Honors Chemstudy
Mr. Matt Mihordea H103
mihordea@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. As part of the honors program, the student will complete several extensive laboratory investigations. Any student who aspires to attend the Governor’s Honors Program in Science or participate in highly competitive summer programs offered on university campuses are encouraged to complete an independent science project.
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. The Characteristics of Science* Standards will be covered throughout the semester.
Unit
Standard
Textbook Reference
Time line
1 - 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: c,a,b,d,e)
Selected portions of Chapters 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
12 weeks
2 - 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
* Characteristics of Science Standards are described in detail at www.georgiastandards.org under the Georgia Performance Standards section of high school science curriculum.
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 section 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 are expected the day the student returns.
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 reports will be handwritten, in ink, in a bound composition notebook. The notebook will be checked during the semester for completeness and/or accuracy. Lab assessments which you can use the completed labs from your notebook may be administered. A lab prep grade will be based on lab preparation and performance. 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. Quizzes will be given periodically.
4. Papers: (10%) Performance assessments in the form of a 1 literature review and 1 lab paper.
Optional: If the student completes and enters a science fair project during the fall semester, the science fair grade will replace the student’s lowest unit test grade.
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.
Students may be asked to submit certain assignments through an internet program called TurnItIn.com. This program gives students the opportunity to review their own writing and correct possible plagiarism errors, thereby not violating the Honor Code.
FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
Provision for Improving Grades
1. 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.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating
circumstances may improve their grades.
CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR
General Information
1. Extra Help is always available. Please check with me personally so we can arrange a mutually agreeable time.
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) Wait to leave until dismissed.
c) No eating or drinking in class, except for water.
d) All student handbook rules apply in the class.
e) All lab safety rules are to be followed in this class.
f) Cheating is a violation of the honor code.
g) Be respectful of yourself and those around you in the class, including the teacher.
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.
Dear Parent or Guardian,
I am your child’s Honors Chemstudy teacher this year and I ask for your support in helping your child succeed in class. Please take a few minutes to review the course syllabus and discuss it with your child. Feel free to contact me with any questions and then please sign below indicating that you have seen the Chemistry syllabus.
Student Name (Print) __________________________________
Student Signature __________________________________
Parent Name (Print) __________________________________
Parent Signature __________________________________
As you already know, Chattahoochee has a program called ParentConnect that allows you to view your child’s academic progress and attendance over the internet. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to register for Parent Connect through the front office. Also, your child will bring home progress reports from the school at the 6 week and 12 week marks, and a final report card after the end of the semester.
Due to limited access to a telephone during the day, the best way for me to keep in contact with you is by email. My email address is listed on the front page of this syllabus. If you have an email address and feel comfortable sharing it, please include it below.
Parent E-mail __________________________________
Parent Phone Number(s) __________________________________
Thank you very much!
Mr. Mihordea
