To my former students:

I am having a great time in North Carolina. I am a senior research epidemiologist at RTI International (http://www.rti.org) I am still getting oriented to my new job and still have to get a new home. Miss you all, and if ever you are in the Raleigh/Durham area, look me up. My promised Facebook page is up; my e-mail account is satyr61@hotmail.com .

Take care everyone! Study hard for the new teacher!

Dr. Clark

Physics
Course Syllabus
Teacher:        Dr. Clark
Room Number:        A215
E-mail Address:        rclark@scsk12.org
Edublogs Address:    http://shsclark.edublogs.org

Course Description:
Physics examines the basic interactions between matter and energy.  The major topics include motion, force, fluids, waves, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics. The study of these topics should integrate scientific inquiry, technology and engineering, and mathematics. Students are expected to develop a basic understanding of physical concepts and behaviors, develop strong problem-solving skills, and improve their ability to observe, measure and analyze in a laboratory setting. This course will have a strong emphasis in the mathematics of physics. Laboratory explorations should emphasize a guided inquiry approach.

All students should be familiar with safe laboratory practices and should have a signed safety contract on file. Teachers should be aware that students must wear safety eyewear during labs involving circular motion. Similarly, some electricity labs require special health considerations for students using pacemakers or other electricity-sensitive equipment.

Classroom Expectations: Rules & Procedures:
1.    Be in your seat working on bell work by the time the bell rings.
2.    Exhibit honesty, courtesy, respect, and responsibility at all times.
3.    Bring class materials every day.
4.    Class is dismissed by the teacher – never the bell.
5.    No talking while I’m talking!
6.    15/15 Rule (First 15 and last 15 minutes of class, no one is permitted to leave class)
7.    No food or drink permitted.

Students will not be permitted to leave class unless they are ill and need to go to the office. Use your time between classes for restroom and water fountain visits. Students are permitted to go to lockers before 1st and 4th periods, and at the end of the day.

Cheating, in any form, is a violation of the school Honor Code, and will be punished according to school policy. School policy requires an automatic zero with no make-up allowed. Parents will be notified and a discipline referral will be made to an administrator.

Rewards
1. The most important reward is Learning.
2. Verbal praise
3. Self-confidence
4. Special privileges

Consequences
1. Verbal Warning and Documentation of Offense
2. Parent/Guardian Contact
3. Administrative Referral ***
*** Immediate referrals for profanity, fighting, insubordination, etc.

Grading Scale
Numeric Grade    Letter Grade
93-100    A
85-92    B
75-84    C
74-70    D
69-0    F

Grading System
Class Participation & Laboratory  30%
Quizzes                                              25%
Tests                                                  35%
Homework                                        10%

Attendance Policy
The Shelby County Board of Education (Policy #6108) believes that regular attendance is a necessary requirement of all students and that any student with the maturity and interest should be included in some phase of the school program.

All students are expected to attend school on each day that school is officially in session. Only the following reasons will be considered for excused absences:

•    Illness of student.
•    Death or serious illness within the student’s immediate family.
•    When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity.
•    Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith.
•    Legal court summons not as a result of the student’s misconduct.
•    Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal.
•    If necessary, verification is required from an official or other source to justify absences.

All other absences than those outlined above shall be considered unexcused.  A written statement, within two (2) school days of the student’s return to school, shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for each absence.

Make Up Policy
•    Students are responsible for making up work missed due to excused absences. Check the assignment calendar or class blog page for missed assignments. Ask a member of your class for bell work or journal writing missed.
•    If the assignment is made when the student is present, it is due on the day the student returns to class. For each day of an excused absence, one day will be given to complete the make-up work.
•    Students who are absent for any preplanned school sponsored event (field trip, sports activity, band, chorus, speech contest, etc.) are responsible for informing me several days ahead of time and getting their assignments before they are gone. If a field trip is a local event, student work is due the day they return to class and students will be required to take any quiz or test planned for that day.
•    If a student is present when a test or assignment is announced the student will be expected to take the test or turn in the assignment if they are present on the due date. Tests missed due to an excused absence will require a make-up test.
•    Homework is always due at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be accepted the day after the due date for 80% credit. If the student fails to turn the assignment in one day late, the student will follow Southwind High School policy.

