Rincon High School

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Spring 2024 Syllabus

Teacher: Ms. Kei-Li Carey Email: kei-li.carey@tusd1.org

Course Description
This course is designed to engage your curiosity, improve problem-solving, use critical scientific
analysis, and effectively communicate the topics of Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics. The focus is scientific literacy and understanding the interaction of science, technology,
and society.

Semester Topics Classroom Expectations

 Unit 1 – Matter, Measurement, Safety 1. Learn
 Unit 2 – Periodic Law 2. Make New Friends
 Unit 3 – Chemical Formulas & Compounds 3. Do the Right Thing
 Unit 4 – Chemical Reactions
 Unit 5 – Stoichiometry

*Course topics subject to change at discretion of teacher

Classroom Procedures
Before Class During Class After Class
- Go to the bathroom (if - Give your best effort and ask - Check the course Canvas page
necessary). questions when you do not for updates and assignments.
- Have all materials out on your understand. - Work on your STEM homework
desk for class. - Participate by raising your hand each night to reinforce
- Sit down quietly and start your and working cooperatively with understanding and stay on top of
bellwork assignment. your group partners. your assignments.
- Keep your phone off and in your
bag.
Tardy Policy
Students are expected to be in their seats and working on the bellwork when the bell rings. If the student is not in
their seat when the bell rings, they will be marked tardy. If a student is tardy more than 3 times in a quarter, they
will be referred to an administrator for further action.

Bathroom Pass
Students will be given 3 per quarter. Unused passes can be used for any missing classwork assignment.

Student Absences
It is the student’s responsibility to inquire about and complete all missed work. No assignments will receive
points from an unexcused absence. Students who are absent on a quiz/exam day are expected to schedule an
appointment with me to make-up the exam/quiz.
Late Work Policy
All late classwork, labs, and projects will be accepted up to the day of the last unit exam in the quarter.

Laboratory Safety
1. You are always expected to concentrate in the laboratory. This means that students will not engage in
practical jokes or create experiments without being asked.
2. All waste must be disposed of properly, which includes using separate receptacles for paper, liquid, and
glass waste. Waste is not poured down the sink.
3. Never return chemicals to their stock bottles, this is to ensure that other students are not using
contaminated materials.
4. Always turn off the gas, Bunsen burners, and water when done using them.
5. Goggles and aprons must always be worn by any person in the laboratory area.
6. There is no food or drink allowed in the laboratory.
7. Accidents or injuries must be reported at once. Acid and base contact to the skin requires the student to
flush the skin for a full 15 minutes under room temperature running water.

Tips for Success

 Give your best effort in class and ask questions when you do not understand or need clarification.
 Reinforce your understanding by reviewing your classwork, notes, practice problems, readings.
 Complete your assigned readings and practice problems each night. Do not wait until the night before the
exam to review content material.
 Monday Conference Periods: Students who need support are expected to attend Monday conference
period. I am available for additional support at other times by appointment. Please contact me if you have
any questions, comments, or concerns about your education.

Grading Policy
15% - Classwork
 Classwork will assess your ability to practice what you have learned. Classwork will be between 5-50
points for each unit. Bellwork and Closure are also a part of your classwork grade. You will lose points if
your work is incomplete.
50% - Exams & Quizzes
 There will be a unit exam at the end of each unit. Each unit exam is worth up to 100 points. Most exam
problems will be multiple choice with only one correct answer. Quizzes will be given periodically
throughout each unit. Each quiz will be worth between 5-50 points. There will be no retakes or test
corrections for any exam or quiz. Cheating on an exam will result in an automatic score of 0.
35% - Laboratory Work & Projects
 Laboratory work will consist of problem-based STEM labs and projects. Some labs will conclude with a
written lab report. Data collection may be in small groups, but conclusions must be written in your own
words. At times there will be some projects that will vary in points. Labs or projects that are plagiarized
will not receive any points.

Grades will be decided using the following scale: 100-90%=A; 89-80%=B; 79-70%=C; 69-60%=D;
59-0%=F
Dear Parent/Guardian: If you have any concerns, comments, or questions about your student’s
performance throughout the semester, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Please have your student read and review the attached course expectations with you. Have your student
return this completed form.

Thank you for your support.

Student Name _______________________

Class Period ________________________

Date ______________________________

__________________________________
Student Signature

Parent/Guardian Contact

Parent/Guardian Name _____________________________

Email ___________________________________________

Phone Number ____________________________________

__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature