Semester grades

Dear honors chemistry students,
All semester grades have been completed.  Please email me at dengel@mchs.net if you would like to know your semester grade.  I am proud of all of your achievements this semester.  Please remember grades do not define you. Merry Christmas and see you in January,
Mrs. E

Review Day

Good morning Honors Chemistry students:
Can you believe that today is the last day of the semester for our class!  Today  will be review presentations and practice sessions for the semester final.  Begin preparing today for the semester final.  Don't wait until the last minute.  Email questions to me over the weekend or post to the blog. Also remember that a good night sleep and a good breakfast with good sources of protein will help your brain.  Don't forget to hydrate your brain.  That doesn't mean soda and coffee but water! Practice problems will also help!
See you all today!
Mrs. Engel

Unit 5 Test

Good morning Honors Chem students!
I hope each of you rested and studied over the weekend.  Today is the last unit test for the semester.  We will begin reviewing concepts for the semester final on Wednesday.  Don't forget to  check your calendar for the after school honors chemistry study and pizza fling on Thursday, December 15th.
Have a great day!
Mrs. E

Nomenclature Finale

We are beginning to count down the days to the end of the semester!  Today we finished nomenclature by discussing binary molecular compounds and acids.  On Thursday, we will review our homework and then take the last nomenclature quiz.  We will also have a  scrimmage for Lewis structures to practice one more time prior to the unit test.  Don't forget that the unit test is December 12th!  My study tip for the day is to take the unit objectives and change them into "I can" statements.  Write out answers and then check your answers with your notes, your book, and your labs.  Looking ahead to Thursday - we will learn about the intermolecular forces.  Read section 8.4 in your book and outline the key concepts.
See you soon,
Mrs. E

Count down to finals has begun

Good morning chemistry students!
As the December snow begins to fly, we are very busy finishing up our semester work.  Yesterday we shifted our focus from ionic and metallic bonding to covalent bonding and the relative strength of covalent bonds.  Our lab simulated the strength of single, double, and triple bonds using rubber bands and different masses.  Don't forget to follow the rubric for the lab write-up as this is the last formal lab write-up for the semester.  We have completed two polyatomic ion quizzes and will have our last one tomorrow.  Next week, we will have nomenclature quizzes.  Tomorrow we will draw lewis structures and will also look at models of molecules to determine the different molecular geometries.  Keep practicing your nomenclature rules!

Polyatomic ions - Practice, practice, and more practice

It is that time of the year when all honors chemistry students begin to dream of turkeys, candy canes, and a break from polyatomic ions.  That's right - Polyatomic ions must be memorized by November 28th.  We will have daily quizzes beginning on November 28th on the polyatomic ions.  This means spelling, formula,  and charges for each ion.  We have concluded nomenclature and writing formulas for binary and ternary ionic compounds.  We did a lab in class today to help with these new skills.  The lab will be due after the Thanksgiving break. After our break, we will finish chapter 7 and practice formulas/nomenclature for ionic compounds.  Beginning on Wednesday, we will begin Chapter 8 with a lab.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.

To bond or not to bond - That is the question

Today in class we began our unit on bonding.  Each student defined bonding in their own words and then shared the definitions with each other.  We compiled a list of definitions to compare and contrast. Then we watched a short music video detailing the different types of bonding.  I told the story of bonding as a fairy tale based on the land of the elements.  We learned how to model valence electrons, the difference between cations and anions, and how to determine an oxidation state for the main group elements.  Finally, we learned how to write formulas for binary ionic compounds.  (Remember to criss-cross and simplify)  We ended class today by doing a quick lab on page 199.  You do have homework for Thursday - a hand-out to review the concepts from class today.  Also, do not forget to study your polyatomic ions.
See you all on Thursday,
Mrs. E