Supply List:
•    Textbook: Physics by Serway & Faughn
•    Loose-leaf binder – Three Ring, 1.5” or more
•    College-ruled loose-leaf paper
•    Blue or black pens, AND pencils
•    Scientific Calculator (does not have to be graphing)
•    Lab fee ($5.00)

Quarter One Syllabus:

1    The Language of Science    5 days   1.10, 1.11; Inq.3, .4; Math.3, .4, .5, .6, .7
2    Linear Motion    7 days   1.1, 1.3, 1.5; Inq.5, .6; Math.1, .2
3    Vectors & Projectile Motion    15 days    1.2, 1.6, 1.13; Inq.2, .7
4    Newton’s Laws of Motion    18 days    1.12; Inq.1; T/E.1, .2

Honors Chemistry
Course Syllabus
Teacher:        Dr. Clark
Room Number:        A215
E-mail Address:        rclark@scsk12.org
Edublogs Address:    http://shsclark.edublogs.org

Course Description:
The primary objective of the Honors Chemistry course will be to produce a scientifically literate student who will have a working knowledge of chemistry and recognize the crucial role it plays in everyday life in the 21st century. Its main goal is to make science understandable through inquiry, hands-on laboratory investigations, individual studies, and group activities. The students will be encouraged to think logically, make observations, analyze information, and develop creativity. The students’ experiences in Honors Chemistry should enable them to understand the role of chemistry in their lives by investigating substances that occur in nature, in living organisms, and those that are created by humans.

The evaluation of the learner will be a comprehensive assessment of critical thinking skills.  Many topics can be evaluated in several different ways. However, the emphasis will be on critical thinking and higher order cognitive skills rather than simple memorization of facts. Students will be given the opportunity to merge chemical concepts with laboratory experimentation.  Students should practice the necessary precautions for performing safe inquiries and activities and appreciate the risks and benefits of producing and using chemical substances.

Classroom Expectations: Rules & Procedures:
1.    Be in your seat working on bell work by the time the bell rings.
2.    Exhibit honesty, courtesy, respect, and responsibility at all times.
3.    Bring class materials every day.
4.    Class is dismissed by the teacher – never the bell.
5.    No talking while I’m talking!
6.    15/15 Rule (First 15 and last 15 minutes of class, no one is permitted to leave class)
7.    No food or drink permitted.

Students will not be permitted to leave class unless they are ill and need to go to the office. Use your time between classes for restroom and water fountain visits. Students are permitted to go to lockers before 1st and 4th periods, and at the end of the day.

Cheating, in any form, is a violation of the school Honor Code, and will be punished according to school policy. School policy requires an automatic zero with no make-up allowed. Parents will be notified and a discipline referral will be made to an administrator.

Rewards
1. The most important reward is Learning.
2. Verbal praise
3. Self-confidence
4. Special privileges

Consequences
1. Verbal Warning and Documentation of Offense
2. Parent/Guardian Contact
3. Administrative Referral ***
*** Immediate referrals for profanity, fighting, insubordination, etc.

Grading Scale
Numeric Grade    Letter Grade
93-100    A
85-92    B
75-84    C
74-70    D
69-0    F

Grading System
Class Participation & Laboratory  30%
Quizzes                                              25%
Tests                                                  35%
Homework                                        10%
In this Honors Chemistry course, assessments of the following will be included during the school year (at least one per nine weeks):  Summary of science articles, Chemistry-based research paper, Complete lab report for every lab activity, Research project involving careers in Chemistry, or Chemistry web-quest or podcast.

Attendance Policy
The Shelby County Board of Education (Policy #6108) believes that regular attendance is a necessary requirement of all students and that any student with the maturity and interest should be included in some phase of the school program.

All students are expected to attend school on each day that school is officially in session. Only the following reasons will be considered for excused absences:

•    Illness of student.
•    Death or serious illness within the student’s immediate family.
•    When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity.
•    Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith.
•    Legal court summons not as a result of the student’s misconduct.
•    Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal.
•    If necessary, verification is required from an official or other source to justify absences.

