Chemistry is a vast subject, more than you or I could ever know, but fortunately learning the fundamentals of chemistry is possible. One fundamental of.

Chemistry is a vast subject, more than you or I could ever know, but fortunately learning the fundamentals of chemistry is possible. One fundamental of chemistry is understanding the electrons, neutrons, and protons that make up atoms. It’s amazing that everything you can see or touch is made from these three tiny particles. However, their microscopic world is very bizarre, similar but stranger than Hollywood’s virtual world called the Matrix. After learning chemistry you will look at the world very differently.

Welcome to the Fundamentals of Chemistry. I find that dividing a chemistry topic into three areas of focus makes it easier to understand. The building blocks focus sees chemicals coming from simpler building blocks. Chemistry also involves force and energy. For example, attraction and repulsion of + & - charges guide the assembly of atoms and chemicals. The third part of chemistry involves mathematics. The Earth represents the Metric system which is based on Earth measurements and water.

The images shown above represent the evolution of chemistry. For example, on the left the four recognized elements were fire, air, earth, and water but it turned out that none were elements. We now recognize 116 elements. The other images also have their stories, which we will discuss in class.

To the left is the textbook. I do not follow it too closely, but it is a good textbook that could supplement my lectures. I cover additional material not in the textbook. There exists a study guide and solutions manual,but I don’t require them.

The textbook may or may not come with a CD-ROM. It doesn’t matter if you get it or not.

You will also need a scientific calculator. Not right away but

starting the fourth week.

1. Gain an appreciation of chemistry: its value to society, its role in history, the effort to get this far, and the modern marvels.

2. Learn about chemistry’s building blocks from light matter/antimatter protons + electrons + neutrons atoms compounds organic vs. inorganic small compounds (CH4, CO2, H2O, SiO2) large compounds (sugars, amino acids, hydrocarbons) macromolecules (starch, cellulose, proteins, DNA)

3. Learn how to approach a chemistry topic as a blend of building blocks, force & energy, and mathematics.

4. Learn the fundamental behaviors of atoms: Electrostatic forces, the bizarre world of quantum physics, chemical bonding, and the periodic behaviors indicated in the Periodic Table.

5. Smarter consumer of chemical products: Better understanding of labels, smarter at reading past the hype or paranoia, and better at recognizing pseudoscience.

6. Improved chance of survival: Knowledge of neutralizing acids/bases, better avoidance of chemical dangers, better at improvising, better at solving problems, and better at critical thinking.

MC185

PS1W

Map to Office

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Subject DetailsRelated chap/page

Activity in Chem Lab

Aug 22First day of class.> Introductions >Syllabus

Introduction to the class. Handout and presentation of syllabus.

 Safety video

Aug 242nd day: The 3 Barriers to Learning + Approach to learning chemistry.

You will learn about the three common barriers to learning a subject and how to use this in learning chemistry.

Aug 26Why did chemistry become a science? (plus group photos)

Driven by needs & wants chemistry throughout history improved survival and improved the quality of life. (Group photos to help me learn names)

Chap 1.1

Aug 29Chaos to Order: Periodic Table and where elements came from

The Periodic table helps us organize the elements. But first where did elements come from and where are they now? (nuclear chemistry + cosmology)

Parts of Chap. 7, Chap 18

Periodic table, names, oxidation numbersSeparation of MixtureAug 30

Chemistry: It’s all about building blocks: Light particles atoms Elements Compounds

The simplicity of building blocks is the secret of the physical universe. Light builds protons, electrons, neutrons, that builds the elements. Elements build compounds; small compounds build macromolecules.

Parts of the following chapters: 2, 18, 19, & 20

Sep 2Math: So Misunderstood + Dimensional Analysis + Metric System

Origin of Math and common misunderstandings. By examining dimensions you can set up problems correctly. + The origin of the metric system

Part of Chapter 3, Appendix D

Sep 5 Labor Day (No Class) Nomenclature- Binary CompoundsLab Measure-ments, Signi- ficant Figures

Sep 7What’s in a name? Nomenclature: Binary compounds.

Naming compounds whose two elements share electrons (covalent bonding) plus naming compounds where one element (usually a metal) has given one or more electrons to another element (ionic bonding)

Chap. 6.

Sep 9Dimensional Analysis + Metrics (continued)

More practice on using dimensional analysis and working with metric units. Include density, temp, & mass. Hand out study guide for first exam.

Part of Chapter 3, Appendix D

Sep 12Naming ionic compounds + Polyatomic ions

Nomenclature of ionic compounds and polyatomic ions. Learn names and uses. Intro to Lewis structures

Chap. 6Nomenclature-TernaryTemp, Mass, Vol, DensitySep 14 First Exam Test on all material covered up to Sept. 9th.

Sep 16Types of Chemical Reactions

Learn about synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion reactions.

