Grady High School
2015-2016 COURSE SYLLABUS
Honors Chemistry
Teacher: Jormell Cofield, Ed.D
Phone Number: 404-802-3001
Room Number: C-413
Email: jbcofield@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Semester: Fall 2015
Tutorial Days: Monday
Textbook: Chemistry: Matter and Change
Tutorial Hours: 3:30-4:30 pm
Website: Quia.com (registration required)
Tutorial Location: C-413
Course Description:
Chemistry is the study of matter and its interactions. In this course, students will become
familiar with the atomic structure, periodic properties of matter, chemical bonding, molecular
geometry of organic and inorganic molecules, states of matter, stoichiometry, and properties of
solutions. Students will further their problem solving and laboratory skills in classwork,
homework, laboratory, group collaboration, and a science fair project.
Content Standards
All standards followed throughout this course are provided by Common Core Georgia Performance
Standards and is available on the Georgia Department of Education web-site. Once you have reached the
homepage, click on the Learning and Curriculum Tab and then GeorgiaStandards.org.
.
In addition to the Georgia content standards for Honors Chemistry, this course will also follow the
Georgia Program Standards for Gifted and High Ability Learners as outlined by the GA DOE Board
Rule 160-4-2-.38 and listed below.
 Advanced Communication Skills: Learners will engage in diverse and authentic learning
experiences which will allow them to develop and apply innovative oral, written, visual, and
nonverbal communication skills across disciplines.
 Advanced Research Skills: Learners will gather, decipher, and deter mine credibility of
information from a variety of sources and integrate information through analysis of content.
 Creative Thinking & Problem Solving: Learners will insightfully evaluate a variety of problems
and arrive at innovative conclusions.
 Higher Order & Critical Thinking Skills: Learners will analytically critique a system or set of
complex ideas, utilizing logic and reasoning skills in novel ways, to create and/or modify
knowledge.
Complete Course Outline:
Classifications of Matter
Atomic Theory/Configuration
Periodicity
Bonding/Nomenclature
Chemical Reactions
Law of Conservation of Matter
Empirical/Molecular Formulas
Stoichiometry
Kinetic Molecular Theory/Phase
Changes
Gas Laws
Solutions/Concentrations
Acid/Base Chemistry
Characteristics of Science
Records investigations clearly and accurately
Uses scientific tools
Interprets graphs, tables, and charts
Writes clearly
Uses proper units
Organizes data into graphs, tables, and charts
Uses models
Asks quality questions
Uses technology
Uses safety techniques
Analyzes scientific data via calculations and inferences
Recognizes the importance of explaining data with precision and accuracy
Evaluation and Grading:
Course Components
Exams
Labs/Projects
Quizzes
Classwork/Homework
Final Exam
TOTAL
Weights
30%
30%
10%
15%
15%
100%
Grading Scale
100-90
A
89-80
B
79-70
C
69-0
F
Not Evaluated
NE
Campus Portal for Parents and Guardians: Visit - https://ic.apsk12.org/portal to view
class schedules, attendance records and grades. To activate your account, visit the school to
receive your login (activation key).
Required Materials:
1. Notebook Paper
2. Black pens & Pencils
3. 5 dividers
4. 1 ½ inch Three-ring binder
5. Scientific Calculator
Classroom Expectations:
o Follow all student handbook policies.
o Be seated, quiet, and ready to work when the bell rings.
o Follow directions the first time given---Laboratory procedures, daily work, and all safety
rules must be adhered to, or grade points will be deducted.
o Follow all written and oral directions.
o Arrive to class on time with the appropriate materials and supplies.
o Do not leave assigned seat and do not interfere with instruction time.
o Be respectful at all times.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: It is important that students are responsible and meet established
due dates for assignments. Late is defined as anytime work is submitted after the assignment
has already been collected by the teacher. Any assignment turned in after the assignment’s
due date is considered late. All late assignments will have 50% of the credit otherwise
earned deducted for late assignments.
MAKE-UP AND MISSING ASSIGNMENTS: Students with an excused absence will be
expected to submit missed work on or before the third class meeting after the absence. Preannounced assignments are due upon return to school.
School-wide Expectations:
MASTERY LEARNING: With mastery learning, a unit of material is taught, and student
understanding is evaluated before students are able to move on to the next unit. Students
who have not shown mastery for a particular unit will receive feedback and support in
reaching mastery. They may be given practice exercises, study guides, group work or
complementary resources to help them improve and achieve mastery. Students who
demonstrate mastery of the content for a particular unit are given enrichment exercises like
special projects, tasks or academic games to further or broaden their knowledge of the
material.
DEFICIENCY REPORTS: Parents and guardians are informed when students are making
unsatisfactory progress in classes. Poor performance will be reported to parents and
guardians as soon as problems are evident. Deficiency reports with plans for remediation
will be provided for all students making unsatisfactory progress, and parent-guardians
conferences must be scheduled. Unsatisfactory grades should never come as a surprise to
parents, guardians, or students. Also, see Board Policy Administrative Regulation IHA-R(1)
under “Students in danger of not meeting academic expectations” for further information.
Teachers will:
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Contact parents/guardians early in the semester if academic, attendance, or
behavioral difficulties are apparent.
Notify the counselor, Student Support Team (SST)/Response To Intervention(RTI)
Chair, and/or an Assistant Principal of serious problems that are affecting classroom
performance.
Set up parent conferences as necessary.
ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY: Students wanting to participate in athletic programs governed by
the GHSA and extracurricular activities must meet eligibility requirements to participate.
The Athletic Director (and the Extracurricular Activities sponsors) will collaborate with
teachers to monitor and to identify students in danger of failing courses. A master list of
students participating in extracurricular activities and athletics under the auspices of the
GHSA will be available to all staff.
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Student Signature
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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Date
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Date