Greater Joy Co-Op Chemistry I: 08/21/2017 Welcome to Chemistry I

Welcome to Chemistry I.

We're happy you've decided to embark on this journey with us. I am Mrs. Priscilla and I have loved Chemistry since I first laid eyes on a periodic table and since I first heard the word "stoichiometry" (somewhere around the 10th grade in 1986).

What I loved most about Chemistry is that it was the first class that truly challenged me. I had to study and work through problems and copy my notes over. I had always been able to skate through school with a minimum effort and I was always bored. I would read novels during classes because I never really needed to give my classes my full attention. Chemistry was different and challenging and I loved that. Plus, it took science and layered in some math and then we got to play with building blocks, chemicals, and fire!

Mrs. Gates loves chemistry as well. She has a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry and a Masters Degree of Business Administration. Together, we will be exercising your minds for the next school year.

Before we begin, we would like to discuss the book we are using. Chemistry 9th Edition by Zumdahl and Zumdahl is an AP or College Level Textbook. It is a concise and straightforward book that covers the material in detail and with many examples and illustrations. It is not, however, a Christian-based textbook. While choosing a textbook, we looked at as many different Christian-based books as we could find and did not find one that went at the pace that we wanted to set nor that went into the depth that we were hoping to cover chemistry. It is a secular text. WE, however, are not secular. Mrs. Gates and I are both Christians and strongly believe that God is at the root of every process and every chemical reaction. We know that God created the Heavens and the Earth and that God is the greatest chemist and scientist there is. He, above all others, determines how each atom and each element works and reacts and it is ultimately his handiwork we are enjoying and exploring while we study Chemistry this year. The textbook mentions millions of years just a few times and may occasionally mention things that do not completely agree with our worldview and beliefs. As Christians, we face opposing opinions every day and we must learn to be strong in our faith and know the truth no matter what the world throws at us. In the end, we strongly feel that this textbook, despite its flaws, covers the material wonderfully and is an excellent fit for the group of students we have in the class. If students or parents have any concerns or questions, please make feel free to discuss them with us at any time. Our plan is to focus on the science and mastering the concepts and to not dwell on the 4 or 5 times that the book strays away from the heart of the science.

Classroom Rules

Lab Safety Must Be Observed. The first class will focus on lab safety because it is a vital part of what we will do every class all year long.
We will post everything on this web-page and do our best to make it clear what is due each week. You must do your best to complete the assignments when they are due and to stay on top of your work. Chemistry builds one concept upon the next and it is not easy to catch up when you fall behind. We will not accept assignments more than 3 weeks late.
Expect to spend 5-10 hours per week on this class.
The following list are examples of the types of assignments to expect each chapter:

We will have videos posted for you to watch
Powerpoint slides to read through
Reading assignments from the book
Problems to work out on your own.
Quizlets to use for studying or creating Quizlets for assignments
Quizizz(es) to use for studying and quizzes and creating Quizzizzes to quiz other students
Worksheets to reinforce important concepts
Written lab reports laid out with your lab partners
Building exercises with your molecular model kits
Notebooking exercises for key concepts

Our job is to teach you the concepts and show you how to work through the problems. Your job is to communicate with us about what you need to go over more thoroughly or where we've lost you.
You must come to class prepared for the lesson. Read the assignment. Work through the problems that have been assigned. Have a list of questions and make notes of the problems you couldn't figure out.
This class will require internet access. Each student will be required to set up an account on google mail, Quizizz, and Quizlet. Much of the required access can be handled on a phone or a tablet once the accounts are set up. All three of them have apps. This blog can also be viewed on mobile devices.
Ask questions. It's a vital part of learning.
No horseplay in the classroom. We will be using glassware, fire, chemicals, and other equipment. The goal is to get through the school year without anyone catching fire.
Our class fees are $10 and our lab fees are $50. We are asking that you buy a molecular modeling kit (this one) for the kids to better spatially conceptualize how the elements and molecules fit together.