Vista High School
Course Expectations
2015-2016
Chemistry AP
Mr. Hondros
christopherhondros@vistausd.org
Telephone Number: 760-726-5611 ext. 71412
School website: http://vhs-vistausd-ca.schoolloop.com/
Class website: mrhondrosclassroom.weebly.com
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES AT VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
Vista High School believes that all students should have the opportunity to enroll in Advanced Placement courses.
Students will be encouraged to work to the highest level of their potential in an encouraging and supportive
environment. Advanced learning is the ultimate goal.
An AP course is considered to be a college-level class that may result in a student earning college credit. Students
must be certain they are ready to meet the challenges of a college curriculum. They must be organized and selfdisciplined, with above average reading and writing skills. Learning is only successful when students are actively
engaged in the process. Therefore, what they achieve will depend on their personal commitment and involvement.
Parents/guardians should be aware that the rigor of an AP course may impact the time and preparation a student
must undertake at home.
After completing the AP course students should be well prepared for the exam that culminates each course. The
culminating assessment for an AP course is the AP Examination. The cost of the exam is $89. Financial assistance
is available. You may contact our AP Coordinator, Michael Pink for more information.
Course Description
This second year course is designed to provide a comprehensive background for those students desiring an in-depth
study of chemical concepts. This course, offered to junior and senior level students, is the equivalent of general
chemistry usually taken in the first year of college. Since this is a college level course, it is very demanding in both
time and effort required. Laboratory work of a quantitative and qualitative nature is used to develop manipulative
skills and reinforce studied concepts. This course will also fulfill one of the science credits required for high school
graduation and college entrance requirements for laboratory science. The amount of work outside of class depends
upon the student and his/her background. That being said, some work outside of class is suggested for the benefit of
the student. Students are also expected to memorize certain chemical symbols, formulas, and constants. Good
scores on the AP Exam may exempt a student from either one or two semesters of college chemistry, depending on
the college.
The Big Ideas
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the following six overarching concepts.
1. The chemical elements are fundamental building materials of matter, and all matter can be understood in
terms of arrangements of atoms. These atoms retain their identity in chemical reactions.
2. Chemical and physical properties of materials can be explained by the structure and the arrangement of
atoms, ions, or molecules and the forces between them.
3. Changes in matter involve the rearrangement and/or reorganization of atoms and/or the transfer of
electrons.
4. Rates of chemical reactions are determined by details of the molecular collisions.
5. The laws of thermodynamics describe the essential role of energy and explain and predict the direction of
changes in matter.
6. Any bond or intermolecular attraction that can be formed can be broken. These two processes are in a
dynamic competition, sensitive to initial conditions and external perturbations.
Textbook/Materials



Chemistry, Seventh Edition by Raymond Chang. Students will be able to check out this text from the
library.
Students will also be responsible for maintaining a laboratory notebook.
Materials that will be helpful to you in your educational experience:
i. Scientific calculator (graphing preferred, but not mandatory and can be checked out at the
library)
ii. 2”- 3” Binder to hold handouts at home, with organizational system
iii. Folder/binder to carry materials for current class purposes
iv. Loose-leaf paper or notebook for notes, homework, etc.
v. Multiple colors of pens, pencils, highlighters
vi. A planner
vii. A laptop or other electronic devise that is internet capable (often available in class)
Controversial Issues
Students will be sharing their opinions and lead class discussions during the year. Some chemistry topics lead to
discussion of current scientific practices that some may find controversial. If a student feels uncomfortable at any
time, they may opt out of the discussion, but will be required to retain the academic knowledge.
Grading Policy
The purpose of grades is to provide effective feedback to students, parents, and the school administration about a
student’s progress towards mastery of the established standards for a particular course or subject. It is important to
note that excessive absences may hinder the knowledge being gained to apply for a practical, real world use.
Classes will be based on a guided-inquiry style, with limited lecture, frequent group work, laboratories, individual
work, and problem solving sessions. Each unit will be between 6 and 8 class days depending on the length of the
unit. The program will be roughly as follows: 3-4 days lecture, 1 or 2 days problems in class and questions, 2 days
for lab and questions, then grading of work and testing. Every assignment is important to maintaining a good
grade. Homework (both electronic and book) will be collected for each unit. Tests will be given in the AP format
to familiarize students with how the test works. Grades will be calculated and posted at least once a week.