Top Secret

Mission accomplished!  We have finished our study of the quantum mechanical model of the atom and our study of modern periodic table and trends.  Today in class we reviewed the periodic trends for atomic radius, learned how to do dot notation for valence electrons, and completed the top secret activity as a review of the periodic table.  I hope everyone was able to crack the code and figure out their secret agent.  Friday is test day! Also the unit four portfolio will be due.  Please make sure that you study the unit objectives.  Think critically.  What can be used for a compare/contrast short answer.  How can multiple choice questions be worded to make sure you understand the difference between an energy level, sublevel, and orbital.  What labs did we do this unit that I can derive questions from.  ( hint - flame test lab).  Personalize the trends - think of examples/analogies to help you remember.
See you on test day!
Mrs. E

November 7, 2011

Hello everyone,
Although it was a dreary November day outside, it was certainly hopping inside room 328 today.  We covered atomic radius and first ionization energy trends today as well as completed the "density as a periodic trend" lab.  For homework, please complete the data analysis questions in the lab packet.  This includes the graph.  REMEMBER - use graph paper for your graph and follow the guidelines for a scientific graph.  This means to include a title, labels, and a correct scale.  We will be finishing the  chapter 6 on Wednesday and completing an activity to help us remember the trends.  Friday will be the chapter test as well as turning in the unit 4 portfolio.  Enjoy your evening.  See everyone on Wednesday!

Periodic Table - Day 2

Good morning everyone,
I'm a few days late on the blog.  In class on Thursday, we began to investigate the periodic trends by looking at the physical properties of the main group elements.  We built 3-D models of the different trends and analyzed the models.  On Monday, we will discuss what we saw and the implications of these trends for predicting properties.  On Monday, we will be in lab involving glass.  Close-toe shoes please! Please prepare for your lab by doing the pre-lab questions and by reading the procedure. Don't forget to create a chart of the periodic trends ( look at page 178) to help with studying.  We will finish this chapter on Wednesday and the chapter test will be on Friday.  Enjoy the sunshine today!
Mrs. E

November 1, 2011

Today in class we had our first scrimmage to test our skills on electron configuration and orbital notation.  I was very happy with the results of the scrimmage.  Don't forget to practice the exceptions!  We will have a quiz for credit  on Thursday.  We also delved into the periodic table for the first time.  Make sure you understand the difference between Mendeleev's periodic table and Mosley's table.  Finish the periodic chart lab questions for homework and read/outline 6.2 and 6.3 in your textbook.  Please focus on the trends  as we will working with these during the next several classes.  Don't forget that the test will be 11/11/11.

Flame Test

Hi Honors Students,
Hope all of you are working on your formal lab reports this weekend.  I will post some of the pictures that we took Friday in the lab.  I know that everyone enjoyed all the beautiful colors and hopefully the chemistry that goes with it.  Please follow the rubric for the lab report.  Also, study the filling pattern for the electron configuration and orbital notation.  We will have an exit quiz on Tuesday!  Don't forget to study the exceptions to the filling pattern.  Tuesday - we will begin chapter 6.  Looking ahead - Unit 4 test is on November 11th.  This is also the day that the portfolio will be due.

Lithium flame test

Oh Where is the electron!

Good morning Honors Chem. students:
This week has gone faster than one of those pesky neutrino particles so I have not been keeping up with the blog.  I apologize for that.  We have been using the quantum model to describe the energies of the electrons in their ground state.  Remember there is a pattern of filling.  Study the energy levels, sublevels, and orbital pattern.  Tomorrow in class, we will review with guided practice.  Yesterday in class, you completed the electron structure lab.  The post lab questions will be due tomorrow.  Also, I would like you to bring a rough draft of your introduction, purpose, and hypothesis for the flame test lab to class tomorrow.  We will peer review this prior to your formal lab report.  Tomorrow is a close-toe shoe, tie back long hair, and do not wear loose clothing day.  We will be using the bunsen burners as part of our flame test lab.  Looking forward to next week, Monday will be an exit quiz on electron configurations.  Be prepared!
See all of you tomorrow,
Mrs. E

