HONORS CHEMISTRY
CLAYTON HIGH SCHOOL – 2015-2016
INSTRUCTOR -- MR. BRAD KRONE (bradkrone@claytonschools.net)
COURSE DESCRIPTION, REQUIREMENTS, EXPECTATIONS, GRADING
I. Course Overview
This course is designed for students who have shown a proficiency in studying science and who have exhibited
interest in and enthusiasm for science. This course is intended to help students realize the important role that
chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives. It will help students use principles of chemistry to
think more intelligently about current issues they will encounter involving science and technology. Hopefully
students will develop a lifelong awareness of the potential and the limitations of science and technology. Topics to
be studied include chemistry laboratory skills, the classification and structure of matter, ratio and proportion of
chemical reactions, physical chemistry, acid-base chemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and
organic chemistry. Critical thinking (the ability to carry out systematic thought processes in making decisions and
solving problems), inquiry (solving problems through scientific investigation) and science ethics are stressed in this
class.
II. Textbooks and Materials Needed
Textbook: Chemistry by Zumdahl - 9TH Edition - © 2014
A) A three ring binder with filler paper for use as a classroom notebook. This notebook must be
organized according to specifications you will receive in a future handout.
B) Writing utensils -- pencil and pen (black or blue ink only!!! Seriously!!)
C) Scientific electronic calculator
D) Internet Access – In order to access Online Textbook Rsources
III. Course Outline
The following is a brief outline for this course.
Unit 1 – Introduction to Chemistry and Matter
Matter, Energy, and Change
Measurements and Solving Problems
Unit 2 -- Organization of Matter
Atomic Structure
Arrangement of Electrons in Atoms
The Periodic Law
Chemical Bonding
Organic Chemistry
Unit 3 -- The Language of Chemistry
Chemical Formulas and Compounds
Chemical Equations and Reactions
Stoichiometry
Unit 4 -- Phases of Matter
Physical Characteristics of Gases
Quantitative Description of Gases
Liquids
Solids
Unit 5 -- Kinetics and Equilibrium
Determining Rate Laws
Using Equilibrium Expressions
Unit 6 -- Solutions and Their Behavior
Solutions
Ions in Aqueous Solutions
Acids and Bases
Acid-Base Titration and pH
Unit 7 – Electrochemistry
Balancing Oxidation-Reduction
Reactions
Determining Cell Potential
Unit 8 -- Nuclear Reactions
Nuclear Structure and Radioactivity
IV. Grading
A. Grading Scale: Each student's semester grade will be determined according to the following
grading scale.
A+: 97%-100%
A: 93%-96%
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%
These grades will be based on scores received on homework, lab reports, projects, quizzes, tests, and
the final exam.
B. Description of Grading Procedures:
1. Grade Opportunities
Formative Evaluations: All chapter homework will be due on the assigned due date. Each
student should maintain a calendar in order to keep up with assignment due dates.
Homework will be graded for completeness and accuracy, but keep in mind that the
purpose of homework and other similar assignments is to practice as you prepare for the
major evaluation (test). These assignments as well as an end of the semester notebook
check will constitute approximately 10% of each student's semester grade.
Major Evaluations: An exam will be given at the end of each unit (about 100 points).
Quizzes, both announced and unannounced, will be given periodically. Each semester will
conclude with a cumulative final exam. These quizzes and exams will constitute
approximately 65% of each student's semester grade.
Lab Reports: One of the most important aspects of this course is the lab portion of the
course. You will be learn proper lab report format and will use this format to write your
own lab reportson your own paper (word processed or hand written is acceptable). You
reports will be graded for format, organization, accuracy, and neatness. Lab reports will
constitute approximately 25% of each student’s semester grade.
2. Late Work: There will certainly be occasions when students are not able to hand in a particular
assignment on the designated due date. Therefore I have developed the following plan for
accepting late work. For each day an assignment is late you will lose 10% of the assignment's total
point value, up to a maximum of 5 days at which time the maximum value for the assignment will
be 50% of its original point total. After 5 days, the assignment will no longer be accepted except
by special arrangements with me. (Grading example: Suzie turns in a 15 point lab 2 days late.
