Week of Dec 16 to Dec 20, 2013 (last week before vacation)

Last week before break.   Lots of snow on the ground and real cold.  Certainly feels like winter now.

Don't expect any change in plans, but.... all plans and due dates are subject to change (in extreme situations).

Chem-I (periods 2,3,6):     Project videos are DUE  MONDAY.  I need a copy of your video either on DVD, flash drive or I will need to see the completed video.  Any video that is not turned in to me by the time I leave GHS (4:30 PM) will be late and points will be deducted accordingly.    We will be doing a practice round of "peer scoring" using a past video.  Remember that your project's final grade is 50 % teacher evaluation, 25 % peer evaluations,  25 %  group "self-evalution".  Individual adjustments will be made as necessary based on individual effort as part of your group.      Presentations will begin on Tuesday and continue through block day.   It is my hope that your project will be scored by Friday.

Chem-IA (per 7):   SAME as above.

Chem-II:  (per 1):   Science career paper due MONDAY.   Group presentations on 15-2, 15-3 and 16-1 will be done on Monday.   Career project presentations will begin on Tuesday and continue to end of the week.

Let's have a great week and a fantastic vacation. 

Week of Dec 9 to Dec 13, 2013

Two more weeks until vacation.  Sitting here on Sunday morning wondering, like most of you will be, too, what Monday's weather forecast will bring.  My guess (for what it's worth) is that we will have school with a possible delay.  I guess we'll find out on Monday morning:)

*UPDATE:  My weather predictions were half right, half wrong.... school was, indeed, held, but early release at 11 AM.  See adjustments** added Monday evening.

Reminder that Wed is an early release day with 60 min blocks for periods 2, 4 and 7.  Thursday will follow a "wednesday block" schedule of per 1,3,5,7.   

Speaking of potential messy weather, as usual, plans, assignments and due dates are subject to change and/or adjustments.  ** 


Chem-I (periods 2,3,6):  

Monday:   ASSIGNMENT DUE:   read/sss section 5-1 and do problems on page 149 numbers 22 through 29.    COW #10 (Final COW) assigned (the organic Alkanes) and due on Friday.   We will starting unit 3C (and keynote 3C) on early atomic models.  Thomson, Rutherford and Bohr.   No direct HW due on Tuesday. There will be a pre-lab due on Wed/Thurs and there will be a quiz on Friday on 3C to-date.  Project videos due NEXT MONDAY (Dec 16th) (** period 6 see below)

Tuesday:  Review/continue with Bohr models.  Lesson on "Bohr Models:  Beyond the Basics" introducing concepts that lead to the Quantum Mechanical Model.   HW for Wed/Thurs is pre-lab questions.   Due Friday:  COW #10 and a Quiz.  Due Monday:  Videos.  (** For period 6, we will do a quicker version of covering Bohr Models before moving on to "Beyond the Basics".   Prelab still due on block day).   

Wed/Thurs blocks:    Pre-Lab questions due.    Lab Activity on Flame Tests. Possibly some time to work on projects, too.    Due Friday:  Labs, COWs.  Due Monday:  Videos.   We will be presenting videos and grading projects next week.

Friday:  COW due (Alkanes).   Quiz on 3C to-date (early models, drawing Bohr models, beyond the basics concepts).    Note that videos on DVD or flash drives will be due on Monday.


Chem-IA:  period 7

Monday Tuesday.    Pre-lab are now due on Wednesday.   We will do the lab on Wednesday and follow the updated plans below due to early release on Monday.     

Tuesday:   COW #10 (Final COW) assigned (the organic Alkanes) and due on Friday.  Reminder:  Project videos due NEXT MONDAY (Dec 16th).  We will be doing a lab activity on  Flame Tests during Wednesday's block.  Labs to be turned in on Friday.  We will begin Unit 3D on Quantum Mechanical Model today (Key Note 3D).   When?  Who?  Based on?   Comparisons to Bohr's Model.

Wednesday block:   Lab Activity on Flame Tests (originally scheduled for Monday).    There may be some time to work on projects, too.  Due Friday:   COWs., lab reports.  Due Monday:  Videos.

Friday:  Last COW due (alkanes).  Project work.  Videos due on Monday on DVD or flash drives.


Chem-II:   Period 1

Monday:   lab activity from 15-1.  Due Thurs:  Section summary group presentations.  Due Friday:  Career papers.   Due Monday Dec 16 will be career presentations.  

Tuesday:   Finish lab if necessary.  Work on Section Summary group projects (15-2, 15-3 and 16-1) which are DUE on Thursday (note Wed blocks will be on Thursday this week).

Thursday:  Section Summary Presentations on 15-2, 15-3 and 16-1.     Note:  Career papers due on Monday.   Presentations begin on Monday.

Friday:  Papers Due.  Preparing for presentations (Everyone MUST be ready on Monday).   

Week of Dec 2 to Dec 6, 2013

First week of December.  Only 3 weeks until vacation.  The year if flying by. 

As usual, all assignments/due dates  are subject to adjustments and/or changes.

Chem-I (per 2, 3, 6):

Monday, Dec 2:   Assignment due TODAY,  Section 4-3 SSS and problems on page 122 numbers 46 through 55.    Assigning COW #9 for Friday:   the Noble gases.   Covering Basic Atomic Structure and Isotopes.    Homework for Tuesday will be a worksheet on atomic structure.  There will be a SUBUNIT TEST on block day.   (HINT:  think Dec 7, 1941)   REMINDER that scripts and/or story board for project will be due on Friday.   These will be graded.

Tuesday:   Worksheet due.   Going over worksheet.  Covering weighted averages and atomic mass calculations.   HW:  Subunit Test on block day (see hint above).   Open notes including timeline, worksheet, etc... will be allowed.

Wednesday/Thursday block:   Taking Subunit Test.  Working on project.  Due Friday will be COW #9 and Scripts/Storyboards for project.

Friday:   COWs Due:   Going over subunit test.   Storyboard/Scripts due.   See assignment for Monday.

NOTE:   DUE MONDAY will be Read/SSS Section 5-1 and do problems page 149 # 22-29.


Chem-IA (per 7):  

Monday, Dec 2:   Assignment due TODAY:  SSS Section 5-1 and problems page 149 # 22-29.  Assigning COW #9 for Friday:   the Noble gases.  Begin 3C atomic models today.   HW for Tuesday....TBA ....possibly Bohr models.  REMINDER that scripts and/or story board for project will be due on Friday.   These will be graded.

Tuesday:  Reviewing Bohr Models.   Covering Bohr's Model:  Beyond the Basics (an intro to Quantum Mechanics).   Note that there will be a Quiz on Thursday on 3C to-date.  HINT:  Dec 7, 1941.

Thursday block:   Quiz on 3C to date (early models, Bohr models, beyond the basics.   Working on projects.     Due Friday will be COW #9 and Scripts/Storyboards for project. 

Friday:   COW Due, Probable Quiz.  Checking/grading Scripts/Storyboards.   (Possibly a lab on Monday????) 






Monday

Week of November 18 to Thanksgiving break

Final full week of classes before Thanksgiving. Also, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of JFK by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, TX.

As always, assignments and due dates are subject to change.

Chem-I (per 2,3,6):

Monday, Nov 18:   Assign COW #8, the Halogen group, which will be due on Friday.  Quick review of 3A (history)/Timeline.  Begin covering 3B on subatomic particles.   No HW for Tuesday.  Note that there will be a quiz on 3A and 3B on block day.

Tuesday:   Continue/finish 3B/Timeline.   There will be a quiz on 3A/3B on block day.  Also there will be project work time on block day.

Wed/Thurs Block:    Quiz on 3A/3B.   Open notes allowed, including timeline.  No use of laptops.  Reminder of COW due on Friday.  After quiz, work time on projects.

Friday:  COW due (Halogens) going over quiz.   Project work time.  ALSO on Monday will be project progress check.  

Monday Nov 25:    Checking Projects. Assignment for Monday after Thanksgiving break (Dec 2nd) is Read/SSS Section 4-3 and do problems p 122 numbers 46 through 55.  There will also be a "Subunit Test" on 3A/3B on block day of that week.

Tuesday, Nov 26:   Most jrs on Job Shadowing.  If not, working on assignment/projects.  

