Welcome to
Pre-AP Chemistry
Teacher: Mr.C.Rajadurai (Mr.Raj)
Email: crajadur@houstonisd.org
School Website:carnegievanguard.com
I am very excited to have you in my class! I plan on making your learning experience in Pre-AP Chemistry be as fun &
enjoyable as possible. At the same time, our curriculum is challenging – so your concentration in class and effort outside
of class will be important in order to be successful!
TOPICS: The objective of our syllabus is to cover all what is required by the HISD chemistry curriculum and to
go beyond to full fill the requirement of Pre-AP Chemistry curriculum in order to prepare you for the challenges
that AP chemistry might offer next year. The topics that would be covered in Pre-AP are as follows:
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 nature of Chemistry requires the student to know certain basic facts that MUST be committed to memory. Problem
solving strategies will be stressed throughout the year and this course also requires the student be able to solve problems
WITH and WITHOUT a calculator. Mathematics is an integral part of this class.
This class is a Pre-AP level class. As such, students will learn skills that will prepare them for success in AP chemistry
class. An integral part of this preparation will be the study of certain topics in depth and the interconnection of these
topics. The amount of homework will not necessarily be more than non-Pre-AP classes; however, it will be of a more
advanced nature.
SUPPLIES:
There are some things that will be important to bring with you every day to class…
1. Scientific Calculator
 Bring with you a simple scientific calculator or a graphing calculator. We have quite a bit of
math involved in Chemistry!
2. Pen and Pencil – Seriously, you’re in school. Bring something to write with.
3. A Binder for Your Notes!!! (Either 1 or 1½ inches)
 It is your responsibility to keep up with your notes and other handouts – if you lose them, you
will need to print out another copy from a classmate.
 A binder dedicated to Pre-AP Chemistry is highly recommended!!! It is to your advantage to
keep all of these notes together… that way, you will not lose any, and you will have them easy
to access when you are studying for all your quizzes and exams!
4. Closed-Toe Shoes on lab days. If you do not have closed-toe shoes on lab day you will receive a zero
for that activity!
5. Class room supply: Each student needs to bring either a roll of paper towel or a bottle of dishwashing
liquid.
Grading:
Student grades will be determined by the following method:
40%
Test and/or Projects
20%
Quizzes
20%
20%
Homework
Labs
CVHS Retake Policy
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Not to exceed 2 retakes per grading cycle
Maximum retake score is 70.
The highest grade between the original and the retake is counted.
The student, not the parent, must request the retake in writing (per teacher procedure in class syllabus)
Student must request the retake within 24 hours and complete the retake within one week of grade posted
Retakes are for quizzes and/or tests only. Student must fill out a retake form.
If there are multiple retakes in the same day, it is the student’s responsibility to reschedule the retake 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
You are bound by the honor code stated in school mission statement. If a student is caught cheating on tests, homework,
or labs the student will receive a zero on that assignment and their parents will be called or e-mailed explaining the
situation. Students will also be referred to the office and will receive a discipline referral according to HISD policy.
I strongly believe that the only way to learn a concept is to do your own work. Occasionally, we all need help. Let's define
the parameters concerning the "help" that is available on homework, class work, and labs:
-from me at any time (I will even tell you if you are working a problem correctly!);
-from each other IF you only talk "process" ("First I found the mass of carbon, then I found....")
Let's define the “help” that is considered cheating:
- sharing of answers;
using a previous student's work;
crib notes on a test or quiz.
Having any mobile device on you
Some colleges will kick you out of school if you cannot be honorable.
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, and will suffer a 30% penalty.
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.
Please make an appointment for before school or lunch tutorials.
Tardiness
Tardiness is not acceptable. The student must be in their seat when the bell rings or they will be considered tardy. If the
student arrives to the classroom after the bell has rung, the student must sign the Tardy Sheet on the table by the door.
On the fourth tardy they will be assigned Lunch Detention in my room for the following day. After the fifth tardy the
student will be referred to the Administration.
Attendance
If the student is absent it is their responsibility to gather the assignments that they have missed on the day of their return.
If they missed an exam or lab, they must schedule a make-up exam. 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 for an excused absence within 3
days or receive a zero for the work missed.
MY CELL PHONE POLICY
“NOT TO BE SEEN AND NOT TO BE HEARD”. Turn off you cell phone and leave it
in your bag pack or handbag before you enter my classroom, definitely not in your
pockets. I am extremely strict about this policy so please abide by it.
Class Rules
I expect my students to abide by four very simple rules in my classroom:
Be Polite, Prepared, Punctual and Productive.
This involves arriving to class on time with all necessary materials, respecting other people (including the teacher) and
their property, and giving their best effort. Any infractions will result in a warning for the first time, a call home to the
parents for the second time, lunch detention for the third time, and a referral to the Assistant Principal after that. Students
will also be expected to follow all school rules and arrive on time to class.
Have a fun-filled and productive school year.
Mr.C.Rajadurai
Pre-AP & AP Chemsitry