one that integrates online with traditional face-to-face class activities to supplement traditional coursework with online media in the classroom.
- Learner-centered classrooms focus primarily on individual students' learning. The teacher's role is to facilitate growth by utilizing the interests and unique needs of students as a guide for meaningful instruction. Because people learn best when they hear, see, and manipulate variables, the method by which learning occurs is often times through experimentation.
- Independent-learning consists of a classroom with a facilitator that has set up a learning environment that largely gives the students the ability to learn on their own. This promotes responsibility of students knowing what they have to do and do it without anyone telling them and finding ways to understand material through application (generally trial-and-error).
- Center-based or Active-Learning means that there are learning centers in the classroom designed to offer a variety of materials, activities, and media through which students can work by themselves or with others. The information can be review or can be a way to introduce a topic, provide experiences, or review material.
- Spiraling-curriculum is a way of acquiring knowledge where the learning is spread out over time. The curriculum is designed so the material is revisited repeatedly and used in different ways and more complexly.
Homework:
There are many reasons for homework. In this class you will have homework because:- You need info for the group and they are depending on you to bring that to them
- It will help you better understand what we will be doing in class tomorrow
- You need to practice a concept on your own to make sure this is something that you can do independently
Grade WeightingProduct / Proficiency Summative Assessments…The evaluation of student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing it against some standard(s) or benchmark(s). (Examples: summative assessments, formal and informal lab reports [one full formal per semester], projects, anchor tasks, presentations) 60% Progress Interim Assessments…The evaluation of student learning at different points within an instructional unit that measures progress toward some standard(s) or benchmark(s). (Examples: quizzes, short writing tasks, minor presentations/performances, minor graded assignments) 30% Process Work Habits…Aspects of behavior that enable a student to meet the demands of a course in accordance to standards. (Examples: completion of classwork* and homework, follows directions, uses time wisely, stays on task, punctual, prepared for class, etc.) See Work Habits Rubric! 10% Formative Some classwork will consist of formative assessments (example: “Do-Now”) which will not be “graded” but will be corrected for feedback. 0% - Students have the opportunity to “do over” two assessments per quarter in each course within two calendar weeks (14 days) of receiving the scored assessment.
- Students must sign the WHS “do over” contract with their teacher to clarify the procedures within two school days of receiving the scored assessment.
- The “do over” score is your final score.
- Students will have one opportunity to “do over” each chosen assessment.
- This option is only available for students who complete and hand the assignment in on the original due date.
- Students who do not earn a proficient rating on an Anchor Task will be afforded a maximum of 5 days from the date returned to revise said anchor task for proficiency only
- In cases of extenuating circumstances, extra time will be afforded to reach proficiency
- You may choose this as one of your "Do-overs" or you may choose to revise to receive a proficient rating that will not change your grade.
- Any student(s) caught cheating or involved in cheating on any form of assessment or any other graded assignment will receive a zero on said assessment/assignment followed by contacting your parents/guardians as soon as possible. (Please see attached outline of academic integrity)
- WHS policies on academic integrity, which can be viewed on pp. 34-35 of the WHS Student Handbook, will also apply.
- Proper behavior and use of equipment is expected and enforced at ALL times (Please see the attached “Chemistry Laboratory Safety Agreement” for a complete list of expectations). Improper or unsafe behavior will result in a loss of points and exclusion from the lab activity, which may only be made-up afterschool.
- No student may participate in laboratory activities until the “Student-Parent/Guardian Acceptance Contract” has been completed and returned.
- Informal lab summary reports or formal lab reports are required for almost every lab exercise. One week will be given to complete formal lab reports after conclusion of lab experiments.
- Assistance with study habits/development of good study skills.
- One-on-one tutoring/extra help after school (check with teacher for availability)
- Links to helpful resources in LiveBinder!, School Fusion, and our online textbook
Absenteeism: Regular attendance is essential for success in Chemistry class- If you are absent, all material can be accessed through Livebinders.
- Assessments/assignments with a due date will be due upon your return to school
- Fieldtrips or other school related absences do not excuse you from due dates!
Electronic Devices:
Electronic devices are a major part of this course. There are many computers in the room but a personal device is a great way to access material. You are, therefore, encouraged to bring your devices or personal computers. These devices, however, can easily become a distraction. If you are not using your electronic device properly or responsibly, the school policy (p. 29) will be followed:
A student may possess an electronic communication device (ECD) (including but not limited to cellular phones) in school provided that during school hours the device remains turned off. The only exception to this policy is when a teacher asks students to use electronic communication devices for instructional purposes. Violations of this policy will result in confiscation of the cellular telephone or electronic communication device and disciplinary action.
