General Resources

Page history last edited by David Young 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Course Information

Syllabus Documents

2009 IB Chemistry Syllabus Details

2009 IB Chemistry Data Booklet

Course Outline and Expectations

Instructor: Mr. David Young email: davidy@isb.ac.th

Rm 3-212, Office 3-213 phone: 583-5401-10 ext 3341

Course Description

IB Chemistry SL/HL is a two year syllabus that divides into 110/180 hours of theory and 40/60 hours of internal assessment. The theory consists of 80/135 hours core material and 30/45 hours for options. The core material includes Stoichiometry, Atomic Theory, Bonding, Periodicity, Kinetics, Energetics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Oxidation and Reduction and Organic chemistry. The options topics are designed to draw on knowledge gained in the core and are therefore normally covered towards the end of the course. The 40/60 hours of internal assessment consists of laboratory investigations including the Group 4 Project and counts for 24% of your final IB grade.

Textbooks

Include: Chemistry 6^th ed (Zumdahl), Chemistry in Context 5th ed (Hill and Holman), IB Chemistry Course Companion, IB Chemistry Study Guide

Textbooks are resources to supplement your learning. Often reading AFTER lessons will help consolidate your knowledge. Liking a particular textbook is a personal thing. You may also wish to check out online texts such as

Concept Development Studies in Chemistry (Table of Contents on left side - good for in depth study)

Chem1 Virtual Textbook (pretty good general reference)

Technology

Students will use and be expected to become proficient with data collection software (Vernier LoggerPro), MS Word, MS Excel, graphing software packages and additional topic specific simulations and applets.

Assessment

Assessment in this course is categorized into either formative or summative. The primary purpose of formative assessment is to provide feedback to students on areas to improve their learning. Formative assessment may be graded, but does not contribute to the final course grade. Whereas formative assessment is “for learning”, summative assessment is “of learning”. Summative assessment is comprised mainly of formal tests and independent lab reports.

Knowledge with Understanding ~35%

Experimental Skills and Inquiry ~20 %

Data Management ~25%

Semester exam 20%

Knowledge with Understanding

Includes summative assessment of content and understanding of the course syllabus objectives. The most significant summative assessments will be unit tests. Expect 3-4 tests per semester. Formative assessments (such as quizzes) are diagnostic and although reported, do not contribute to the course grade.

Experimental Skills and Inquiry

Includes the following IB criteria: “Personal Skills”, “Manipulative Skills”, “Design” and “Conclusion and Evaluation”. This category looks at the student’s ability to design and perform a controlled experiment in a safe and efficient manner. Following the philosophy of the scientific method, consideration for accuracy and precision, concern for the integrity of results, and functioning efficiently in a senior high school science laboratory are all evaluated in this category.

Data Management and Processing

Includes all assessment of data processing and presentation primarily from lab notes. The “Data Collection and Processing” criterion of lab report assessment is included in this category.

Habits and Attitudes to Learning (HAL)

HAL is the component of assessment that addresses daily work habits such as attendance, preparation for class, homework completion, motivation, and behaviour. Assessment in this area does not contribute directly to the grade calculation. The HAL score ranges from 1-7 and reflects behaviours that are beneficial or detrimental to student success. A rubric with expectations will be provided to students early in the semester.

Reporting

Grades may be viewed on PowerSchool and reflect progress to date. The overall grade as it appears on PowerSchool is a dynamic value and will change continuously as the semester proceeds. Only the overall final grade for the course appears on the ISB transcript. Students and parents are cautioned that scores are mathematically calculated and can fluctuate dramatically, especially early in the semester. Focus should be on consistent performance and improvement.

Failing Grades

If a student receives a failing grade on a summative unit test, retakes are not possible. As an alternative, the student may negotiate for the option to complete and EXPLAIN corrections to Mr. Young within one week to receive a minimal passing grade.

Best Sustained Performance

Grades on Powerschool are mathematically compiled within grading categories and a weighted average is produced as an overall grade. It can be extremely difficult to mathematically recover from a low test score. Final grades may be modified so as to represent the true ability of a student (often displayed on a semester examination). Independent research reports are much less frequent and contribute significantly toward the final IB score. Students are encouraged to take these assignments seriously as there are few opportunities to show improvement.

Submission of Work and Absences

Most lab assignments/reports are due by 10:30 AM on the Friday of the week following the date of assignment (regardless of class schedule). For example, if you complete a lab activity on Wednesday, the lab report is due the following week on Friday even if we do not have class.

