IB Chemistry Syllabus + Class Rules

What is this class all about?
IB Chemistry is truly a 2-year course.  The first year is just called Chemistry.  This second year will build upon the same concepts in first year with an emphasis on (a) designing experiments (b) interpreting data and (c) applications of Chemistry knowledge in society.  If you're planning to take HL Chem next year, then we'll rotate back through everything.


We will be studying The Periodic Table, Bonding, Redox, Thermochemistry, Equilibrium, and Organic Chemistry.  Then, we’ll put it all together and learn about Environmental and Food Chemistry.  Throughout the year, we’ll incorporate TOK ideas and regular Chemistry review.  You’ll be challenged to THINK.


I have 4 goals: (1) roll through the IB curriculum (2) teach you about the ins and outs of the IB exams with test strategies (3) progressively teach you to design experiments and interpret data in a scientific way and (4) have a lot of fun doing it.

Basic Class Rules:
Attendance: I follow the school tardy policy. Your attendance will likely be directly related to your grade... that's just how it is in this class.  You've got to show up to do well.
Absences and Work: If you are absent, I expect you to have all of the work that was due when you return.  If you need more time, we can discuss that on an individual basis.
Late Work: I value punctuality, as does the work-world.  Labs turned in late receive a 20% penalty until they are more than 30 days late, then it's a 50% penalty.  Homework turned in late always receives a 50% penalty.

And... Bathroom- take the pass and go when you need to; Cellphones- leave them in your bag; Lab groups- you will get to pick, but need to always do your own work; Lab behavior- be efficient, focused, and mature when you're in the lab

Materials:
Textbook- Chemistry, The Central Science, 8th Edition, Brown LeMay Bursten (Optional)
3-Ring binder with dividers and loose paper
Scientific calculator with log and exponent functions

Grading-
In class:
Your overall grade will be determined using a weighted average system. 
10% Homework/Classwork calendars
25% Labs
43% Tests + Quizzes
20% Final/Midterm
2% Notebook


This method does make it hard for you to keep track of your own grade, so I will keep you informed by (a) posting grades in the classroom each time I update them and (b) keeping your grades current on Synergy.

Bottom line= If you are actively participating in the class and you work hard on the lab reports, you will do fine.  But, in order to get an A, you will need to study.

IB Assessment:
Total score on a scale of 1-7.  A 4 is considered passing, a 5 is stellar and a 6-7 is super killer awesome.  Oregon universities award credit for scores of 5 or above.

Internal Assessment = 24%, portfolio due at the end of March
48 points possible (see rubric):
2 x 6 each in Experiment Design, Data Collection & Processing, and Conclusion & Evaluation
1 x 6 in Manipulative Skills
1 x 6 in Personal Skills, assessed in the Group 4 Project

External Assessment = 76%, on May 19-20, 2014
20% Paper  1- 45 minutes
30 multiple choice questions
32% Paper 2- 85 minutes
1 data question, several short-answer, 1 extended response
24% Paper 3- 60 minutes
several short answer questions covering 2 Options


IB Diploma:
In order to receive an IB Diploma, you need at least 24 points from 6 courses- one in each category of the IB hexagon (+ 3 more point possible from TOK and Extended Essay).

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