Name______________________________________________

Class Period__________

OTHS ACADEMIC CHEMISTRY

Course Guidelines, Expectations, Safety, & Online HW
TEACHER INFORMATION
Teacher:
_________________________________
Telephone:
_________________________________
Tutorials:
_________________________________
Website:
http://othsacademicchemistry.weebly.com/

Email:
Conference:
UT Course #:
UT Quest HW:

_________________________@katyisd.org
______ period
____________
https://quest.cns.utexas.edu/student

WEBSITE
The course website is an extremely useful resource. It contains calendars, notes w/ keys, practice packets w/ keys, tutorial videos, etc.

GRADE DISTRIBUTION
Tests
Labs & Quizzes
UT Quest Online Homework

55%
30%
15%
100%

CALENDARS
Detailed six-week calendars are provided for students the first day of each six weeks. The calendar includes all online homework, lab,
quiz, review, and test dates. The calendar is followed closely and it is recommended that students look at it daily to prepare for upcoming
due dates and activities in class.

BINDERS
Students are encouraged to maintain a binder specifically devoted to Chemistry.
It may be helpful to divide the binder into the following sections: Note packets (green), Practice packets (white), Labs (yellow),

Quizzes (white), and Reviews (pink). Six Weeks Calendars, the Academic Chemistry Course Guidelines and Expectations, KISD
Science Safety Rules, and a Periodic Table should be kept at the front of the binder.

CALCULATORS
Students will use a class set of graphing calculators during tests, quizzes, and daily work activities.
It will be the students responsibility to obtain a calculator for home use. Calculators are also available online and on many mobile
devices. Functions that will be used include logarithm and scientific notation.

CLASSROOM POLICY

Do your work.
Treat the room with respect, kindness, and care.
Treat your neighbor with respect, kindness, and care.
Follow all lab and safety rules.
No food or drinks in the room
All school rules are upheld in the classroom

SUPPLIES TO DONATE
1st period- 1 gallon of distilled water
2nd period- Hand sanitizer
3rd period- Boys: dish soap Girls: liquid hand soap
5th period- Paper towels
6th period- Pencils or erasers
7th period- Kleenex

TESTS AND QUIZZES

Test and quiz dates are posted on the six-week calendars and website.
Tests will be by unit(s) depending on the material and topic length.
Test reviews are provided for every test and are distributed three days prior to testing (see calendar).

***5 BONUS POINTS CAN BE EARNED FOR EACH TEST IF THE STUDENT COMPLETES 100% OF HIS/HER TEST REVIEW BY
THE DUE DATE*** No other bonus point opportunities are offered in academic chemistry.
Test review answers are covered in class on review day and are posted to the website the evening before the test.
Students who are absent the day before the test will still take the test as scheduled, as no new material will be covered.

RETEST POLICY
The last week of each six weeks, students will have the opportunity to retest to increase his/her grade. One cumulative retest will

be offered per six weeks (see six weeks calendar) and all information covered in the six weeks will be tested. The students original
test scores below a 70 will be averaged with the retest score to determine the new grade, not to exceed 70. If the student scores
lower on the retest, then the original score will be recorded and will not be averaged with the retest score.
To be eligible for a retest, a student must:
1. Complete the retest worksheet found at http://othsacademicchemistry.weebly.com/.
2. Turn in the completed retest worksheet for teacher approval by the due date (see six weeks calendar). The retest worksheet
must be 100% completed to be approved.
3. Once teacher approval is granted, the student is eligible to retest on the scheduled retest day in class.

LABS
Students will complete a lab safety quiz and will demonstrate 100% mastery of the safety rules in order to participate in lab

activities.
Labs will be performed in groups (assigned by the teacher), dependent on lab design and materials.
Unsafe behavior during lab activities will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the lab activity, a discipline referral, and a
grade of zero for the activity. Alternative assignments may be assigned in lieu of future laboratory activities.
Inappropriate behavior or dress will result in a point deduction. Goggle/eye safety: One reminder to put goggles on results in a
grade penalty of 20 pts. A second reminder during the same lab results in a grade of zero on the lab.
Lab notebooks will be printed for each student at the beginning of each six weeks. Students are expected to bring the lab notebook
to class every day. If the notebook is lost, students may print out a lab from the website and will receive a grade penalty of 5 pts.
Makeup labs are posted on the OTHS academic chemistry website.
If Labs are not turned in on time (AT THE BEGINNING of class) it is considered late and 25 points will be deducted.