All other absences than those outlined above shall be considered unexcused.  A written statement, within two (2) school days of the student’s return to school, shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for each absence.

Make Up Policy
•    Students are responsible for making up work missed due to excused absences. Check the assignment calendar or class blog page for missed assignments. Ask a member of your class for bell work or journal writing missed.
•    If the assignment is made when the student is present, it is due on the day the student returns to class. For each day of an excused absence, one day will be given to complete the make-up work.
•    Students who are absent for any preplanned school sponsored event (field trip, sports activity, band, chorus, speech contest, etc.) are responsible for informing me several days ahead of time and getting their assignments before they are gone. If a field trip is a local event, student work is due the day they return to class and students will be required to take any quiz or test planned for that day.
•    If a student is present when a test or assignment is announced the student will be expected to take the test or turn in the assignment if they are present on the due date. Tests missed due to an excused absence will require a make-up test.
•    Homework is always due at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be accepted the day after the due date for 80% credit. If the student fails to turn the assignment in one day late, the student will follow Southwind High School policy.

Supply List:
•    Textbook: Modern Chemistry by Davis, Frey, Sarquis, & Sarquis
•    Loose-leaf binder – Three Ring, 1.5” or more
•    College-ruled loose-leaf paper
•    Blue or black pens, AND pencils
•    Scientific Calculator (does not have to be graphing)
•    Lab fee ($5.00)
Quarter One Syllabus:

1    Matter and Change – pp.2-27    5 days    2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.9
2    Scientific Measurement – pp.28-65    10 days    Inq.1, .2, .3, .4, .5, .6; Math.1, .2, & T/E.1, .2
3    Atomic Structure – pp.66-82, 88-95    10 days   1.1, 1.2
4    Electronic Structure of Atoms – pp.96-131    10 days    1.1, 1.5
5    Periodic Table – pp.132-173    10 days    1.3

Honors Physics
Course Syllabus
Teacher:        Dr. Clark
Room Number:        A215
E-mail Address:        rclark@scsk12.org
Edublogs Address:    http://shsclark.edublogs.org

Course Description:
Physics examines the basic interactions between matter and energy.  The major topics include motion, force, fluids, waves, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics. The study of these topics should integrate scientific inquiry, technology and engineering, and mathematics. Students are expected to develop a basic understanding of physical concepts and behaviors, develop strong problem-solving skills, and improve their ability to observe, measure and analyze in a laboratory setting. This course will have a strong emphasis in the mathematics of physics. Laboratory explorations should emphasize a guided inquiry approach.

All students should be familiar with safe laboratory practices and should have a signed safety contract on file. Teachers should be aware that students must wear safety eyewear during labs involving circular motion. Similarly, some electricity labs require special health considerations for students using pacemakers or other electricity-sensitive equipment.

Classroom Expectations: Rules & Procedures:
1.    Be in your seat working on bell work by the time the bell rings.
2.    Exhibit honesty, courtesy, respect, and responsibility at all times.
3.    Bring class materials every day.
4.    Class is dismissed by the teacher – never the bell.
5.    No talking while I’m talking!
6.    15/15 Rule (First 15 and last 15 minutes of class, no one is permitted to leave class)
7.    No food or drink permitted.

Students will not be permitted to leave class unless they are ill and need to go to the office. Use your time between classes for restroom and water fountain visits. Students are permitted to go to lockers before 1st and 4th periods, and at the end of the day.

Cheating, in any form, is a violation of the school Honor Code, and will be punished according to school policy. School policy requires an automatic zero with no make-up allowed. Parents will be notified and a discipline referral will be made to an administrator.

Rewards
1. The most important reward is Learning.
2. Verbal praise
3. Self-confidence
4. Special privileges

Consequences
1. Verbal Warning and Documentation of Offense
2. Parent/Guardian Contact
3. Administrative Referral ***
*** Immediate referrals for profanity, fighting, insubordination, etc.