Announcements
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nomenclature practice links
http://www.pafaculty.net/biology/keith/KR_Graph_site/ionic_nomenclature_page.htm http://www.chemteam.info/Nomenclature/Nomenclature.html
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Energy unit Binder
http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?tab_layout=side&id=1490330#anchor whs chem energy
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Honors Project links
Per 4 Project Links https://magic.piktochart.com/output/18759183-visual-project http://prezi.com/clxiicfc6rmd/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv_CQ2k5lqg&feature=youtu.be https://magic.piktochart.com/dashboard# https://magic.piktochart.com/output/18854698-density-project https://magic.piktochart.com/output/18827209-temp-vs-solubility https://drive.google.com/a/westerly.k12.ri.us/file/d/0B7TFx7p4LbLCU200dWdRTDJFTlU/view?usp=sharing https://magic.piktochart.com/output/18691826-polarity https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B3ZMwRRWNfq4dMSsA6GRgQCmmLQWLqRZKO4G0E0VORI/edit https://magic.piktochart.com/output/18827117-new-piktochart-conflict-copy-conflict-copy https://magic.piktochart.com/output/18758985-chlorine https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B3ZMwRRWNfq4dMSsA6GRgQCmmLQWLqRZKO4G0E0VORI/edit https://drive.google.com/open?id=150doOH0CarnLxqaIs-vpuhqxy5ENS3WK96toD49bjxo Per 6 Project Links https://docs.google.com/a/westerly.k12.ri.us/presentation/d/11_fiGygpbaX-JWwZmBJ0j8VNqSQQjrnao3jbsNAJ1cs/edit?usp=sharing https://youtu.be/UpXC0HaKJQk https://spark.adobe.com/video/5RgHTmHBxp892 http://bakingsodaandvinegarbonding.weebly.com…
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Parent-Teacher Conferences, Monday 11/7
If you would like to sign up for a conference, use this form to see what slots are available.
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Course Info & Curriculum
We will be using a platform called LiveBinders in class this year. Most info is posted below but more can be found in our General Course Binder at this link. (http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=1422782) The access code is: whs chem (make sure you put a space between words) There is also a copy in the "File" section below if you would like to print the document
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Supplies
Be prepared for class: In order to be prepared for class students must bring the following course materials to each class: 1-2” 3-ring binder Pen and Pencil Folder Scientific calculator An open mind
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Student vs Learner
Students Learners Relationship with educators Students are employees, required to obediently follow instructions. Learners are citizens with a vested interest in the learning society. Relationship with other “Students” Students are competitors Learners are collaborators Motivation Obligation: Students are culturally obliged to work for the teacher & for compensation (below) Responsibility: Learners are motivated by an understood and realized “value” in their work, especially when it is valuable to others. Compensation Institution defined grades and gateways to college (another institution) and a good job (another institution) A sense of ongoing accomplishment that is not delivered but earned, and not symbolic but tangible and valuable — an investment. Mode of Operation Compliant, group-disciplined, objective-oriented, and trainable Persevering, self-disciplined, group- and goal-oriented, resourceful, and learning in order to achieve rather than achieving learning. Why? Compelled
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Succeeding in Chem This Year
“Can I really learn chemistry?” The answer: With patience and time, anybody can learn chemistry. In my years of teaching chemistry, I’ve never found anybody who, with a little bit of hard work and study, wasn’t able to understand the basics. Of course, there are some things you can do to make this task easier on yourself: · Learn the vocabulary! Chemistry is full of confusing, specialized terms. It doesn’t matter how well you’ve memorized the material—if you don’t understand what the words mean, you won’t understand chemistry. · Learn processes, not facts! A lot of people attempt to learn chemistry by memorizing the periodic table, the names and formulas of every chemical compound, and all the equations from the chemistry book. Some of these people learn chemistry, some of them don’t, and some of them have heart attacks from all of that memorization. Chemistry becomes much easier if you learn how to solve problems, rather than memorizing the answers to every potential problem. In this course, we’ll be discussing methods you can use to solve problems, rather than committing the atomic masses of the lanthanides to memory. · Slow and steady wins the race! Like most subjects, chemistry is much easier to understand if you take it in small, easily digested chunks. Remember, it took over 2,000 years to develop modern chemistry—you probably won’t become a pro after a 32-hour study session. · Use common sense! When you solve problems in chemistry, look at the answers to make sure they’re right. For example, if you’ve found that you’re 45 meters tall after doing a unit conversion, it’s fairly certain you’ve made a mistake (unless you’re the Jolly Green Giant). · Enjoy the scenery! Though there are some really boring aspects to chemistry, there are also a lot of really neat things to learn. Think of chemistry as being like a long car trip—sometimes you have to endure the traffic in New Jersey before you can enjoy New York&helli
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MsFs Chem Help
Ms. Fastovsky’s Chemistry Help! - Get extra help - Improve Anchor Task assignments from that quarter - Clean out binders/book bags and finding missing assignments - Make up missed work - Correct graded assignments for better grades I will announce each week when I'm available.