Students who fail to hand in work on time must take initiative to negotiate an agreeable date for submission of the late report. Students who fail to do this, or miss the new due date will be required to come to Mandatory Study Hall (pg 20 of your handbook) during flex time after which they will hand in what they have completed for grading.

Coming to class with incomplete homework severely affects student ability to participate meaningfully in the following day’s class. If a student does not complete their homework, they will be required to come to Mandatory Study Hall during flex time after school to complete the current day’s assignment before going home.

Absences are unavoidable but students must be diligent about missed work and assessments. If you know you are going to be absent, be proactive about arranging to make up work. Read the make-up policy beginning on page 17 in your handbook. PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS POLICY IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO DELAY YOUR LEARNING.

Extra Help

I can be found in Room 212 or in the science office 3-213, drop by, email or talk to me to make an appointment.

We are all busy people. If you drop by for help and I cannot find the time, I will arrange an alternate meeting. If I am not at my desk, leave me a note. DO NOT GIVE UP EASILY AND MAKE EXCUSES. For this reason, do not leave your questions till the last possible minute (like 5 minutes before a test).

Academic Malpractice

Read the section on cheating in your Student Handbook (page 15). The consequences for offenses are clearly outlined on page 28. It is imperative you avoid

Cheating on tests or quizzes.
Plagiarism. (Make sure you write in your own words and properly reference sources).
Collusion. (Make sure you do your own work, even if working with a partner).

Instances of academic malpractice are most likely to occur on lab assessments. You need to understand immediately that collusion (doing lab reports together with your lab partner) is a form of academic malpractice and will result in both individuals being penalized.

Lab/Test Portfolio

All IB graded lab assignments and tests are to be returned to Mr Young to be put in your portfolio. This portfolio provides a complete record of your progress and may be used as a study review or as evidence of your work at parent conferences. There will be portfolio checks at the end of each major grading period to ensure your portfolio is complete.

A Road Map to Success

Successful completion of IB chemistry is possible for all students and YOU have a much greater chance to succeed, the earlier YOU realize that chemistry requires proficiency in certain skill areas and a view of learning that focuses on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing them.

Over the next two years you will learn enough chemistry to be well prepared for most university first year chemistry courses. You will be asked to think in ways you have previously not explored, and you will be required to understand key concepts or risk falling behind. Over the course of the year you will be instructed on ways to improve performance on assessment items such as tests and lab reports. Do not ignore these instructions, listen to your teachers, and make adjustments early. My goal is your success in this course but ultimately, no matter what I do, your success depends on you.

Chemistry is important science to know but the primary focus in this classroom is understanding how to “learn” and “do” science. The course material is a mode of transport between where you are now to where you need to be. My job is not to fill your mind with answers but rather to provide you with core knowledge and skills and to help you enable yourself as a competent learner. I encourage you to think, reason, and question. Be flexible, diligent and persevering.

Each and every day

be prepared and on time for class
share responsibilities the lab activity
make effective and efficient use of your class time
ask and answer questions ALL the time
contribute positively to small group discussions and decisions, LISTEN when others are speaking.
complete assignments on time

Lab Expectations

SAFETY FIRST! EYE PROTECTION ALWAYS.
Clean up your space BEFORE you leave. USE RECYCLING BINS IF AVAILABLE.
Horseplay in the lab will NOT be tolerated.
Plan your work, work your plan.

Required Materials and General Expectations

You will need the following in class every day:

Your homework/lab book and completed homework
A binder or folder with dividers to organize notes and other handouts
A scientific calculator (Texas Instruments)
A ruler
Pencil, pen, eraser, whiteout etc.

Mr Young expects every student to be responsible for his or her own academic success.

Mr Young does not give out grades, YOU earn them.

DO NOT expect Mr Young to:

ask for assignments due on days you were absent
ask you when you can write a make-up test or complete a missed lab
remind you to submit late or missed assignments

Homework

Routine homework assignments are checked for completeness. No excuses!

“Complete” means:

all questions are attempted
complete solutions are presented showing the required steps
written answers “stand alone”.
work is organized, neatly presented and ready for checking at the beginning of class

Assignments

Ensure you read instructions carefully.
Do only what is required.
If a grading rubric is provided in advance, utilize this to improve scores.

Always put your FIRST and LAST names and your BLOCK on each paper.

Typed lab write-ups are NICE. Sloppy labs frustrate me.

Respect

Mutual respect among all of us is essential for a great learning environment. Help each other.
If you break something, let Mr. Young know immediately.
If you borrow something, put it back promptly and properly. Keep lab equipment storage areas tidy.
If in doubt, think, think again, then ask.
DO NOT ask to leave the room when we are in the middle of a discussion or teaching.