Letter grades will be determined as follows:
A
B
C
D
Fail
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
below 60%
Description of Graded Assignments
Graded assignments include homework, laboratory reports, quizzes, group and individual projects, and tests. A
short description of each item follows.
1. Homework- Homework will be assigned at the end of the previous unit. It will include a reading
assignment to prepare you for the next lecture and your homework for the upcoming unit. This will allow
students to better plan their own schedules. Progress stamps will be given.
2. Laboratories- Labs are a potential gold mine! Showing your college
professor your lab book may actually let you skip the first semester of
chemistry lab in college. There will be virtual and hands on labs. Each lab
will be graded for lab techniques, analysis, and error. All labs will be turned
in two class periods following the completion of the lab. The specific method
of writing the lab report will be on a separate handout.
3. Quizzes- Quizzes will be the primary means of assessing student progress on
a regular basis. They will be short (20 min) and to the point. Notes will
generally not be allowed. They will cover what has been discussed since the last quiz or what should be
prepared for that class day. They will be given on each Tuesday (at the very beginning of class) that the
class meets, unless it is a test day.
4. On-line work- In keeping with new and innovative styles of learning, some work will be done on the
computer and online. On these days laptops will be available for check-out.
5. Projects- Periodically, you will be required to do a project (group or individual). At these times, how you
will be graded will be discussed. It is guaranteed that one part of your grade will be based on group
cooperation and how much you helped the group/class attain its goal. This is a class that will be working
closely together to help each other better themselves. Be prepared to contribute. Every project will have
individual components as well.
6. Tests- Because students are preparing for the AP Exam, they will need practice. There will be two tests per
quarter and a semester exam that will be given in the AP format over the information discussed to date.
The test will have multiple choice, mathematics, and essay questions to answer. It is recommended that
students review material nightly to keep everything fresh. Test topics will be discussed as each test
approaches. Students will only be allowed to use what they would be given on the AP exam- periodic table,
equation sheets, and calculators.
7. Makeup Quiz/Test – There will not be bonus points in the class, however students will have the
opportunity to makeup quiz and tests scores. Makeups will be in the form of either a written portion or a
discussion portion.
Computer Use
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
The VHS has a student WIFI system which extends throughout the school campus. Students will be able to
use their own laptops and net books during class, at lunch, as well as before and after school. They will
learn how to use Google Apps and other internet based resources to store files, manage their portfolio, and
collaborate electronically. An emphasis will be placed on the appropriate use of technology. At times,
laptops will be available to check out.
Technology will be used to enhance the collection and manipulation of data in the chemistry lab. Students
will also be given assignments that are technology based. Each student is responsible for signing and
abiding by the Acceptable Use Policy of the Vista Unified School District and VHS. Students will be
considered participating in academic dishonesty if any materials are plagiarized from an Internet source.
Therefore, all materials must be cited appropriately at all times for all assignments.
Make-Up/ Late Work Procedures

All assignments are due at the beginning of the period on the established due date. Partial
credit will be given for incomplete work that is turned in on the due date (better to get
some points than none). When doing group work, be sure all members of the group
have copies of all parts of the project, just in case.
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
After any absence, a secondary student is required to initiate contact with the teacher to obtain appropriate
makeup work within three school days immediately following the absence. Once contact has been made
with the teacher, specific makeup work must be completed and returned within a reasonable length of time,
to be determined by the teacher and communicated to the student/parent or legal guardian. The makeup
work must be returned to the teacher by the specified due date if it is to be acknowledged. Students shall be
allowed a minimum of three days to complete makeup work. Graded assignments turned in beyond the
three days for makeup work is considered late work.
Late work will be accepted one class period late for half credit. However, assignments that were given
before a students’ absence will be due the day the student returns. If you miss 1 or 2 class days before a
test/quiz, you will still be required to take the test on the required day. Test/Quiz makeups will be
different from the original test or quiz, unless prearranged, or for an excused absence. Quizzes and tests
can be made up until Friday (whether class meets or not) of the week they were given.
Citizenship Policy
The following rubric will be used as a general guideline to determine student citizenship grade:
CATEGORY
Engagement
Preparation
Behavior
Outstanding
Satisfactory
Needs Improvement
Unsatisfactory
Consistently involved
in class activities;
contributes to overall
learning process;
collaborates with
others and/or the
teacher.
Consistently prepared
with materials; work is
on time and may go
beyond expectations.
Engages in class
activities, but may
have to be
encouraged; works
with others or groups,
but may not initiate
collaboration.
