I use many methods to help you learn the course content: lectures, discussions, demonstrations, laboratory activities, Internet tutorials and assignments, multi-media presentations, software tutorials, class and homework assignments, etc. Most of these assignments, but not all, are graded or awarded points. However, since the important thing is that you demonstrate that you have finally mastered the material, the biggest portion of your grade will be based on tests and quizzes.

Your marking period grade in this course is calculated on a “total points” basis.

grade = [(total points earned)/(total points possible)] ×100

• Tests: 90-120 pts.
• Quizzes: 10-80 pts.
• Labs: 10-20 pts.
• Homework: usually 3 pts. (no late HW accepted)
• Class Work: 10-20 pts. (no late CW accepted)
• Project Assignments: vary, but typically 10-30 pts.
• “Putting it All Together” Unit Projects: 100 pts.  (for Principles of Chemistry only)
• Optional Assignments: infrequent, so take advantage of them when you can, typically 5-20 pts.

Absences, Make-Up Schedule, and Late Work

The chemistry courses include many labs and other activities and keep moving the content forward every day.  It is important that you are responsible and stay on top of your work. Make sure you read and understand the following guidelines for completing missing work due to excused absences, so that you can plan your work and personal schedule accordingly.

Tests/Quizzes

If you are absent, you must initiate a conversation with me on the first day back in class.
If you are absent only on the test day, you need to be prepared to take the test on your first day back in class, unless the class topic, activity, or lab makes this impossible, in which case you must stay after school on that day or the first day that I am available after school.
If you are absent only on the review day, it is preferable for you to be ready to take the test with the class when you return the next day. However, one extra day may be granted, as per the above description.
If you are absent for two or more days, you will have the number of days allowed to make up your work allowed by the district policy. Your first day back in school will count as “Day 1.”
Long term absences will be handled on an individual, case by case, basis.
If you do not make up your test in the time allotted, you will receive a grade of zero.

Labs

Late labs will are subject to a 10% deduction for each day late.
If you are absent on a lab day, you must initiate a conversation with me on the first day back in class, and make an appointment for your make-up lab.
All labs are made-up after school only. There will be one day each week set aside for lab make-ups. Pay attention to the weekly schedule. Under no circumstances, can labs be made-up during lunch or during the normal school day.
If your absence is short-term, you must make-up your lab on the very next scheduled after school make-up day. Depending on when you are absent, this may be the day you return, or it may be the following week. If the day I am staying is not convenient, it may be possible for you to schedule your make-up with another teacher who is teaching the same course.
Long term absences will be handled on an individual, case by case, basis.
If you do not make up your lab in the time allotted, you will receive a grade of zero.

Homework

Homework is due at the beginning of the period. Assignments that are not available at this time will receive a grade of zero. I do not accept late homework.
If you are absent from school, you should be prepared to show me the homework assigned on the last day you were in school. Homework missing due to additional days absent must be made-up in the time allowed by district policy. Your first day back in school will count as “Day 1.”

Projects

Projects are long-term assignments, with due dates that are announced in advance. Whether it is a personal project or an individual contribution to a group project, it needs to be in on the day it is due, even if you are absent from school. It is your responsibility to make sure it is delivered to me through a friend, family member, or via e-mail. Late projects will not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero.