Course Overview

Course Description and Outcomes

This Honors Chemistry course is designed to align with California Common Core Standards (CCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Schoolwide Learner Outcomes (SLOs). The curriculum emphasizes reading, writing, and critical thinking, preparing students for mastery of fundamental chemistry concepts and laboratory skills.

• Academic Standards: Course content is based on state and national science standards.

• Assessment: Includes department-developed assessments to measure proficiency.

• Controversial Topics: May be discussed in a respectful, academic manner.

Required and Recommended Materials

Technology and Supplies

• Charged Chromebook for digital assignments and resources.

• Scientific or Graphing Calculator (preferably with "EE" or "EXP" key).

• Highlighters/Colored Pencils (6-8 colors) for note-taking and diagrams.

• Lined Paper, Pencils, Pens, Erasers, Red Pens, Ruler for written work and corrections.

• 3-ring Binder or Folder dedicated to Chemistry.

• Textbook: Chemistry LibreText (Zumdahl and Decoste; CK-12).

• Student ID and Wired Headphones (wireless devices prohibited).

Units of Study

Fall Semester

• Unit 1: Fundamentals & Measurements

  • Math Review

  • Lab Measurements

  • Significant Figures

  • Rounding

• Unit 2: Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table

  • Atomic Structure & Subatomic Particles

  • Atomic Number, Mass Number, Charge

  • Isotopes, Ions

  • Average Atomic Mass

  • Periodic Table Groups

• Unit 3: Periodic Table & Periodicity

  • Electron Configuration

  • Coulombic Attraction

  • Periodic Trends

• Unit 4: Covalent Bonding & Molecular Structure

  • Covalent Bonding

  • Lewis Dot Structures & Resonance

  • Molecular Shapes

  • Bond Polarity & Molecule Polarity

• Unit 5: Ionic & Intermolecular Forces

  • Types of Intermolecular Forces

  • Ionic Bonding

  • Types of Bonding

  • Bulk Properties

• Unit 6: The Mole

  • The Mole & Avogadro’s Number

  • Molar Mass

  • Mass Percent

  • Empirical & Molecular Formulas

• Unit 7: Stoichiometry

  • Balancing Equations

  • Stoichiometry

  • Limiting Reactants & Percent Yield

Spring Semester

• Unit 8: Energy & Chemical Change

  • Thermochemistry

  • Temperature Changes & Specific Heats

  • Phase Changes & Latent Heats

  • Heating Curves

  • Conduction, Convection, & Radiation

  • Calorimetry

• Unit 9: Heats of Reactions

  • Bond Energies

  • Hess’ Law

  • Potential Energy Diagrams

• Unit 10: Solutions & Kinetics

  • Molarity

  • Kinetics

  • Rate Laws

• Unit 11: Acids & Bases

  • Introduction to Acids & Bases

  • Strong vs Weak Acids & Bases

  • pH Calculations

• Unit 12: Gases

  • Kinetic Molecular Theory & Gas Variables

  • Ideal Gas Law

  • Gas Density & Molar Mass

  • Combined Gas Law

  • Gas Stoichiometry

• Unit 13: Equilibrium

  • Equilibrium Introduction & Graphs

  • Equilibrium Constant Expressions

  • Le Chatelier’s Principle

  • Reaction Quotients & ICE Charts

• Unit 14: Chemistry of Climate Change

  • Plate Tectonics

  • Energy & Mineral Resources

  • The Carbon Cycle

  • Earth’s Rising Temperatures

  • Earth’s Water & Hydrologic Cycles

  • Earth’s Feedback Systems

Schoolwide Learner Outcomes (SLOs)

• Active Listeners: Engage in respectful dialogue and empathy.

• Creative Thinkers: Generate innovative solutions and apply interdisciplinary knowledge.

• Ethical Citizens: Act with integrity and advocate for social justice.

• Wellness Advocates: Prioritize personal and community wellbeing.

• Self-Advocates: Set and pursue goals, seek support, and take ownership of learning.

• Action-Oriented: Engage in service and collaborate for positive change.

Grading Criteria and Assessment

Grade Categories

• Assessments (60%) - Includes formative and summative assessments.

• Assignments (40%)

  • Classwork/Homework Assignments (15%)

  • Laboratory Experiments & Reports (25%)

Grade Scale

Assessment Types

• Formative Assessment: Daily warm-ups, weekly quizzes, video quizzes, in-class quizzes, and other formats to gauge mastery throughout a unit.

• Summative Assessment: Unit exams (constructed response), final exams (multiple choice and constructed response), graded with rubrics.

• Grade Rounding: Grades are not rounded; maintain high scores in all categories.

• Extra Credit: Not permitted per school guidelines.

Classroom and Laboratory Expectations

Enforced School Policies

• Tardy and Attendance Policy

• Cell Phone and Electronics Policy

• Dress Code Policy

• Academic Integrity Policy (Plagiarism and cheating strictly prohibited)

• AI Use Policy (AI may not be used unless expressly permitted)

Homework Policy

• Homework introduces new information or provides independent practice.

• All steps must be shown for credit; answers are often provided for instant feedback.

• Assignments are usually daily; incomplete work receives partial credit.

• Academic Integrity Violations result in zero credit.

Late Work and Absences

• Excused absences allow makeup without penalty; unexcused absences result in zero credit.

• Late work must be submitted with a Late Work Slip.

• Missed labs: Group/sample data provided, but lab report still required.

• Missed assignments: Points deducted per day late.

• Missed assessments: Notify teacher upon return; penalties for unexcused delays.

Laboratory Guidelines

Laboratory Safety and Procedures

Laboratory work is essential for understanding chemistry principles. Safety and proper conduct are strictly enforced.

• Safety Contract: Must be completed and returned before participating in labs.

• Lab Safety Quiz: Must score 85% or higher; multiple attempts allowed.

• Pre-Lab Assignments: Required for lab participation; indicate preparedness.

• Lab Groups: Assigned for each activity; data may be shared, but reports are independent work.

• Lab Safety Rules: Explicitly followed; misbehavior may result in removal from lab and deduction in score.

• Lab Attire: Safety goggles and closed-toed shoes required.

• Lab Reports: Make copies before submission for study and review.

Additional Academic Support

• Office Hours: Period 0 on Mondays; appointments available.

• Tutoring: After-school and online tutoring through AHA program.

• Communication: Email is preferred; allow up to 24 hours for response.

• Gradebook: Official grades in Home Access Center; Canvas for feedback only.

• Retention of Work: Keep all assignments, handouts, lab reports, and quizzes for the academic year.

Summary Table: Units of Study

Key Chemistry Concepts Preview

• Significant Figures: Used to express precision in measurements. Example: If a measurement is 3.50 g, it has three significant figures.

• Atomic Structure: Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Formula:

• The Mole: A unit for counting particles in chemistry. Formula:

• Stoichiometry: Calculating reactants and products in chemical reactions. Formula:

• Ideal Gas Law: Relates pressure, volume, temperature, and moles of gas. Formula:

• Acids & Bases: pH calculations and strength comparisons. Formula:

• Equilibrium: Dynamic balance in chemical reactions. Formula:

Additional info: The syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, units, grading, and laboratory expectations. Each unit corresponds to foundational topics in General Chemistry, ensuring coverage of essential concepts for college-level study.