CVHS 2015-2016
Pre-AP Chemistry
TEACHER: Ms. Katrina Cantrell
E-MAIL: kcantre1@houstonisd.org
I love chemistry and I hope to provide you with a great experience this year so that you will too! Chemistry is a
lab-based course and it will give you an opportunity to learn science by doing experiments. I have a lot of good
stuff to share with you, and I hope that you will share your ideas with me. If you have suggestions or ideas
about incorporating more ways to use our new laptops in the classroom, let me know. We will be using the
HUB as much as possible this year, as well as the new on-line textbook.
TOPICS:
The Laboratory
Chemistry Calculations
Matter & Its Changes
Atomic Theory & Structure
Atomic Models & Periodic Trends
Chemical Bonding
Nomenclature
Electrochemistry
Writing Chemical Reactions
Compound Stoichiometry
Reaction Stoichiometry
Gas Laws
Solutions
Acids & Bases
Thermochemistry & Nuclear Chemistry
Kinetics & Equilibrium
The study of chemistry requires some memorization. For example, element symbols and polyatomic ions must
be memorized so that chemical formulas and reactions can be written. We will begin working on this at the
beginning of the year, and will continue throughout the course. Many of our topics require the use of math,
some of which should be done without a calculator. Other topics will require a calculator, although not
necessarily a graphing one. Either way, the emphasis is on the problem-solving method and effective written
and verbal communication. The topics are arranged sequentially and build upon each other. As the course
progresses, previous skills will be refreshed and used to connect to new ideas.
SUPPLIES:
Please bring the following every day!
1. Scientific calculator- Bring a scientific calculator or a graphing calculator. There are several units of
study which require daily use of a calculator. If you need to borrow a calculator, you may check one
out by giving me your student ID, which will be returned to you upon return of the calculator.
2. Writing utensils and paper- homework and calculations must be done in pencil, with erasures done
neatly. Number 2 pencils will be needed for tests.
3. 3-Ring Chemistry binder - It is your responsibility to keep up with your notes and other handouts. A
binder dedicated to Pre-AP Chemistry is required. There will be notebook checks on test days to
make sure that you are keeping up with warm-ups, notes, and handouts.
4. Closed-toe shoes on lab days- If you do not have closed-toe shoes on lab day you will not be allowed
to participate. This is an important safety rule.
GRADING:
Student grades will be determined by the following method:
40% Test and Projects
20% Quizzes
20% Homework
20% Labs
CVHS RETAKE POLICY:
In accordance with Senate Bill 2033 Carnegie Vanguard abides by the following retake policy:
Not to exceed 2 retakes per grading cycle
Maximum retake score is 70, (score of 70 to 100 = 70)
The highest grade between the original and the retake is counted
The student, not the parent, must request the retake in writing by filling out a retake form
Student must request the retake within 24 hours of the grade being posted and complete the retake
within one week of grade posted
Retakes are for in-class assessments, such as quizzes and/or tests only. A reading quiz (reading check) is
an extension of homework and is not eligible for a retake
If there are multiple retakes in the same day, it is the student’s responsibility to reschedule with the
teacher in advance
No shows counts as a taken retake
Final Exams are not eligible
Missing assignments fall under teacher’s late policy not campus retake policy
CALCULATIONS:
All work leading up to the final answer must be shown legibly in order to earn any credit! This policy is
for all work turned in for a grade, including quizzes, tests, labs, and homework. NO WORK, NO
CREDIT!
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Students may not give or receive unauthorized help on tests, homework, or labs the student will receive a zero
on that assignment. This means that all work represented as being your work must be your work. Students will
place all backpacks and cell phones on the back tables during testing. You may NOT photograph or allow
others to photograph your papers with the intention of copying it later. If you are in doubt as to what is allowed
and what is not, please just ask. If you violate these policies, you will receive a zero on that assignment, a
discipline referral according to HISD policy, and your parent or guardian will be contacted. Academic honesty
is a reflection of your personal integrity.
LATE WORK:
Late work is UNACCEPTABLE! Assigned work must be turned in by the due date. Any late
assignments may be turned in by 8:30 am the following school day, for a maximum grade of 70%.
TUTORIALS:
All tutorials will be held during the SSEP period from 8:30 until 9:00 daily. The SSEP pass must be obtained
before school, after class or during lunch for the next SSEP period. Tutorials are also available during lunch or
before school, by appointment.
TARDIES:
Sign in at the front table when you arrive, and be seated. You must be seated and working on the warm-up
when the bell rings or you will be marked tardy. On the fourth tardy you will be assigned Lunch Detention in
my room for the following day. After the fifth tardy you will be referred to the Administration.
ATTENDANCE:
If the student is absent it is their responsibility to gather the assignments that they have missed upon the day of
their return. Check with classmates, the posted calendar and lesson plans, and check the ABSENT box for your
assignments. If you missed an exam or lab, schedule a make-up. Please keep in mind that the format of the
make-up is at the teacher’s discretion. The student must complete and turn in the make-up work in a timely
manner, usually the number of days missed plus one.
CLASS RULES:
Cell phones are not to be seen or heard during class. Put your phone away, in your backpack or bag, and be
sure it is silent. If you need to look something up, you may use your laptop. Computers may be used as long as
whatever you are doing is pertinent to the lesson. You will be given four bathroom passes per grading cycle.
Use them only for emergencies! To use a pass, you fill out the pass with name, date, and time, then bring it to
me. I will sign it, and you are excused to take your pass and go to the restroom/water fountain ONLY. You
must return quietly within five minutes, and without disrupting class. Place the used pass in the designated
basket and return to your seat.
My requirements: be respectful, work hard, help others, be honest, and ask for help when you need it.
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*Please help: Extra credit will be given on the lab safety quiz for a box of facial tissues, one ream of printer
paper or a double roll of paper towels.
A copy of this syllabus is posted on my website for future reference. Please return this completed page to
Ms. Cantrell by Thursday, 8/27/15.
Role of the Parents:
Please contact me at any time to gain information about your child’s progress. Email is the preferred method of
contact: kcantre1@houstonisd.org. Please note the numeral 1(not letter l).
STUDENTS: I have carefully read and understand the rules, procedures, and guidelines for Ms. Cantrell’s
class. I will honor them at all times.
_______________________________
Student Name
_____________________________
Student Signature
___________
Date
________________________________________________
Student’s E-Mail address (please print CLEARLY)
PARENTS: I have carefully read and discussed these guidelines with my child. I understand and support this
syllabus.
_______________________________
Parent Name
________________________________
Parent’s Daytime phone
_____________________________
Parent Signature
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Date