Where in the world is the electron

Hello fellow chemists,
Today we delved into the nebulous world of quantum mechanics.  Remember it is based on the probability of finding an electron in a region of space.  Here is a Heisenberg joke for you - Heisenberg is out for a drive when he's stopped by a traffic cop.  The cop says, "Do you know how fast you were going?"
Heisenberg says, "No, but I know where I am."  Bazinga! Remember if we can precisely know the position of the electron than we cannot  precisely know the momentum.  A good study tip for the weekend is to compare and contrast the Bohr model of the atom with the quantum mechanical model of the atom.  I think there is a very good probability of this being an exit slip question on Monday ( another Bazinga reference there)  So where will Mrs. Engel be at precisely 7:00 pm tonight?  Email your best guest to dengel@mchs.net.  Don't forget to answer all of your post-lab questions for the marble lab from today.  We will be reviewing the theories of quantum mechanics on Monday along with learning how to write electron configurations for ground state electrons.

See you then,

Mrs. E

Quick reminders

Hi everyone,
I'm finishing up grading the unit 3 test tonight.  Just a quick reminder that the nuclear projects are due tomorrow.  We will begin the quantum mechanical model of the atom tomorrow and I have several short film clips to show.  We will also be in lab dropping marbles as a model for the electron.

End of the 1st quarter and beginning of the 2nd!

Dear Honors Chemistry Students -
Sorry - life became very busy this past week so I did not keep up with the blog as I should have.  The good news is that your quarter grades are complete unless you need to turn in absent work or missing assignments.  We have completed our study of the nucleus of the atom and will have our unit test tomorrow.  I'm very excited to read your portfolios.  Hopefully, you found some interesting colleges that might match your needs.  Make sure you practice nuclear expressions and half-life problems.  I suggest reading through the end of the unit questions.  Remember the answers to the odd questions are in the back of the book.  Also, please remember your brain needs to be refueled every 40 minutes.  This means to hydrate your body and eat protein while changing the scenery in front of your eyes.  Remember cramming for an honors chemistry test will not work.  Hopefully you reviewed a little bit each day during the unit.  Also - a good night sleep will do wonders for you tomorrow.  Congratulations to our teams this weekend.  I enjoyed  MCHS football and Lacrosse.  I also heard good news about our cross country team.
See you tomorrow,
Mrs. E

Nuclear Decay - take two

Hi everyone,
Today ends our homecoming week.  I hope all my students enjoy the game tonight and the dance tomorrow night. In class yesterday, we furthered our understanding of decay.  From watching a music video to practicing on whiteboards, we should all have an understanding of the following types of decay: alpha, beta negative,  and positron.  We also practiced electron capture and bombardment reactions.  I have graded the quizzes and I am really happy with the overall results.  Nice job everyone!  Please don't forget to continue to review these reactions and the graphic organizer that we did for a bell ringer.  The graphic organizer is a great study tool.  How many test questions can you develop from this?  Remember - if you dream of the question than I can too.  Although it might be a scary journey, begin to think like a teacher.  Develop your own test questions.  Try to answer them.  When you begin to anticipate the test questions, you are actually studying.  I will be grading the lab reports over the weekend.  Looking ahead to next week - we will begin our study of half-life on Tuesday and do a lab activity.  We will finish the unit on Thursday with more practice and activities.  The unit test will be October 17.  This will also be the day that the portfolio is due.  Nuclear projects will be due October 19.
Have a great three day weekend.  Enjoy your day off!
Until next time,

Mt. Meru in Tanzania

Mrs. E

October 4, 2011

Delving into the nucleus was the theme for today's class.  I hope everyone enjoyed the Dr. Seuss book.  It is often hard to imagine the impact our knowledge of the atom has had on our society. After learning of the impact of discovering nuclear power and the effect of this on our society, we began to learn about radioisotopes and nuclear decay reactions.  Don't forget that charge and mass are both conserved in our decay equations. Practicing these equations is the best way to learn how to do them.  We will review these concepts tomorrow plus have a quiz on sample nuclear equations towards the end of the class period.