Chem-IA (per 7):  

Monday, Nov 18:   Assign COW #8, the Halogen group, which will be due on Friday.   Quiz on 3A/3B  notes and timelines allowed.   Assignment for Tuesday is Read/SSS Section 4-3 and do problems p 122 numbers 46 through 55.  There will also be a "Subunit Test" on 3A/3B on Friday.

Tuesday:  Assingment from 4-3 due.   covering basic atomic structure and isotopes.   HW for Thurs block will be a worksheet on atomic structure.

Thursday block:  Finish atomic structure, isotopes, atomic mass calculations.   Working on projects.  Reminder COW due on Friday.

Friday:   COW due (halogens).   Sub-unit test on 3A/3B.   No notes allowed.  Need periodic table and calculators.  Reminder that project check up on Monday.

Monday, Nov 25:   Project progress check up.  Project work.  Note assignment for Monday, Dec 2nd:  Read/SSS Section 5-1 and do questions on p 149  numbers 22 thru 29.

Tuesday, Nov 26:  Most jrs on Job Shadowing.  If not, working on assignment/projects.    .   


Chem-II (per 1)

Monday, November 18:   going over quiz on gas laws.   Assigning projects on Science Careers.

Tuesday:   Working on projects. 

Wednesday:  Lab Activity, Using Ideal Gas Equation to calculate experimental molar mass of butane.

Friday:  Reviewing for Test on Chapters 13 and 14.

Monday, November 25:  TEST.

Tuesday, November 26:   project work.  (some may need to work on finishing test).

Week of Nov 11 to Nov 15, 2013

I hope everyone had a nice 3 day weekend and you're undoubtedly looking forward to a very short school week.   I'm a bit behind on getting this blog posted this week. 

As usual, assignments and due dates are subject to change and/or adjustments.

Chem-I (per 2,3,6):

Tuesday:   HW due today is SSS from 4-1 and 4-2 and problems p 122 #34 thru 45.   Reminder of COW due block day (Alkali Metals).  I will be showing a video during class on "How we found out about the atom" in conjunction with the Unit 3 on history, structure, models of the atom.   COW due on block day.

Block Day:   COW due.  Covering Keynote 3A for approx half the block.  Assigning "Adopt an Element" group projects during second part of block.  No "direct HW" over the weekend.


Chem-IA (per 7):  

Tuesday:   No HW due.  Reminder of COW due on Thursday.   Quick review of Keynote 3A/Timeline from last week (up through Darwin).  Finishing 3A today and starting 3B on subatomic particles.   Possible quiz on block day on 3A/3B history to-date.  

Block Day:   Possibly a quiz.  Continuing with 3B.  Assigning projects.  Not sure if there will be any "direct HW" over the weekend.

(Now, let's see who is actually reading this blog.  When you come in to class on Wed/Thurs, you will tell me your favorite color as soon as you walk in.   No hints or reminders to anybody.)

Week of November 4 to November 8, 2013

First week of the second quarter.   A full week ahead but a short week next week with Veterans Day on Monday, Nov 11** and an inservice day on Friday, Nov 15.   November will be gone before we know it.

As usual, all plans, assignments and due dates are subject to change and adjustments.  (Blog updated Tuesday, Nov 5th after Mr. Cat being out ill on Monday)


Chem-I:   periods 2,3,6

Monday:  No COW for this week.   Finish Density Determination Lab report and turn in.   Note per 6 needs to make a class result chart for unknown solid for conclusion questions.  When done, pick up review sheet and problems for this week's Unit 2 test.   No Homework.

Tuesday:   Review for Test.  No homework.   Test on Block day.

Wed/Thurs:   Test on Unit 2. (** the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.... the day that commemorates the ending of _____ in 1918.... the "war to end all wars")    Followed by COW "mini-lab" activity.

Friday:   Going over test.   Working on Assignment from Chapt 4 (finish for Tuesday:   Read/SSS in chapter 4, sections 4-1 and 4-2;  Also, answer questions on page 122 numbers 34 thru 45.  ALSO, note that a COW will be due on block day next week:   it is the Alkali Metal Group (aka Alkaline Metals).   Another note:   2nd qtr projects will be assigned next week on block day.  They will be due just before Xmas vacation.


Chem-IA:  Per 7

Monday:   In-Class book work:   Read/SSS on Sections 4-1 and 4-2;  complete problems on p 122 #s 34-45.  Finish for HW if necessary.

Tuesday:  Assignment from 4-1 and 4-2 due (see above).   Starting next unit (Unit 3A) on History of Atom.  Homework for Thurs block is to bring in pennies (yes.... pennies) for some Alchemy.  Note that Timeline assignment from Keynotes 3 A (and beginning of 3 B) is due on Friday.

Thursday block:   continue unit 3A, followed by COW "mini-lab".

Friday:   TIMELINES  due.    Beginning of going over timelines and Keynotes.  ALSO, note that a COW will be due on block day next week:   it is the Alkali Metal Group (aka Alkaline Metals).   Another note:   2nd qtr projects will be assigned next week on block day.  They will be due just before Xmas vacation.

Chem-II:  Per 1

Monday:  Review gas laws (Boyles, Charles, Gay-Lussac's and Combined).  Working on packet of problems.  Finish for HW if not done in class time.

Tuesaday:  Starting lab activity on Charles Law.

Thursday:   continuing/finishing Charles Law lab (2 trials of data if time allows).

Friday:   Guest Speaker:  Paul Rollins.  SCUBA science.

Week of October 28 to Nov 1

This is the final week of the first quarter.  Focus on making this a great week.

As usual, assignments and due dates are subject to change.

Chem-I (per 2,3,6):

Monday:  COW 5 Due (Copper).   COW 6 will be due on Friday (Zinc).  We will be going over quiz on metrics (from last week).  Reviewing sig figs/calculations involving sig figs.   Worksheet to be done in class (finishing for HW if necessary).   There will be a Sig Figs "Sub-Unit" on Block Day. 


Tuesday:  Sig Figs worksheet due.  Reviewing for sub-unit test.    We will be taking Sub-Unit test and we will be doing a lab activity on Wed/Thurs block.   HW  Sub-Unit Test for "All Hallows Eve" (or day before "All Hallows Eve" for per 3, 6)

Wed/Thurs Block:   Sub-Unit test on Sig Figs followed by Lab Activity on Density Determination/Percent Error and Class Precision.   COW #6 (Zinc) due on Friday.

Friday:  Last Day of Quarter.   Going over sub-unit test.  COW #6 Due (Zinc).   Finishing Lab.   HW TBA.  There will be a Unit 2 Test next week.


Chem- IA (per 7):

Monday:   COW 5 Due (Copper).   Assign  COW #6 (Zinc) for Friday.   Finishing lab activity on Density Determination.  HW???? (TBA)    UNIT TEST on Thursday.    

Tuesday:   Reviewing for Test.    HW for "All Hallows Eve" TBA.

Thursday:   UNIT 2 Test

Friday:   COW  #6 Due.   Going over test.  checking quarter grades.



Chem-II (per 1): 

Monday:  Phase Change Diagrams (part II)   Temp vs KE.   Specific Heat/Heat of Fusion/Heat of Vaporization.  Mini-Lab on Calculating Heat of Fusion.  (One trial today, possibly 2nd trial on Tuesday).  HW  None???

Tuesday:  Continuing/Finishing Heat of Fusion mini-lab.  Possibly starting gas laws.   HW:  TBA

Wednesday:   Continuing gas laws/examples/demos.   Possibly starting Lab on Charles Law.

Friday:  Continuing Lab on Charles Law.  Data and Calculations.

Week of October 21, 2013

Short week ahead with early release on Wednesday and no classes on Friday due to conferences.

As usual, assignments and due dates are subject to change.


Chem-I    Periods 2,3,6:

Monday:  Assign COW #5 (Copper) which will be DUE ON MONDAY of next week.   Quick review of SI.   Covering basic SI units and prefixes.  Homework:   preview slides 12 to 14 from from Keynote for Tuesday AND Finish worksheet on Kelvin conversions and metric prefixes.  Possible quiz on Wed/Thurs.

Tuesday:    Worksheet due.    Starting topic of Significant Figures in measurements.   Examples.   Worksheet.  Possible quiz on Wed/Thurs.

