Why does it matter?
Chemistry is a rigorous, fast-paced class with a very long curriculum. We cover a new topic almost every day, use up the entire class period, and take no days off. It is a class in which most students find that they need to study every night in order to do well, and we have homework assignments on most days to allow for targeted practice of that day's topic.
Therefore, if you miss class, you are most likely missing a whole topic and a homework assignment. When you come back, we may have moved on to something new and you will probably be assigned a new piece of homework to go with it. Thus, missing just one day doubles your work for the next night (as Howard County policy says you have as many days to make up assignments as you are gone) and you have to catch up on notes and information as well.
Therefore, if you miss class, you are most likely missing a whole topic and a homework assignment. When you come back, we may have moved on to something new and you will probably be assigned a new piece of homework to go with it. Thus, missing just one day doubles your work for the next night (as Howard County policy says you have as many days to make up assignments as you are gone) and you have to catch up on notes and information as well.
So what do I do to make it easier to catch up?
On the day you are absent, check This Week in Chemistry for the topics covered and assignments. Then read the section in the textbook on that topic and write down any questions you have. Attempt the homework and see me in the morning before class if you have any questions.
Why should I bother?
If you try to learn the subject on your own and try the homework, you won't be as far behind. When you return, you will be able to ask questions and follow along with everyone else as we go over the homework (which we always do!) instead of wasting time trying to understand what we're doing from scratch. Then, if you made mistakes or missed a few problems on the homework, you will still have the next day to complete it and/or ask me questions before showing it to me for full credit. Remember, you can always stop by our classroom after 7 AM if you have a quick question! Longer questions are best saved for after school.