Chemistry 1A JiTL #1
Read “Policies and Procedures” for turning in HW, attached to your syllabus
Note: Class starts promptly at 30 min past the hour. This means you should have any assignments
turned in, and that you are seated and ready to learn by 11:30. Please plan ahead for traffic and
parking delays, which are common in the first weeks of a semester at Cuesta College. Parking in
the morning can take up to 20-30 minutes.
Note #2: If you accidentally arrive to campus early, it will not be frowned upon if you begin reading
ahead in your text, study the previous day’s notes, or discuss chemistry topics with friends
outside the classroom.
Note #3: JiTL stands for Just in Time Learning. This is a device for you to know what is coming up in
a lecture, and learning a bit about a topic on your own. This will often be announced and posted
one class period before they are due. The assignments will be collected at random. This JiTL is
longer than most JiTLs, and may take 1-2 hours.
The assignment:
1. Read the preface to the text, and the “To the Student” section in the book. Answer for yourself:
a. Why might you read the “What’s Ahead” sections?
b. What can you do before each class period to help you take better notes
(and ask good questions)?
c. Why is it important to know the language of Chemistry? Does spelling count?
2. Read Chapter 1.
3. Find the end of chapter problems, and the answers to the end of chapter problems in the back of the
book.
4. Read the “Comments from former students” and at least one of the “Succeeding in Chemistry
pages (linked at bottom of Chem 201A web site). Write one tip that seems really important.
5. Review your Math Skills with the link at the bottom of Chem 201A web site.
6. Read and complete the Significant Figures assignment, and turn in the 4th page. This is the only
page that will be turned in.
OPTIONAL
Reading techniques. One way to get more out of reading a text book is to use the SQR3 method. It
goes like this:
a. Start with the “What’s Ahead” to get an overview of the chapter.
b. Read the section headings. Turn each section heading into a question. See below**
c. Read through the chapter. Don’t neglect the chapter summary at the end.
d. Go back and answer your questions (part b). Look at the text only to confirm answers.
More information about reading strategies is on the 201A website.
**For example, the first section of a history book might be titled “The Voyage of Columbus.” Good questions might be
“Why did Columbus go on a voyage?” or “What did Columbus accomplish on his voyage.” A question of “Where did
Columbus go on his voyage” would not be a challenging question to answer or effective for studying.
