HONORS CHEMISTRY 9SYLLABUS

CentennialHigh School

2012-2013

Course #: 5353 / Teacher Name: Elizabeth Drommerhausen
Course Name: Honors Chemistry 9 / Room Number: R215 Phone #: 763-792-5190
Semester 1 Semester 2 / E-Mail:
Prerequisite:Student must meet required criteria for enrollment. / Credit Earned: 1

Course Description:

This honors course has been developed to challenge the needs of highly motivated and capable students in the subject area of science. Successful students will be those who are motivated, responsible, and diligent in completing homework. Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes in matter. This course is an introduction into basic principles of chemistry. Some of the topics that will be covered are: measurements and calculations made in chemistry, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical formulas, chemical equations and reactions,the mole, and organic chemistry.

Course Objective:

Students in this course will:

  • Synthesize and analyze scientific experiments.
  • Apply the Kinetic Theory of Matter to describe thevarious states of matter.
  • Analyze the arrangement of the periodic table anddescribe how it can be used to predict properties ofelements.
  • Analyze evidence for atomic theory and describecurrent atomic model.
  • Justify the Law of conservation of Mass as it relates tobalanced chemical equations.

Course Expectations:

Chemistry, like all learning, is a “hands-on” activity. You cannot learn well if you are not engaged. The teacher’s responsibility is to set up the expectations about what knowledge constitutes “chemistry” and to provide activities and feedback to enable you to gain the knowledge and skills as well as gauge your progress. Your responsibility is to be actively involved in your learning. You should also communicate to me how well the class is going for you – then I can modify as necessary to help you succeed.

Attendance: (Three unexcused tardies are equivalent to one unexcused absence)

Many classroom experiences are impossible to exactly duplicate in a "make-up" session. Instruction and spontaneous class contributions will be missed if you are absent. When an unavoidable absence occurs, it is up to you to find out what you missed and you are responsible to find the time to make up all missed work, including labs. Centennial has a building attendance policy that we will follow (i.e. one incremental grade reduction for two unexcused absences). You are expected to be in the classroom when the bell rings. If you arrive after the bell rings, you will be marked tardy. All tardies that are not excused with a pass from another staff member will be unexcused. If you have any questions about an assignment or other attendance questions please see me.

Behavior:

Your behavior sets the tone for all of us. My expectations are that you will be a respectful young adult. You will be held responsible for behavior that does not meet this expectation. Consequences that will follow are those that are outlined in the student handbook.

1. A verbal or written reminder2. Student conference3. Parent contact

4. Restriction of privileges5. Detention6. Removal from class

Materials Needed:

Each student will need to be equipped with a calculator, a notebook, a folder, and a writing utensil (pencils and pens). Students will also be supplied with a textbook and a copy of the periodic table. These supplies need to be brought to class every day. Being prepared for class is essential for learning to take place.

Lab:

Safety, cleanliness, and correct use of lab equipment are expected (see lab safety form). All lab stations (including sinks) must be clean before you leave the room. After each class the next class will examine your job of cleaning up. If the next class deems the lab area unclean the ENTIRE CLASS will loose 25% of the total lab score. You must wear gogglesand closed toed shoes to participate in any lab activity that involves potentially harmful chemicals. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.

Technology:

Students will adhere to the guidelines and the rules regarding technology and internet usage that are outlined in the student handbook on pages 33-34. Violation of the CHS technology agreement will result in the consequences stated in the handbook.

I strictly enforce the electronic device policy. Electronic devices (including cell phones) must be turned off and out of sight from 8:25-3:05. Violation of this will result in the confiscation of equipment. The device may be returned to the student after a conference with student and parent by school counselor or administrator. I am not the person who returns electronic devices. ***Notice to 6th Hour: If a device is taken during this hour the student will have the device returned to him/her at the earliest of the next day due to the short processing time.

Hats:

The hat policy has changed from previous years. The policy now reflects the electronic policy. I will strictly enforce the hat policy. Head coverings must be out of sight from 8:25-3:05. During the winter months a stocking cap may be worn between buildings during passing time. It must be immediately removed upon entrance into the building. Baseball caps are NEVER ALLOWED. Hats WILL BE confiscated and turned into the office. Procedure for return of hat is given in the handbook. I am not the person who returns hats.

Miscellaneous:

In class we will discuss other procedures and routines that will have to happen for the class to work. In the classroom, learning is the responsibility of the student as well as the teacher. Everyone in the classroom will be expected to treat everyone else respectfully.

Active and enthusiastic participation is the best way to approach this class. To do well you need to complete assignments, give full attention to class activities, participate in discussions, learn from the labs, get help when you do not understand, and persevere. We all learn best by being actively involved.

Makeup work

I am available after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. If anyone needs to make up a lab or test from an excused absence this is the time to do it. In addition, anybody may come in before school. I am available every day before school, except for when I have a meeting in the morning. I usually get to school around 7:15. Always check with me so that I know if I will be in the classroom.

Grading:

Your grade is a snapshot of your progress at a specific time. At the end of the course that snapshot becomes the grade that goes on your transcript. For this course there is specific core learning that you are each expected to achieve in order to get credit.

There are many components to your grade. Your grade will be weighted by homework (20%), labs (30%), participation (10%), tests/quizzes (40%).

Homework is due at the beginning of class. Points will be awarded for having completed the assignment. To receive full credit you must have the entire assignment complete, otherwise you will receive a zero. I believe that homework is the place to make mistakes and to learn from them. I will accept late work for a 50% grade reduction.

GRADING
A = 100 – 93 / C- = 72 – 70
A- = 92 – 90 (Exemplary work – 90%-100% mastery of subject goals) / D+ = 69 – 67
B+ = 89 – 87 / D = 66 – 63 (Mediocre work – 60%-69% mastery of subject goals)
B = 86 – 83 (Proficient/thorough work – 80%-89% mastery of subject goals) / D- = 62 – 60
B- = 82 – 80 / NC = 59 – 0 (Unacceptable work – less than 50% mastery of subject goals)
C+ = 79 – 77 / NCA = (Grade Reduced due to Attendance)
C = 76 – 73 (Acceptable work – 70%-79% mastery of subject goals) / NC$ = (Book missing or Fees due)

I am looking forward to this semester. Hopefully you can share my enthusiasm for exploring how chemistry is related to the rest of your world.

I have read and understand the expectations, objectives, responsibilities and grading for this class.
Student Name : ______Student Signature: ______
Print Name
Parent Signature: ______Date:______

FYI: I will be getting married on October 27. I will be taking my husband’s name of Genskow. Because of this my contact information will be changing mid-way through the semester. I will send a message out through parent portal indicating my new contact information.

Additional Comments:

GOOD LUCK! REMEMBER, I AM WILLING TO HELP YOU AT ANY TIME. PLEASE ASK FOR HELP!