• Name: Joshua Baker
    Subjects / Classes Taught: Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Academic Decathlon
    Degree(s): B.S. Biochemistry/Psychology, M. Ed., J.D.
    Email: jbaker1@phoenixunion.org
    Room Number: 409
    Office Hours: Monday- Friday, 7:00 a.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    Welcome to my webpage.  I encourage parents and students to contact me with any questions about my classes.  Students, I hope you enjoy learning chemistry and competing in academic decathlon! 

     
    Honors Chemistry
             Honors chemistry is focused on the study of matter.  My philosophy is consistent with the Modeling Instruction Program created at Arizona State University.  I believe students should strive to construct scientific concepts through experimentation and cooperative learning.  Honors chemistry focuses on the following topics:  (1) Law of Conservation of Mass; (2) gas laws; (3) phase changes; (4) the electrical nature of matter; (5) chemical reactions; and (6) stoichiometry. 
     
    AP Chemistry
            AP Chemistry is the equivalent of a first-year college chemistry class.  The class is fast-paced and very rigorous.  Students must have completed biology, chemistry, algebra 1/2 and algebra 3/4 to enter the class.  Moreover, students must show that they are academically prepared for the class by doing well in prior math and science courses.  The subjects that are covered by the course are too numerous to list; however, a general description of the course can be found at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_chem.html.  Students who complete AP Chemistry will be prepared for the AP Chemistry test in May, and many students pass each year with scores ranging from 3-5.
     
    Academic Decathlon
            Academic Decathlon is a class that turns learning into a team sport.  Each year students learn a large amount of information about a topic that is chosen by United States Academic Decathlon.  The 2011-2012 topic will be Russia.  Students will learn about science, art, history, music, economics, mathematics, and literature.  They will then compete against other schools in district, regional, and hopefully state competitions during the year.  Academic Decathlon is a fun class, and it enables students to improve their skills in a variety of subjects.  If you are interested in joining the team, tell your counselor that you would like to sign up for the class or visit me in room 409 for more information.