Wed/Thurs Block (note Wed blocks are 60 min):   possible quiz on SI units and prefixes.   Continuing with Sig Figs and calculations involving measurements.   Examples and worksheets in-class.
Reminder that COW #5  Copper will be due on Monday.


Chem-IA Period 7:   

Monday:  Assign COW #5 Copper due next Monday.    Review Sig Figs in calculations.  Practice problems/worksheets.   Sub-unit Test on Sig Figs on Tuesday.

Tuesday:   Sub-Unit Test (25 pts) on Sig figs.   HW for Thur:  Lab Prep Assignment-  problems page 93 numbers 50 through 56 (counts as 5 pts on Thursday's lab activity)

Thurs:   Going over the sub-unit test.   Lab Activity:   Density Determination and Percent Error Calculations.   Reminder that COW #5 is  due Monday.   Also, Period 7 will be having Unit 2 test next week (either Tues or Thurs is the plan).  


Chem-II Period 1:

Monday:   Section Summary Presentations for 13-4 and 14-1.     Possibly covering phase change diagrams (if not today, then tomorrow). 

Tuesday:  Continuing with Phase change diagrams.   Mini-lab activity with iodine crystals.  DUE WED:   Mole Day related article/trivia/songs and stuff for party.

Wednesday:   Happy MOLE  DAY!!!!!!!!!

Week of October 14 to Oct 18th

I hope everyone had a good Columbus Day weekend.  PSATs on Wednesday this week during periods 1 and 3.  Parent-Teacher conferences next week.

As usual, assignments and due dates are subject to change and/or adjustments.

Chem-I periods 2,3,6 (note that Chem-IA per 7 will start accelerating this week, see IA below)

Tuesday, October 15th:   COW #4 assigned:  Plutonium.  Due Friday.   We will be finishing the Measuring Mass Lab and turning in.   Due Friday will be to read Unit 2 Keynote slides 4 through 11 and use textbook Chapter 3 to write responses/answers to starred items on the Keynote slides.

Wed, October 16th block day:   PSATs periods 1 and 3 for all sophs and jrs..   Period 6 Chem-I plans TBA.

Thursday, Oct 17th, block day:  period 2 plan TBA.   Period 7 see Chem-IA plans below.

Friday, Oct 18th:  COW due (Plutonium).   Keynote reading/answers due.  We will be covering most of Slides 4 to 11 in class with demos.

Chem-IA (per 7): 

Tuesday, October 15th:  COW #4 assigned:  Plutonium.  Due Friday.   We will be finishing the Measuring Mass Lab and turning in.   Due THURSDAY will be to read Unit 2 Keynote slides 4 through 14 use textbook Chapter 3 and web resources  to write responses/answers to starred items on the Keynote slides AND complete worksheet packet of problems.

Thursday, Oct 17th (block per 7):   Keynote responses/answers and worksheet packet due.  Covering slides 4 to 14 with demos.   Due Friday will be COW

Friday, Oct 18th:   COW due.   Continuing Unit 2 work (most likely sig figs)


Chem-II:

Tuesday, October 15th and Wed, Oct 16th:   Unit Summary Project work.

Friday:   Unit Summaries Due.  ALL UNITS MUST BE READY.   Start presentations.    

Week of October 7 to October 11, 2013

Week 6 of the first quarter.  Sox on a roll.  Watching Pats game as I type.  Kind of like watching paint dry!!!!  3 day weekend coming up. 

As usual, plans and due dates are subject to changes and/or adjustments:

Chem-I: 

Monday:   Due today is assignment from pages 64, 65(SSS) and problems 57, 62 and 80 from pages 96, 97.  COW #3 assigned (Calcium), which will be due on Friday.   I'll be returning and going over several graded items, including tests, labs, poster grades, etc....   Checking mid-quarter grades on Inf Campus.

Tuesday:   Begin coverage of Unit 2 (Keynote).    Q vs Q,  A vs P.   Examples.  Demo.   Due Wed/Thurs:   Lab Prep (reading intro and taking notes) with a probable quiz on block day.

Wed/Thurs:   Quick review as necessary.   Probable quiz on "stuff" from Tuesday and lab prep (open notes).   Lab Activity on Measuring Mass. Reminder that COW #3 is due on Friday.

Friday:  COW #3 due (Calcium).   Finishing lab as necessary and turning in.  Going over quiz. 


Chem-II:  

Monday:   Assignment from 13-1 due (Read/SSS and problems pag 407 # 26-35).   Going over test from last week.  Possibly assigning group assignments (due Oct 17) if time permits (if not, they'll be assigned on Tuesday).   Probable quiz on 13-1 topics on Tuesday. 

Tuesday:   Probable Quiz.

Wed:   55 gal drum demo (???), working on group assignment.

Friday:  group work.  

Week of Sept 30 to Oct 4, 2013

We are officially half way through the first quarter and about to start the month of October.   Unit tests for both Chem-I and Chem-II this week. Note that it might  be worthwhile to do a bit of historical research into major historical events that occurred in October of 1962 between the US and the former USSR over a certain Caribbean island country. 

As always, assignments and due dates are subject to changes and adjustments. 

Chem-I:

Monday, Sept 30:  NO COW this week.  Finishing "matter" with conservation of matter and it's application to chem rxns.  Also finishing lab demo and lab write-up (note that conclusion questions 1 through 4 ...except for final bullet of #4) should be done before class on Monday.   Lab reports will be turned in.  Also... review packets for unit test will be available.   Test this week on Wed (per 3, 6)  Thurs/Fri (per 2, 7 depending on college visit).

Tuesday, Oct 1:   Covering energy.  Wrapping up unit.  Discussing first unit test.  Working on review packets.  

Wed, Oct 2:   Unit Test for Per 3 and Per 7.  (NOTE:  early release day)

Thursday/Friday:  (Note:  college field trips for jrs on Thurs/Friday).   Unit test for period 2 and 7 will be on Thurs (for those on college trips on Fri) and Fri (for those on college trips on Thurs). 

NOTE:   Assignment due MONDAY, OCT 7 for Chem-I/IA:   Read/SSS from Chapter 3, pages 64,65 and do problems pages 96, 97 Numbers 57, 62 and 80.

Chem-II:  

Monday:   finishing and turning in lab on percent yield of lead iodide.   Covering Limiting/Excess Reagents and calculations.   Problems will be assigned for Tuesday.  

Tuesday:  Going over any homework problems.  Reviewing for Unit Test (worksheet of sample problems). 

Wednesday:   Test on Empirical Formula/Molecular Fomula/Stoiciometry/Percent Yield/LR/ER.

Friday:   there wll. be a sub (I'll be on jr college trips)  .  Have your textbooks for in-class work from Chapt 13 that will be due on Monday.

Now.... on to Pats/Falcons game.  Go PATS, Go Sox...and, believe it or not, Go Bruins!!!!

Week of Sept 23 to Sept 27, 2013

It's hard to believe that we are in the final full week of September.   Realize that by the end of this week, we are just about half-way through the first quarter!

Here's a look at what I expect chem classes to be doing this upcoming week (as always, subject to change and adjustments.  You need to keep track of assignments as posted on the board every day).

Chem-I:  

Monday, Sept 23:   COW #2 will be assigned.  For this week it will be Magnesium and it is DUE on FRIDAY (probably a short demo with Mg on Fri).    Today you will be taking a short quiz over some of the concepts we have been covering from Unit 1 to date (open notes allowed....including SSSs).   We may take a few minutes to talk about Physical and Chemical properties and changes (if not today then tomorrow).  The remainder of class will be dedicated to FINISHING posters and putting them up.  I will be grading the posters during the week.   HOMEWORK for TUESDAY:   Pre-lab assignment on lab we will be starting on Tuesday.  Read the lab packet and complete the 10 question pre-lab sheet.  Note that I will probably give a lab prep quiz to see how well you understood and completed the assignment.  That means..... Triple Whammy (sp?):   the pre-lab assignment counts as HW, Lab Prep and you'll need it to take a quiz.  DO IT!

Tuesday:   Pre-lab due.  Probable lab prep quiz.  We will be starting the lab on "Properties and Changes" doing part A.    No HW for Wed/Thurs as we will be continuing the lab, but a reminder that COW #2 is due Fri.