Data from geiger counters

Lab set-up from 9/30/11

Today was the first day of our nuclear chemistry unit.  This also means we are ready to write our first formal lab report.  Don't forget to follow the grading rubric for the lab report.  This is a major grade for this quarter.  Speaking of the quarter, we are entering the final two weeks of the quarter.  The plan is to have the nuclear chemistry test on October 13th.  Today in class we gathered data on three different types of radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma.  It was a very extensive lab today.  Just remember, true science data gathering takes time and patience.  For Tuesday, don't forget to read and outline 25.1 and 25.2.  We will be hitting the content from these two sections hard on Tuesday and Thursday.  Looking ahead - we will be in lab on Thursday and we will have a quiz on nuclear decay equations also on Thursday.  Stay on top of the content in this unit!  Enjoy your homecoming week!
Mrs. E

Test Day!!

We have completed our second unit test in honors chemistry.  Today unit 2 portfolio and vegium lab was due.  This means I will be a very busy chemistry teacher for the next few days grading all of the assignments.  Students received their unit 3 portfolio and the next lab today.  On Friday, we begin our nuclear chemistry unit.  Pre-lab questions for " Characteristics of nuclear radiation" will be due on Friday.  We have also begun our first formal lab report.  A rough draft of an introduction and hypothesis will also be due on Friday for peer editing.  I'm including a website to use for a sample introduction on the blog- http://www.writing.engr.psu.edu/workbooks/labreport2.html#introduction
If you are struggling with what to write, please check out this site.   It is important to remember the following when writing an introduction:  why is this experiment being done, what is already known about the experiment, and what is the specific purpose of this experiment.  Finally, you will also need to write two separate hypothesis for the lab.  This must be in the if....then... format.
Looking forward to Friday,
Mrs. E

Vegium - Calculating Average Atomic Mass

Today we finished the chapter on the atom.  We reviewed the different models of the atom.  (Don't forget you need to be able to compare and contrast these models for the test on Wednesday).  We also learned to calculate the average atomic mass of an isotope.  This was the last skill of the unit.  The lab on candium found on page 120 in your textbook was completed and all calculations and all analysis questions should be completed for next class.  Don't forget to wrap up your listening skill portfolio for this unit.  My best advice for preparation for the test on Wednesday is to begin to study tonight rather than tomorrow.  Cramming information into your brain will not work.  Remember you need to apply the information for a test.  Make sure you review the labs - what was the purpose of the labs, what skills did we learn through our labs.  Draw as many diagrams of the concepts as you can.  Pictures help you to remember the concepts learned in class.  Study with someone.  Have them test you on the information.  Review the key concepts from your notes.  What have I emphasized the most?  Think of examples for each concept!!!
Email or post questions to the blog.  Good luck studying!!

This weekend I will participate in the community crop walk.  I walk because they have to.  Image of well in TZ

Atomos - The beginning

We traveled through time today in honors chemistry to learn about the early models of the atom and how indirect observation led to a deeper understanding of the structure of the atom.  Students probed play-doh models, read through literature on the various scientists, used indirect observation skills, and watched a great music video about Dalton, Thompson, Rutherford, and Bohr.  We have one last skill to learn in this chapter which we will do on Monday.  The test is scheduled for Wednesday.  Practice writing out answers to the unit objectives!  If the unit objective is to compare and contrast a concept, then try doing it.  Once you have your answer, read through the chapter and your notes to see if you need to add or delete to the answer.  This is a great way to prepare for a test.  You won't know what you know until you begin to write it down.  Although Monday is an activity day, we are using dried lentils, plastic beakers, and balances.  You won't need close-toe shoes.  Bring your books as the lab is at the end of the chapter.  Begin to re-read through chapters 2 and 4 in anticipation of the test.  Make a chart of what you know versus what you need help with.  Good luck to all our athletes this weekend!
Mrs. E