ONLINE HOMEWORK
Online homework due dates are posted on the six-week calendars and on the UT Quest website.
Students will create an account and will be shown by the teacher how to use the online homework website.
It is the students responsibility to remember his/her login information and password. His/her teacher does not have access
to this information on the UT Quest website.

DAILY WORK
Many problems/examples will be worked in class. Not everything covered will be graded. It will be to the student's advantage to

take notes on any material covered in class.

Not all assignments will be graded for accuracy, but all material will be tested.
Answer keys to all daily work and assignments will be provided in class or on the OTHS academic chemistry website. It is the
students responsibility to check completion-graded work for accuracy.

ABSENCES AND LATE WORK

When a student is absent, he/she is responsible for checking the six-week calendars for missed assignments. Students will

discuss/schedule any make-up work with the teacher upon his/her return.
Late UT Quest assignments will not be accepted and a grade of zero will be given.
Late labs are accepted with a penalty of 25 points per day late.
As per KISD policy, work assigned prior to the absence is due on the first return day, including TESTS.
If you are absent for a test, the test must be taken upon your return if no new information has been presented in your absence.
Plan to take the test on the day you return to school. If new information has been presented, two days per day missed are allotted.
Any make-up work not completed will result in a zero.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electronic devices are valuable learning tools in the proper setting; however, their presence can be destructive when used in
inappropriate times of for inappropriate purposes. Therefore, our policy is:
Electronics may not be used unless the teacher gives expressed permission.
During a test or a quiz, electronics may not be in the direct possession or view of a student for any reason.
During a test or a quiz, if an electronic device is in the possession or view of a student, the student and the device may be
sent to the students grade level principal for further evaluation of academic honesty.

Katy Independent School District: Science Safety Rules

PURPOSE: Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities which may require the use of hazardous chemicals or
potentially dangerous equipment. Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science
classroom, a list of rules must be followed at all times. Both you and a parent or guardian must sign the safety agreement before you can participate in
the laboratory. The safety rules are to be kept as a constant reminder of proper lab behavior.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the instructor before proceeding.
3. Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without an instructor present.
4. When first entering a science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do
so.
5. Do not eat any food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.
6. Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor. Never do anything in the laboratory that is not called for in the laboratory procedures
or by your instructor. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.
7. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, and during dissections, students will wear laboratory goggles. There will be no exceptions to
this rule!
8. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory. Never fool around in the laboratory.
Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.
9. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets,
and/or reports to the work area. Other materials (books, purses, backpacks, etc.) should be stored in the classroom area.
10. Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the desk when not in use.
11. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher,
and fire blanket. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.
12. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Use the fume hood when working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors. Never place your head into
the fume hood.
13. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.
14. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions designated by
the instructor. Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the proper waste
containers, not in the sink. Check the label of all waste containers twice before adding your chemical waste to the container.
15. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the prescribed apparatus as directed in the laboratory
instructions or by your instructor.
16. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with soap and water after
performing all experiments. Clean (with detergent), rinse, and wipe dry all work surfaces (including the sink) and apparatus at the end of the
experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.
17. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander around the
room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
18. Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms or preparation areas unless given specific permission by their instructor.
19. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, gas valves turned off, fume hoods turned off, and any
electrical equipment turned off.
20. Handle all living organisms used in a laboratory activity in a humane manner. Preserved biological materials are to be treated with respect and
disposed of properly.
21. When using knives and other sharp instruments, always carry with tips and points pointing down and away. Always cut away from your body.
Never try to catch falling sharp instruments. Grasp sharp instruments by the handles.
CLOTHING
22. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory unless you have permission from your parents.
23. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory. Long hair must
be tied back and dangling jewelry and loose or baggy clothing must be secured. Closed-toed shoes are recommended.
24. When lab aprons are provided for your use, they should be worn during laboratory activities.
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
25. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately, no matter how trivial it appears.
26. If you or your lab partner is hurt, immediately get the instructors attention.
27. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eyewash station or safety shower for at
least 20 minutes. Notify the instructor immediately.
28. When mercury thermometers are broken, mercury must not be touched. Notify the instructor immediately.
HANDLING CHEMICALS
29. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do not touch, taste, or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so.
The proper technique for smelling chemical fumes will be demonstrated to you.

