Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the retest policy in Chemistry I?
We have switched to standards based grading for the following year, and as such, now have a retesting policy built in to the curriculum. All learning targets will be tested twice, and as such will be automatically retested as the year goes on.
2. Is there a Chemistry I textbook?
A chemistry textbook is available to any student at anytime for checkout from their chemistry teacher. If a student wants a textbook, they simply need to ask for one. Parents can also request a textbook by e-mail. Textbooks can be checked out for all year or for only a short time, but while the textbook is checked out it is the student’s responsibility.
3. What tutoring is available for Chemistry I?
There are many options for tutoring in chemistry:
Peer Tutoring – AP and Organic Chemistry students at Westlake High School are available for tutoring. These peer tutors earn extra credit in their class for helping regular chemistry students. These peer tutors provide one on one tutoring at a time and place chosen by the student. The regular chemistry student needs to complete this form and turn it into their chemistry teacher. Please allow at least two full days for the request to be processed before peer tutoring can begin.
Tutoring by Teacher – Every Chemistry I teacher follows the same lesson plans and gives common assessments, therefore any chemistry I student can receive tutoring from any Chemistry I teacher. Each chemistry I teacher provides tutoring in their classroom. Please visit the teacher’s website to determine the tutoring times available. The student can also schedule a tutoring appointment with a teacher.
NGC Library Tutoring – Science tutoring is also available in the NGC library during the following times this school year:
Mondays 4:30-6pm
Tuesdays 6-8 pm
Wednesdays 4:30-6 pm
Thursdays 6-8 pm
4. How is homework checked and graded?
Homework counts for 5% of the student’s overall grade. Homework is checked for percent of COMPLETION at the beginning of the class period on the day that it is due. It is the student’s responsibility to show the teacher their homework. Copying homework will not only earn a student a tier 1 honor code violation but also hinder a student’s ability to understand the chemistry concepts. It is important that a student practices independently in order to be successful in chemistry.
5. Who has to take the Chemistry End of Course Exam?
There is no longer an End of Course Exam for chemistry students!
6. What do numbers on titles of Homework, Labs, and Quizzes mean?
The numbers on homework, labs, and quizzes state the unit and learning target the assignment covers. (For example: 15A Lab means this lab was in unit 15 and covers material from the 15A learning target). This system of organization is used to help both the student and the teacher know which assignments need to be made up after an absence.
8. What does an *, 0, or “missing” mean in the gradebook?
An * in the gradebook means the assignment has not yet been graded by the teacher. The chemistry teachers do their best to make sure all grades are put into the gradebook in a timely manner, but some assignments, especially labs, take an extended period of time to grade. These assignments may show up in gradebook with an * and is noted as “missing.” These assignments are NOT truly missing. The gradebook system will automatically mark assignments as “missing” five days after their due date, so please be patient and understand that an * ALWAYS means an assignment has not yet been graded.
A 0 in the gradebook means the student has earned 0 credit on an assignment, but a 0 and is noted as “missing” (with a bolded score) means a student was absent the day an assignment was due. These assignments can be made up. The zero is put into gradebook as a place holder to display what grade will be received if the assignment is not completed.
9. Calculator requirement
All chemistry students will have iPads this school year. Graphing and scientific calculator apps are available and are fine for student use during general classroom activities. On tests and quizzes students have to use a graphing or scientific calculator since iPads have internet capabilities. Scientific calculators can be purchased for about $15. Graphing calculators can be checked out at the library. If there are issues obtaining a calculator, contact your teacher individually.
We have switched to standards based grading for the following year, and as such, now have a retesting policy built in to the curriculum. All learning targets will be tested twice, and as such will be automatically retested as the year goes on.
2. Is there a Chemistry I textbook?
A chemistry textbook is available to any student at anytime for checkout from their chemistry teacher. If a student wants a textbook, they simply need to ask for one. Parents can also request a textbook by e-mail. Textbooks can be checked out for all year or for only a short time, but while the textbook is checked out it is the student’s responsibility.
3. What tutoring is available for Chemistry I?
There are many options for tutoring in chemistry:
Peer Tutoring – AP and Organic Chemistry students at Westlake High School are available for tutoring. These peer tutors earn extra credit in their class for helping regular chemistry students. These peer tutors provide one on one tutoring at a time and place chosen by the student. The regular chemistry student needs to complete this form and turn it into their chemistry teacher. Please allow at least two full days for the request to be processed before peer tutoring can begin.
Tutoring by Teacher – Every Chemistry I teacher follows the same lesson plans and gives common assessments, therefore any chemistry I student can receive tutoring from any Chemistry I teacher. Each chemistry I teacher provides tutoring in their classroom. Please visit the teacher’s website to determine the tutoring times available. The student can also schedule a tutoring appointment with a teacher.
NGC Library Tutoring – Science tutoring is also available in the NGC library during the following times this school year:
Mondays 4:30-6pm
Tuesdays 6-8 pm
Wednesdays 4:30-6 pm
Thursdays 6-8 pm
4. How is homework checked and graded?
Homework counts for 5% of the student’s overall grade. Homework is checked for percent of COMPLETION at the beginning of the class period on the day that it is due. It is the student’s responsibility to show the teacher their homework. Copying homework will not only earn a student a tier 1 honor code violation but also hinder a student’s ability to understand the chemistry concepts. It is important that a student practices independently in order to be successful in chemistry.
5. Who has to take the Chemistry End of Course Exam?
There is no longer an End of Course Exam for chemistry students!
6. What do numbers on titles of Homework, Labs, and Quizzes mean?
The numbers on homework, labs, and quizzes state the unit and learning target the assignment covers. (For example: 15A Lab means this lab was in unit 15 and covers material from the 15A learning target). This system of organization is used to help both the student and the teacher know which assignments need to be made up after an absence.
8. What does an *, 0, or “missing” mean in the gradebook?
An * in the gradebook means the assignment has not yet been graded by the teacher. The chemistry teachers do their best to make sure all grades are put into the gradebook in a timely manner, but some assignments, especially labs, take an extended period of time to grade. These assignments may show up in gradebook with an * and is noted as “missing.” These assignments are NOT truly missing. The gradebook system will automatically mark assignments as “missing” five days after their due date, so please be patient and understand that an * ALWAYS means an assignment has not yet been graded.
A 0 in the gradebook means the student has earned 0 credit on an assignment, but a 0 and is noted as “missing” (with a bolded score) means a student was absent the day an assignment was due. These assignments can be made up. The zero is put into gradebook as a place holder to display what grade will be received if the assignment is not completed.
9. Calculator requirement
All chemistry students will have iPads this school year. Graphing and scientific calculator apps are available and are fine for student use during general classroom activities. On tests and quizzes students have to use a graphing or scientific calculator since iPads have internet capabilities. Scientific calculators can be purchased for about $15. Graphing calculators can be checked out at the library. If there are issues obtaining a calculator, contact your teacher individually.