Grading Scale
Numeric Grade    Letter Grade
93-100    A
85-92    B
75-84    C
74-70    D
69-0    F

Grading System
Class Participation & Laboratory  30%
Quizzes                                              25%
Tests                                                  35%
Homework                                        10%
In this Honors Physics course, assessments of the following will be included during the school year (at least one per nine weeks):  Summary of science articles, Physics-based research paper, Complete lab report for every lab activity, Research project involving careers in Physics, or Physics web-quest or podcast.

Attendance Policy
The Shelby County Board of Education (Policy #6108) believes that regular attendance is a necessary requirement of all students and that any student with the maturity and interest should be included in some phase of the school program.

All students are expected to attend school on each day that school is officially in session. Only the following reasons will be considered for excused absences:

•    Illness of student.
•    Death or serious illness within the student’s immediate family.
•    When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity.
•    Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith.
•    Legal court summons not as a result of the student’s misconduct.
•    Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal.
•    If necessary, verification is required from an official or other source to justify absences.

All other absences than those outlined above shall be considered unexcused.  A written statement, within two (2) school days of the student’s return to school, shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for each absence.

Make Up Policy
•    Students are responsible for making up work missed due to excused absences. Check the assignment calendar or class blog page for missed assignments. Ask a member of your class for bell work or journal writing missed.
•    If the assignment is made when the student is present, it is due on the day the student returns to class. For each day of an excused absence, one day will be given to complete the make-up work.
•    Students who are absent for any preplanned school sponsored event (field trip, sports activity, band, chorus, speech contest, etc.) are responsible for informing me several days ahead of time and getting their assignments before they are gone. If a field trip is a local event, student work is due the day they return to class and students will be required to take any quiz or test planned for that day.
•    If a student is present when a test or assignment is announced the student will be expected to take the test or turn in the assignment if they are present on the due date. Tests missed due to an excused absence will require a make-up test.
•    Homework is always due at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be accepted the day after the due date for 80% credit. If the student fails to turn the assignment in one day late, the student will follow Southwind High School policy.

Supply List:
•    Textbook: Physics by Serway & Faughn
•    Loose-leaf binder – Three Ring, 1.5” or more
•    College-ruled loose-leaf paper
•    Blue or black pens, AND pencils
•    Scientific Calculator (does not have to be graphing)
•    Lab fee ($5.00)
Quarter One Syllabus:

1    The Language of Science    5 days    1.10, 1.11; Inq.3, .4; Math.3, .4, .5, .6, .7
2    Linear Motion    7 days    1.1, 1.3, 1.5; Inq.5, .6; Math.1, .2
3    Vectors & Projectile Motion    15 days    1.2, 1.6, 1.13; Inq.2, .7
4    Newton’s Laws of Motion    18 days    1.12; Inq.1; T/E.1, .2

AP Chemistry
Course Syllabus
Teacher:        Dr. Clark
Room Number:        A215
E-mail Address:        rclark@scsk12.org
Edublogs Address:    http://shsclark.edublogs.org

Course Description:
This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enables them to undertake, as freshmen, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register for courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, the AP Chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses.

AP Chemistry should meet the objectives of a good general chemistry course. Students should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course should contribute to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The college course in general chemistry differs qualitatively from the usual first secondary school course in chemistry with respect to the kind of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by students. Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics treated, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and the variety of experiments done in the laboratory. Secondary schools that wish to offer an AP Chemistry course must be prepared to provide a laboratory experience equivalent to that of a typical college course.

To develop the requisite intellectual and laboratory skills, AP Chemistry students need adequate classroom and laboratory time. It is expected that a minimum of 290 minutes per week will be allotted for an AP Chemistry course. Of that time, a minimum of 90 minutes per week, preferably in one session, should be spent in the lab. (Time devoted to class and laboratory demonstrations should not be counted as part of the laboratory period.) In addition, students will probably need to spend at least five hours a week studying outside of class.

Classroom Expectations: Rules & Procedures:
1.    Be in your seat working on bell work by the time the bell rings.
2.    Exhibit honesty, courtesy, respect, and responsibility at all times.
3.    Bring class materials every day.
4.    Class is dismissed by the teacher – never the bell.
5.    No talking while I’m talking!
6.    15/15 Rule (First 15 and last 15 minutes of class, no one is permitted to leave class)
7.    No food or drink permitted.