Wed/Thurs:  we will be continuing with the lab, covering parts B and C.   NOTE to dress appropriately, especially with proper footwear.  HW due Friday is the COW.  Not sure if there may be more added but keep an eye to the assignment list on the board.

Friday:  COW #2 due (Magnesium).   We'll be going over COW briefly with a short demo, finishing lab conclusions and turning lab reports in.   Not sure about HW over weekend..... but stay tuned.

NOTE:   we will be finishing unit and reviewing M, T next week with a test on the block day or whenever it fits in around college visits.


Chem-II:

Monday:   we will be reviewing % yield, covering Mass-Vol and Vol-Vol stoichiometry.  We will be finishing lab reports and turning them in.  Homework will be a stoichiometry worksheet of problems. There will most likely be a stoichimetry quiz on Tuesday, too.

Tuesday:   Stoich worksheet due.     There will probably be a quiz today on stoich, %yield and Notes will be allowed.  Also, there will be a lab prep assignment to be given for Wed.

Wed:    Lab prep calculations due.   Lab on percent yield of a precipitate will be started.  The products will be left to dry for Friday.  If time allows, we will also be covering Limiting/Excess Reagents/Calculations with possible HW problems TBA for Friday.

Friday:   We will be measuring final product and working on calculations and conclusion questions.

NOTE:  we will be finishing and review next week with a test on Wednesday.

Week of Sept 16 to Sept 20, 2013

Another full week at GHS coming up.  Hopefully the weather will be "normal" and not ridiculously hot or pouring rain.  Nice fall-like weather would be great during this last full week of summer.   As always, assignments and due dates are subject to changes and adjustments.  The assignment board at the front of the room is the "official" record of due dates and assignments.

Chem I:

Monday:   Due:  SSS Sec 2-1 and problems p58 #35 to 43.    Also, Candle Lab graphs and conclusion questions 1-9 must be done.   Our first Chemical of the Week (COW) will be assigned (Sulfur).  We will be finishing lab reports and turning in labs via random draw.  If time allows we will be continuing with first unit from KeyNote (have your laptops:   5 branches of Chemistry.  NOTE:   No HW due Tuesday.... But.... assignment due Wed/Thurs Block Day:   Read/SSS 2-2 and problems page 47 numbers 11 thru 17.  Also,  COW#1 due on FRIDAY:  Sulfur  (note that COW sheets and SSSs are downloadable on Wiki page).

Tues:   Big day to cover many concepts we've been reading about.  Bring laptops as most of the lessons will be on Keynote and you can follow and annotate as we go along.   Also bring textbook so we can go over various problems.  Note HW due Wed/Thurs from 2-2 (see above) COW sheet due on Friday.

Wed/Thurs:  Assignment from 2-2 due (Read/SSS 2-2 and problems page 47 numbers 11 thru 17.).  Continuing with going over Unit One concepts.  Assigning and starting Lab Safety posters during last portion of block period.  NOTE:   COW #1 due Friday.


Friday:   COW #1 on Magnesium due.  I plan on doing COW demos on sulfur  looking at various physical and chemical properties.   We will also be finishing posters and putting them up.  These posters will be graded and have the same "weight" as any lab activity.


Chem-II:  

Monday:   Finishing lab report on Emp Formula of the Tin Oxide product.  Working on assignment due Tuesday:   Read/SSS (note SSS are downloadable on wiki) in Chapt 12 pages359-361 and do problems on page 360 #11, 12 and page 361 #13.

Tuesday:  Starting to cover stoichiometry (it may be a review for a few students) starting with Mole-Mole calculations and introducing Mass-Mass calculations.   Probably assign some problems to do for Wed and a pre-lab assignment (T.B.A)

Wed:   reviewing and/or going over any stoich problems.  Doing a lab activity on Mole-Mole.

Friday:  Finishing lab write up if nec.  Continuing on stiochiometry.   NOTE:  there will most likely be a quiz on stioich (so far) on Monday.

Week of Sept 9 to Sep 13, 2013

A full week ahead.  Believe it or not, there aren't all that many "full" 5 day school weeeks during the year.  If you don't believe me, just wait and see.

Per usual, the assignments and due dates described in this week's blog are subject to change.  The assignments on the front board are the "official" assignments (though, usually, the blog and the front board end up matching).

Chem-I/IA:

Monday, Sept 9:   Homework due is the reading/SSS for pages 7,8 and 22, 23 and problems 49-53 on page 34.   We will be finishing the lab safety "walk-around" for Eye Wash, Emergency Shower, Fumes and "right to know"/MSDS.  You will also be learnng to identify several pieces of common lab equipment.  If time allows, we will be going over topics from today's assignment (branches of Chemistry and the Scientific Method).   For Tuesday, you will be having a Lab Safety and Equipment Sub-unit Test (25 pts).  Open notes allowed.

Tues, Sept 10:   Covering Scientific Method with "real life" scenario(s).   Assigning Pre-Lab assignment and explaining lab report format and lab scoring rubric.   The lab safety and equipment test will be given during the last 15 to 20 minutes of class.   Due Wed/Thurs:  Pre-Lab Questions from lab packet.  NOTE:  DUE MONDAY:   Read/SSS all of Section 2-1 in text and do problems on page 58 numbers 35 through 45.

Wed/Thurs block:   Pre-lab questions due (from lab packet).   We will go over lab safety test and then start the lab actvity, "The Candle Lab".   Lab procedure and write up will be continued on Friday.  Due Friday:   Written scenario of real-world application of Scientific Method in your own life.

Friday:   Due:   Scientific Method scenario (written/typed).   We will share a few scenarios.  We will then be finishing lab procedure and working on conclusion questions.  Hopefully the entire lab will be completed and turned in (one per group- chosen "at random").   If not finished,  some time will be given on Monday to finish and turn in lab.  NOTE  Assignment Due Monday:   Read/SSS all of Section 2-1 in text and do problems on page 58 numbers 35 through 45.

Chem-II: 

Monday, Sept 9:  Problems due are p 315 numbers 63 through 65 on percent composition.  We will be covering Empirical/Molecular Formula calculations.   Homework for Tuesday:   Problems p 315 numbers 66 through 69.

Tuesday, Sept 10:   Problems due p 315 numbers 66-69.   We will go over hw as necessary.  We will do a quick review of lab safety and procedures and completing lab safety contract.  Also be describing lab report/lab scoring and lab prep assignment.   Due Wed:  Read and take notes on lab activity on Emp Formula of tin oxide.  Probable Quiz on Wed on lab prep and on EF/MF.

Wed (block):   Probable quiz on lab prep and EF/MF.   We will be doing lab activity on Calculating the Emp Formula of Sn_O_.    No HW due Friday.

Friday:  Going over quiz.   Continuing with lab procedure and write up. 

Week of Sept 3 to Sept 6, 2013

Here we go, first "real" week of classes.  Hopefully everyone remembered to bring in their computer sheet and the $25 to get your laptops.  

Here are the expected plans and assignments for the upcoming week.  Please note that all assignments and due dates are subject to change and the "assignment list" on my front board is the "official" listing of assignmens/due dates.

Chemistry I and IA:  periods 2,3,6,7

Tuesday, Sept 3:   Due today is your completed student info sheet with 10 year timeline and 3 goals.  Plans for Tuesday include "who is it and what did he/she do";  going over course info/expectations/topics to be coverered;  going over timelines ("survey says").   Also, "Chemistry in the News" will be assigned (due Friday).  The "handout" for this is on the catchem wikipage.   On Wed/Thurs (blocks) you will be taking a pre-test of science/math knowledge and starting lab safety.

Wed/ Thurs blocks:   No Homework due (but note assignments due Fri and Monday)  Handing out books/assigning seats (random).  You will be taking a pre-test of some basic science and math concepts (approx 20 min) and we will be starting our mini-unit on Lab Safety/Procedures/Equipment.  Note that a test will be given next week (Monday or Tuesday) on this mini-unit.

Reminder that the "Chem News" assignment is due Friday.

Also... Note assignment due MONDAY from text:   Read/SSS (see Catchem for SSS) from book pages 7, 8 and pages 22, 23 and do problems on page 34 numbers 49 through 53.   

Friday, Sept 6:   Chem News due.   Continuing/finishing lab safety/procedures/equipment walk-around.   Lab Safety Test (open note) will be either Monday or Tuesday.