Chap. 10

Sept 19

Specific HeatLearn how different substances store different amounts of heat and how to calculate that amount of heat energy.

 pp. 67, 115, 397-400

Specific Heat

Sep 21Art of Counting without CountingMoles & Molar Mass

Formula and Molecular Weights. Moles and Molar Mass. Avogadro's number. Empirical and Molecular formulas.

Chapter 9

Sep 23Moles & Molar Mass (continued)

Do calculations for grams to moles, moles to grams for elements and compounds.

Chapter 9

Below is the planned schedule; however, unexpected events may change the schedule. Changes announced in class will override this schedule. Also expect daily short quizzes.

On Mondays (shaded) the topic will normally reinforce the concepts that relate to the CHM130LL lab of that week.

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Subject DetailsRelated chap/page

Activity in Chem Lab

Sep 26 Review nomenclature Review nomenclature Chap. 6 Major 50pt quiz-NomenclatureEquation Writing & Balancing

Sep 28Equation Writing and Balancing + Solubility Rules

Writing chemical equations is two-part. First, will the reaction take place? Second, if so, then how are all the elements accounted for? (Balancing)

Chap. 10

Sep 30Waste Not, Want Not: Stoichiometry

Calculations based on chemical equations. Mole to Mole calculations, Mole to Mass calculations, limiting reactant, percent yield.

Chapter 11

Oct 3Activity series, redox reactions

Learn what drives single replacement reactions. Learn to use the activity series and what electrons are transferred.

Chap 17, p295-9, 528

Single Replacement Reactions.

Oct 5 Stoichiometry (continued) More practice on stoichiometry problems. Chap 11

Oct 7Good & Bad news of chemistry

Learn what makes chemistry easy or hard. (Recap past concepts and preview future concepts)

Oct 10 Oxidizers + StoichiometryLearn uses and chemistry of oxidizers including KClO3. Do stoichiometry problems that relate to oxidizers.

p.515-520, Decomposition of Potassium Chlorate

Oct 12 Acids and BasesHistorical significance of acids and bases. Acids as H+ donors. Bases as OH- donors. Other definitions of acids and bases. pH Scale.

Chapter 16

Oct 14 Review for second test Test will cover all material from Sept. 16 to Oct 12.

Oct 17Hydrates (Stoichiometry applied)

Certain salts that have combined with a set amount of water are called hydrates. They are a source of water and can be made to be desiccants (absorbers of water)

P174-5, 254, 625

Water in Hydrates

Oct 19 Second Test Test will cover all material from Sept. 16 to Oct 12.

Oct 21Tips on Poster Making(Hand out 10 homework assignments)

Learn to make educational posters that grab and hold attention and teaches. Begin chemistry topic search. (Hand-out 10 homework assignments)

Oct 24Review Reactions & Balancing + Conductivity (electrolytes)

Review synthesis, decomposition, single & double replacement, and combustion reactions. Balance equations. Predict products. Learn about electrolytes

Chap. 10, 17

Major Quiz on Equation balancing, classification, prediction of products Conductivity lab

Oct 26Discuss second test results

Examine strengths & weakness from 2nd test. Receive prescription of what to study or get tutoring on.

Oct 28Halloween Chemistry Demonstrations

Learn the chemistry for magic tricks, special effects, slime, and other attention getters.

Oct 31Chemistry of double replacement reactions

Learn the driving forces of double replacement reactions. Learn molecular, total ionic, and net ionic equations.

P287, 299-304

Double replacement Reactions Lab

Nov 2Solubility + polar solvents + ways to measure concentrations

Solubility of ionic & covalent compounds. Qualitative terms of concentration. Quantitative measurements: w/w, v/v, w/v, w/v%, ppm, ppb, molarity.

Chapter 14

Nov. 4

Fluorides(Electronegativity, MSDS, concentration, acid/base)

Special presentation on the use of fluoride to prevent tooth decay and the controversy that surrounds it. Good application of acids and bases, electronegativity, & concentrations calculations.

Chap 16. Chap 8.3

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Subject DetailsRelated chap/page

Activity in Chem Lab

Nov 7Theory behind lab on qualitative analysis of ions.

Solubility rules, acid-base neutralization, decomposition, oxidation/reduction.

p. 300, 303, 471

Qualitative analysis of anions Lab

Nov 9Gas and the various laws that govern its behavior.

Boyle's law, Charles’ Law, Guy-Lussac's Law, Combined Gas Law, Avogadro's Law, Ideal Gas Law, Dalton's Law of partial pressures. Kinetic molecular theory. Standard temp, pressure.

Chap. 12 

Nov 11 Veteran’s Day (No Class)

Nov 14 Acid/Base titrationLearn the theory and math behind acid base titrations

p.499-500Preparation of a Standard Base

Nov 16Representations of molecular structure

Lewis & Couper structures plus molecular, Kekulé, condensed, & shorthand formulas, + VSEPR.

