General Chemistry

 

Instructor: Ms. Persson
Email: slperss@ilstu.edu
Classroom: 307
Laboratory: 315

Office: Rm. 303
Phone: (309) 438-8106
Office Hour: 12 noon - 1pm or by appointment

I teach chemistry periods 7 & 8.  In general, I will not be on campus until the lunch hour.  Please set up an appointment with me if you would like to meet before noon.  I will try my best to accommodate your schedule.  Most days I will stay after school until at least 3:30pm.

Required Course Materials
Textbook: Holt, Visualizing Matter (Technology Edition) ISBN: 9780030520020
Calculator: Any scientific calculator (graphing calculators will not be permitted on quizzes or exams)
Pen, pencil, notebook or paper for class notes
Blackboard account and computer access

Grading

• Homework: Homework will be given during each chapter.  Assignment grades will be based on completion and accuracy.
• Quizzes: A quiz will be given at least once per chapter.  Most quizzes will be announced in advance but not always.
• Tests: A comprehensive test will be given at the end of each chapter or unit.  The tests will be a combination of multiple choice questions, short answer, and free response items.  Students will be made aware of the test format before hand.
• Labs/Reports: Student labs will be graded on completion AND accuracy of data.  Lab reports will be graded on format and content. 
• Special Projects: Group projects, poster presentations, and other special assignments may be given during the semester.  Specific requirements will be provided for each assignment.
• Extra Credit: Extra credit assignments will be offered at the instructor's discretion.

       Grading Scale

       A = 90%; B = 80%; C = 70%; D = 60%; F = 59% & Below
 
Your grade = (total points earned / total points possible)x 100

In borderline cases, punctuality, participation, preparedness, and classroom behavior may be considered.
A cumulative final exam will account for 20% of the semester grade.

Late Work
Assignments must be turned in during the class period they are due to receive full credit.  Some assignments may be collected after the due date but with a penalty.  Please check with the instructor regarding the late policy for specific assignments.  In general, daily homework assignments will not be accepted late.

Make-Up Work
Per the U-High student handbook: "Students will have one day for each day they are absent to complete make-up work."  Pre-assigned work will be due when the student returns to school.  If the absence is school related, and the student has reported to school that day, any assignments that are due must be turned in on that day.  With the exception of tests, work can not be made up after an unexcused absence. 

Tests, quizzes, and labs should be made up as soon as possible at a mutually convenient time.  Most labs can be made up after school from 3:15 pm-4:15 pm.  An alternate assignment may be given for some labs.


Tardy Policy
Students will be held to the tardy policy outlined in the student handbook.


Lab Practices

All students are expected to observe safety rules and regulations in the laboratory.  Horseplay is not permitted in laboratory areas.  Good housekeeping is expected.

If a student is not properly dressed on a lab day (gym shoes, long pants, long hair tied back), he or she will receive a zero for the lab.  Students will be given advanced notice of lab days and are expected to dress accordingly.

Lab Safety

Lab Safety Article

ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW THE UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT.

The Elements of Success