Assignment due MONDAY from text:   Read/SSS (see Catchem for SSS) from book pages 7, 8 and pages 22, 23 and do problems on page 34 numbers 49 through 53. 


Chem-II  (per 1)

Tuesday:  Info sheets with future plans and 3 goals due.  We wil go over course info/expectations/topics.   You will be taking a pre-test "What do you remember from Chem-I?".  If time permits, we will start reviewing the mole (mole map).   No HW for Wed.

Wed (block day):   Books handed out (note assignment below due on Friday).  We will be doing a lot of mole review, use of mole map, Avogadro's number, etc....   We will also be doing a "mini-mole-lab" to do some hands on work with mole calculations.

DUE FRIDAY:   Read/SSS (from catchem) in chapt 10 pages 309 to 311 and do problems on page 312 numbers 45 and 46.

Friday:  Book assignment due (see above).   Starting coverage of Empirical and Molecular Formula problems (our first lab next week will be on EF/MF).  Assignment for Monday:   TBA

 

Week of June 3 to June 7

Hard to believe, but it's the last full week of classes.  Goodness knows it's been hot enough.

Per usual, assignments are subject to change.


Monday:   Cover the concept of Molar Mass and doing Mole-Mass conversions.  Finishing the pea bean lab activity and turning it in.  Homework due Tuesday:   problems on page 315, numbers 58 and 59.  Show work on all calculations.

Tuesday:  Homework due from page 315 (see above).   We will quickly go over homework and then cover Molar Volume of Gases and Avogadro's Hypothesis.  We will then start 2 step mole conversions using samples of aluminum and water.  Homework for Wed is TBA (probably worksheet).

Wed/Thur:   Worksheet on mole conversions due.   We will be covering percent composition and applying percent composition of compounds to samples(if time allows).  We will then be taking the group "double quiz" on the aquarium and can.   If time permits, we will also start the Mole Calculations lab activity..... the last activity of the year!!!!!

Friday:  doing/completing the mole lab.

Monday and Tuesday next week will be reviewing for exams.  More info on exams coming later.

Week of May 28 to May 31

Sorry about being not keeping up on the chemistry blog the past couple of weeks. 

As usual, subject to change and/or adjustments.


Chem-I:

Monday:  Memorial Day

Tuesday:   Tests on Unit 6 chemical rxns returned and go over.   Starting problem solving with conversion factors (using simple things like money, time and primitive barter societies).  Homework for Wed/Thurs block is doing the worksheet on conversion problems using "factor-label" method to show work

Wed/Thurs:   Worksheet on conversion problems due.  Going over problems stressing the importance of setting up problems using labels and canceling out units (i.e. factor-label method).   Starting the final unit on The Mole Concept (intro is on Keynote and posted on Catchem wiki).   Lots of analogies, samples and examples.   Some book problems on Mole-Particle problems are most likely going to be assigned for homework (check on assignment board at end of class).

Friday:  Reviewing mole-particle.  Going over any homework.  Mini-lab activity:   "Just how big is a mole?".  This will have a challenge problem for opportunity to earn extra points.  Due by end of period.   Probably no homework for the weekend.


Chem-II:

Tuesday:   working on environmental issues papers.

Wed:  Papers due.

Friday:  last class for seniors!!!!!

Week of May 13 to May 17th

Half-way through the 4th quarter this week.  Note that progress reports will be posted later this week. 

As always, plans and assignments are subject to change, so keep your eye on the assignment board each day:

Chem-I: 

Monday:  quick review of chemical symbols, skeleton equations and balancing.   Half-test on those three topics (open-note).   Due Tuesday:   Read/SSS pages 330 to 332 and do problems page 331 # 13,14 and page 332 # 15, 16  (look at examples in book).

Tuesday:  Assignment on combination and decomp rxns due (see Monday).   Going over half-test.  Beginning classifying chemical rxns and predicting products.   Homework for Wed/Thurs will be Pre-lab questions and, probably, some book problems based on topics covered today.

Wed/Thurs Block:  Pre-lab questions due, any book problems assigned Tuesday also due.  We will be continuing classifying rxns and starting a lab on percent copper in copper chloride:  a single replacement rxn.    Any HW for Friday will be announced.

Friday:  (HW due????  depends).   You will be measuring your dried copper product from the lab rxn and starting conclusion questions.  Lab reports will be due on Monday.  

Note:   there will be a Unit Test on Chemical Rxns next week (either block day or Friday).

Week of May 6 to May 10

Time's flying.  Not many weeks left, especially for seniors. 

Per usual, plans and assignments are subject to change.

Chem-I:

Tuesday:   Assignment from 11-1 due (see previous blog post for description)..  All students will have an opportunity to earn back some points on the recent unit test on chemical compounds (I think you can interpret what that means about the results).  After that, we will be starting unit on reactions with some definitions and demos.  No homework for Wed/ Thurs.

Wed/Thurs Block:   Covering Skeleton Equations with symbols (examples/demos), in-class worksheet.   Covering rules of balancing equations with examples.  Another in class worksheet which may need to be finished for homework.

Friday:   Review and continuation of skeleton equations and balancing equations.   NOTE:  the plan now is for an open-note Half-test on Monday on this past week's topics regarding chemical reactions.


Chem-II:

Monday:   Review of balancing Redox rxns.  Double quiz on balancing Redox rxns.

Tuesday:  Going over quiz followed by an open book quiz on Section 21-1 (electrochemistry) and prelab for Wed.

Wed:   going over quzzes.  Lab Activity on Electrolysis of KI.

Friday:  Finishing lab (as needed), continuing with electrochemistry (perhaps starting voltaic cells and cell potentials).

Assighment for Tuesday, May 7th for Chem-I

Please Note that there is an assignment due on Tuesday for Chem-I.  Jrs do NOT have class on Monday. 


For Tuesday:   Read/SSS (downloadable/writeable on wikipage) Section 11-1 and do problems page 324 numbers 1,2 and page 327 #3,4.  Make special not of table of symbols  (Table 11-1) on page 323.

More info on next week will be posted over the weekend.

Week of April 29 to May 3

End of April and the start of May.  Sounds like great weather for the week.

As usual, subject to change and adjustments.

Chem-I:

Monday:   going over the quiz taken on Friday.   Covering "intermolecular forces" with concentration on van der Waal's Forces and Hydrogen Bonding.   If time allows, we will start organic alkanes.  NO HW FOR TUES.   TEST ON UNIT 6:  Compounds, will be on FRIDAY.

Tuesday:  quick review.  Covering organic alkanes.  Starting substituted hydrocarbons.

Block Day (note that Wed will be blocks 2,4,5,7  and Thurs will be early release with 60 min blocks of per 1,3,6):   Finishing organic alkanes/substituted hydrocarbons.  Reviewing for test.

Friday:  Test on Chemical Compounds.

Note:   SATs for all juniors on Saturday.   No classes for jrs on Monday (except for AP courses).  There will be probably be an assignment due for Tuesday of next week, but I'll update that later in the week.


Chem-II:

Monday:   going over oxidation-reduction quiz taken on Friday.   Finishing lab as necessary.  Possibly starting balancing redox via half-reaction technique.

Tuesday:   Balancing Redox Rxns with examples.  There will be a quiz on balancing redox rxns on either Thurs or Friday.

Week of April 22 to April 26

First off, sorry for the delay as I'm finally writing the blog on Wednesday morning and we're half way through the week.

As usual, subject to change and adjustments:

Chem-I:

Monday and Tuesday (already past):   We went over half-test on ionic compounds.  Reminder that a re-take will be offered through Friday, 2:15 PM (to a max of 80%) for those who "struggled".  Make sure you have reviewed and corrected your mistakes before attempting the retake.   There was no HW due for tuesday.

Also on Monday and Tuesday we started covering Molecular Compounds:   Single, double and triple bonds;  diatomic molecules;  VSEPR Theory and Coordinate Covalent bonding.   There are two things due for Wed/Thurs block day:   1.   Complete the worksheet on drawing out the 12 covalently bonded molecules, and 2.   Pre-Lab questions on Lab titled "Composition of Hydrates".  

