During each Unit covered, I hand out a list of Objectives to my students. For the teacher, it acts as a check-list to make sure each topic is taught before moving on to others. For the student, it helps them to prepare for tests and quizzes and they could ask questions about topics they were unsure about. It's up to the teacher (you) to edit accordingly-- and you can announce to your students if you want to eliminate an objective. Just let them know! They'll appreciate that!
Here's a sample list using the topics from a previous blog post:
Unit II Objectives: Isotopes and Related Topics
(Chapters 3 & 4)
1. Define isotopes and atomic mass; calculate average isotopic mass from percent abundance data; report atoms and ions using symbol notation.
2. Find the percentage composition of a given formula; use percentage composition to determine the formula of an unknown sample; find empirical and molecular formulas.
3. Use facts and concepts presented in Chapters 3 & 4. (Be a careful reader!)
This last objective is a "cover all" objective that makes any topic addressed in the textbook chapters listed fair for quiz/test questions. I found it really useful when designing a quiz or test to make sure that each topic was addressed.
If there is a curriculum with objectives that you can access, that would be a great guide.
Just a reminder, I have just added a Topic List to help you to find past Blog entries you're looking for. I hope it helps!
Buy my lab book "Chemistry on a Budget" -- it is available for $20 at amazon.com or $23 at lulu.com:
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http://www.lulu.com/shop/marjorie-r-heesemann/chemistry-on-a-budget/paperback/product-21217600.html
This book contains 13 labs using consumable materials purchased from local stores. There are two versions of each lab, one with a ten-question conclusion and one with directions for a full lab report. This way the teacher has the option! Each lab is two pages to allow for one two-sided handout.
I will be posting this Friday, October 17th as well. Gosh, Mole Day approaches! (10/23 if you're not familiar with it). Let me know if you have any plans or activities!