Syllabus



IACS

Science Department

Fall 2011 Syllabus


Course Title: Chemistry for a Healthier You                    Grade:       11   

Instructor Information:  
Ms. Raksmey Derival
rderival@innovationcharter.org                                  
(978) 649-0432  x 3242
Extra Help:   Thursdays 3:00pm - 4:00pm or by appointment


Course Description:

        This course will focus on the chemistry behind common consumer products and the effect of those products on health.  After a basic introduction to toxicology, students will learn how chemicals found in cosmetics, sunscreens, foods (pesticides, hormones, etc.) affect the human body.  Additionally, students will learn how consumer practices affect the environment.  Students will research and evaluate data that will better inform and guide them to make safer and healthier lifestyle/consumer decisions.  The goal is to create better informed citizens who can improve their health and the environment through their consumer powers.

Strands:
  1. Experimentation:  

Whenever students are required to collect, analyze, and display data, their work will be graded as part of this strand.   Methods of this data collection can be done via traditional labs as well as computer simulations.   

  1. Research:  

The scientific community is rich with ever evolving ideas and findings.  Students must develop the skills to access and evaluate this information from multiple sources, document these sources, and summarize the findings in writing.   Students will improve their ability to ask questions, an important skill in science.  Students will have at least one research paper and several smaller research based assignments.

  1. Modeling:  

Creating models can be an extremely helpful way to transform concepts from the abstract to the concrete.  Students can build physical models, computer simulations, or create conceptual models/maps to represent processes or principles that exist in the natural world.  

  1. Work Habits:

Work should be completed in a Punctual manner, students should be Productive during class, students should contribute to a Positive work environment.   These traits will create an environment where people are Proud of their work.


Student Expectations
  1. Students are expected to show respect for themselves, their peers, the instructor, and any guests of the classroom.  
  2. Students are expected to contribute to a positive learning environment in the class.  
  3. Students are expected to adhere to all safety rules in the class.
  4. Students are expected to bring a pencil or pen, 3-ring binder with notes, lab notebook (on lab days), agenda book, and calculator to every class.
General Classroom Rules:
  1. No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom
  2. Always adhere to safety rules
  3. Ask the instructor for permission before leaving the room
  4. Notify the instructor of any accidents or incidents
Safety and Lab Policies:
  1. Students must wear long pants, closed toe shoes, and tie back long hair on lab days
  2. Safety glasses, gloves, and aprons must be worn during all experimental work involving liquids and specified dry chemicals
  3. Become familiar with basic lab safety equipment in the classroom
  4. Know the emergency response
  5. Follow directions carefully to prevent accidents
  6. Notify the instructor of any accidents or incidents
Late Work Policy:
All students are expected to complete work in a timely manner.  Developing the mindset and skills to complete work on time will benefit students throughout high school, college, and in future careers.
  • If a student is not able to turn in an assignment on time, he or she must make arrangements with the teacher within 24 hours of the due date. (Example: If an assignment is due at the beginning of a class on Tuesday, arrangements must be made by that time the day before on Monday, regardless if the class meets that day).
  • At the discretion of individual teachers, students may be provided extra time to receive partial credit on certain assignments
  • Make-up assignments must ve submitted within 7 (seven) calendar days (1 week) from the original due date
  • Assignments submitted before the 7 day window will receive a lower grade in the Work Habits strand, but fully assessed in all other strands
  • Assignments turned in after the 7 day window will be graded as a zero in all strands
  • Students who have specific accommodations or modifications in an IEP or 504 plan may have this policy adjusted on an individual basis

Honors Policy: 
Students at Innovation Academy Charter School may receive the following honors for academic achievement on a quarterly basis.  Students will have their names posted in the hallway, in the school newsletter and, at times, in the local newspaper.  

Honors - Students who receive a term grade of 3.0 in every class (B or Honors C) earn honors.

High Honors - Students who earn a term grade of 3.5 in every class (A or Honors B) earn high honors.

Honors students will be given additional work on homework, projects and research assignments. Honors students may also be assigned to explore additional topics not reviewed in class.


Semester Overview

  • Weeks 1-2: Sustainability

  • Weeks 3-5: Toxicology

  • Weeks 6-7: Waste, e-waste, water

  • Weeks 8-9: Household products  

  • Weeks 10-12: Cosmetics

  • Weeks 13-15: Foods

  • Weeks 16-19: Final project

          • Student will evaluate a current product being used in their home, and find a healthier alternate for the product, find an alternate way to replace/reuse the current product. and/or if it is appropriate, students can design a greener version of the product.

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