Dear Chemistry Parent,
Success in Chemistry will enable your student to go on to additional science courses needed for higher education and promising careers. Today, a good science background is needed for positions in many professional fields.
Chemistry builds on the concepts of previously learned ideas. Therefore, students can not afford to fall behind. The student is required to expand and deepen their learning as well as process new information in a routine and timely manner.
Students should expect to complete homework assignments on a daily basis. Homework assignments are listed on the calendar for each day. Assignments often involve reworking examples from class, completing class and homework worksheets, correcting quizzes, reading and comprehending text and study notes and preparing for laboratory experiments. Students are asked to organize class notes and to add information into notes from the text reading assignments. Routine review of information, preparation for lab activities and maintenance of an organized class binder are necessary for success in chemistry.
Lab Reporting is the most involved homework assignment for this course. Students should work for short periods over the several days provided rather than trying to complete the entire lab in one sitting. It may take several hours to complete a report. Students usually have 2-5 days for this task in addition to the days spent in lab. Students have specific instructions on lab reporting in the Lab Handbook.
Chemistry is a challenging but rewarding curriculum. Students do best when they, their parents and their teacher have high but realistic expectations. Please assist your student in developing good study habits that support their learning. Please also help your student seek and accept a balance between grades and life outside of school that the whole family can accept.
Your support and interest are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Dana Barnwell