Honors Chemstudy Syllabus

Chemstudy Honors
Mrs. Barbara Phillips Room H101
phillipsb@fulton.k12.ga.us

Textbook: Wilbraham, A. et al. Addison-Wesley Chemistry Prentice Hall, 2002. ($55.97)

Course Description
The Chemistry curriculum continues students’ investigations of the physical sciences that began in Grades K-8 (see Fulton County Systemwide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in chemistry. Chemistry extends the physical sciences to more abstract concepts including, the structure and properties of matter, structure of atoms, the interaction matter, and the conservation of matter. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry.

Outcome Expectations
At the end of this course students should be able to:
Use appropriate scientific tools to observe record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
Use information, calculations, and predications to explain the nature, properties, classification, and nomenclature of matter including the prediction of chemical formulas based on balance of charges.
Use the law of conservation of matter, including molarity and molality, to determine chemical composition under different reaction types and conditions.
Use modern atomic theory to explain the characteristic properties of atoms including size, charge, particles, isotopes, chemical bonds, light emission, and electron movement.
Explain the trends in the Periodic table and use the knowledge to predict the properties of representative elements.
Demonstrate the effects of varying factors (concentration, temperature, and pressure) on the rate of chemical reaction.
Collect, analyze, and compare data on the effects of motion of atoms and molecules on physical and chemical process and relate these to energy flow during phase change.
Explain the process involved in solute-solvent interactions and evaluate the nature of acids compared with bases.

Format: The chemical concepts of this course are divided into the following units with the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) covered this semester.

Unit
Standard(s)
Textbook Reference
Time line
1- Characteristics of Science
Characteristics of Science *** SCSh1-8. See www.georgiastandards.org
Selected portions of Chapters 1,2,3
2 weeks
2-Nature and Conservation of Matter

Students will analyze the nature of matter and its classification
( SC1:b,c,d)
Students will relate how the Law of Conservation of Matter is used to determine chemical composition in compounds and chemical reactions
( SC2: a,b,c,d,e)
Selected portions of Chapters 3,4,6,7,8,9
10 weeks
3—Motion of Atoms and Molecules
Students will understand the effects of motion of atoms and molecules in chemical and physical processes (SC6)
Chapters 10,11,12
6 weeks

*** The Characteristics of Science Standards will be covered throughout the semester. Characteristics of Science Standards are described in detail at www.georgiastandards.org in the Science section.

Grade Determination:
1. Tests and performance assessments: (50%) Written tests include information from class notes, handouts, lab activities, demonstrations, and guest speakers and cover all or parts of a unit and are administered every 2-3 weeks. You are expected to take a test even if you are absent the day before the test. Make-ups for tests, labs and quizzes will be made up by scheduling time with me. The final exam will be comprehensive and will make up 15% of your grade

2. Laboratory Activities: (20%). You will be responsible for doing the lab in class and completing the necessary paperwork. Lab assessments will be given, using the completed labs. Students are expected to make up missed labs. Failure to follow laboratory procedures may affect the laboratory grade.

3. Homework and Quizzes: 5% Homework is checked at the beginning of the class. No credit is given for misplaced homework or homework left in your locker or at home. Homework will be checked at the teacher’s discretion. All math must be show for credit. Quizzes will be given periodically.

4. Literature Review: 5%. Students in all high school science classes must complete a literature review during the semester. Honors classes will move at a faster pace, will require more independent study, will cover topics in greater depth, and will include more enrichment topics/activities than a regular class. Any student who aspires to participate in a highly competitive summer program offered on university campuses are encouraged to complete a science fair project.

5. Performance Assessment: 5% a performance assessment is done at the completion of each GPS unit.

THE COUNTY GRADING SCALE IS AS FOLLOWS:
A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 F = 69 and below

Honor Code Violations and Plagiarism: Cheating is defined as giving or receiving, in any form, information relating to a gradable experience and is considered an honor code violation. Plagiarism is defined as the use of another’s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one’s own. Acts of plagiarism include but are not limited to using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation; using work of another student(e.g., copy homework, composition, or product);using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent, or paid editor. Any student work is subject to evaluation by turnitin.com.

Recovery: Provision for Improving Grades:
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.



General Information
1. Extra Help is always available. Please check with me personally so we can arrange a mutually agreeable time. You can usually find me in room H101 or H108 before school. Weekly assignments can be found at www.schoolnotes.com under the school zip code, 30022. You can also e-mail me at home from this site.
2. There is NO extra credit for this class and your lowest test grade is NOT dropped at the end of the semester. It is therefore very important that you do all of the assigned work and turn it in on time.
3. Assignments made prior to a full day absence and due on the day that the absence occurs will be due upon the student’s return. Students who are present for any portion of the school day are expected to turn in all assignments due on that day in order to receive full credit for the assignments.
4. According to the Fulton County School Policy “students shall not alter or attempt to alter school or private property including technology hardware and software.” This includes:
a) changing desktop settings or control panels on computers
b) removing or damaging mouse tracking balls, keyboard keys, cables, connectors, network jacks, or any other hardware
c) modifying computer software
d) damaging computer disks, CD-ROMS, or other media
5. Expected Classroom Behaviors:
a) Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
b) Bring paper, pencil, textbook and handouts to class.
c) Have homework out on your desk after the tardy bell has rung.
d) Dress appropriately for class.
e) Leaving class is because of an emergency situation.
f) No eating or drinking in class, except for water.
g) All student handbook rules apply in the class.
h) All lab safety rules are to be followed in this class.
i) Cheating is a violation of the honor code.
j) No sleeping or putting your head on the desk during class.
k) Please use the restroom before the tardy bell rings.
l) Be respectful of yourself and those around you in the class.
m) No hats on your head or listening devises in the room.
Failure to follow class rules result in:
1. A warning the first time the rule is not followed.
2. The second time the rule is broken, private detention is assigned.
3. The third time the rule is broken, private detention and a call to your parents is required.
4. The fourth time that the same rule is broken, you will be sent to the appropriate administrator.

6. Failure to follow lab safety rules or classroom rules will result in:
1. A warning.
2. Private detention or sit out of lab for 10 minutes.
3. Private detention and a call home. For lab, you will have to sit
out of lab and make it up at the discretion of the instructor.
4. Referral to an administrator.