This means the maximum score she can receive on the lab is a 12/15.)
3. A final note on grading: Please note that all assignments, tests, and lab reports will be graded
not only for completeness and accuracy, but also for spelling, punctuation, grammar, and neatness.
All assignments must be completed in pencil or black/blue ink.
V. Classroom Behavior Expectations
The purpose of school is to receive an education. Anything that interferes with that purpose cannot and will not be
tolerated in this class. The following rules have been drawn up because all students need to know what their
boundaries are, and what the consequences of exceeding those boundaries are. As your instructor, I have the right
and the authority to discipline whenever necessary in a fair, firm, and consistent manner.
A. Classroom Rules
1. Be respectful of yourself, others, and property. I will do the same!
a. Express yourself positively.
b. No cruel teasing or put-downs, no rude noises or gestures, no foul or abusive
language. Respect one another.
c. I will do my best to respect each of you. I fully expect you to respect my position
as your instructor. If you have a problem with a decision I have made,
please approach me before or after class. Do not make a scene.
d. When involved with small group or whole class discussion, pay attention to whoever
has the floor.
e. Follow the teacher's instructions.
f. There are no dumb questions: if you have a genuine question, ask me!
g. Do your best to maintain a positive attitude and a sense of humor.
h. Students who choose to detract from the learning environment of others will be
addressed swiftly. We all must respect each person’s right to learn!
2. Make every effort to be in class on time, and to be involved everyday.
a. Bring required materials to class everyday: notebook, textbook, calculator,
pencil, and pen.
b. Work hard from the start to finish of each class.
c. You are dismissed from class only when I have dismissed you. Never ask if you can
leave class early!
d. You have 4 "free" tardies / bathroom breaks each quarter, to use at your
discretion. Each excess tardy / bathroom break will result in an after school
detention. Note: Coming to class early and placing your book bag on your desk
so that you can run to the bathroom, does not excuse your tardiness.
e. No make-up work will be given for unexcused absences. Each unexcused absence will
result in an after school detention
3. Be safe and healthy.
a. Follow the teacher's instructions while in the laboratory. Ignoring the teacher's
guidelines can result in injury to yourself or others.
b. Eat healthy foods, and get enough sleep. Do not try to catch up on your sleep in
this class. Sleeping in class will not be tolerated. In my class you may feel
free to drink bottled water, but no food please!
4.
Sharpening Pencils: NEVER GET UP WHILE MR. KRONE IS TALKING!
5. Trash: NEVER GET UP WHILE MR. KRONE IS TALKING! NEVER PLAY TRASHKETBALL
WHILE MR. KRONE IS TALKING!
6. NO cell phones, iPods, or other portable electronic devices in class!!!!!
a. Cell phones must be put away in a backpack or purse and out of site throughout the
class period. They must also either be turned off or on silent mode during class.
b. If there are circumstances or situations in which you will be expecting a very
important call, please let me know and we will work something out.
c. NO iPods are allowed in the classroom! Put them away and out of sight before coming
to class! Do not walk into the classroom with headphones in your ears or even on
your neck. Put them away before you enter the classroom!
7. Nurse’s passes: SEE ME IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL, AND I WILL GIVE YOU A
PASS TO THE NURSE. Please do not abuse this privilege.
B. Assertive Discipline Plan -- If a student chooses to break a classroom rule:
Step 1 (first violation):
warning (written or verbal)
Step 2 (second violation):
detention, parents contacted,
Step 3 (third violation)
referral to principal's office,
parent conference
Step 4 (fourth and repeated violations)
removal from class
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I have read and understand the above Chemistry course description and expectations.
Student's Name______________________________
Signed_______________________
STUDENT
Period_________
__________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN
If student/parent/guardian would like to receive class work reminders via email, then please write all
pertinent email addresses in the space below, and you will be added to Mr. Krone’s email list.