Kalamazoo Public Schools

Honors Chemistry Syllabus

Kalamazoo Central High School
2016-2017
Honors Chemistry A
Kari Luckett
269.337.0330 x479
luckettka@kalamazoopublicschools.net
luckettka@gmail.com
website: kcapchemistry.weebly.com
Course Description: This rigorous, accelerated course is designed for students
who plan to attend a four-year college institution in pursuit of a career in science.
This course provides a college introductory experience that requires the application
and synthesis of scientific concepts, relying heavily upon students strong
mathematical background. Topics include states of matter, dimensional analysis
atomic structure, periodic table, and bonding.

Prerequisites: Biology A & B and Algebra II (can be taken concurrently)

1 trimester (12 weeks) = 0.5 Academic Credit

Course Objective or Core Concepts The focus will be on both mastery of

scientific content and the development of essential academic skills.
In terms of scientific content, students will master the following priority standards.
Describe and attribute the properties of the different states of matter in terms of and
to the arrangement and motion of particles.
Relate the properties of substances to the physical and chemical changes they
undergo.
Explain through calculations various gas laws.
Describe the structure of atoms in terms of the number and properties of their
fundamental particles.
Identify and signify isotopes by name and symbol and calculate their average atomic
mass.
Write the complete electron configuration of elements in the first four rows of the
periodic table.
Use the periodic table to identify the type of the elements.
Use the periodic table to identify the physical and chemical properties of the
elements and their ions.
Compare the relative melting point, electrical and thermal conductivity and hardness
for ionic, metallic, and covalent compounds.
Determine bond angles and shapes of various compounds using the VSEPR theory.
Predict the formula given the name (if time)
Predict the name given the formula (if time)

In terms of essential academic skills, students will ..

homework in the form of instructed practice and independent research is
turned in on time and completed in a conscientious manner.

organize, reflect and analyze their work and their instruction individually
and in groups, by producing an organized product, and through peer review
and open discussion.

Textbook Title and Additional Materials:

Wilbraham, Staley, Matta, Waterman. (2008). Prentice Hall Chemistry. New Jersey:
Pearson Education, Inc.
***A scientific calculator is recommended for this course. Based on
availability one can be provided for in class work.
Course Outline This course includes five measurement topics. These are intended
to develop a students ability to answer essential content area questions related to
Chemistry.

Properties of Substances (Particles in Motion) Chapter 2, 13, 14

Scientific Measurement Chapter 3
Structure of Atoms Chapter 4
Periodic Table and Ions Chapter 5, 6 and 7
Bonding Chapter 8
Nomenclature (if time) Chapter 9
Scientific Organization (embedded throughout trimester)

Each unit of study includes the same core components, including..

Academic and content vocabulary development

John Collins writing (including types I - III)
Lecture and note-taking
Scientific Inquiry including labs, projects and other hands on activities
Regularly scheduled homework
Ongoing assessment in the form of quizzes or tests
STEM laboratory activities
Binder Check

Evaluation/Grading Criteria: This course has a standards based grading scale

established by the district with the following weighted categories. All work will be
assessed on a 100 point scale.

Assignments/Course Work 20%

Homework 20%
Quizzes 20%
Tests/Projects/Performance Assessments 40%
The semester work will account for 80% of the total grade.

Common Growth Assessment 20%

Grading Scale:

A= 93-100

A-= 90-92

B+= 87-89

B= 83-86

B-= 80-82

C+= 77-79

C= 73-76

C-+ 70-72

D+= 67-69

D= 63-66

D-= 60-62

F= 0-59

X in the gradebook means that a student was excused from an assignment.

Z in the gradebook means that a student received a zero on an assignment.
M in the gradebook means that a student did not turn in an assignment, complete
an activity or was absent.

Classroom Expectations:
In order to create a positive learning environment, we must be PRO.
Be Prepared This means that students will..

Come to class with student id, homework, writing utensil, etc.

Come to class ready to work with others and learn.

Show Respect This means that students will.

Be open and courteous to others ideas, beliefs, and questions.

Use positive, non-offensive language and gestures.

Take Ownership This means that students will..

Be present, arrive on time, and participate.

Maintain an organized science notebook.
Help maintain a clean classroom.
Follow school rules and procedures.

Makeup Procedures: Opportunities will be given to students to make-up tests or

quizzes and to submit missing work when absent. It will be the students
responsibility to contact teachers and make arrangements within a 3 day time
period from the date of returning to school, the sharing of grades or the posting of
grades. When absent, students will have one week past the due date to turn in
missing work for full credit.
Missing Work and Retakes: Students will be allowed to turn in missing work and
take/retake assessments and labs up until two established dates approximately half
way through and at the end of the trimester. Students will be given these dates and
they will be posted with notice. After this date, no late work from that half of the
trimester will be accepted unless notified by Mrs. Luckett (i.e. a quiz falls right
before the deadline).

Homework: Students should expect to have homework every night. However, if

class time is allotted for work and a student does not finish it will be their
responsibility to finish it at home in addition to their homework. The expectation is
that the assignment will be handed in at the beginning of the next class period. On
time homework will receive a grade based on the level of completion. Late
homework will receive a D - and can be handed in as explained above.
Binders: It is the expectation, since organization is part of the science standards,
that all students will have a three ring binder for this class. The binders are due on
the first Friday of the trimester and will be given a homework grade. If a student is
unable to provide their own binder, that student should see Mrs. Luckett on their
own time to have one provided for them. Binder checks will take place at the end of
each unit and will account for a quiz grade.