Nearing the end!

Chemistry 30 is not easy... and this Unit D: Acid Base Equilibrium is noted as the most difficult yet most important unit of the entire course! Worth 33% of the curriculum, it is a key component of diploma assessment, which is often based on lab analysis and techniques. For this reason, we do many labs in this unit, which becomes quite stressful for the students. It is important, in order to not fall behind or become overwhelmed, that students stay on top of their lab reports and work. The labs are spaced accordingly so students have sufficient class and tutorial time to work on their labs... but I will admit this is a tough unit with lots of work! It is important to remember that students are able to hand in their labs up to a week late with no detriment to their mark, however they will then forfeit the opportunity to rewrite the unit test. 

On another note, I was impressed with the midterm average of 64% in chem 30, however, to alleviate the stress on students, they are able to perform test corrections to improve their mark according to a scale (80-100% = 1%, 70-79% = 2%, 60-69% = 3%, 50-59% 4%, 40-49% = 5%, 30-39% = 6%, 20-29% = 7%, 0-19% = 8%) This scale is due to the increased amount of work to complete corrections as the marks become lower. It is my hope that in performing corrections, students will identify the errors in their understanding and correct it prior to the final and diploma. 

I really do feel like I provide more than enough opportunity for students to succeed in chem 30 even if it is (one of) the most difficult courses in high school (I think it is by far the most difficult, but it depends on the student's interest and effort). In addition to the correction improvement on the midterms, if students decided to come in for the "Showcase of Learning" on Wednesday November 26, they are able to gain (up to) an additional 5% on their midterm mark. Students will be demonstrating and explaining titration techniques to parents and individuals who choose to come check out the science demos (room 1028). This evening will be jam packed full of student learning exhibitions, and is sure to be a great night! 

This Week in Chem 30: 
Monday: Work Period
Tuesday: Moodle Quiz
Wednesday: Topic 6 Buffers
Thursday: Buffers Lab
Friday: Acid Base Titrations

Upcoming Due Dates: 
Tuesday November 18: Moodle Quiz Topic 1-5
Tuesday November 18: Acid Base Indicator Lab due
Monday November 24: Equilibrium Project due
Thursday November 27: Buffer Lab due
Friday November 28: Acid Base Unit D Exam
Tuesday December 2: Acid Base Titration Lab due

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