Honors Chemistry I Course Syllabus—Fall, 2008
Teacher: Crystal Duggar
e-mail: duggarc@gcschools.net
Website: http://teacherweb.com/TN/GreenevilleHighSchool/CDuggar/
Text: Davis, R., et al. (2002). Modern Chemistry. Austin, TX: Holt,
Rinehart and Winston.
Course Information
Welcome to Honors Chemistry I! The goal of this class is to provide
a thorough and practical introduction to chemistry that will be useful to
the students as they take college entrance exams and introductory science
courses at the college level. This class also serves as preparation for
the A.P. Chemistry class.
During this Chemistry I class, students will explore the structure
of matter, properties of substances and how substances change in response to
physical and chemical changes in a system. Inquiry, problem solving,
lectures, demonstrations, hands-on laboratory investigations, individual
studies and group activities will all be part of the learning experience.
Success in chemistry requires a cooperative effort from students, parents,
and the teacher. A tentative schedule of the major topics and corresponding
chapters in the textbook follows:
1st 4 ½ Weeks--Chapters 2-4
Measurements & Calculations,Atomic Structure, Organization of Matter
& Electron Configurations
2nd 4 1/2 Weeks--Chapters 5-7
Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Formulas & Compounds, Chemical
Equations & Reactions
Third 4 1/2 Weeks--Chapters 8-11
The Mole, Stoichiometry, Phases of Matter, Physical Properties of
Gases,Molecular Composition of Gases
Fourth 4 1/2 Weeks--Chapters 12-16
Liquids & Solids, Solutions, Colligative Properties, Acids, Bases &
Salts,Acid-Base Titrations & pH
Required Materials
In addition to the basic necessities such as pencil or pen and paper, you
will also need the following items for class: scientific or graphing
calculator, large 3-ring binder and section dividers. For lab, you and a
partner will need to purchase or bring from home: rubber gloves, dish soap,
a pot holder or oven mitt, and a roll of paper towels. Safety glasses are
available in the lab, or you may bring your own. Safety glasses must have
side splashguards and must be approved by the teacher before the first lab.
Each person will also need a composition book with non-removable pages for
use as a "Scientist's Notebook."
Policies and Expectations
1. Be on time and on task.
A. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
B. Bring your textbook, notebook, pen or pencil, calculator and any
completed homework assignments.
C. Follow directions.
D. In compliance with GHS policy, no food or drinks other than bottled
water should be consumed during class.
2. Be respectful.
A. Use appropriate language and make only constructive or helpful
comments.
B. Listen and take notes during class discussions.
C. Avoid behaviors that distract others.
D. Please hold questions or comments until your raised hand has been
acknowledged.
E. Ask before “borrowing.”
3. Be safe.
A. Move into, out of, and around the classroom in a safe manner.
B. Follow all safety procedures during lab activities.
C. Know the locations of emergency equipment in the lab.
4. Be honest.
A. Cheating will result in a zero for the assignment.
B. Talk with me about questions, concerns, or problems you are having.
Class Work and Grading
Success in chemistry requires students to have a strong work ethic.
Students should expect to complete homework most nights in order to
introduce new material and/or to reinforce concepts taught during class.
Honest attempts at doing homework will earn credit. All class notes and
homework should be organized in a notebook to facilitate review for midterm
and final exams.
The grading scale is as follows:
90-100 A
82-89 B
72-81 C
67-71 D
below 67 F
Tests will comprise 60% of the total grade, labs will be 20%,
homework counts 10% and quizzes count 10%. A midterm will count as
11% of the average for the first nine weeks.
Opportunities for extra credit will be available, but only if the
student has made every effort to complete regular assignments. I will not
provide extra credit to replace grades of zero on homework. Students may do
test corrections for credit.
See the Science Department homework policy for further details.
Make-up Work
Missed classwork due to an excused absence may be made up during
lunch or after school. Homework assignments may be handed in within five
days of the absence. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the
assignment and schedule make-up exams within five days of his or her return
to school. Assignments should be posted on my webpage. The five-day period
may be extended if the student has missed three or more consecutive school
days.
If you know in advance that you will miss class for a scheduled
appointment, trip or other school function, please pick up assignments in
advance so that you do not fall behind.