2007-2008
LOUIS GOTLIB
ROOM C24
215-619-8112 X 2950
lgotlib@wsd.k12.pa.us
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Welcome to honors chemistry with Mr. Gotlib. You can look forward to a rigorous, challenging year in which you will learn a great deal of chemistry, science and a great deal about just how much you are capable of accomplishing. I will do everything I can to help you have a successful year. This is my 23rd year of teaching chemistry and I have taught every level from the most basic to AP Chem, including everything in-between. I have a B.A. from The Johns Hopkins University and an M.A.T. from The University of North Carolina.
During the course of the year we will be covering the following topics:
• Chemistry and Systems of Measurement
• Atoms, Ions and Molecules
• Chemical Reactions
• Basic Mathematical Relationships and Calculations Involving Formulas and Reactions
• Chemistry of the Gaseous State
• Introduction to the Quantum Model of the Atom
• Electron Configurations, Periodicity and the Periodic Table
• Ionic and Covalent Bonding
• Molecular Geometry and Chemical Bonding Theory
• Liquids, Solids and States of Matter
• Solutions
• Thermochemistry, Thermodynamics and Reaction Rates
• Chemical Equilibrium
• Acids and Bases
• Acid-Base Equilibrium and Reactions
• Organic Chemistry (time permitting)
• Nuclear Chemistry (time permitting)
• Introduction to Biological Chemistry (time permitting)
Our textbook is one of the most widely used books, General Chemistry, by Ebbing & Gammons. It is a college level text and requires a great deal of critical thinking and self-motivation on the part of students. The concepts and problems in the book are presented at a rigorous level, and assume a good working knowledge of algebra.
I am available every morning for extra help and at least one afternoon most weeks. I will do everything to help you learn the material, but the primary factor in determining your success in the class will be your own work and organizational habits.
In addition to the homework assignments, labs, Junior Academy Project (similar to the format used in honors physical science and biology at Wissahickon High School), students will do other projects such as an electronic portfolio, a self-evaluative summary and a current events journal. Details on these projects will be given as the year goes on.
What you will need for class every day:
• Notebook (3-ring binder is best)
• Scientific calculator- programmable calculators may not be used on quizzes or tests
• Pens/pencils ( at least two colors helps )
• Any work due that day at the start of class
There will be a test at the end of each chapter and there may also be some short quizzes on smaller amounts of material. The day before a chapter test will be largely devoted to review. Major tests will always be planned at least two days ahead. Smaller quizzes may or may not be announced ahead of time.
Grading: Your grade will be based on the total number of points you earn out of the possible number of points. I do not automatically round grades.
- About 40% of your grade will come from chapter tests
- (and the QPA's)About 20% of your grade will come from quizzes and homework
- About 20% of your grade will come from projects, journals and other activities
- About 20% of your grade will come from labs and lab reports.
Exact grading percentages will vary each quarter depending on our exact schedule, number of tests and specific projects assigned.
1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th marking periods = 25% each
Each of the first three marking periods will have a quarterly progress assessment (QPA) which is worth 10% of that marking period. The QPA covers material from that marking period.
The June exam is a year-long final exam which is weighted as 20% of the fourth marking period.
School policy is not to round.
General Class procedures and Expectations:
I try to keep class rules to a minimum. The following behaviors will result in detentions with me (at my convenience), and repeated problems will results in phone calls home and referrals to the office:
• Arriving late to class without a pass
• Packing up prior to dismissal
• Personal grooming in class
• Eating/drinking/chewing gum in class
• Interrupting other
• Disrespectful behavior or rudeness to the teacher or classmates
I do not anticipate any issues with the above from this class.
Calculators:
You will need a scientific calculator with you every day. I am sometimes able to secure a class set of calculators, but I cannot guarantee this every class. Students may use any calculator they wish during class with the following exception:
Programmable calculators are not allowed on quizzes, tests or exams.
Any office supply store has scientific calculators for around $10. If you have any questions about which type to buy or if you have difficulty obtaining a calculator, please let me know.
Late work:
Late homework is not accepted. You are expected to have your homework with you at the start of class. Work at home, in your locker, with another student or in your car will be considered a zero. If you are absent, the homework will be due the day you return. You are not expected to have homework if you were not in school the day it was assigned.
Late lab reports, projects and quizzes not made up by the deadline will be subject to a 25% penalty per day or portion of a day. A lab handed in late in the day is penalized 25%.
In the event of extended absences or emergencies, please see me and we will work out a plan that is sensible and fair.
If you miss a quiz or test, I expect making it up to be of the highest priority for you. Students generally do best when they make up quizzes promptly, and it is hard to be sure that make-up quizzes are of the same level of difficulty as the original quiz.
If you know ahead of time you will absent, please let me know so that you do not get too far behind.
Projects:
You will be receiving information on projects such as PJAS, portfolios and self-assessments as the year progresses. Please make sure you pay careful attention to guidelines, expectations and scoring rubrics for all work.
Extra Credit:
Rarely offered, take advantage of it when I do offer it.