HONORS and MYP-HONORS CHEMISTRY COURSE SYLLABUS Dr. Dominick Frollini dfrollini@uscsd.k12.pa.us x-2667 Mrs. Laura Marks lmarks@uscsd.k12.pa.us x-2628 Mrs. Tracey Vacco tvacco@uscsd.k12.pa.us x-2658 INTRODUCTION The Honors Chemistry course is designed as a rigorous introduction to chemistry, in which students will learn the fundamentals of chemistry, including: bonding and reactions, states of matter, solutions, equilibrium and acids and bases, matter and energy, atomic structure. Problem solving skills will be emphasized and reinforced throughout the year. Students successfully completing the course will be prepared for further study in AP Chemistry. MATERIALS REQUIRED 1. Text book Holt Modern Chemistry, 2006: Username Password Online version available at www.go.hrw.com click on Holt Online Learning (ID & password required). There are remedial and advanced materials available through the textbook website. Once you have your ID and password, the entire text is available to you from your home computer. You do not need to carry your book home! 2. Notebook 3. Calculator a minimum of a scientific calculator is required for this class. Graphing calculators are also acceptable however the memory may be cleared prior to testing. 4. Blended Schools each student will be given access to Blended Schools. You will find ALL COURSE MATERIALS such as agendas, PowerPoints, notes, worksheets, lab packets and extra materials such as videos and tutorials you may need to help you be successful in this course. 5. Turnitin.com Class ID Password Homework CLASS REQUIREMENTS Homework will be assigned daily and due the day after it is assigned unless otherwise indicated. Time will be allotted at the beginning of each class to review problems from the previous night s homework. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the student to keep current with the homework assignments. Homework will be collected on Exam Review day and spot-checked for accuracy. No late homework will be accepted. Any missing homework will be assigned a grade of zero. Students will be exempted from any homework assignments that are missing or <50% complete provided the student earns an A on the chapter exam. Students with a homework score >50% will earn 100% on the homework provided the student earns an A on the chapter exam.
Labs Each unit will be accompanied by a laboratory activity or activities and each lab will be accompanied by a lab write up. The lab write up will usually be completed with a group, but some labs may be done individually. The lab write up must be typed and submitted electronically through turnitin.com when assigned. Each lab could be graded in the following areas with varying point values: purpose, procedure, data, calculations, graphs, questions, conclusion and format. PAY ATTENTION to directions regarding lab write ups to be aware of the requirements for each lab. Each group member will evaluate all other members of the lab group using a provided scoring guide. The scoring guides will remain on file to address any group issues. In addition to the graded lab report, a quarterly cumulative lab quiz will be given which may include any or all labs graded to that time. The lab quiz will add an additional 10-25 points per lab write up. The lab quiz will be worth 100 points. Late labs will have 10% deducted for each day late up to 5 days late. No labs will be accepted after 5 days late, and the lab score will be recorded as a zero. In secondary science, students are trained to manage risk in the laboratory. Every tragic accident in the lab is preceded by at least ten "near misses." The way to eliminate the tragedies is to address the near-misses. This means adopting a culture of safety. When doing labs it is imperative that you follow the safety guidelines provided and wear the necessary safety equipment. This is a very serious issue and there will be no compromises. Each student will sign a safety contract with the general lab guidelines. Refer to the safety manual for specifics. Any student not in compliance with lab safety will be assessed a lab point fine or a lab duty. In extreme cases, failure to comply with the safety guidelines may result in receiving no credit for the lab. If you are absent on the day of the lab, it must be made up within one week as per your instructor. In instances where this is not possible, an alternate assignment may be given if requested by the student. It is the student s responsibility to schedule make-up labs with the instructor. If the lab or alternate assignment is not completed within one week, the lab score will be recorded as a zero. Students who are absent on the day of a laboratory activity will be responsible for writing and submitting their own lab write up. Projects There may be a project assigned for each unit of study or semester. Specific information will be given including assignment criteria, grading rubric and due dates. Projects received late will have 10% deducted for each day late. No projects will be accepted after 10 days late. Tests Tests are usually given for every unit of study. Tests are normally worth 100 points and may include multiple choice, short answer, essay, problem solving and lab questions. All students will be permitted a retest provided unit homework was completed and submitted. Additionally, the student must complete two remediation sessions in order to be eligible for a retake. After school remediation sessions will run from 2:30 until 3:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. It is the student s responsibility to arrange their schedule accordingly for remediation sessions. The re-take must be taken within 1 week from the day the tests are returned to the students. The score on the re-test will replace the original score in all cases.
GRADING Grading is cumulative will be comprised of quizzes, lab activities, projects and tests. Grades and other course information will be posted and frequently updated on Edline. Students should check their progress regularly. Semester exams will count as 10% of the final grade. An A is 90%, B is 80%, etc. CLASS ABSENCES The responsibility for making up missed assignments, labs and tests is strictly up to the student. When absent, students should check the agenda found on Blended Schools or see your instructor. CLASSROOM RULES Be on time! Detention will be assigned if you are late to class three times. Be prepared! Always bring your chemistry notebook, a pencil, and scientific calculator. Be appropriately dressed for lab activities. Special Note Regarding Graphing Calculators: Calculators are to be used for educational purposes only! Parent notification will occur if used for other purposes and potential loss of privilege. Be courteous and respectful of others! Be honest! Cheating, plagiarizing, copying, or borrowing someone else s work is unacceptable. A failing grade and failure to learn the required material will be the penalty. All rules in the student handbook apply in this class. Follow the PED/Cell Phone class policy. EXTRA HELP Try the Resource Center or the online help from your textbook if you begin to feel overwhelmed or lost in class. Please seek out help sooner, rather than later.
HN/MYP-HN CHEMISTRY COURSE SYLLABUS I have read and discussed the COURSE SYLLABUS with my son/daughter, Print Student Name Student s Signature Date Parent s/guardian s Signature Date PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY!) E-mail address: Daytime phone: Other phone: Parent/teacher communication is vital in order for your student to succeed in this class. Please provide your contact information above. If you have further information that I need to be aware of to help your student, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with you and your student during this school year. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!