Students will not be permitted to leave class unless they are ill and need to go to the office. Use your time between classes for restroom and water fountain visits. Students are permitted to go to lockers before 1st and 4th periods, and at the end of the day.

Cheating, in any form, is a violation of the school Honor Code, and will be punished according to school policy. School policy requires an automatic zero with no make-up allowed. Parents will be notified and a discipline referral will be made to an administrator.

Rewards
1. The most important reward is Learning.
2. Verbal praise
3. Self-confidence
4. Special privileges

Consequences
1. Verbal Warning and Documentation of Offense
2. Parent/Guardian Contact
3. Administrative Referral ***
*** Immediate referrals for profanity, fighting, insubordination, etc.

Grading Scale
Numeric Grade    Letter Grade
93-100    A
85-92    B
75-84    C
74-70    D
69-0    F

Grading System
Class Participation & Laboratory  30%
Quizzes                                              25%
Tests                                                  35%
Homework                                        10%

Attendance Policy
The Shelby County Board of Education (Policy #6108) believes that regular attendance is a necessary requirement of all students and that any student with the maturity and interest should be included in some phase of the school program.

All students are expected to attend school on each day that school is officially in session. Only the following reasons will be considered for excused absences:

•    Illness of student.
•    Death or serious illness within the student’s immediate family.
•    When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity.
•    Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith.
•    Legal court summons not as a result of the student’s misconduct.
•    Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal.
•    If necessary, verification is required from an official or other source to justify absences.

All other absences than those outlined above shall be considered unexcused.  A written statement, within two (2) school days of the student’s return to school, shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for each absence.

Make Up Policy
•    Students are responsible for making up work missed due to excused absences. Check the assignment calendar or class blog page for missed assignments. Ask a member of your class for bell work or journal writing missed.
•    If the assignment is made when the student is present, it is due on the day the student returns to class. For each day of an excused absence, one day will be given to complete the make-up work.
•    Students who are absent for any preplanned school sponsored event (field trip, sports activity, band, chorus, speech contest, etc.) are responsible for informing me several days ahead of time and getting their assignments before they are gone. If a field trip is a local event, student work is due the day they return to class and students will be required to take any quiz or test planned for that day.
•    If a student is present when a test or assignment is announced the student will be expected to take the test or turn in the assignment if they are present on the due date. Tests missed due to an excused absence will require a make-up test.
•    Homework is always due at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be accepted the day after the due date for 80% credit. If the student fails to turn the assignment in one day late, the student will follow Southwind High School policy.

Supply List:
•    Textbook: Chemistry: The Central Science by Brown, LeMay, Bursten, & Murphy
•    Loose-leaf binder – Three Ring, 1.5” or more
•    College-ruled loose-leaf paper
•    Blue or black pens, AND pencils
•    Scientific Calculator – TI-83 or better
•    Lab fee ($5.00)
•    Carbonless loose-leaf laboratory notebook
•    AP Exam Fee ($86.00)

Quarter One Syllabus:

1    Matter and Measurements    8 days
2    Atoms, Molecules, & Ions    7 days
3    Stoichiometry    8days
4    Aqueous Reactions & Solutions    7 days
5    Thermochemistry    7 days
6    Electronic Structure of Atoms    7 days

            Welcome to Chemistry Honors! My name is Dr. Clark and I have the honor of being your instructor as you study the world of chemistry. Let me take this opportunity to say that I am looking forward to the 2009-10 school year with much anticipation. The reason I am anticipating next year is because of the wonderful students, like you, that I will be working with. I have heard of the tremendous potential of this group of students. Also, I thoroughly enjoy guiding students to greater and greater levels of success as each year progresses.

            In an effort to get off to a quick start in August, it is necessary on all honors students to be ready to go. The quiz will be in the first Friday of school. Please read the list below and complete as much as is possible during the summer months. We will be studying these during the first week of school.

1.      Our textbook will be Modern Chemistry, Holt, Rinehart, & WIlson, 2009. You will have access to a full online textbook after we check out books in August.

2.      Visit the Holt Modern Chemistry website at http://go.hrw.com/hrw.nd/gohrw_rls1/pKeywordResults?HC2%20STUDENT. This is a website for our textbook.

