Madison High School
Course Expectation Sheet
Honors Chemistry
Teacher: Dr. Ladolcetta
E-Mail: ladolcettam@madisonnjps.org
Office Location: Chemical prep room between D21-23
Availability: A, B, & C days ~7:00 am - 7:45 am
Tues-Fri; 2:40 pm – 2:55 pm
Other times: Please ask.
Where can you find me?: G57-58, D21/23 prep room
______________________________________________________________________________
I. Course Description:
Honors Chemistry is a college preparatory science elected by students in the sophomore or the
junior year. The course is designed for students who intend to elect to take Advanced Placement Biology
and/or Advanced Placement Chemistry. The curriculum is centered around the major concepts in
chemistry with an emphasis on quantitative relationships. The goal is to provide students with a firm
understanding of basic chemical principles. In addition, the course attempts to develop critical thinking
skills through problem solving, small group discussion, model building and laboratory experimentation.
II. Course Proficiencies:
The student will be able to:
Gain knowledge and an understanding of chemical principles and facts as they apply to the
behavior and interactions of matter.
Develop skills in the selection and handling of appropriate scientific equipment in the
laboratory.
Understand and follow safety procedures in the laboratory.
Develop skills in collecting, organizing and interpreting scientific data that results from
experimentation.
Develop mathematics skills as a means of expressing quantitative relationships among physical
quantities and as a tool in problem solving.
Gain skill in applying scientific principles to develop appropriate strategies to solve problems.
Gain proficiency in using technology to collect, analyze, interpret, as well as present information
in laboratory investigations.
Learn to work cooperatively in the laboratory and communicate scientific ideas effectively.
Use experiences in chemistry to foster an awareness of possible career choices in science and
related fields.
III. Required Text & Materials:
Davis, Metcalf, Williams, and Castka, Modern Chemistry, Holt Rinehart and Winston, Texas
2002.
IV Classroom Expectations:
Chemistry students must be self-disciplined, and hardworking. They are expected to be attentive
in class and actively participate in completing all assignments and laboratory experiments. Students
must also work safely and responsibly in the laboratory. Since group work in the laboratory is
emphasized, students must have utmost respect for their fellow classmates.
V. Grading Policy:
Grades will be computed using a total points system and will include tests, quizzes, lab reports,
and projects.
Tests and quizzes will make up approximately 2/3 or 66.7% of the marking period grade. There
will be approximately 3 to 4 tests per marking period. Tests will usually cover a given chapter and
consist of problem solving, multiple choice and short answer questions. Both tests and quizzes will be
announced. A sheet listing individual objectives for a given unit will be given out a week before a test.
Laboratory work will account for approximately 1/3 or 33.3% of the marking period grade.
Students must come into the laboratory having read through the lab sheets in preparation of doing the
activity. A written lab report will be required and must be turned in two class periods after completing
the lab exercises.
The final exam is a cumulative assessment for the entire course and accounts for 11.1% of your
final grade.
VI. Late Work & Make-up Policy:
Class attendance is an essential component of this course. Students may fall behind if frequently
tardy to class or absent. Assignments and laboratory work are expected to be handed in a timely
fashion. Make-up work for absence is due a day after the student’s return to class. Assignments turned
in late will result points deducted for each day that passes. A late assignment will not be accepted after
that particular assignment has been graded and returned to the class. It is the responsibility of the
student to obtain notes missed and to make arrangements for laboratory make-up work. In the case of an
extended absence the student is required to make special arrangements with the teacher. If a students
misses the day of a test, the student is expected to make-up the test on the next day that the student is in
school regardless of whether our class meets. Make-up tests will not be given during class.
VII. Class Participation:
Students are expected to actively participate in all class activities, laboratory experiments and
discussions. Class participation is evaluated with the completion all assignments, activity sheets and
laboratory reports.
VIII. Units of Study














Ch. 3: Atoms
Ch. 22: Nuclear Chemistry
Ch. 4: Arrangement of Electrons
Ch. 5: The Periodic Law
Ch. 2: Measurements and Calculations
Ch. 6: Chemical Bonding
Ch. 7: Chemical Names and Formulas
Ch. 8: Chemical Equations and Reactions
Ch. 9: Stoichiometry
Ch. 10: Physical Characteristics of Gases
Ch. 11: Molecular Composition of Gases
Ch. 12: Liquids and Solids
Ch. 13: Solutions
Ch. 17: Reaction Energy and Reaction Kinetics