The wonder of chemistry

I know that I sound redundant when I add to the blog, "It was a great day in lab today!"  But it was a great day - one of my favorites so far.  We began the day with a t-chart for classifying properties as either physical or chemical as our bell ringer.  Once we finished reviewing, we took a quiz on sections 2.1 - 2.3.  Following the quiz, we reviewed chemical changes and the indicators of a chemical reaction.  One of our goals for today's class was to apply the indicators of a chemical change in the lab setting.  As you can see from the picture, we definitely saw color changes, precipitates, and even some gas bubbles forming. I truly appreciate the cooperative atmosphere during lab times with everyone.  A second goal for today was to learn how to apply the Law of Conservation of Mass to a chemical reaction.  Remember to treat the arrow as if it was an equal sign, the mass of the reactants must equal the mass of the products. What goes in must come out - it can be rearranged but it still must be there.  Tonight for homework - please complete lab questions #'s 1, 4-8, 10, 12, and 13.  Also please read sections 4.1 and 4.2 and outline the reading.  finally don't forget to do the visualization exercise.  Progress reports will be uploaded on Friday.  Unit 2 test will be September 28th.  We will complete chapter 4 - Thursday and Monday of next week.  We will have lab activities with non-hazzardous materials both Thursday and Monday.  Enjoy the beautiful weather - I think a cold front might be moving into our area.
Mrs. E

Mixtures and Physical Properties

Whew - an early release day makes for a compact day in the laboratory.  Thanks to all the students today for keeping their focus during an alternate schedule and completing the lab safely and completely.  We began today with a bell ringer to review physical and chemical properties and heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures using Venn diagrams to help us compare and contrast these concepts.  We tossed around many different ideas today but I think by the end of the review, all of us could compare and contrast these topics. Our goal for lab today was to collect data on the physical properties of four different substances.  The data we collected will be used to determine a procedure for separating an unknown mixture of these pure substances during class on Friday.  I love this lab!  First, it allows us to practice lab skills such as measuring and filtration.  It also reinforces the concept of physical properties as we look at magnetism, solubility, and melting point. ( I also enjoyed how everyone loved the iron filings and the magnet.)  Finally, this lab allows us to devise our own procedure to apply these concepts.  I'm really excited to see the flow charts next class.  Don't forget, we are in lab for part of the class on Friday so close-toe shoes again.  Can't wait for Friday!
Mrs. E

Chromatography lab and classification of mixtures

Example from the chromatography lab

Today in honors chemistry we began our second unit.  We began by trying to describe images to each other by using intensive and extensive physical properties.  Please don't forget that an extensive property depends on the quantity of matter. ( remember the riddle - what is heavier a pound of lead or a pound of feathers)   An intensive property is dependent on the matter like boiling point, melting point, and density.  We also learned to distinguish between chemical properties and physical properties.  We reviewed indicators of a chemical change by watching a chemical demonstration that involved sodium safely reacting with water.  2 indicators were present - bubbles of gas and a color change ( I cheated by adding an indicator so we could see the water turn pink as the base formed.)  Don't forget that indicators tell us that a chemical reaction might have happened but the only way to know for sure is if we check the composition of the materials before and after the reaction.  We began to classify matter based on its composition.  Most of our discussion centered on the different types of mixtures.  Finally we completed our chromatography lab.  This is always fun to see the different pigments of color separate due to their polarity.  HW for tonight will be to answer the lab questions 1-4 and to complete the pre-lab question for our next lab.  On Wednesday and Friday, we will be in lab with glass!!! Make sure you are wearing close toe shoes and long pants.  Please read and outline section 2.3
Until next time,
Mrs. E

TEST DAY!!