3.      From the Holt website, click on Graphing Skills and do all 11 practice problems. I expect this homework completed and given to me the first day of school.

This class is a challenge. If you want to accept that challenge head-on and discover what you can accomplish, then I am willing to help. Get started preparing for your future as soon as possible. Please do not try and cram everything at the end of July.

            If you need to contact me this summer, you may e-mail me at rclark@scsk12.org. You may not get an immediate reply, but I will reply. Also, check the edublog site periodically if you can. It will be updated often. I look forward to getting started working with you.

            Have a great summer!

            Dr. Clark

            Welcome to Physics Honors! My name is Dr. Clark and I have the honor of being your instructor as you study the world of physics. Let me take this opportunity to say that I am looking forward to the 2009-10 school year with much anticipation. The reason I am anticipating next year is because of the wonderful students, like you, that I will be working with. I have heard of the tremendous potential of this group of students. Also, I thoroughly enjoy guiding students to greater and greater levels of success as each year progresses.

            In an effort to get off to a quick start in August, it is necessary on all honors students to be ready to go. The test will be in the first Friday of school. Please read the list below and complete as much as is possible during the summer months. We will be studying these during the first week of school. You have been exposed to this before in Honors/General Chemistry so this should be nothing more than a review.

1.      Our textbook will be Physics, Serway and Faughn, 2009. You will have access to a full online textbook after we check out books in August.

2.      Get a laboratory notebook. I require you to get a composition book for the entire year.

3.      Visit the Physics Classroom Tutorial Site at http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/BBoard.html. This is an excellent site to review concepts and problems throughout the year.

4.      Do scientific notation, significant figures, and factor-label method of solving problems (attached). I expect this homework completed and given to me the first day of school.

This class is a challenge. If you want to accept that challenge head-on and discover what you can accomplish, then I am willing to help. Get started preparing for your future as soon as possible. Please do not try and cram everything at the end of July.

            If you need to contact me this summer, you may e-mail me at rclark@scsk12.org. You may not get an immediate reply, but I will reply. Also, check the edublog site periodically if you can. It will be updated often. I look forward to getting started working with you.

            Have a great summer!

            Dr. Clark

Scientific Notation, Significant Figures, and the

Factor-Label Method of Solving Problems

Scientific Notation

        Scientific notation is a type of exponential notation in which only one digit is kept to the left of the decimal point.  Example:  8.4050 x 10-8.

Significant Figures

        It is reasonable that a calculated result can be no more precise than the least precise piece of information that went into the calculation.  Thus it is common practice to write numbers in scientific notation with only the last place containing any uncertainty.  When we do this we are keeping only the “significant figures”.

·         To determine the number of significant figures in a number, you read the number from left to right and count all digits starting with the first non-zero digit .  Do not count the exponential part.

Thus the number 0.002050 contains 4 significant figures (4 sf) and is written in scientific notation as 2.050 x 10-3.  The trailing zeros in a non-decimal number such as 1200 are assumed not to be significant unless you are told otherwise.  Thus 1200 is written as 1.2 x 103 in scientific notation.

Significant Figures in Derived Quantities

        When doing calculations, you should use all the digits allowed by your calculator in all intermediate steps.  Then in the final step, round off your answer to the appropriate number of “significant figures” such that only the last decimal place contains any uncertainty.  You do this by following the rules:

•     When adding or subtracting, first express all numbers with the same exponent.  Then the number of decimal places in the answer should be equal to the number of decimal places in the number with the fewest decimal places.

•     In multiplication or division, the number of significant figures in the answer should be the same as that in the factor with the fewest significant figures.

When using these rules, assume that exact numbers have an infinite number of significant figures (or decimal places).

Solving Problems Using Conversion Factors:  The Factor-Label Method

        Units may be used as a guide in solving problems.  First decide what units you need for your answer.  Then determine what units you are given in the problem, and what conversion factors will take you from the given units to the desired units.  If the units cancel out properly, chances are that you are doing the right thing!  The basic set up is

Conversion factors are added until the new units are the same as the units desired.  Each conversion factor has a denominator equivalent to the numerator but in different units.

