Course Syllabus

Syllabus Chemistry A

University of Missouri High School

Welcome

We are pleased that you selected this course to fulfill your unique educational needs. You are now a member of the Mizzou Academy's global student body.

Although the freedom to choose when and where to study is a privilege, it is also a responsibility that requires motivation and self-discipline. To succeed at learning, you will need to develop a study plan by setting realistic goals and working toward them. 

This global course is designed through the individual sections to assist in your pacing. 

Lead Teacher Introduction

Ericca Thornhill 

Teacher

thornhiller@mail.missouri.edu 

Science Division Chair

Course Description

In this introductory chemistry course, students will explore chemistry and learn how it influences our daily lives. Lessons focus on the scientific method, theories, and scientific laws; matter and change; scientific measurement; atomic structure and the periodic table; electrons in atoms; ionic, metallic, and covalent bonding; chemical names and formulas; and chemical quantities. Students will engage in both virtual experiments and ones that can be conducted in your very own lab.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students should be able to accomplish the following:

  1. Describe the traditional divisions with the study of chemistry and distinguish between pure and applied chemistry.
  2. Describe how matter is classified and measured.
  3. Understand the structure of atoms and the role of electrons chemical bonding.
  4. Be able to read and use the Periodic Table of Elements to predict chemical properties of elements.
  5. Differentiate between ionic and covalent bonding.
  6. Distinguish between ionic and molecular substances.
  7. Name a compound when given its chemical formula.
  8. Predict outcomes products of chemical reactions.
  9. Use stoichiometry to quantitatively predict outcomes of chemical reactions.

Pacing

This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.

Required Materials

 

  • While labs are "kitchen chemistry," accidents do happen. Get a pair of chemical splash safety glasses that "stick to your face".
  • Composition Style Notebook (pages sewn in)
  • SCIENTIFIC Calculator (make sure it has an EE key. It doesn't need to be graphing. These are usually about 20 US dollars.)
  • Lab Materials.  Most items can be purchased at local stores.  An Amazon Shopping List is also provided at this link for your convenience. 

View all Lab materials

Lesson 2: Separating Mixtures Lab

  • Beaker or clear plastic cup
  • Filter paper (coffee filter cut into strips works well)
  • Metric ruler (can print on paper using https://www.printablerulers.net/
  • Pencil
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Green marking pen (permanent works best)
  • Tape
  • Clear plastic wrap (optional)

Lesson 6: Periodicity in Three Dimensions

  • Disposable plastic drinking straws
  • Scissors
  • Metric ruler
  • Permanent marker
  • 96 – well spot plate (or modeling clay or floral arrangement foam)

Lesson 7: Solutions Containing Ions

  • Tap water
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • D-cell batteries (1.5 V)
  • Copper wire
  • Beakers or clear cup for water
  • Tape

Lesson 11: Kitchen Chemistry

  • Paper cups (can substitute with beakers or plastic cups)
  • Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Spoon
  • Eyedropper or pipet

Lesson 12: Household Stoichiometry

  • 2 plastic cups (can substitute with beakers)
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Balance

Amazon Shopping Link

Balance $12

Plastic Pipette $4

Spot Plate, 96-well $5.50

 

Technical Requirements

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

  • Students will use the Vernier Video and Graphical Analysis app. Software is distributed to students by Mizzou Academy upon course enrollment

Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.

Grades

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on assignments and exams.

Points Distribution
Source Available Points
Assignments  180
Quizzes 240
Midterm Exam 300
Final Exam 300
Total 1020

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You will be able to see your exam percentage in the "Exams" column in your grade book.

 

Grading Scale
Grade Percentage
A 90–100
B 80–89
C 70–79
D 60–69
F 0–59

After completing the course, unofficial transcripts will be available in the Tiger Portal. See this page for information on requesting official transcripts. 

Canvas and Technical Support

Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due