Wed/Thursday:   Worksheet and pre-lab are due.  We will be going over worksheet and adding a couple of more molecules to our list.  I will be introducing the concept of polarity with polar and non-polar bonds and polar, non-polar moleccules and assigning pos and neg dipoles (based on electronegativity).  We will then do the lab on Comp of Hydrates.   DUE FOR FRIDAY:   from the "Drawing Molecular Compounds" worksheet that was due today, you will now determine polarity (both bond polarity and molecule polarity) for compounds #3 though 10 and the two "extras" (we'll call them 13 and 14) that we'll add today.   

Friday:  We will review polarity and then there will be a quiz on all the material from this week:   covalent bonds, diatomics, VSEPR, coordinate covalent bonding and polarity.   For those students who will not be in class on Friday due to UNH field trip, be prepared to make up the quiz on Monday (probably during class time).  

NOTE THAT I PLAN ON GIVING A UNIT TEST NEXT WEEK, probably on Friday. 

Info for Periods 2 and 4 chemistry, April 9th (MUN conflict)

Chemistry periods 2 and 4 should check their answers on the Ternary Ionic Compounds worksheet #2 with the answer sheet that I've posted on the Catchem wiki page.   ALSO, students in periods 2 and 4 who will be missing Tuesday's class due to MUN need to read the info on names/formulas for "common" acids and do the 10 formulas for Thursday's block class.

A half-test on Binary Ionic compounds, Ternary Ionic compounds and Common Acids will be given on Thursday.  It is an "open note" assessment.

Week of April 8 to April 12

Last week before vacation.  Note that Thursday is an early release day and friday is a no-school day for students (teacher inservice).

As usual, plans and assignments subject to change.

Chem-I

Monday, April 8:  go over quiz on BI compounds (taken Friday... counts as Quiz 1 on Qtr 4).  Begin Ternary Ionic Compounds/Polyatomic ions.  Intro..... examples.....  Worksheet #2 due Tues for per 6,7 and due Wed/Thurs for per 2,4 (due to Model UN).   NOTE:   Half-test for all classes on Wed/Thurs on B.I./T.I./Acids.... open note.

Tuesday:  Most jrs involved in MUN periods 1-4.   Periods 6, 7 will cover acids:  names/formulas for some common acids.  

Wed/Thurs:  Review/covering Acids and other compounds.   Open-note half-test on B.I.,/T.I./Acids.

No HW over vacation!!!

Chem-II:

Monday:  in class work on chapter 20 (oxidation reduction).  TBA in class.

Tuesday:   going over assignment and starting identifying oxidation numbers and using oxidation number changes to identify oxidation and reduction.

Wed:   Continuing with ReDox.

No HW over vacation!!!

Week of April 1 to April 5

9 weeks left.  End of 3rd qtr on Friday.  Almost April vacation.   Wow.

As usual, all assignments are subject to change and/or admustment.

Chem-I

Monday:   Finishing lab on Ionic vs Molecular compounds with teacher demo of conductivity.  Labs will be turned in by end of period.  No Homework (no foolin')

Tuesday:  All  Jrs will be involved in SAT Science Testing during periods 1 through 4.  Periods 6 and 7 chem, plans TBA.  (NOTE:  complete Grade Rec Sheets due Wed/Thurs for +1 extra credit on Qtr 3 grade).

Wed/Thurs:   Covering lots of stuff:    formation of ions; cations/anions;  fomation of binary ionic compounds;  names/formulas for BI compounds, use of Roman Numerals in names for some salts;  worksheet on BI compounds (to be finished for HW)  Probably Quiz on Friday on ion formation and BI compounds (will count as quiz 1 for fourth qtr)  NOTE  GRS due today for +1

Friday:  BI compound problems due.  Probably quiz.  End of qtr.   Possibly start Ternary Ionic Compounds and polyatomic ions. 

Chem-II

Monday:   finishing lab reports for Titration Lab and turning in.

Tuesday:  Reviewing for test on Chapter 19 (Acids/bases/neutralization//titrations).   NOTE:  complete GRS for +1 on qtr 3 grade due on Wed.

Wed:   Test

Friday:  probably going over test and looking ahead to next unit.  Checking qtr grades.

Week of March 25 to March 29

Last week of March.   Two weeks left in 3rd quarter and three weeks until April vacation.  Wow.

As usual (and certainly happened last week), all plans and assignments are subject to change and/or adjustments.

Chem-I

Monday:   we will go over the test on Unit 4.  We'll also check on pop quiz given friday.  I apologize for making an absolutely crappy quiz at the last moment and will make amends. 

We will be starting Unit 5 on Chemical Compounds with a preview and comparison of Ionic vs Molecular compounds (in preparation for a lab).  We'll also be covering electronegativity differences as a means of predicting bond types.    Homework for Tuesdayday:   Pre-lab questions and Electronegativity worksheet (odds only).

Tuesday:  Pre-Lab questions due and worksheet on Electroneg differences due.   We will be going over the worksheet and starting the lab activity on Differences between Ionic and Molecular Compounds.

Wed/Thurs:   Continuing with lab activity.  Should be able to complete and turn in by end of period (note, though, that Thurs is an early release day so may affect the timing of finishing lab).

No classes on Friday due to Conferences.   No homework foreseen for the weekend.



Chem-II

Monday:   quick review of neutralization, equivolents and normality.  Introduce titrations and titration problems.   In class problems on titration calculations.   NOTE:   probably a quiz on Tues on all of the above topics.


Tuesday:   Probable quiz on neutralization, equivolents, normality and titrations.   Starting lab on titration.


Wed:  Completing the lab.

NOTE:  Test on Chapter 19 next week  (Tues or Wed).

Chem-I Update for March 20 to March 22 (and beyond)

Not much of a vernal equinox to usher in spring.   We're now looking at Monday, June 17th as last day of exams.... Yuck!

Here's the update.  Note assignment for Friday.

Wed/Thurs (blocks):  we will have the test on Unit 4.  You are allowed to use the review packet, your periodic table and a calculator.   When done, you will be starting to work on the following assignment which is due on Friday:   Read/SSS Section 7-1 and do problems on page 193 numbers 3 through 10.


Friday:  Assignment from 7-1 due (see above).  If corrected, we will go over the test.  We will be starting Unit 5 on Chemical Compounds with a preview and comparison of Ionic vs Molecular compounds (in preparation for a lab).  We'll also be covering electronegativity differences as a means of predicting bond types.    Homework for Monday:   Electronegativity worksheet (odds only) and Pre-lab questions.

The plan is to start a lab on Monday and continue on Tuesday of next week.

Week of March 18 to March 22

Only 3 weeks left in 3rd quarter.  Hard to believe.  Also, spring "officially" starts this week.  Hard to believe with snow storm forecast for Tuesday.  Oh well, that's why we live in Maine.

As always, all assignments are subject to change and/or adjustment.

Chem-I:

Monday:  Editorials returned.  Working on Review for Unit 4 test on nuclear chemistry and radiation.  You will be COMPLETING THE ESSAY Portion for homework tonight and taking the test on all other parts on Tuesday.   NOTE:  Due Wed/Thurs (Block day):   Read/SSS Section 7-1 and do problems page 193 numbers 3 through 10.  There will also probably be a pre-lab assignment due on this day also.


Tuesday:  Take-home essays due at very beginning of class.  The remainder of the test on Unit 4 will be taken.   Note assignments from Chapt 7 (and, probably, Pre-Lab) due on Wed/Thurs.

Wed/Thurs:   Tests back (maybe).  Assignment from 7-1 due.  Pre-lab due.   We will be starting Unit 5 on Chemical compounds:   Preview of compounds, comparing Ionic Compounds with Molecular Compounds.  Explaining Electronegativity differences.   Hopefully starting a lab.  DUE FRIDAY will probably be some problems on Electronegativity.

Friday:  continuing with lab activity.


Chem-II: 

Monday:  Quiz on Acids/Bases (open note).   When done, read/SSS page 194 and do problems page 625 numbers 62 through 64.

Tuesday:  Homework due (see above), go over quiz.  Start Neutralization Rxns/titrations/equivolents/ Normality.  Due Wed:   worksheet problems on Normality.  Reading lab activity.

Wednesday:  go over Normality problems.  Cover titration formula with examples.   Start titration lab.

Friday:   Finishing lab activity and write-up.   NOTE:   Possible quiz on monday on neutralization, normality and titrations.   Probable Test next week (Wednesday?).

