ChemistryCourse Description

www.NexGenAcademy.org 2019-2020

Welcome! This is an introductory, high school-level Chemistry course with hands-on labs. The course covers a complete High School Chemistry curriculum, from matter & atomic structure through organic chemistry. Labs have been carefully designed to illustrate the key concepts. Prerequisite: completed Algebra I

Instructor: Kris Johanson, M.S. kjohanson@san.rr.com. I am available throughout the week to answer questions on the homework topics.

Textbook: For this class you may use either 1) BJU Chemistry, or 2) Holt Chemistry 2009 edition. You don’t need to buy a lab manual. I will provide lab protocols as needed throughout the course.

Course Outline LabsUnit 1 – Measurement Glassware fabrication & safety labUnit 2 – Matter Make & test Iron and Sulfur compoundsUnit 3 – Atomic Structure Make & test OxygenUnit 4 – Molecular Structure Make & test HydrogenUnit 5 – Chemical Bonds Make & test Nitrogen compoundsUnit 6 – Molecular Shape Make & test Chlorine & halogen compoundsUnit 7 – Reactions Make & test Copper compoundsUnit 8 – Chemical Calculations Electrolysis labUnit 9 – Gases Make & test Carbon DioxideMidtermUnit 10 – Solids & Liquids Materials Science labUnit 11 – Solutions Environmental Science labUnit 12 – Energy & Heat Energy labUnit 13 – Thermodynamics Thermodynamics lab - make black powderUnit 14 – Kinetics Kinetics lab - make gun cottonUnit 15 – Chemical Equilibrium Polymers lab I – make nitrocelluloseUnit 16 – Acids & Bases Polymers lab II – make cellulose acetateUnit 17 – Electrochemistry Electrochemistry lab - Build & test voltaic cells Unit 18 – Organic Chemistry Organics lab – Esterification and Halogenation reactions

ChemistryCourse Description

www.NexGenAcademy.org 2019-2020Final

Technical requirementsAccess to a computer with Internet connection, a scientific calculator in the range of $15-20, and safety glasses. Lab coats are provided. You don’t need an expensive, graphing calculator for this class. A TI-30Xa is enough.

HomeworkWeekly homework will be assigned from each chapter. Typical homework for this class consists of standard end-of-chapter questions and short Internet research assignments. I go over the homework questions carefully on the Internet to provide additional support (included in the course). Students should read the chapter ahead of time and be prepared to take notes and participate in class discussion. Estimated homework and study time for Chemistry is at least 5 hours per week.

Teaching PedagogyThe course uses a combination of hands-on labs, classroom instruction, and customized Internet homework videos. During classes there is typically much lively discussion, and class cohesiveness and positive student-student interaction is encouraged over the course of the year.

ExamsYes, exams are necessary for a whole host of reasons. There will be a take-home style, open-book, midterm and final exam, covering material learned that semester. The exams are not burdensome, and you will be given a week to complete each one. Emphasis is on applications, not on rote memorization.

Course Requirements Attend the classes (including both in-person and webinar sessions). Be on time. Take notes and ask relevant questions during the lectures Participate in the class labs Turn in your homework assignments by the due date Don’t fall behind in your work. Do not procrastinate!

Grading Policy Work will be graded on a point system. A student’s total points earned will be divided by total points possible and converted to a percentage.

Grading Scale Grading Elementsabove 90% A: advanced Class participation 25%89 – 80% B: proficient Labs 25%79 – 70% C: basic Weekly homework 25%69 – 60% D: below basic Midterm & Final 25%Below 60% F: far below basic Total 100%

ChemistryCourse Description

www.NexGenAcademy.org 2019-2020Timely completion of the required assignments is a basic requirement. Assignments turned in early will receive a “bonus incentive”. Assignments turned in later than the due date will receive a reduced grade.

Progress ReportingDetailed student progress reports are emailed to parents at the end of each semester.