Instructor

Jennifer Gentry PhD
gentryreillyjj@gmail.com

Course Materials

Materials Provided

· Chemistry binder

· Blank Vocabulary Cards

To successfully complete this course, you will need

Access to the internet
Effort
Open mind

Online Resources

http://www.chem4kids.com/
http://www.ck12.org

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

This course is designed to introduce students to the science of Chemistry. You will be challenged to look at the “stuff” around you in a new way. Through your studies, a framework will grow, allowing you to think about the things around you at the level of the atom and to explore how those atoms interact to form the world around us.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Labs:

Much of the lab work will utilize everyday items to demonstrate fundamental principles of Chemistry, which allows students to understand that the exploration of chemistry is not limited to a traditional laboratory. Whenever financially possible, we will incorporate professional laboratory equipment and experiences, so that students also become comfortable in the traditional laboratory environment. Students will be given laboratory activity sheets the week before the lab and are expected to read through the material before class.

Course Material:

For the first ¾ of the course, we will be utilizing curriculum created by the The American Chemical Society, which is divided into 6 focus topics that will give students a solid foundation in Chemistry. The final quarter will be devoted to an exploration of the ways that chemistry affects our lives, using a series of unit studies. Most reading material will be handed out as assigned for students to put in their Chemistry binders along with all of their homework. Supplemental online reading will also be periodically assigned. By keeping all of their material in these binders, students and parents will be able to refer back to the entire body of work, both as a reference for further science coursework and to use in building a portfolio.

Homework:

Weekly homework will be assigned. Homework is expected to take 3-4 hours/week and students should be able to complete most assignments independently. Assignments will include weekly reading, frequent writing assignments, and periodic lab activities, some optional and some required. Materials for any required lab activities at home will be provided in class (or be simple household items) no hazardous reagents will be used.

Vocabulary Cards:

We will utilize vocabulary cards throughout the year to help the students master the language of science and written communication skills. A detailed description of the vocabulary card assignments will be provided in each student’s Chemistry binder. Vocabulary cards will be graded based on the Focus Areas of Correction. Graded cards will be handed back to students for revisions until the cards display an accurate definition of each word and demonstrate the ability to use the word appropriately in well-constructed sentence.

Other Writing Assignments:

While the vocabulary cards will be the primary writing assignment, other writing assignments will be assigned periodically throughout the year. These writing assignments can be difficult for students and may require more assistance from parents, so we will e-mail parents when we are starting a writing assignment other than vocabulary cards. The one area that homeschoolers consistently lag behind their traditionally schooled peers is in writing. Because WEB is designed to be a bridge between homeschooling and traditional high school or college, we feel it’s critical for students to develop their writing skills not just in literature, but in science as well.

Field Trips:

I hope to have at least one field trip to a Vanderbilt University lab during the school year which will likely be on a Saturday.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

General Rules:

It is our highest priority to provide a safe environment for kids to explore the science of chemistry. To provide physical safely to the students laboratory rules will be discussed at the first class. A copy of these rules will be included in the student’s Chemistry binder. Students will be expected to know and follow all lab rules. To provide an emotionally safe environment for the students, we expect all members of the class to treat one another respectfully, understanding that we are all individuals with different interests and strengths.

Grading Policies:

Attendance and grades will be recorded, but effort will be the primary requirement for ultimate success in the class. Parents will be notified if assignments are not completed or if a student’s grades are consistently below average. Parents and students are always welcome to contact me for updates on the progress of a student’s development.

OFFICE HOURS:

Please make an appointment in advance for office hours and I am more than happy to assist parents and students that may need some extra help to get the most out of the class. If more extensive assistance is required and will try to make time for tutoring or help parents in finding a tutor.

COMMUNICATION:

Both students and parents are encouraged to contact me directly with any questions or concerns. I strongly believe that a successful partnership between parents, teachers and students that creates the most successful learning experience.