Week of March 11 to March 15

Heading to not only the "ides of March", but also St. Patrick's Day weekend.  A bit of trivia on both may end up being helpful.... if you know what I mean.

As usual (and was definitely the case last week), plans and assignments are subject to change.

Chem-I:  

Monday:  Assignment due on researching Chernobyl, TMI and Yucca Mtn as well as finding the % of power from nuclear.  We will be going over quiz that you took on Friday.   We will also start covering nuclear fission and nuclear power (mainly from Unit 4 Keynote).   Homework for Tues is ???? (not sure... probably none).

Tuesday:  Continuing with nuclear Fission and nuclear power.  Describe editorial assignment which is due on Friday.  NOTE:  Test will end up being beginning part of next week.  

Wed/Thurs:   Finish Fission and cover Fusion.   Video on Manhattan Project.  Editorial assignment work.  

Friday:   Editorials due.  Discussion/"town meeting" to share editorials.  

Test will probably be on Tuesday of next week.

Chem-II:

Monday:  Continue with Acid/Base classifications:  Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry (Conjugates), Lewis.  Start pH/pOH calculations.     Homework for Tuesday. Book problems TBA.

Tuesday:  Going over book problems as necessary.  Continuing with pH/pOH.   Possibly starting lab by making solutions of HCl and NaOH.  

Wed:  Lab Activity on Acids and Bases.    Note:  Probable quiz on Acids/Bases on Friday.


Friday:   Probable quiz.  Finishing lab reports.

Assignment Due Monday, March 11th for Chem-I

After quiz and finishing Fukushima documentary, you can start the following assignment which is due on Monday:

Research and Read about the following topics regarding nuclear power:
• Chernobyl
• Three Mile Island
• Yucca Mountain

(BTW:   Wikipedia is OK for this).

  Write summaries (a paragraph or two) describing the significance of these three locations in terms of the topic of nuclear power.  

Also.... investigate to find out the average percentage of the power supply that comes to your house (and mine) that derives from nuclear power (you'll probably be surprised) and try to find the location of the nearest nuclear power plants that produce this energy (key phrase might include "new england power pool".  

Have a good weekend. 

Week of March 4 to March 8

Getting into March.   Believe it or not, next Sunday at 2 AM we turn the clocks forward and start daylight savings time.  

As usual, all plans and assignments are subject to change and adjustments.

Chem-I:

Monday:   We will be going over the quiz taken last Friday on decays and nuclear stability.  We will then start covering the topic of half-life for radioisotopes and doing half-life problems (Keynote).   Homework due Tuesday:   solve the following problems:  page 808 numbers 13,14 and page 821 # 38 and page 822 # 51 and 54.  Probable quiz on Wed/Thurs.

Tuesday:  Homework due:  problems from pages 808, 821 and 822 (see above).  We'll go over the homework problems and then continue with transmutation rxns:  mainly nuclear bombardment and decay series (Keynote).   Homework Due Wednesday/Thursday:   Problems page 808 #12 and page 822 numbers 47 and 49.  Probable quiz on Wed/Thurs on half-life and transmutation.

Wednesday/Thursday:  problems from page 808 and 822 due (see Tuesday).    We wil go over homework and have a quick review.  We will (probably) have a quiz (open note) on half-life problems and transmutation rxns.    After that we will start an ABC News Frontline special on Fukushima.  HW for Friday:  NONE

Friday:   Finishing News documentary on the Fukushima accident.  (NOTE:   We will be finishing Unit 4 on nuclear chem next week with test to PROBABLY be on Friday, March 15th.  


Chem-II:

Monday:  Test on unit on Aqueous Sol'ns and Solution Strength calculations (Chapters 15 and 16)
 Homework due on WEDNESDAY is Read/SSS in Chapter 19 pages 587 and 588 and do questions on p625 numbers 1 through 4.


Tuesday:  Finishing/going over test.  Working on Assigment for Wed (see above)

Wednesday:   Begin new Unit  on Acids and Bases (Chapters 19 and 20):   review names/formulas for acids and bases;  mono, di and tri protic acids.  General properties of acids and bases.   Introduction to pH and pOH concepts and calculations. Example problems.
Problems for HOMEWORD due on Friday:   p 625 numbers 55 thru 57 and page 626 # 76.
Probable Quiz on Friday on Acid/Bases to-date.

Friday:  go over homework.  Quick review.  Probable quiz.

Week of Feb 25 to March 1st

Hard to believe.... back from vacation and March arrives at the end of the week.  Will March arrive like a lamb?  or like a ______?

As always.... all assignments and plans are subject to change. 


Chem-I:

Monday:  quick review of electromagnetic radiation.   Continuing with Unit 4 Keynote covering alpha, beta and gamma decay rxns.   Hopefully time for demo of radioactive materials using geiger counter (if not today, then tomorrow).   HOMEWORK  DUE   TUESDAY:   Read/SSS Section 25-2 and problems on page 821, numbers 29, 30 and 33 through 40.  PROBABLE QUIZ on block day.

Tuesday:  Homework due from 25-2  (see above).  Reviewing decay rxns. Going over homework.   Covering nuclear stability/instabity; N:P, Heavy Metals.  Again, Probable quiz on Wed/Thurs.

Wed/Thurs:   Review as needed.  Probable Quiz (open note...not open laptop).  Possible video from the show Numbers (if I can find it) on "dirty bombs". 

Friday: Go over quiz.   Begin covering half-life calculations.   Possible HW for monday (TBD).


Chem-II:

Monday:  review of solution strength calculations:  % solutions, Molarity, Dilutions.  Starting "double quiz/lab practical" on "Making Solutions".   NOTE:   TEST on Chapters 15 and 16 is planned for FRIDAY.

Tuesday:  finishing lab practical quiz as needed.  Covering "Colligative Properties" for solutions (mp depression/bp elevation).... including calculations for Molality (note:  not  Molarity). 

Wednesday:  Finishing unit and review.

Friday:  TEST planned.

FOOD PANTRY/Chem coupons

I have broken tradition to offer Chemistry coupons for this week's Gorham food pantry challenge (I usually just offer the coupons for Thanksgiving). Bring in at least 4 non-perishable food items for the challenge and earn a coupon worth any chemistry homework assignment (after the coupon is earned....of course).   I hope everyone takes advantage of this.  Oh yeah, the test is still going to be on Tuesday for chem-I :)

change for Monday and Tuesday for Chem-I

I will be out of school today.  So here are my altered plans for Chem-I    (Chem-II will stay the same, namely working on lab calculations, graphing and conclusions).


CHANGES FOR CHEM-I:

Test has been moved to Tuesday.

For today (Monday)  you will work on the following assignments which will be due on Block Day:

Read/SSS in Chapter 25, Section 25-1 and do problems 1 through 6 on page 82.  ALSO due on Block Day will be a Chemistry In the News that will be specific to the topic of Nuclear Chemistry and Radiation.  Complete this assignment in exact same manner as previous Chem News assignments.  Again... Test moved to Tuesday.  The assignments from 25-1 and Chem News will be due on Block Day.   

Week of Feb 11th to Feb 15th

Something tells me that we'll all remember that snow storm.  Wow. 

As always, plans and assignments are subject to change.

Chem-I:

Monday:  Test on Unit 3E

Tues:  test back and go over.   Due Wed/Thurs:   Read/SSS in Chapter 25, Section 25-1 and do problems page 802 numbers 1 through 6;  Also.... find a Current event article online having to do with radiation (set up will be the same as Chem in the News.... but this will be "Nuclear Chem/Radiation In the News").  

Wed/Thurs:   Assignments due from 25-1 and News article (see above).  We will be starting unit on nuclear chem/radiation by sharing articles and starting keynote on radiation.  Any HW for Friday is TBA.

Friday:  continuing with radiation.  

I don't see any HW for vacation.  Enjoy.

Chem-II:

Monday:  Finish lab on Solub of KCl with calculations, graphing and conclusions.

Tuesday:  Begin covering Molarity.  Lots of in class problems.  There will probably be a worksheet of molarity calculations for HW due on Wed.  There will also probably be a "double Quiz" on Wed on making solutions (more like a lab practical quiz).

Wednesday:  continue with molarity and dilutions.    Probable Lab Practical "Double Quiz".