Katy Independent School District: Science Safety Rules Continued

30. Check the label on chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents. Take only as much chemical as you need.
31. Never return unused chemicals to their original containers.
32. Never use mouth suction to fill a pipette. Use a rubber bulb or pipette pump.
33. When transferring reagents from one container to another, hold the containers away from your body.
34. Acids must be handled with extreme care. You will be shown the proper method for diluting strong acids. Always add acid to water, swirl or stir the
solution and be careful of the heat produced, particularly with sulfuric acid.
35. Handle flammable hazardous liquids over a pan to contain spills. Never dispense flammable liquids anywhere near an open flame or source of
heat.
36. Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.
37. Take great care when transferring acids and other chemicals from one part of the laboratory to another. Hold them securely and walk carefully.
HANDLING GLASSWARE AND EQUIPMENT
38. Carry glass tubing, especially long pieces, in a vertical position to minimize the likelihood of breakage and injury.
39. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass. Place broken glass or waste glassware in
the designated glass disposal container.
40. Inserting and removing glass tubing from rubber stoppers can be dangerous. Always lubricate glassware (tubing, thistle tubes, thermometers, etc.)
before attempting to insert it in a stopper. Always protect your hands with towels or cotton gloves when inserting glass tubing into, or removing it
from, a rubber stopper. If a piece of glassware becomes frozen in a stopper, take it to your instructor for removal.
41. Fill wash bottles only as directed and use only as intended, e.g., rinsing glassware and equipment, or adding water to a container.
42. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an
electrical switch, plug, or outlet.
43. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped or cracked glassware. Never use dirty glassware.
44. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use
damaged electrical equipment.
45. If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ask the instructor for help.
46. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water; it may shatter.
HEATING SUBSTANCES
47. Exercise extreme caution when using a gas burner. Take care that hair, clothing and hands are a safe distance from the flame at all times. Do not
put any substance into the flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Never reach over an exposed flame. Light gas (or alcohol) burners only
as instructed by the teacher.
48. Never leave a lit burner unattended. Never leave anything that is being heated or is visibly reacting unattended. Always turn the burner or hot
plate off when not in use.
49. You will be instructed in the proper method of heating and boiling liquids in test tubes. Do not point the open end of a test tube being heated at
yourself or anyone else.
50. Heated metals and glass remain very hot for a long time. They should be set aside to cool and picked up with caution. Use tongs or heatprotective gloves if necessary.
51. Never look into a container that is being heated.
52. Do not place hot apparatus directly on the laboratory desk. Always use an insulating pad. Allow plenty of time for hot apparatus to cool before
touching it.
53. When bending glass, allow time for the glass to cool before further handling. Hot and cold glass has the same visual appearance. Determine if an
object is hot by bringing the back of your hand close to it prior to grasping it.
HANDLING ORGANISMS
54. All laboratory wastes that may harbor any microorganisms must be assumed to be pathogenic and need to be treated before they are thrown in
the trash.
55. Potentially harmful wastes due to microorganism-type contamination include bacterial cultures, culture tubes, disposable loops, Petri dishes,
blood typing materials, any body fluids, any unknown growing items, contaminated media products, disposable gloves used in dissections or
when handling living materials, electrophoresis materials, any items which might harbor microorganisms.
56. When conducting any disposal procedures, be sure to provide personal protection for yourself and others around you. Always wear proper
personal protection equipment (goggles, aprons, gloves, etc.). Conduct disposal procedures in proper areas for the materials (hoods, ventilated
areas, appropriate sinks, etc.). Where appropriate, follow sterile procedures and cautions relative to potential pathogens.
57. Materials that are potentially contaminated with microorganisms must first be sterilized before disposal. There are two methods for sterilizing
wastes: autoclaving and chemical sterilization.
58. Materials can be autoclaved in an autoclave. If an autoclave is not available, a pressure cooker may be used. Objects to be autoclaved should
be placed into a biohazard bag carefully without opening the containers. The bagged biohazard materials should be autoclaved at 15 lbs. per
square inch of pressure for 30 minutes at 121C.
59. To sterilize by chemical sterilization, place culture or material in a 10% bleach solution for 24 hours. To prepare 10% bleach solution, dilute one
part household bleach with nine parts water. Rinse the sterilized material with water, and then dispose of them following appropriate
procedures.

