Honors Chemistry Two Course Syllabus
 COURSE GOALS:
o This course is designed to build upon the core concepts taught in chemistry one.
In conjunction with content knowledge, problem solving skills and scientific
thinking will be emphasized.
o The outline and pacing of the class will follow that of General Chemistry 0110
from the University of Pittsburgh. Their syllabus reads as follows: “This is the
first half of a two-term introduction to general chemistry. Topics covered include
stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, and states of matter. Problem
solving and laboratory experiences are a functional part of this course.”
o Students wishing to earn four college credits may enroll in the “College in High
School” program offered through the University of Pittsburgh. This commitment
requires students to travel to Pittsburgh three times throughout the year to
complete labs and a final exam. ALL students will take the university exams!
 EXPECTATIONS:
o The student will attend and actively participate in class (absences should be kept
to a minimum)!
o If a student is to miss a class, they are responsible for obtaining all assignments
prior to the absence. All due dates will stand for scheduled absences (turn in
projects, papers, worksheets BEFORE leaving for a field trip, college visit,
sporting event, etc). If class is missed unexpectedly (family emergency and
sickness) a student will be given a number of days equal to their absence to turn in
the assignment. For example, homework assigned during a one day absence will
be due one day after your return. When in doubt ask! Work turned in even one
day late will begin at half credit.
o Students are responsible for their own learning, which means taking the time
outside the class to review and practice even when specific assignments are not
given. A teacher is responsible for making knowledge accessible, but only a
student who wants to learn will be able to use that knowledge in unique situations.
o The teacher will provide notes/overheads/diagrams to aide all types of learners in
the acquisition of knowledge.
o The teacher will be available for extra help, if scheduled in advance. There are
many times during the day when these tutoring sessions can be scheduled. Please
talk with me about eating lunch together, working before or after school, or
meeting during your study halls. I AM HERE TO HELP YOU!
o The teacher will provide labs to enhance the student’s education.
o The teacher will provide rubrics or specific written instructions for any projects.
 REQUIRED MATERIALS:
o Textbook: Students will be given the responsibility of two textbooks. The first
book is to be taken home and left at home unless otherwise directed. This
resource should used to complete homework assignments and prepare for
evaluations. The second book will be used in class and must be left in class
unless otherwise directed. Students should be vigilant about using the book
assigned to them, as they will be held responsible if the book goes missing or is
damaged at the end of the year
o Media Guide: In addition to the textbook, each student has the opportunity to use
a CD media guide. This component is considered to be part of the book and is the
property of Hollidaysburg High School. Students can use the CD to gain
additional practice and tutorials on difficult material. I highly encourage students
to spend some time at home exploring the resources available through the media
guide.
o In addition students are expected to bring a pencil and paper to class daily. I
strongly suggest a three-ring binder to neatly store homework, labs, exams, etc.
Notebooks are less desirable, because I often ask for class work or problem sets to
be handed in.
o Each student must have a scientific calculator or graphing calculator. If you do
not have a calculator please see me to “rent” one for the year. Bring this
calculator to class daily!
 OUTLINE:
o Marking Period 1: Introduction and Background, Atomic Theory, Chemical
Reactions, and Chemical Calculations.
o Marking Period 2: Chemical Calculations, Gases and Kinetic Theory,
Thermochemistry, and Electronic Structure
o Marking Period 3: Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table, Chemical
Bonding, Relationship between Phases, and Acids and Bases
o Marking Period 4: Acids and Bases and Chemical Equilibrium
o Major Exams: October, January, March, and May (specific dates TBA by your
college professor, Dr. Golde)
o Each of the 11 major categories shown above will include at least one lab or
project to reinforce material in a hands on way.
 EVALUATIONS:
o Tests/Quizzes: Tests or Quizzes are a written or spoken evaluation of your ability
to retain and explain information discussed in class. Written tests/quizzes may
include multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essay, or fill in the blank
questions. Oral test/quizzes will require you to explain or discuss topics with me
one-on-one or in small groups.
 I reserve the right to administer pop quizzes as necessary.
o Labs: Grades from the lab will be based not only on follow up questions but also
on your behavior and ability to read or follow directions that are given in class or
written on lab hand-outs.
o Practicals: Practicals are an assessment of your ability to perform subject related
tasks.
 For example: After learning to titrate, I will evaluate your ability to
dispense one drop from a standard buret.
 Practicals can happen during any laboratory exercise. They may or may
not be announced ahead of time. Be sure to ask questions about
techniques or instructions before beginning the lab. Once you begin it is
assumed that you have no further questions about the procedures.
o Projects: Assignments will encourage students to use creative and artistic skills.
o Homework: Assignments will be given on a regular basis. Problem sets for each
chapter will be collected and randomly checked for accuracy. Occasionally
homework will be collected without prior warning.
o In-Class Assignments: This category contains a wide variety of activities.
Examples of these activities include warm-up problems, worksheets, or class
discussions.
 GENERAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
o My emphasis falls to one main idea, RESPECT. When you respect yourself,
others, and me there is no need for a lengthy list of do’s and don’ts.
 ACADEMIC HONESTY
o When you are completing assignments make sure the work is entirely your own.
Formal citations are not necessary for most assignments, but remember to give
credit where credit is due (according to, as said by, etc). Changing numbers in
lab, copying homework/labs, cheating on a test, or in any way representing
someone else’s work as your own constitutes academic dishonesty. Penalties for
such behavior will be determined on an individual basis.