Honors Chemistry
Mr. Kenneth Baker
kbaker@dunlapcusd.net
http://dunlapchemistry.wikispaces.com
Chemistry (Honors) is a year-long laboratory course for college bound students who have strong math skills and
a strong interest in science. Major topics in chemistry will be covered with a special emphasis placed on
general chemical principles and chemistry as a quantitative science. Mathematical applications are stressed.
The course is designed to stimulate growth of logic and deductive/inductive reasoning ability. The course
consists of lectures, demonstrations, class discussions and laboratory investigations with emphasis on the latter
as a means to develop observation and interpretation skills.
Textbook: Sarquis & Sarquis (2012). Modern Chemistry. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Co.
Course Outline:
Laboratory safety and procedures
Chapter 1: Matter and Change
Chapter 2: Measurements and Calculations
Chapter 3: Atoms: Building Blocks of Matter
Chapter 4: Arrangement of Electrons in Atoms
Chapter 5: Periodic Law
Chapter 6: Chemical Bonding
Chapter 7: Chemical Formulas & Compounds
Chapter 8: Chemical Equations & Reactions
Chapter 9: Stoichiometry
Chapter 10: States of Matter
Chapter 11: Gases
Chapter 12: Solutions
Chapter 13: Ions in Solution / Colligative Properties
Chapter 14: Acids and Bases
Chapter 15: Acid-Base Titration and pH
Chapter 16: Reaction Energy
Chapter 21: Nuclear Chemistry
Needed materials:
(1) 3-ring binder with dividers and notebook paper; (2) chemistry textbook; (3) pen/pencil; (4) scientific
calculator; (5) closed-toe shoes for lab. Shoes can be left in the lab. Please put your name on them with a
marker.
Classroom Behavior:
Much of expected classroom behavior can be encompassed by the four 'P's: polite, prepared, punctual and
positive. Show courteousness and respect to other students, the teacher, yourself and property. Language is
expected to be in good taste at all times. During class students should follow all instructions, participate fully,
and do their own work. Bring required books and materials to class every day. Be in the room and ready to
work when the bell rings. Do your best. Ask questions. Encourage others. Know you can succeed. Have fun!
Grading:
The school grading scale (honors) is used. Multiple assessments are used, including homework, labs, quizzes,
exams and projects. Grades are weighted according to the following:
A) Exams/Quizzes – 70%. Students are generally given an exam at the end of each chapter. They
are provided with a study guide and review session in class prior to the exam. Students are given
both scheduled and, occasionally, pop quizzes. The majority of the possible extra credit in honors
chemistry is a part of exams and quizzes.
B) Labs – 20%. Most chapters will include at least one lab. Students are generally given two school
days to complete the report after completing the lab procedure.
C) Homework – 10%. Homework will be assigned most days. Assignments are usually due at the
beginning of the hour. Most assignments will be checked for completion. Many will also be
graded for correct answers.
Homework/Lab Reports/Projects:
Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period unless it is specifically stated otherwise. Any
assignments turned in after this that are not make-up work for an excused absence will be considered a late
assignment. Late assignments will be accepted up to one day after the initial due date. Completed late
assignments will receive a maximum score of 50%.
Labs and Other Classroom Activities:
Lab exercises are an important part of science courses. Students should make every effort to be present on lab
days as they are very difficult to make up. Students missing labs or other classroom activities are still
responsible for the content even if the lab/activity is not made up.
Make-up Work:
It is the student's responsibility to make up missed work in a timely fashion per school policy. If a student will
have an extended or preplanned absence, he or she should notify me as early as possible to make arrangements
to obtain/make up work in advance of the absence. (Work may or may not be provided in advance depending
on circumstances.) If it is not possible for students to do work in advance, students will be given a
plan/timetable for completion. Athletic/co-curricular events and school field trips/business are NOT valid
excuses for missing assignments. All assignments must be turned in on time or early in these situations. Plan
ahead for scheduled school activities!
Lesson Plans:
My daily lesson plans for honors chemistry are posted in the front of the room by the door and online at
http://dunlapchemistry.wikispaces.com. You are expected to read these and keep up with readings, assignments
and quiz/test days.
Cheating:
There is no excuse for cheating which includes but is not limited to copying someone else’s homework,
plagiarizing, or using unauthorized “help” on a test or quiz, and any unauthorized use of a cell
phone/Smartphone/tablet/etc. Cheating can result in a grade of zero and notification to the office.
Food and Drink:
There is no eating or drinking allowed in classes or homeroom unless it is part of an activity. Please do not
bring items to class. This includes in-school fundraiser candy sales.
Safety:
Safety is extremely important in a chemistry classroom/lab. It is my number one priority and will pursued
with a strict set of rules. There is no compromise. Students will be expected to wear aprons, goggles and
closed-toe shoes and to observe safety protocol at all times. A safety contract must be signed before students
will be allowed to participate in exercises. No extra items should be brought into the lab area, no horseplay is
allowed, and all students are expected to clean up after lab exercises. All lab equipment must be accounted for
at the end of the lab period. Violating the safety rules will result in a verbal warning, detentions, removal from
the lab and/or loss of lab privileges. Students who must be excluded from lab activities for violating safety rules
will receive a zero for the lab.
Tardies:
Students are to be in the classroom when the bell begins to ring; otherwise, they will be reported as tardy per
school policy.
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Chemistry is an exciting and, at times, demanding subject. There will probably be occasions when your
understanding of material is not coming as easily or quickly as you would like. Please do not sit alone and
continue to struggle. I am available and willing to help students, and expect you to use this resource. Students
may receive extra assistance outside of class at the following times: Before school I am available from about
7:00 to 7:20. If students need to see me earlier, they can make an appointment. At the end of the day I am
available 7th hour or after school by appointment. Please let me know you will be staying after school.
Good luck, work hard and have fun!