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Course Description

Chemistry is a rigorous course that involves the study of matter and energy. Many common and current problems of the modern world are related to the course content. The course will include the following topics:

  • Matter and Measurement
  • Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
  • Stoichiometry
  • Aqueous Solutions
  • Thermochemistry
  • Periodic Properties
  • Solids, Liquids, and Gases
  • Chemical Bonding
  • Molecular Geometry
  • Properties of Solutions
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Chemical Equilibrium
  • Acid-Base Equilibria
  • Thermodynamics
  • Electrochemistry
  • Nuclear Chemistry

The central theme of the course is problem solving within chemistry. Although this is a science course, it will demand more than other science classes you have taken in the past (It is not like biology). The chemistry course at La Costa Canyon High School requires the ability to apply the knowledge to other subject areas such as English (Writing skills), Social Science (History of discovery), and Mathematics (Word problems). While there are no prerequisites for College Preparatory Chemistry there are requests from me, the instructor, as to your knowledge level.

Syllabus

You can download a copy of the syllabus which contains the following policies and information:

  • Materials for Success
  • Grading
  • General Rules for Assignments
  • Academic Dishonesty
  • Attendance
  • Make Up Work
  • Late Work
  • Tardy
  • Expectations and Classroom Rules
  • Portable Electronic Device
  • Consequences for Inappropriate Actions
  • Laboratory Rules/Safety
  • Office Hours

Most of the information will help answer questions about most policies in the class. Click here to download.

Prerequisite Skils

The San Dieguito Union High School District does not have mandatory prerequisites for courses offered in science at its four comprehensive high schools; however there are recommendations listed for each course.  The recommendations for College Preparatory Chemistry as listed by the San Dieguito Union High School District Course Description are:

  • Completion of Geometry (A or B) or approval of the instructor

In order to increase success in College Preparatory Chemistry is it strongly recommended each student be proficient with the following mathematical topics:

  • Solving for a Variable in a multi-variable problem using Algebra.
  • Use of exponents (simplification, division, and multiplication).
  • Use ratios and proportions.
  • Perform calculations involving units (unit analysis or dimensional analysis).
  • Simplify rational expressions.
  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers in scientific notation.
  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers without a calculator.

The items listed above as topics students should be proficient in completing coordinate with the California State Algebra I Standards:

  • 2.0 Understand and use the rules of exponents.
  • 4.0 Simplify expressions before solving linear equations.
  • 5.0 Solve multi-step problems, including word problems, involving linear equations with one variable and provide justification (work) for each step.
  • 13.0 Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.  Solve both computationally and conceptually challenging problems by using these techniques.
  • 15.0 Apply algebraic techniques to solve rate problems.

Along with these mathematical skills, students are assumed to be able to perform the following study skills:

  • The ability to read and comprehend information from a science textbook.
  • The ability to write notes by reading a textbook or presented in a discussion/lecture by an instructor.
  • The ability to use other resources to assist in learning the content, such as the Internet, other textbooks, tutoring, etc.
  • The ability to seek (without prompting from instructor) help when unable to understand content or materials presented or read in class.
Tutoring (Office Hours)

Many of the concepts in Science can be difficult to understand. Therefore times for tutoring and answering questions have been set in place which you can use at your discretion. There are no appointments necessary for tutoring on the regularly scheduled days, however it is a first come first served. When you decide to come in for tutoring, there are a few simple things you need to complete before you make your visit:

  • Make sure you have completed all of the reading from the sections of the textbook you are having difficulty with in class (with your notes included).
  • Examined all of the examples from the section in the textbook and completed a few (2 or 3) of the sample problems in your notes.
  • Tried using the Internet or other immediate resources at your disposal before coming in and asking questions.

If you have completed these tasks and still have trouble with the homework or concept, then I will be more than happy to help you with the concepts you are having trouble with. If you do not complete the following, then I will not help you until you have completed the listed items above.

Please do not come into tutoring without a few essential items:

  • Bring your textbook
    • I will use this as a reference to help you find the concept for clarification
  • Come into tutoring with specific questions
    • Do not say to me during tutoring, "I don't get it" You need to have a focus for tutoring. Come in with the specific questions written down in your notes.
  • Bring your notes
    • I will continuously use your notes as a point of reference and I will also see if you are taking adequate notes for the class.

If you follow these simple guidelines, your experience in tutoring will be much more enjoyable for us all.

Please click here to find the tutoring times best suited to your schedule.