The day finally arrived when we take our first unit test.  Unit one portfolios were also due today.  I absolutely loved reading the students' analysis of the work that they did in unit one.  We had consensus that  time management is the most critical aspect of taking the ACT.  We also almost had consensus that the most difficult assignment in unit one was the Malawi conversions.  It was gratifying to read the students' responses to the water purification issues.  Emotions ranged from shock to anger to sadness to determination.  Several students want to make a lasting impression on the world after reading about the conditions in developing countries.  :)
Next week we begin our second unit.  We will have a fun activity to do on Monday involving water, filter paper, markers, and plastic cups so we won't need our close-toe shoes.  Beginning on Wednesday, we are back to using hot plates and glassware so close-toe shoes and long pants are a must!
Don't forget to outline sections 2.1 and 2.2 for Monday's class.

Preparing for the first unit test - September 6, 2011

Practice makes perfect is a good adage to live by.  We implemented this adage in honors chemistry today by practicing our unit conversions and calculations of measurements using the rules of significant figures.  Hopefully this practice helps in preparing for the first unit test.  I think everyone had fun with the paper toss activity today.  I know I enjoyed the smiles on the faces as the paper was flying around the room to Green Day's "Time of Your Life".  The best part of the activity is when we read each other's questions and answered them.  Don't forget the study hints given in class today: study with a buddy, study often for smaller segments of time, cramming does not work, write out answers to the stated objectives, come after school for any needed help, post questions to the blog ( I do answer them). Unit 1 test is Thursday and the unit 1 portfolio is also due.  Preparation is the key to success! Let's prepare for this chapter test.
Until next time,
Mrs. E

The arrival of Sig Figs - September 1, 2011

The dreaded moment has arrived in the chemistry classroom.  It is when numbers are attached to a unit and become a MEASUREMENT.  With the arrival of measurements, we begin to discuss precision and accuracy.  Next we are asked to calculate with the measurements.  Once we calculate, we must apply the rules of significant figures to our calculations.  This is one of the most essential skills that we will learn this year.  Sig Figs will not go away when we finish this unit.  As chemists, we will take measurements throughout the year.  We will calculate with these measurements and we will need to round to the proper number of significant figures each and every time.  Today in class, we did a quick lab to practice our measuring skills and to practice rounding calculated answers to the correct number of significant figures.  We were also introduced to a problem solving method called dimensional analysis.  This is just a fancy way to convert between units in a problem.  For homework, we need to complete the post-lab questions for the measurement lab ( #1 - 7 and 11) and practice our conversion skills by completing the Malawi packet.  Next week - we complete the unit on Tuesday and the first unit test is on Thursday.
Have a great weekend everyone - GO INDIANS!

Measuring accurately and precisely - August 30

A very hard concept to grasp for our students is the difference between a number and a measurement.  Questions abounded today when we introduced significant figures for the first time.  It is amazing the passion that can be exhibited when trying to understand whether or not a zero is a place holder or a significant figure.   We need to be reminded that we are in science where we use measurements which have accuracy and precision.  Please review these definitions!  We also were in lab today practicing using instruments such as rulers, graduated cylinders, and balances to take accurate measurements.  The good news is that we do not have homework this evening other than reviewing the rules for significant figures.  Be prepared to do practice problems next class involving significant figures.  Bring calculators to class.  See you soon!
Mrs. E

Colors, heat, and gas - Oh my!

We were very busy chemists today as we finished our final lab,"observation and experimentation".  This allowed us to gain an understanding of the need for controlled experiments and the impact of variables on our experiments.  I loved hearing the students' responses to the reactions occurring in the ziploc bags.  Remember to answer all the post lab questions for the lab for Tuesday's class.  Also for Tuesday, we will be in lab again to practice taking accurate and precise measurements.  Please have close-toe shoes for Monday and also complete pre-lab questions 1-3.  In order to prepare for class discussion, read sections 3.1 and 3.2 in your textbook.  Being prepared for class discussion is vital to your success in honors chemistry.  Have a great weekend!  Remember to represent your school with pride in all that you do.
Until next time,
Mrs. E

A favorite Safari picture

August 24 in Room 328

Day 4 of chemistry began with a discussion of the scientific method using our "agree, disagree, it depends on, and not sure" statements.  As a class, we definitely had some strong opinions regarding these statements.  It was also good to see students assert opinions even if it seems they were in a minority and not a majority.  We also used m&m bags  for data collection. Observing, generating questions and turning these questions into a testable hypothesis are the first steps of the scientific method.  We will be using this method throughout the year.  Next students gathered data, shared data, and will graph their data using proper methods.  The color change lab was due today.  Next class, the m&m lab is due.  Students must have a hypothesis, data table, graph, and conclusion for the mini lab report.  Please make sure units, labels, and titles exist in all the right places. On Friday, we will also be in lab.  Please remember close toe shoes again! Also, please read through the lab procedures for Friday's lab so you are prepared to do the lab.
Until next time,
Mrs. E

August 22 in Room 328

Today in class we began to look critically at our EPAS scores.  Our goal and challenge as a class is to master score band 24-27 by April's testing.  We also reviewed safety and took our safety assessment.  Finally,  we began to think about the scientific method by applying trial and error to a lab situation.  It was great to enter the "lab zone" of the classroom and begin working with actual chemicals.  Post-lab questions and  Agree/Disagree statements are due next class.  Please also remember to wear close-toe shoes as we will be in lab again.  Don't forget to invite your parents to Open House Thursday night to meet me!
Until next time,
Mrs. E

August 18th - And so it begins

My friends in Tanzania wearing their MCHS football shirts - Go Indians!

Whew!  It was a filled day in honors.  First, a recap of the day's events.  We began the day with creating our emotion index cards and  creating a graph of our previous assessment scores.  Please remember to bring the index cards to class each day.  If you didn't finish graphing your previous assessment scores, please finish that up as you will be adding today's score to your graph.  I'm really excited to scan our tests after school today and I will post our average score soon.  We also began our safety inventory and our discussion of the most important safety guidelines for a chemistry classroom.  We used a method called chalkboard splash.  Don't forget to study the safety rules ( found on the orange safety contract) over the weekend for Monday's assessment.  We will review on Monday prior to the safety assessment.  Speaking of Monday, it is really important to wear close-toe shoes!  We will be in lab and flip-flops or sandals are not allowed.  Monday's homework assignment is the pre-lab questions from the "color change" lab.  Please disregard "working with a partner" for question #3.  I want you to do this individually.  I would like you to write the answers to the three questions on a separate sheet of paper as this is a collected and graded assignment. Have a great day tomorrow and enjoy your weekend.

First day of class

Welcome students!  You are now reading your synopsis of our very first class.  Today was a day for introductions and some housekeeping tasks.  Don't forget to have your parent/guardian sign the white copy of the safety contract and bring it to class tomorrow.  Today's assignment is to create a timeline of where you will be in ten years and work back to where you are today.  Where do you want to be?  Where are you now?  What do you need to do to get to where you want to be?  How does honors chemistry fit into this?  Please share this with your parents and have them sign it.  I can't wait to read about your future self.  Don't forget your number 2 pencils for tomorrow's practice Pre-ACT.
Kwaheri,
Mrs. E.

Welcome to Honors Chemistry

Dear Students,
Currently I am a name on your schedule and you are a name on a list to me.  Beginning August 17th, that will all change as we enter the world of honors chemistry together.  This blog will be an important aspect of our class.  I will post daily assignments and class activities to this site.  Just in case you are absent, you will be able to find out what we did in class by visiting this site.  You will also be able to publish comments to me and to the rest of the class regarding what we are learning in class.  Let's remember that by posting to a blog, you are leaving a digital footprint behind.  Please remember to be courteous and respectful at all times to each other. A blog can be a really great learning tool if we all participate in an open dialogue for learning.   I'm really looking forward to meeting you  and having you in my class this year.  I'm also looking forward to seeing the work you have accomplished this summer.  Hopefully you have learned through your scrapbook project about the different fields of chemistry.
See you soon,
Mrs. E