Friday:  finishing molarity as needed.

Week of Feb 4 to Feb 8

Not a very exciting Super Bowl.  Ads are even boring, and now the lights are out.  Oh well. 

Per usual, all plans and assignments are due to change and/or adjustments.


Chem-I:

Monday:   Finishing and turning in lab on Predicting #40.  Quiz on 6-1, parts of Periodic Table and first part of 3E on history of periodic table.  Continuing with 3E;  Trends.   No Homework for Tuesday.  

Tuesday:  Finish 3E on trends and Electron Dot Diagrams.   Pre-lab assignment for Wed/Thurs.  We will also be reviewing for "Sub-Unit" test on 3E to be given on Friday.

Wed/Thurs:  Pre-lab due.   Lab Activity on "Density as a Group Trend".   Reviewing for Sub-Unit test.

Friday:  Sub-Unit Test on 3E.

(Starting Unit 4 on Nuclear Chemistry and Radiation next week)


Chem-II:

Monday:  continuing with minilab on supersaturation.  Starting percent solutions.  HW:  TBA (possible worksheet of problems for HW, if not, these problems will be done in class on Tuesday.

Tuesday:  Continuing calculations on solution strenth.   Assignment for Wednesday will be lab prep-- reading lab, setting up data tables.  Probable Quiz on Wed on lab prep and percent solutions.

Wed:  Probable Quiz on lab and percent solutions.   Lab Activity on Solubility of KCl.

Friday:  continuing lab with graphing, analyzing and conclusions.  

Lights are back on at the superdome.  Does anyone really care at this point?

Week of Jan 28 to Feb 1

Back at it after exam week.  Short week for students.  Early release on Thursday (I assume 60 min periods for 2,4,7) and an inservice day on Friday (as in no school for kids).  Per usual, any/all plans and assignments are subject to change and/or adjustment.

Chem-I:

Monday, Jan 28:   new seats... YES!!!!   Return and go over exams, check qtr grades.   Work on the following assignment which is due Tuesday:   Read/SSS Section 6-1 and do problems page 181 numbers 24-29 (this is intro to 3E).

Tuesday:  Assignment from 6-1 due (see above).   Starting unit 3E on periodic table.  Playing a card game.  HW for Wed/Thurs:   None?????

Wednesday/Thursday:   Continue unit 3E (Keynote for approx 20 minutes), followed by a lab activity, "Modern Mendeleev, Predicting Number 40". 

Note:  we'll wrap up unit 3E early next week and review.  The "Mothah" of all unit assessments might be next week.... or not.   

Chem-II:  

Monday, Jan 28:  quickly go over mid-year exams and check qtr grades.  Review Polar vs Nonpolar molecules.  Begin lab activity:  "Like Dissolves Like".  No HW for Tues.

Tuesday:  Finishing lab activity.  Possibly begin solution strength calculations with % solutions.  Not sure about any HW for Wed.  Let's just leave it as "T.B.D."

Wed:  continue w/solution strength calculations.   Mini-lab activity on Supersaturation.  

Short Week.  Temperatures rising.  Must be heading toward spring.

News from my couch.....

As ya'll know, I'm still fighting this awful flu bug.  I even had a flu shot a month ago. 

Hears my latest update:

I will be out again on Friday.  My doctor pretty much ordered me to stay home and away from people for the rest of the week. 

There will be no "subunit test" in the immediate future.  I still need to cover Electron Configurations (minus any side-stories) when I get back.  You'll probably have another video session on Friday (I've put Mr. Adams in charge of that).

The plan I'm thinking is that I will incorporate the "subunit" test into your final exam as well as the multiple lab activities. 

Make sure you wash your hand realllllly well, drink lots of water and stay away from sick people. 

I plan to be back next week on Monday. 

'til then, GO  PATS..... BEAT the TEXANS!

Wed Jan 9 (still out w flu)

Still fighting the flu bug.  Here's the plan

Chem-II: 

Section summary group presentations will STILL occur.  Please make sure each group keeps a copy of their presentation, handouts, any notes, etc.... for me to grade afterwards.  


Chem-I: 

You guys will be watching the movie October Sky.  From wikipedia:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Sky

while the movie seems a bit hokey, it's a really good (and true) story.  Some of you may have read the book October Sky earlier. 

Enjoy.

Tuesday, Jan 8... Mr. Cat is sick.....so.....

Chem-II:   Period 1

You guys are to continue working on your Section Summary Projects.  They are due tomorrow.  The plan is to go in the order 15-2,  15-3 and 16-1.  These presentations will be done whether or not I am back tomorrow (I hopefully will feel better and be back on Wed).  No excuses.... ready to go... presentations must include summary/explanation  of key concepts (e.g.  "like dissolves like" as it applies to solubility for Sec 15-2);   videos and/or simple demos to SHOW major concepts;  and brief follow up activity for each section (crossword, fill-ins, mini-quiz, etc....).   Once again.... READY TO GO on WEDNESDAY.  BTW:  have a great day.

Chem-I:  periods 2, 4, 6, 7

We will need to continue with electron configurations when I get back (hopefully Wed).  In the meantime, you will print out a "Chem in the News" handout from the wiki page and, individually, work on a chem news article as described on the handout.  If time allows, you will share some of them with the class at the end of the period (the sub will determine if "time allows").  All news articles will be due by the end of the period.  Once again, the is an INDIVIDUAL assignment and NOT a group assignment.   BY THE WAY, you must find a news article/current event that is NOT a related to your recent Adopt An Element project.  BTW:  have a great day, too.

Week of Jan 7 to Jan 11, 2013

Only two weeks until mid-year exams.   As usual, all plans and assignments are subject to changes and adjustments.

Chem-I

Monday:   Due:   SSS from 5-2 and problems page 135 # 8 and 9.   We will be having a quick quiz on QMM and Quantum Numbers (what did ZIP stand for again?).  Afterwards we will be starting electron configurations and applying the 3 rules that define configurations.   No HW for Tuesday.  Note that we will be have a "unit sub-test" on Friday.


Tuesday:   Continuing with electron configs:   applying 3 rules, examples, filling in numbered diagrams, more examples, examples "in reverse".   Starting worksheet.   Homework for Wed/Thurs:  complete worksheet parts one and two.


Wed/Thurs.:  going over worksheet which is due today for homework.  Returning to Quantum Numbers.  Due Quantum Numbers "in reverse".  Reviewing for Friday's unit sub-test.

Friday:   Unit subtest on 3b, 3c, 3d.   Open notes allowed (but no laptop).   Print what you need ahead of time. 


Chem-II 

Monday and Tuesday:   you will be working with your groups on preparing section summary projects from 15-2, 15-3 and 16-1.

Wednesday:   Presentations on sections.   Revisiting concept of polarity and "like dissolves like".

Friday:   Lab Activity on "Like Dissolves Like" concept.

For Monday, Jan 7th (Chem-I)

Chem-I:  For Monday, Jan 7th,  you have the following book assignment due:   Read/SSS Section 5-2 and do problems #8 and 9 on page135.   

You will be having a quiz on Quantum Mechanical Model (mainly on Quantum Numbers) and a couple of questions that I will "pull" from the assignment on 5-2.   The quiz will be open note but no computer (keynote) is allowed.  

Have a good weekend.  Stay warm.

Short week back from vacation

Welcome back from vacation.  I hope everyone had a great break.   Here are the plans for this week and a look ahead to the next couple of weeks (up through mid-years).  As always.... subject to change and adjustments.

Chem-I

Wed/Thurs block day:   we still have final video presentations from a few groups in most classes.  Afterward we will be working on the final grade for the project.  Group's evaluation, Peers Evaluations, Teacher's Evaluation, Personal Effort grade adjustment.

We will also be covering Quantum Numbers on block day and Friday (from 3d). 

Next week we will be covering Electron Configurations and ending the week with a "sub-unit test".

The last week prior to exams we will get a start on Unit 3E and reviewing for mid-year exam.

Chem-II

Wednesday, Jan 2: Career Project grades will be given.   We will be doing a lab activity on surface tension and evaporation rates.   We will also be assigning Section Summary Projects/Presentations (similar to mini-projects done in groups during our States of Matter unit).  You will have time to work on these presentations on Friday and Monday.  Presentations will be held due on Tuesday Jan 8.