OTHS Chemistry Safety Agreement

Parents AND students, please access and DIGITALLY sign the KatyISD Science Safety Agreement.

Scan the QR code OR go to our

websitehelpful tools
syllabus/safety agreement

***Safety agreement must be signed by Wednesday August 26, 2015

to participate in chemistry labs this year***
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quest Online Homework

How to enroll in UT Quest: http://othsacademicchemistry.weebly.com/ut-quest.html

UT EID
Password

It is my responsibility to keep up with my login and password.

My assignments must be submitted electronically; no paper documents will be accepted.
Remember, internet access for online chemistry homework may include options such as, but are
not limited to: home computers, friends computers, school or public libraries, tablets, or
smartphones.

No late homework assignments will be accepted. I also understand that waiting until the
last minute to complete an assignment that requires a computer/internet access is risky (common
obstacles to completing online homework by the assigned deadline include late
practices/concerts/games the night before or the night of the deadline, unexpectedly becoming ill,
students forgetting to get notes from a missed class, internet connection was lost, electrical storm
short-circuited computer, student was grounded from computer/phone privileges, library closed
early, could not get a ride to library/friends house, etc.) and that I should not wait until the last
minute to complete the online assignments.

I can access the answer key with explanations to my homework assignment after the due
date/time passes.

Even though this webpage is accessed through UT, the material is not college-level and all
questions are hand-selected by my teacher and are specifically designed to assess the chemistry
curriculum objectives taught at OTHS.

Quest Online Homework

Sign-Up Instructions for Students
In chemistry this year, you will be completing an online homework assignment for each unit we study. We are
starting right away with Safety, so you need to sign up for an account on the Quest system immediately.
***At home, make sure you have the newest version of your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc)

Step 1: Get a UT EID & sign up for Quest

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.

9.
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11.

Go to https://quest.cns.utexas.edu/
Click on Log In to Quest
Click on I need a UT EID.
Click Continue
Answer no for all 4 questions that follow, click continue
Answer all questions with a *(star) next to them
First name
Last name
Date of Birth
Email address (use an email address you actually check)
Verify Your Email address
click continue
Answer 3 reset questions truthfully so you will remember them later, click continue
Create a password
RULES:
i. password must be between 8-20 characters
ii. must have letters and numbers
iii. cannot contain personal information (your name, date of birth, email, etc)
iv. MUST DO a password hint
Click continue
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Create My UT EID
***Your UT EID will display in the top left corner of the screen. It will also be emailed to you! (EASY to miss if
youre not looking for it)

Step 2: ENROLL in your teachers course

Go to https://quest.cns.utexas.edu/
Click Log In to Quest
Type in your UT EID and password to log in
A screen will pop up that confirms your successful log in, click ok
Accept the terms of agreement
Click Enroll in Course
Type in ____________ (get # from teacher. This is usually your teachers room number) in the unique # space,
click lookup course info
8. Click request enrollment
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***Once you have requested enrollment, your teacher will need to approve you before
you will have access to the online homework assignments***