Examples

1.  Carry out the following mathematical operations and express your answer in scientific notation using the proper number of significant figures.

(a)      (4.28 x 10-4)  +  (3.564 x 10-2)

(b)       (0.00950)  x  (8.501 x 107)  ¸  3.1425 x 10-11

________________________________________________________________________

2.  Use the Conversion Factor Method to solve the following problem.  Show your work, and give your answer in scientific notation using the proper number of significant figures.

 The calorie (1 cal = 4.184 J) is a unit of energy.  The burning of a sample of gasoline produces 400 kJ (2 sf) of heat.  Convert this energy to calories.  (103 J = 1 kJ.)

________________________________________________________________________

3.  The distance from the sun to the earth is 93 million miles.  How many minutes does it take light from the sun to reach earth? 

(Note:  Solve the problem using the conversion factor method!  Useful information:

1 km = 0.6214 mile, c = speed of light = 3.00 x 108 m/s)

     Congratulations! You have accepted the challenge of Advanced Placement Chemistry by enrolling in this class for the 2009-10 school year. My name is Dr. Clark and I have the honor of being your instructor as you study this challenging subject. Let me take this opportunity to say that I am looking forward to the 2009-10 school year with much anticipation. The reason I am anticipating next year is because of the wonderful students, like you, that I will be working with. I have heard of the tremendous potential of this group of students. Also, I thoroughly enjoy guiding students to greater and greater levels of success as each year progresses.

            The success you may experience will not come easily however. You will find that AP Chemistry will challenge you as hard as or harder than any class you have taken thus far. It is truly a college level course, and we need to set a college level pace. Your success will be determined by your level of effort and dedication. If you expect to do well by just “showing up” to class, you are sorely mistaken and the lesson you learn can be humbling. Please be prepared to stay focused on your studies.

            The rewards for your hard work and dedication are numerous. You can take an AP exam that almost all colleges accept for course credit. This, of course, will save you (and your parents) a great deal of money! At the very least, you will receive a trial run on the same chemistry class you might take in college.

            In an effort to get off to a quick start in August, it is incumbent on all AP students to be ready to go. The test will be on the first Friday of school. Please read the list below and complete as much as is possible during the summer months. We will be studying these during the first week of school. You have been exposed to this before in Honors/General Chemistry so this should be nothing more than a review.

1.      Memorize the first 20 elements on the periodic table. You should be able to identify them by symbol, name, and number. I won’t expect you to memorize the mass.

2.      Memorize the common polyatomic ions (attached)  ap-chemistry-summer-project1    

3.      Memorize the solubility rules (attached)  ap-chemistry-summer-project1    

4.      Using online sources or purchased review material, review naming ionic and covalent compounds, significant figures, conversions, isotopes, balancing equations, chemical reaction types, stoichiometry, and the structure of the atom. I will update my edublog site (http://shsclark.edublogs.org/) with links suitable for review as the summer progresses.

5.      Our textbook will be Chemistry: The Central Science, 11^th ed. Brown, LeMay, Bursten, & Murphy, 2009. You will have access to a full online textbook after we check out books in August.

6.      I recommend purchasing the CliffsAP: AP Chemistry, 4^th ed. (~$17). It is an excellent resource with many reviews and strategies, as well as 2 full-length AP Practice exams.

7.      Visit the College Board AP Chemistry site at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_chem.html?chem. I suggest downloading the Course Description and reading it.

8.      Get a laboratory notebook. I am requiring all students to use a carbonless loose-leaf lab notebook so that you can turn in copies for your lab assignments AND keep a complete notebook for your college to approve your AP Chemistry lab coursework.

Quite a list, isn’t it? This class is a challenge. If you want to accept that challenge head-on and discover what you can accomplish, then I am willing to help. Get started preparing for your future as soon as possible. Small chunks of study are best. Please do not try and cram everything at the end of July.

            If you need to contact me this summer, you may e-mail me at rclark@scsk12.org. You may not get an immediate reply, but I will reply. Also, check the edublog site periodically if you can. It will be updated often. I look forward to getting started working with you.

            Have a great summer!

            Dr. Clark