Welcome to a wonderful semester of chemistry! This class is very challenging but it is also a lot of fun. If you attend regularly, consistently put in your best effort, and get extra help when needed, you will succeed with an A or a B.

Course Description: This course covers fundamental chemistry concepts such as physical and chemical properties of matter, energy, chemical nomenclature, mole relationships, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, solutions, and acid-base theory. Students will be expected to use mathematical problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills in student directed laboratory and classroom experiences. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of this curriculum. As appropriate to an honors class, students will prepare formal laboratory reports. Students will be presented with varying amounts of both abstract and concrete concepts and experiences. Chemistry I will include in-depth investigation of the topics of chemistry, emphasizing abstract material. Extensive independent work, self discipline and commitment to meet rigorous expectations and time lines are required.

Prerequisites: Algebra I Strongly Encouraged: Algebra II

Career Pathways: The following career paths use chemistry: Health Services, Human Services, Industrial Engineering and Technology, and Natural Resources and Agricultural Pathways.

Honors Level: This is an Honors level course, designed for students who consistently exceed the objectives and expectations of the essential curriculum, both in terms of content knowledge and application. Coursework includes an emphasis on abstract material and requires extensive independent work, self-discipline, and commitment to meet rigorous expectations and timelines. Successful completion of Honors coursework will prepare students for post-high school education.

Text: Prentice-Hall, Chemistry: Connections to Our Changing World.

Required Materials: A one-subject spiral notebook, a folder or binder, colored pencils, a book cover (no sticky covers – adhesive may not touch the book), pencil, eraser, and blue or black pen. Scientific Calculators are recommended.

 Academic and Behavioral Expectations: Please follow our classroom Patriot Pride guidelines for Character counts. Incentives will be given: Show Patriot Pride in each class each day by:

• Remaining alert and engaged
• Using appropriate language
• Respecting yourself, your friends, your classmates, TJ Staff and Environment
• Striving for academic excellence
• Arriving on time

Rewards and Consequences: Following the rules, working hard, and having a positive attitude will result in opportunities to earn small rewards. Failure to follow the classroom, school, or safety rules will result in detention, parent contact, and referrals as outlined in the GTHS Progressive Discipline Policy.

ID and Planner: Parents must sign the internet use guide in the student planner and students must bring their planner and ID to class every day. We may have unannounced trips to the computer lab. So be prepared!

Homework: Homework will be assigned most evenings. The point is to prepare for the next day, review something learned in class or to study for tests or quizzes. Students’ questions and requests for additional examples will impact how much time we spend on a topic. At the honors level, I expect you to be very independent and to learn to recognize when you need help. If you do not ask, I assume you understand. 

Laboratory Activities: We will be working in the laboratory at least once or twice per unit. No student will be allowed in the laboratory unless they have turned in a safety contract that has been signed by a parent or guardian. When safety goggles are required you must wear them. Students that take off goggles or fail to comply with any safety rule will be told to sit down and take a zero for the lab. Late lab reports will not be accepted for credit.

Grading: Your course and term grades will be calculated on the following percentages in the following categories:

Tests: 40%

Laboratories/Projects 20%

Quizzes 20%

Notebook/Class work/Homework 20%

Late Work: Students will receive a maximum score of 50% for work turned in 1 day

Please note: I send unit schedules via email. I also post the schedule, class notes, and review sheets at: http://gtjhs.fcps.org/Shields/ShieldsIndex.htm you can check grades online at http://www.fcps.org/content/pinnacle.cfm.

Notebooks: Students must have a 1-subject spiral notebook in which every day is tracked. Students must write a question (Q) and Answer (A) for each warm up and all notes that are projected on the screen or board. Students may also be asked to put class work assignments into the notebook. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to make up that day’s warm up and notes. Periodic unannounced quizzes and notebook checks may occur!

Attendance Policy Work is due on its assigned date. If a student misses a class, it is his/her responsibility to make up work within the County deadlines. This means if a student misses one day, they have two days to make up what was missed. Laboratories must be made up after school within one week of performing the laboratory. Success in Chem I depends on your ability to stay caught up with your work.

Extra Help: If you are interested in extra help on an assignment please feel free to come and see me after school. The best way to earn a good grade is to keep caught up on assignments and to put forth a good effort. If you have any questions or concerns, please come and see me. This is going to be a great semester. Welcome!

Parent/Guardian Input: Thank you for taking the time to read this syllabus. I know that we all want to see each student succeed to his or her fullest capability in science. If you ever wish to offer feedback or to just check in, feel free to contact me during the school day by calling 240-236-8333 or by email at Kathleen.Shields@fcps.org. You are also welcome to observe or volunteer in the classroom. I look forward to working with you this semester.

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*The teacher reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus as deemed necessary.