Assignments
Initially, many of our assignments will be completed electronically. When we start to do more math-based work we will transition to paper for those assignments. Once you complete an assignment, bring it to Ms. Cool to be graded. If we are not in class, you can turn it in to the online dropbox for the assignment. I grade for mastery, meaning I don't give you credit until the work is done properly. While this is frustrating for some students at the beginning, many realize that ultimately they learn more chemistry and understand it better than if I just give you credit for trying.
When you need to make corrections, please do not remove my highlighting or comments. I will remove these once the items are correct. If you remove them it takes me longer to grade your work. You will only receive credit for the assignment once it is done correctly.
While I do run a collaborative classroom, it is the expectation that students turn in work that they completed by themselves. Copying will not be tolerated.
When you need to make corrections, please do not remove my highlighting or comments. I will remove these once the items are correct. If you remove them it takes me longer to grade your work. You will only receive credit for the assignment once it is done correctly.
While I do run a collaborative classroom, it is the expectation that students turn in work that they completed by themselves. Copying will not be tolerated.
Online Practices
Online practices are done on the website Quia. They are used to prepare you for the exams. You are allowed to do them anytime and anywhere you like. You will not receive credit for the assignment until you score 70% or better on your Quia online practice. You may use notes and ask for help. The goal is to make sure you understand the material. You can take a Quia online practice as often as you like. There is no limit to how many times you can take it in one day. Once you score the 70% minimum you will receive full credit in the gradebook.
Work Days
Typically, a unit in my class lasts about 2 weeks. Within those 2 weeks, I lecture an average of 3 times. The remainder of the time is called "work days." Work days are just what they sound like: days to work. On work days you can do any of your assignments: worksheets, online practices, labs, exams, etc. The expectation is that you are working on your chemistry work.
Just because I do not assign traditional homework in my class does not mean you do not have any.
The students who are most successful in my class manage their time wisely and work at home to stay on top of things.
Work days were created so that you can get help on your chemistry while in class. It is a great time to get help from me. Furthermore, I may hold special topic workshops and tutoring groups on work days for students who are behind.
Just because I do not assign traditional homework in my class does not mean you do not have any.
The students who are most successful in my class manage their time wisely and work at home to stay on top of things.
Work days were created so that you can get help on your chemistry while in class. It is a great time to get help from me. Furthermore, I may hold special topic workshops and tutoring groups on work days for students who are behind.
Late PointsUnit assignments turned in after the deadline are subject to penalty late points. These penalties start at 25%. The more it is late, the greater the penalty. These penalty deadlines always occur after the completion of a unit and are always announced and published in class and on papers.
I never penalize your test scores with late points. |
Anti-Procrastination PointsAnti-procrastination points are rewards for turning in your work on-time or early. They are typically worth a 20% bonus of the assignment's value. Like late points, they are always widely announced and published. These are a great way to earn back missing points.
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Labs
While I do try to make labs interesting, they are not created for your amusement but rather to reinforce chemical concepts that we are learning. I try to have at least one lab per unit, which means one about every two weeks.
Typically you need approval to be in the lab. Meaning all of the assignments prior to the lab must be checked off before you can do it. It is not unusual for me to physically sign your lab as a way of approval.
Some labs you will conduct individually and some you will do with a partner. Often I let you chose your partners, but that is not always the case.
Typically you need approval to be in the lab. Meaning all of the assignments prior to the lab must be checked off before you can do it. It is not unusual for me to physically sign your lab as a way of approval.
Some labs you will conduct individually and some you will do with a partner. Often I let you chose your partners, but that is not always the case.
Exams
Exams can only be done at school and they are typically done online using Quia. Taking an exam requires all of the assignments before it to be done (worksheets, labs, online practices). When you go to take an exam, it will ask you for a secret word. Close all other windows on your Chromebook and then bring your computer to Ms. Cool and she will input the word.
During an exam you are allowed to have the following items:
You are not allowed to wear headphones, use a cell phone, or scratch paper. If you talk during the exam this is considered cheating. If you open other windows/tabs during your test this is also considering cheating. Cheating carries the consequence of a zero on the exam and a parent conference.
During an exam you are allowed to have the following items:
- the class approved, laminated periodic table (not your personal one)
- a calculator
- a white board and marker
You are not allowed to wear headphones, use a cell phone, or scratch paper. If you talk during the exam this is considered cheating. If you open other windows/tabs during your test this is also considering cheating. Cheating carries the consequence of a zero on the exam and a parent conference.
Exam Retakes
I want you to do the best you possibly can in this class. Therefore, I allow exam retakes. You can take one of my exams up to 3 times on 3 different days. You will keep the best score that you earn. For example, let's say you take it once and score a 65%, take it again and get a 87%, and then take it one last time and earn a 77%. It will be the 87% that gets recorded in the gradebook and counted towards your grade.
If you take the exam more than once in a day, I will only count the first score and I will not give you another attempt.
Make the most of your retakes and go through your notes, assignments, and online practices.
If you take the exam more than once in a day, I will only count the first score and I will not give you another attempt.
Make the most of your retakes and go through your notes, assignments, and online practices.
Gradebook breakdown
Remember that the your grade will be calculated as follows:
75% Exams & Projects
25% Assignments
75% Exams & Projects
25% Assignments