Mid-Term: Period 5

Period 5 has its mid-term on Thursday.  Bright and early for chemistry, normally they have class closer to lunch.  Eat, sleep, and be chemistry..for tomorrow we test.

Mid-Term: Period 3

The mid-term exam for period 3 Chemistry 431 will be on 1/25/12.  Good luck to all.

Mid-Term: Period 1

Period 1 exam is on Tuesday 7:40 to 9:40.  Good luck to all!

Mid Terms

We are entering what many call the half-way point.  Yes the first semester is winding down.  Seems odd that the end of the first semester occurs the month we start a new year!  Some may consider this to be sending "mixed signals."

Mid-terms will be starting on the 24th.  A review guide will be handed out this week as well as all the former tests and quizzes that have been taken and not returned.

I advise students to work "backwards" when it comes to preparing for the exam.  In other words, start with the most recent topics and go in reverse chronologically.  I think that this provides an opportunity to see the connections between the topics an how they inter-relate that sometimes gets lost as we "race" through the course.

Its sort of like taking a trip...the initial departure and travel leg of the trip seems like it will never end... "are we there yet?!  However, the return leg of a trip often seems shorter and easier... most likely due to familiarity.

Last bit of advice:  Get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast prior to exam.

Testing.....Testing....Periods 1, 3, 5 & 8...Testing

With the mid-quarter being on Monday the 19th and the December 26th to January 2nd Holiday Recess approaching...this is prime time for an assessment.

I always marvel at the fact that students are always concerned about whether it is a test or a quiz.  Regardless of the name...it still counts the same and has the same effect on the overall average.  So getting a 85%  on a test is the same as getting a 85% on a quiz.  Here's a thought...do well on whatever its called!

Periods 1 & 8:  Sections 4 & 5 of Chapter 2.  A review guide was handed out to each student in attendance. 

Periods 3 & 5:  Naming and writing ionic compounds.  There were two mock timed test worksheets the past two days to gear them up and get some good old training in.  They will have a total of 40 names and formulas to interpret in 50 minutes.

One final note.  Mid-Term exams are currently scheduled for January 24th - 27th, 2012.  Wow..2012 soon.

I hope that mid-quarter grades will be satisfactory for all.  All the introductory work is done and chemistry tends to get tougher during quarter 2 and continues to challenge throughout the year.

Chemistry 431 Period 3 & 5: What's Up!

Chemistry 431 has spent the last few weeks studying the periodic table.  Its design is and structure looks somewhat haphazard to the untrained eye, but it reflects the structure and nature of the atoms of the elements.

Currently the classes are studying the nomenclature of ionic compounds.  Essentially the classes are learning how to write the names and formulas for a class of compounds made up of metal and non-metal elements.

Is it tough?  Yes. With a little studying and practice though it is easy.  There will most likely be a test within the week.

Active Chemistry & Community: What's up!

Periods 1 & 8 have been working in chapter two which focuses on the periodic table.  I am sure that most people have seen one at some point. At first it could be intimidating, but after you learn a few things about it most people get the hang of it.

The periodic table is set up in a way that demonstrates "periodicity."  That is to say that the chemistry of the elements cycles and repeats in a left to right pattern.

The classes have progressed through the following. 

• Studying the creation of the periodic table through the years.
• Studying trends in the properties of the elements, in particular; metals and non-metals.
• Chemical laws that support the existence of a very important particle called the atom.
• Studying the inter-relationship between the particles that make up the atom.

That is all for now.  The classes have had one quiz, about half a dozen home-work assignments, and three note-book checks.  There will be a quiz next week and I will update more on that later.