Honors
Chemistry
Derric Johnson
johnsonsouth@gmail.com
or
derric.johnson@mpls.k12.mn.us
The content for the course includes the
following:
Unit 1 - Introduction

Preview: the nature of chemistry

Math concepts & skills: SI units &
Conversions

Avogadro’s number molar
quantification
Unit 2 – Matter &Interactions
•
Pure substance?
•
Physical vs. chemical change
Unit 3 – The Atom

Atomic theory

Periodic table
Unit 4 - Bonding

Chemical bonding

IUPAC compound nomenclature
Unit 5 - Chemical reactions

Types of Reactions

Stoichiometry
Unit 6 – Gases

Gas laws

Gas stoichiometry
Unit 7 – Solutions

Solutions

Acids Bases and Salts
Unit 8 – Rates & Equilibrium

Reaction rates

Equilibrium
Unit 9 – Types of reactions

Thermochemistry

Oxidation/reduction reactions
Unit 10 – Chemistry of life

Hydrocarbons

Functional groups
Course Description
This is an accelerated two-semester sequential course taught from a traditional sequencing
and from many (read: only) supplemental materials. The goal of the course is to develop
an understanding of how matter interacts in the world around you. You will develop
mathematical problem-solving techniques and critical thinking skills to solve scientific and
technological problems using chemistry.
Class time will be spent with lectures, demonstrations, individual and group problem
solving, goal oriented activities, laboratories, tests, and quizzes. This course meets
national, state, and district standards for chemistry.
Materials Required
Text-You will have access to the online 2008 edition Chemistry at www.pearsonsuccess.net
as well as other online texts (thechembook.com). We have a class set of texts that will be
used only in class. There are five copies in the library of the text for you to check out. You
may also check out an older edition to keep at home if you would like.
Standard Notebook-You will need a notebook for notes and homework. All work turned
in should be done in blue/black ink or pencil.
Calculator-You will need a scientific calculator for this course. You will be allowed to use
your own calculator for most tests and quizzes. A Cell Phone Calculator Is Not Enough.
Keys To Success
Ultimately, you are responsible for you own learning. Help yourself by paying attention to
the following details:
1.
Give a consistent and persistent effort – This includes, both what you are asked to do
in class and what you choose to study outside of it. Be aware of the sneaky
assignments, for example the work that we started in class and that will need to be
completed at home.
2.
Regular Attendance Is Vital To Your Success - Arrive to class on time. Class starts
before the final bell rings. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out
what you missed and to make up assignments. No work will be accepted for
grading after one week.
3.
Be Prepared! - Come to class prepared with the required materials. Come with
thoughtful questions about the homework. Read ahead if you can…
4.
Safety first - In a large class, it is easy to step on each other’s toes, both literally and
physically. Your actions can really have a life changing result in this class. The
general rule of thumb is to ask rather than assume.
5.
You can do it, but two makes it better – If you try to do this on your own, wow! For
the rest of us, getting help from others is a fundamental ingredient in our learning.
Before school, after school… we will do it.
Chemistry Labs
The chemistry lab is essential to the course. We usually do one or two labs for every
chapter covered. The lab write-up and grading procedure for labs will be covered in class.
Lab safety is crucial and will be given the top priority.
If a student is misbehaving in lab, disregarding the procedure, or endangering themselves
or others, I will not hesitate to remove that student from the lab area. Abusing lab
equipment will also result in the loss of lab privileges.
Getting Connected
Fortunately we live in a highly connected world. You will have access in ways
that are unique.

Textbook - https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/ You will be given a
sign in and password in class.
http://www.thechembook.com
Additional Resources - http://moodle.mpls.k12.mn.us/classroom/
Class information and resources for Honors Chemistry. We will also be
using this site for some assignments and online quizzes.
Grades - https://cfs.mpls.k12.mn.us/



Policies –
Be Nice
The grade scale
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
93%
90%
87%
83%
80%
77%
73%
70%
67%
D
63%
Participation -You are expected to take an active role in class. You will earn
participation points by being on time to class, participation in class
discussions, presenting solutions to problems.
Distractions - Prohibited electronic devices are not permitted during class
time. There is a new policy regarding cell phones and iPods at SHS. Read it.
Honesty - You are responsible for you own learning. If you are caught
cheating or plagiarizing, you and the person you are copying from will
receive a zero on the assignment. It is preferable that you get help in
understanding how to do an assignment or a specific problem.
Grading


50% Tests - Tests will be given after 1 or 2 chapters. All tests will be
open journal tests – the students may use the information in their
own journal during the test.
25% Journals – The journal will be used primarily to report lab
results, to take class notes and to respond to discussion questions.
25% Student Work – This includes assignments that are assigned as
homework and/or class work as well as a participation grade.
MATH SKILLS
Chemistry is where you often find out that there is a large difference between
passing Algebra and actually learning algebra. If you passed Algebra but did not
retain any of the techniques you learned in the course, you will have a difficult
time with Honors Chemistry.
We will be doing problems like the following.
Problem: How many grams of iron (III) oxide can be made from 12.4 g of iron
metal?
Solution:
4Fe
+
3O2

2Fe2O3
12.4 g Fe x (1 mol Fe) x (2 moles Fe2O3) x (159.69 g Fe2O3)
(55.8 g Fe)
(4 moles Fe)
(1 mole Fe2O3)
=17.73 g Fe2O3
The chemistry part is learning HOW to set up these problems and why we set
them up this way; after that, it’s all algebra.