Chap 8, p231-238

Nov 18Quantum Model of AtomThird Exam (Take-home)

Electrons live in the bizarre world of quantum physics. Pass out third exam (take-home exam)

Chap 5.5 thru 5.10

Nov 21Four forces of nature (electromagnetic, strong & weak nuclear forces, gravity)

String theory including quantum mechanics, and the unification of the four forces of nature.

p. 127, 132-6

No Labs. Thanks-giving

Nov 23Educational Posters Due + Review of posters

(Posters will be displayed in corridor leading to library)

Nov 25 Thanksgiving Break  

Nov 28Third exam due + Reaction Rates and Equilibrium +refresh titration calculations

Collision theory, factors that control reaction rates, catalysts, Le Chatelier's principle.

Chapter 15 

Determin-ation of Concen-tration of Acid

Nov 30Forensic Chemistry (application of chemistry learned in class)

Presentation and demonstration of forensic chemistry.

Dec 2Homework assignments due:Discuss third exam results

Examine strengths and weakness from third test. Receive prescription of what to restudy or get tutoring on.

Dec 5 Chemistry on demandRapid fire questions regarding wide range of chemical concepts & calculations answered when called upon.  

Dec 7 Review for Final   

Dec 9 To be announced

Dec 12 Final Exam this week

Dec 16 Grades turned in

My expectation is that everyone understands everything on the test and gets it 100% right. Everyone may not get it 100% the first time, but they should get it correct on the 2nd, or 3rd time. It makes no sense to go on when there is something critical missing. Much of chemistry builds off the previous material. Of course, a person who takes three tries to get a question right doesn’t deserve the same amount of credit as the person who got it right the first time. But getting it right the third time still deserves credit.

On problems you missed, you have the opportunity to be retested with a similar problem. You get 85% of the score you would have gotten if you got it right the first time. For example, if you miss a 10 point question but get a similar one correct on the retest, you make 8.5 points, which is much better than losing all 10 points. You just have to make an extra effort to do it again. In short, I’m more interested in you learning the material than giving you low grades. I’m not eager to do extra grading, but I’m willing to do that if you are willing to put in the time to restudy and retest on what you missed. Final grades are not based on a curve, so students who ace a test the first time shouldn’t worry about the students who retake the test to improve their scores.

No one likes tests, even teachers. In the old days, when people learned by apprenticeship, there wasn’t a need for tests because the master knew how the apprentice was doing by watching him or her and regularly asking questions. However, in a classroom of 40 students, the instructor may have no idea how much a student has learned, so a test is one way of finding out.

One philosophy of teaching is that instructors are only sure that they have taught the subject if they find out that students have learned the subject. In other words, I must ask you a lot of questions to see if both you and I are doing a good job.

If you have any special learning needs, let me know, but first visit our Disabilities Resources & Services Office. They will work with both you and me to find ways to help. Deaf students will enjoy the many visuals I use in class. Visually impaired students with some vision can get my PowerPoints so they can view them in the library’s Adaptive Lab. Totally blind students will have a bigger challenge, but I am willing to try some alternatives.

I really hate to talk about points for two reasons: First it takes your attention away from the subject. Second, it implies that grading is accurate down to the last little point. It would be hard to prove that a person with 524 points actually knows more than someone with 523 points. Mathematically it seems accurate, but in actuality grading is approximate. When a teacher says one question is worth 15 points and another is worth 10 points, the choice is rather arbitrary.

With this said, we can use points because it is easy to work with, but it is only approximate.

People who focus only on learning the subject do better than those who worry about grades. That’s because when you worry about points and grades, you are not thinking about the subject. Listen and learn in class and grades will take care of themselves.

In case you are still interested, here is the breakdown of points that will serve as a guide to your grade

Daily quizzes (Attendance): 100 points3 tests: 100 points each totaling 300 pointsFinal test: 100 pointsPoster project: 100 pointsMiscellaneous assignments: 100 points

Total: 700 points

Grades are 90-100%=A, 80-89%=B, 70-79%=C, 60-69%=D, Below 60%=F

If your points are close to a better grade, I will always give you the benefit of the doubt and give you the better grade because, like I said, grading is not that accurate.

Notice attendance is a big contributor to your grade because of all of the daily quizzes.

If you miss an exam, I will handle it on a case-by-case basis. It all depends on the circumstances involved.

I again apologize for this much attention drawn to tests and points. Being aware of them is good, but worrying or being fixated on them will actually take attention away from learning and hurt your grade. The best thing is to get interested in the subject and that motivation will help you do good on any tests that come your way.

Just like I expect everyone to learn the material well enough to get an A, I also expect everyone to finish the class. However, if you miss three classes in a row without contacting me, I will telephone you and send email to find out what’s going on. Note I can be pretty flexible when you have circumstances that warrant it. But if I can’t reach you, I will have to withdraw you from class. If you disappear a week before class ends, I may just give you a grade based on your work up to that time, but lowered because you missed the final.