Hons Chem 1 Sylla...pdf - Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

St. Thomas Aquinas High SchoolHonors Chemistry ICourse Syllabus 2013-2014Instructor Information:Name: Mrs. Sui Sum OlsonScience Department Phone: 913-319-2485 (voice mail)E-mail: solson@stasaints.netRoom Number: 223Course Information:Credit: 1Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Honors Algebra ICourse Description:This course introduces students to chemical concepts by relating the structure of matter toits function. Topics are covered in an in-depth mathematically-oriented manner. HonorsChemistry 1 is good choice for students who are confident in their mathematical ability.Laboratory investigations and other hands-on activities provide students with a variety ofways to interpret information, analyze data, and develop critical thinking skills.Course Objectives:Student will demonstrate technological skills in making observations and measurements.Students will examine the structure and properties of matter.Students will explore the nature of chemical change.Students will relate chemical concepts to the world around them.Textbook:Davis, Frey, Sarquis, and Sarquis, Modern Chemistry, Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2005.Required Supplies:3-ringed binder to keep printed labs, handouts, etc.Notebook Paper to take notesSpiral Notebook to record labs/demos, observations, and discussionsComposition Notebook for Textbook homeworkScientific CalculatorCovered TextbookPencils and Ballpoint Pen (blue or black ink only)1 Folder to keep Earth & Space Science MaterialsCourse Requirements and Procedures:Students will be given a printed syllabus of assignments with due dates and areresponsible for turning work in on time. After the due date, work may be turned in forhalf credit. Students are given one day to turn in missed assignments after an excusedabsence. No late work may be turned in once the quarter is passed. Late work will thenbe given 0% automatically. Labs and tests should be made up during seminars in room223 with Mrs. Olson

Textbook homework must be submitted in the Composition Note book. No credit will begiven until the homework is copied into the Composition Notebook.There are no retakes for quizzes. A student who fails a test (66% and below) may retakea different test for an averaged score. The student needs to submit a summary on whatmistakes were made before the retake.Students may not leave the class to get their textbook, homework, calculators, and/orstationery from their locker once class has started. Students are expected to comeprepared for class every day.Extra credit may be offered according to guidelines in the handbook. Students musthave completed all work assigned before extra credit can be counted.Help for Students:It is the student’s responsibility to seek help if the class material is not understood.Students may seek help before school (7:40 am), seminar on Tuesday and Thursdays, andafter school with an appointment. Please sign up in the planner located on the teacher’sdesk for after school help.Academic Honesty and Class Rules: Show respect for your teacher, each other, and yourselves by demonstratingrespect for differences in opinion, learning styles, and/or gifts. Maintain highest ethics in regard to honesty. Students who are caught cheatingwill receive a zero on the assignment/test and be disciplined according to schoolpolicy. For your safety, follow laboratory safety rules and teacher instructions at alltimes! All students must take a safety test and sign a Safety Contract and abide bythese safety rules. Not following safe procedures will result in point deductions.All conversation must be confined to the task on hand. Rules in the STA student handbook will be enforced.Grading:1. Tests (Including lab tests) – 30%2. Quizzes – 20%3. Daily assignments/problems/demonstration observations/projects/journals – 20%4. Laboratory work/write-up – 30%The semester final exam will constitute 20% of the final grade.Please use SKYWARD to access your grades and /or missing assignments. Questionsabout grades will be answered when there is an opportunity to do so during school hours.Per Archdiocesan policy, there will be no email communication about grades. Parentsmay email me to set up an appointment to discus grades face-to-face or on the phone.All assignments and relevant documents will be posted on V-Class.