Chemistry 1
Course Syllabus
Pikeville High School Science Department
Ms. Susan Kennon, Instructor
E-Mail:
susan.kennon@pikeville.kyschools.us
Grade Level: 10th-12th
Contact Times: by e-mail or
appointment
Credit: 1 physical science
credit
School Phone: (606) 432-0185
Fees: none
Prerequisite: Algebra II and Introduction to Chemistry and Physics, both with a score of an A, B or C
both semesters
Course Description: Chemistry is a study of the properties and interactions of matter. In this course, we
will build upon the subject matter from Introduction to Chemistry and Physics, studying chemical foundations,
nomenclature, measurements and calculations, chemical composition, chemical reactions, chemical quantities,
energy, modern atomic theory, chemical bonding and gases.
Required Class Materials:
Students are required to bring the following items to class each day:
 Textbook – McDougal Littell World of Chemistry by Zumdahl, Zumdahl and DeCoste
 3-ring binder
 Pencils &
 Loose-leaf notebook paper
 Graph Paper
 Pencils and Pens
Grading Policy:
Assessments will be calculated as 60% and assignments will be calculated as 40% of your nine weeks grade.
In accordance with the Pikeville High School grading scale, each nine weeks will be graded as follows:
93-100
83-92
73-82
63-72
62-0
A
B
C
D
F
In order to be successful in this class, the following should always be practiced:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
READ THE ASSIGNED TEXTS and TAKE NOTES ON WHAT YOU READ. Reading for understanding is
imperative! Skimming, reading the bold print or just searching for answers is not enough. Read everything on every
page assigned. If something is confusing, go back and read it again. If you are still confused, write down your
questions to bring to class and ask the instructor.
TAKE NOTES during lectures and discussions as well as when the instructor is working example problems on the
board. Talking during this time is not only disrespectful, but it prohibits you from learning the material being
presented and also distracts others around you and prohibits them from learning.
COMPLETE ALL CLASSWORK AND HOMEWORK PROBLEMS YOURSELF. This practice and repetition is
what helps you to learn processes and concepts as well as cements your ability to work the problems on your own.
Even if you think you have a good handle on it after the lecture or after working a problem or two, not all problems
are set up or worded alike and practicing problems with different wording will improve your probability of success
on quizzes and tests.
CONSULT WITH OTHER STUDENTS about how to work problems or about understanding concepts that you find
confusing during the classwork and homework time. This will improve your probability of success on quizzes and
tests.
ALWAYS HELP OTHER STUDENTS who ask you for help during homework and classwork time if you have a
good grasp on the topic. We learn much more by teaching. You will find yourself to grow stronger in your
understanding of the topic when you help someone else.
Grades will be calculated from a variety of sources: tests, quizzes, labs, writings, projects, and classwork and homework.
All classwork and homework assigned during the week will be due the following Monday, or the first day back to school
the following week.
There will be after school help sessions during the course of the year. Students staying for these who are active in giving
and/or receiving help for chemistry class will be awarded bonus points. (The amount of bonus awarded per session is
still to be determined.
Periodically throughout the year, students will be assessed by a comprehensive exam, which is cumulative up to that
point.
No test or quiz retakes will be offered.
Assignments turned in past the due date are subject to a 10% decrease in score per day for each day past the due date for
up to 5 school days. On the 6th school day past the due date, assignments not turned in will be given a score of 0%. For
students with an excused absence on the due date, this will go into effect on the 4th day past the excused absence.
Any student not adhering to appropriate procedures during lab will be required to stop participating in the lab and will be
given a score of 0% for that lab. Lab safety is a top priority.
Students who have an excused absence from school will be expected to be responsible for asking the instructor about
their make-up work and will be expected to turn it in within the 3 days required by school policy.
Students with unexcused absences or suspensions are not allowed credit for their work on those days according to school
policy.
Classroom Rules & Behavioral Expectations:
We will all behave respectfully toward each other at all times. This includes everyone in the building: all students,
faculty and staff members. This includes, but is not limited to, being respectful in speech, physically and toward the
belongings of others. Common courtesy should be followed at all times.
Students are expected to give their best effort every day.
Students are expected to hand in only their own work. Any academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to school
policy.
Cell phones are not to be used in any way in class unless specified by the teacher.
All safety procedures and lab safety dress requirements are to be followed in lab. If students are not dressed
appropriately for lab, for their own safety, they will not be allowed to take part in the lab and as a result may, at the
discretion of the teacher, receive a grade of 0% for the lab. It is highly recommended that students bring an extra pair of
sweatpants and closed shoes to keep in their locker for lab to avoid being excluded from participating.