Student has materials
and submits work in a
timely fashion and as
expected.
Does not engage in
class activities; rarely
demonstrates initiative
and may occasionally
disengage from class.
Not involved in class
activities. Adamant
refusal to work.
Consistently unprepared
for class. Does not
submit work on time or
at all.
Consistently respectful
of both classmates and
adults; takes
responsibility for
individual actions;
consistently complies
with school and
classroom rules.
Respectful to both
peers and adults.
Occasionally accepts
personal
responsibility. Mostly
complies with school
and classroom rules.
Student may have had
multiple instances of
being unprepared, late
work, or not completed
as requested.
Disruptive to others.
Argumentative and
defensive when
disciplined. Disregard
for school or class
rules.
Consistent disrespect to
classmates or adults.
Regularly disruptive to
learning process and
violation of school or
class rules.
Plagiarism / Academic
Dishonesty
Student citizenship grades are reported as follows:
O
=
Outstanding
S
=
Satisfactory citizenship
N
=
Needs Improvement
U
=
Unsatisfactory citizenship
Behavior Expectations
It is a goal of Vista High School to create a college-like atmosphere where students, staff, teachers, and
administration interact in a collaborative, professional, and responsible manner. Behavior is important in
the classroom and values like trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring and citizenship
are character traits we should all strive for on an everyday basis.
Basic behavioral guidelines include:
 Students should be respectful when the anyone is presenting material to the class.
 Students should be collaborative and not destructive with another student’s learning.
 Students should engage in behaviors that are in their best interest, the best interest of others, or in
the best interest of Vista High School.
 The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) regarding the use of technology should be followed at all times.
 Depending on the severity of the infraction, consequences may include verbal warning, parent
contact, afterschool detention and/or assistant principal’s referral.
Tardy Policy
A school-wide tardy policy will be enforced at VHS. Students who are tardy to class will be subject to the
discipline appropriate for the circumstance and the number of times tardy (as stipulated by the school’s
tardy policy).
Important items to note include:
 Students arriving to class after the tardy bell without a pass will be marked late.

If the student is more than 30 minutes late to any class period, the student will be marked tardy. If
the student is late due to a medical appointment, the parent/guardian must provide documentation
to the attendance clerk when the student arrives on campus.
Additional Class Rules
1. Food/Drink- No food or drink, except water, will be allowed in the classroom, unless it is part of
a class project. Gum IS a food. If you have special dietary needs (ex: diabetic, peanut allergies),
please let me know so we can work through this.
2. Hall Passes- It is understood that life’s necessities sometimes call during class time. If you need
to step out, please use the designated Bathroom Pass and inform the instructor before you do so.
3. Laboratories- These activities will be as safe as possible, yet still enjoyable for students. If a
student cannot participate appropriately, he/she will be given an alternate assignment.
4. Academic Integrity- It is expected that students will work together. However, all students
involved in outright copying, plagiarizing, or cheating of any kind will receive a zero on the
assignment. In addition, students may face additional consequences based on the severity of the
incident. Please see academic honor code for further clarification.
Office Hours
I will almost always be available before and after school for make-up work and
tutoring. Generally, my hours will be 6:45 am – 3:00 pm in room G12. Special
appointments may be scheduled on an individual basis. Please do not wait until
the last minute.
Modifications to Course Expectations
This course expectancy is subject to change. Students will receive an addendum to these course expectancies if the
instructor deems it necessary to make any modifications during the school year.
Vista High School
Course Expectations Agreement
2015-2016
AP Chemistry
Mr. Hondros
Student Name: (print) ______________________________ ID Number: ____________
Having read the Course Expectations for AP Chemistry, my signature indicates that I understand the
policies that are outlined and explained in the Course Expectations, especially the following policies:
1. AP Exams cost $89 per test
2. Successful completion of the AP course requires intensive study and work outside of class.
Después de haber leído las expectativas del curso de química AP, mi firma indica que comprender las
políticas que son descritas y explicadas en las expectativas del curso, especialmente las siguientes
políticas:
1. AP exámenes cuestan $89 por prueba.
2. La superación del curso AP requiere estudio intensivo y trabajo fuera de clase.
The parent/guardian may contact the instructor with questions before signing.
_______________________________________________ Date _________________________
Student’s Signature
_______________________________________________ Date _________________________
Parent’s Signature
“THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO PREPARE FOR IT.” – EMERSON