August 9, 2026

Dear Chemistry Students and Parents,

Welcome to chemistry class! Although chemistry can be a tough subject, I hope you will find it fascinating.  Chemistry is my favorite science to teach.

All new subjects are demanding at first.  Chemistry will challenge you to understand how molecules too small to see create substances we use every day – baking soda, gasoline, air, water, frosting. It will explain why water floats, why weather balloons expand as they gain altitude, why vinegar is “safe” while muriatic acid is not.

The key to success in Chemistry is to keep up! Below are the particulars of our journey through Discovering Design with Chemistry by Dr. Jay Wile.

1. We will cover one chapter every two weeks.
2. I will lecture, demonstrate experiments, and work chemistry equations with you in class.
3. You must read the assigned chapter. I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to read the chapter on your own – don’t rely on my lectures to cover the material for you! As you read, either underline/highlight in your book, OR use the “sticky note” system to mark key components OR take notes.  Any of these methods works well; choose which one works best for you.
4. You will take a chapter exam after the second week of a chapter, mostly. See the linked Chemistry Syllabus 2026-27 for our schedule.
5. Exams are given in class, first thing on a test day. I can only allow one hour for you to take an exam, but if you think you need more time, you are welcome to arrive at 10 a.m. or so and begin early.  This will be during my biology class, so my TA, Lani, will give the exam to you and proctor it.
6. Expect a quiz every other week or so. Quizzes cover general information in a new chapter; I also give quizzes on facts you must memorize (such as the first 20 elements in the Periodic Table).
7. Throughout a chapter, you will see “Comprehension Check” questions. You should always do those, but I won’t collect them.  If you can answer CC questions, you can pass an exam. Yes, the answers to the CC questions are at the end of a chapter — and you should consult those after you’ve attempted to solve the problem on your own.
8. I will collect Chapter Review answers and give you credit for them.
9. Lab reports have a specific format, which I will teach to you. Lab reports are due one week after you’ve completed the lab in class.  If you are absent and miss a lab, you cannot make it up, but it also won’t count against you in the grade report.
10. I have a “no late work” policy for each of my classes. There are exceptions – you may turn in any assignment up to ONE week late without penalty.  Afterwards, I will not accept it and you’ll earn a “0”.  If you are sick and miss class, I will give you extra time; please discuss this with me in person.
11. Chemistry class can be dangerous: we use nasty chemicals and alcohol burners. I will go over Lab Safety information on the first day, I will require you to wear goggles, gloves, and aprons on occasion.
12. You must have a calculator capable of scientific notation, and you must bring it with you always. If you forget your calculator on exam day, you may not borrow one.
13. Lastly, as you’ve likely learned from your algebra courses, you must show your work/calculations always. On an exam, calculations carry more weight than the “correct answer.”

Thank you for taking chemistry class this year!  I look forward to seeing you on September 9, 11 – 12:50 a.m., in the “big room” above the red horse barn.

In Christ,

Mrs. B