Chemistry, Semester A

Course Description

Chemistry A is the first semester in a two-semester series that explores the composition, structures, properties, and reactions of substances. From the periodic table to chemical reactions, students will examine the structure of elements how investigate how these elements combine to form the compounds and materials that form the world around us. In Chemistry A students will focus on what elements are made of, how we can tell elements apart from each other, the history behind our scientific understanding of the elements, and how and why elements can form different substances.  

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) 

UTHS courses are designed in alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which define the skills and content to be taught in each course and grade level in the state of Texas.

Semester Topics

• Unit 1: Introduction to Chemistry
• Unit 2: Matter and Properties
• Unit 3: Atomic Theory
• Unit 4: The Periodic Table
• Unit 5: Chemical Compounds

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, you will be able to—

• conduct laboratory experiments using safe, controlled, and ethical methods and practices;
• use the scientific method to answer testable questions about chemistry;
• use critical thinking, logical reasoning, and observational though process in order to make sound decisions inside and outside the classroom;
• know the characteristics of matter and analyze the properties of this matter;
• understand the historical development of the Periodic Table and its significance;
• understand the historical development of atomic theory and its implications on the world today;
• understand and identify the characteristics of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding and the forces that hold the types of bonds together;

Required Course Materials

Please visit the Computer Requirements page to view minimum device, internet, and application requirements for all UT High School courses. Generally, a desktop or laptop device five (5) years or newer with access to an office suite, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, will be adequate to participate in most UTHS courses. 

Unless otherwise noted, students are responsible for purchasing or securing all the following course materials:

• Textbook: A textbook is not required for this course.
• Interactive Notebook: A paper or digital composition book is acceptable. For paper composition books, please also have the following items on hand: 
  • Pens or Pencils
  • Tape or Glue
• Scientific or Graphing Calculator: A TI-84 is recommended for all UTHS math courses. Please review the UTHS Graphing Calculator Policy before purchasing a device.
• Please read through course materials list to find a list of lab supplies required for this course.

Course Organization

Students must complete the course in sequence: You will not be able to access the next unit until all work in the preceding unit is completed. You may take your final exam only after completing all units and submitting all graded assignments.  

• Units: Each unit includes multiple lessons and graded assignments as well as ungraded practice quizzes to help you check your understanding of the material.
  
  
• Summative Assessments: Each course includes two online, virtually proctored summative assessments testing your understanding of the material presented in the preceding 2-3 Units.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice
  • Time Allowed: 1 hr 30 min
    
    
• Final Exam: Each course includes an online, virtually proctored final exam testing your knowledge of all material presented in the course.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice
  • Time Allowed: 3 hrs 20 min

Course Grade Weighting

Your final course grade is calculated by weighting the three assignment groups displayed in the table below:

Online Proctored Exams

All course exams, including both summative assessments and the final exam, must be completed online. Students must test online with Proctorio and are required to add the Proctorio extension to either their Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser—installation instructions are provided in the student's course. Proctorio uses a student's computer, web camera, and microphone to record video of both the student and their desktop during the exam. Then, UTHS instructors review the student's exam video data collected by Proctorio. Only authorized UTHS staff and instructors can view the exam recordings. Student data is not shared with any persons or organizations outside of UTHS and are deleted after one year. We encourage you to visit Proctorio's Data Security and Privacy site pages to learn more about how we protect student date.