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What is Everyday Chemistry?
Navigating Each Week
Course Materials
Getting Help

Climate change, wildfires, air pollution, Covid... These and other societal issues are occurring all around us, and regularly in the news.

What else links these issues? CHEMISTRY!

Though science and math can be daunting, Chem 9 is designed for non-majors. Everyone can succeed in this course!

This course is part of the SMC Scholars Program. There is a focus on academic preparation and study for university-level work through writing, critical thinking, and analysis throughout the semester. Plan to spend 12-15 hours every week on Chem 9, between attending lab, completing assignments and and studying the material. An enriched learning experience includes a project-based e-waste assignment, visiting an LADWP water facility, and guest speakers on recycling, factory farming, and the SMC Sustainability Center.

The course is hybrid format, with both asynchronous and synchronous components. You will complete most coursework on your own; most course content is provided in videos that you watch while completing lecture and worksheets assignments.

On campus meetings are Fridays: one hour lecture/exam session (9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in SCI 153) and 2.25 hour lab session (11 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. in SCI 332). Optional online meetings are Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1.5 hour problem-solving (1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Zoom)

Quizzes and exams will be given during lecture/exam session, on specific dates. During lab session, you will conduct a variety of lab experiments. In online problem-solving, lecture worksheets and assignments are completed.

Any Mythbusters and/or White Rabbit Project fans out there? Here's a message from Kari Byron to Chem 9 students.

In this class, every student has an equal chance to succeed in chemistry. People of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, socioeconomic levels, cultures, and abilities are valued, welcomed, and included in this class. I want to create a relaxed and comfortable environment for us to get to know each other and grow.
What You Can Expect From Me:

I will create an environment that appreciates diversity.
I will foster a relationship with you as a mentor.
I will hold a complete belief in your ability to learn.
I will be open to respectful feedback as to how I can better assist your educational needs.
I will strive to see the real you, as a human in life and not just a student.

What I Expect of You:

You will commit 12-15 hours per week to this course, between studying, completing assignments and attending lectures, labs and exams.
You will approach all challenging concepts with a growth mindset. You can do this!
You will build relationships with your peers that are rooted in authenticity.
You will contribute meaningful perspectives to discussions of various topics.
You will leave this class with a new found knowledge of sustainability and appreciation for the role of chemistry in everyday occurrences.

Communications

Students are welcome to contact me outside of class and student hours. Drop into office hours, meet with me after any Zoom, or email me.

Have class-related questions? Read all questions and answers in Chem 9 - FAQ

Plan to spend 12-15 hours every week on Chem 9!

Plan to spend 12-15 hours every week on Chem 9, between attending meetings on campus, completing coursework at home, and studying the material.

Lecture Assignments due on Mondays and Wednesdays, by 11:59 p.m.

Worksheets Assignments due on Tuesdays and Thursdays, by 11:59 p.m.

To complete the "Lecture Assignment", watch embedded videos to answer questions
To complete the "Worksheets Assignment", watch lecture recording or attend synchronous problem-solving
During the synchronous problem-solving session, I go over all problems on the lecture worksheets; the session is also provided as a previously-recorded "Lecture Recording". The "Worksheets Assignment" has problems similar to or the same as those completed in the session, and also the lecture recording

Attend lecture/exam session on Fridays, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., SMC Main Campus, SCI 153

Attend lab on Fridays, 11 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., SMC Main Campus, SCI 332

Read Lab Procedure and submit Prelab assignment before lab
During lab: complete experiments, calculations and analysis in lab reports
There is an extra credit Kahoot at the end of every lab
Lab Report due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.

Before Friday 11:59 p.m., post to the weekly discussion

Before Sunday 11:59 p.m., submit completed lab report and additional graded assignments

Required Instructional Materials

This course is designated ZTC = zero textbook cost. All Chem 9 instructional material is available as viewable content in these Canvas pages, including video recordings, and printable PDF files. No textbook purchase required.

Chem 9 Lecture Worksheets pack - purchase from SMC Campus Bookstore
Chem 9 Lab Experiments pack - purchase from SMC Campus Bookstore

All required and recommended materials are listed in the Syllabus --> Course Materials

This course is based on Chemistry in Context, 9th edition (2018) by American Chemical Society. You may choose to buy the text (used, e-book, or new) to use as a reference, but it is not required. Links to open educational resource (free) textbooks are also provided in these Canvas pages as reference.

Chem 9 Support

Online Problem-Solving (drop-in): Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m, Zoom

On Campus Problem-Solving (drop-in): Mondays, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., SCI 245 (conference room of Science Learning Resource Center)

Have class-related questions? Read all questions and answers in Chem 9 - FAQs

On campus and online tutoring at SMC: Request free tutoring from SMC Learning Resources Center

Tech Support

Technology issues should not get in the way of your learning! If you have any questions about how this class works on Canvas, don't hesitate to contact me. I can usually help or point you in the right direction.

Tech resources for SMC Students - information on free SMC WiFi, computer centers on all SMC campuses, discounted tech (software, hardware) for students
Please contact Distance Education for Canvas related questions. SMC's Distance Education can be reached at distance_ed_inquiry@smc.edu or DE office (310-434-3111)
SMC's IT department is also available to assist with technical issues (studentIThelp@smc.edu )
Click the "Help" icon on the left-menu for the Canvas hotline (844- 303-0352), and a variety of options for getting immediate assistance

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