This week we Gas!

This week in chem 20 we are changing things up! Due to the fact that none of the chem 30s handed in a lab on time (none, zero, zilch, nadda) I feel like changes need to be made. In order for it to be more efficient, students will now be able to type their labs, however there is a catch. If students choose to type the lab, ALL the lab components must be typed. That includes all graphs, diagrams, and calculations. I will not be taking half the lab on computer and the other half on paper (that would be a marking nightmare). At the same time, this means I will be hyper aware of the possibility of copying, sharing or plagiarism. If the students are found to be sharing work, or blatantly copying (especially without sourcing) then the lab mark will be zero without the opportunity to change the mark. If students choose to hand write, they are welcome to do so as well. This change for the easier is accompanied by a new and improved assessment policy addition. As you are well aware, students are able to rewrite any assessment (big or small) excluding the midterm and the final. In an attempt to get students to hand things in on time (and avoid the stacks of late marking that I currently have due to kids handing in their lab a week late) students will forfeit the opportunity to rewrite labs or exams if their assignments are not handed in on time. This will begin with the start of Unit 2 in chem 20. I have posted the Science Department assessment policy for CHS below. I hope this will not only alleviate stress on the students, but reduce the number of lates without taking off “late marks”.  

As for what is going on in class I am VERY excited about this week in chem 20! Rocky View Schools is an innovative district that focuses on the learner, and much research has indicated that students learn better when they inquire into topics themselves (rather than sit and listen to me blab about the chemistry). For this reason, I am introducing Unit 2 in a Project Based Learning format! Students will perform labs every second day, and based on their lab data, develop and understanding of the trends associated with the lab data (and in turn the gas laws). Following their lab, students will discuss the laws, and attempt practice questions to reinforce their learning! This PBL unit will be summed up with a student developed lab and a final project (instead of a unit test). I look forward to what these brilliant young minds produce! 

This week in chem 20: 
Monday: Boyle's Law Lab
Tuesday: Boyle's Law discussion
Wednesday: Charles' Law Lab
Thursday: Charles' Law discussion 

CHEM 20s will have no homework for the long weekend
(unless they have not handed in their previously due assignments)

Upcoming due dates: 

• Moodle Quiz Monday October 20
  
• Optional Unit Test Tuesday October 21 
  
• Lab final due Wednesday October 29
  
• Project final due Friday October 31
  

Click to view the SCIENCE DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT POLICY

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