Honors Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter. This year, we will be looking at how matter behaves, its structure, properties, and composition, and the changes that matter undergoes under varying conditions. The course will be organized around three main themes:

In science, we make observations and try to explain them. Then, we might use those observations to make predictions about the future or to produce items that we use every day to improve our lives. Overall, though, scientific investigation is just a process for learning more about and evaluating the world around you. It is a process of investigation, evaluation, and problem solving.

Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of particles. But why is it that some things react and some things don’t? We will be examining and measuring energy changes in reactions and looking at how to predict which particles are stable and which would prefer to react.

Maybe you want to be a scientist? Maybe you like exploring the natural world? Or maybe you just want to be an informed citizen? Whatever your interests are, chemistry is a essential part of your life. The shampoo and toothpaste that you use, the medicine that you’ve taken, and the plastic used to make our pens all resulted from chemical investigations. In your life, you will spend a great deal of money on consumer products, and it is valuable to know something about what went into the development of those products. Taking this class will also give you a good foundation in the properties and structure of matter and how matter changes, and I hope this understanding will enrich the way that you view your world. Finally, you will develop problem-solving and hands-on skills that you will take with you to whatever career you chose.

I expect all students to work hard to complete all assignments, to take an active role in class discussions, activities, and laboratories, and to display appropriate behavior at all times. Your effort will be a key determinant of your grade. I expect every member of class to be respectful of others. You each have something to contribute, and I am excited to hear your ideas.

3. Ask for extra help. If at anytime during the year you don’t understand the material that we are going over, talk to me. I would be happy to work individually with you in class or meet with you in the morning before classes begin.

4. Be responsible for missed classes. If you are going to miss a class for a field trip or sports event, get assignments from the website, me, or a classmate. You are either upperclassmen or advanced sophomores, and I really expect you to take the initiative to stay current. Even if you miss a lesson, you will be better off having read and tried out the material so that you do not come to the next class completely clueless! So much of what we will do is cumulative, and if you’ve at least tried the work, I can usually fill in the gaps for you when we go over homework, and you can pick right up with where we are starting that day.

Homework is due at the beginning of class. If it is complete and ready, you get a check (full credit). Otherwise, you may turn it in up until the next class for a check minus (half credit). When we do labs or in-class worksheets, they are to be turned in that period or by the start of the next class. You may turn this type of work in to me no more than one class late for 20% off. If you are absent, you have five days to make up the work (as per the school’s policy). Missed tests must be made up during the next class, unless you make alternative arrangements with me. You do not need to make up labs or quizzes (we do many of these during a term, and they lose their effectiveness after-the-fact). I will keep a list of graded and homework assignments for you on my website and on my bulletin board, so check one of those places or with a friend if you need to see what you’ve missed.

The discipline code is outlined in your handbook and will be strictly adhered to in this class. Please recall: you may not eat or drink anything other than water in this classroom.