Course Syllabus

Foom.jpg

Honors Chemistry Course Expectations and Syllabus

Welcome to Honors Chemistry! Chemistry is the study of matter, its changes and interactions, and the energy changes that accompany them.  It can be a challenging course, but I look forward to working with you to ensure your success.

Contact Information

Materials Needed

  • notebook or binder with paper
  • writing utensils (pens, pencils)
  • scientific or graphing calculator

Class Expectations

  • Be physically present in the classroom before the bell rings. (Your body must be in the classroom, not just your belongings.) I will enforce the GMHS Start On Time Policy.
  • Treat all others with kindness and respect, as you would like to be treated.
  • Cell phones and other electronics should be powered off and put away during class time. (This includes earbuds/headphones.) 
  • NO food, candy, or drinks are allowed, except for water bottles with lids. Water bottles must not be taken into the lab area.
  • NO cosmetics, including lotions and body sprays, should be used in my classroom.

Consequences for Infractions of Classroom Policies

  • 1st Offense: Verbal Warning & Student Conference
  • 2nd Offense: Student Conference & Parent Contact
  • 3rd Offense: Administrative Referral

Extreme disruptions may result in immediate administrative referral.

IB MYP Subject Brief: Science - Click to view.

Assignments & Grading

  • NC Grading Scale:
    • A: 90-100%
    • B: 80-89%
    • C: 70-79%
    • D: 60-69%
    • F: below 60%
  • Assignments will be classified into the following categories:
    • Assessments (Tests & Major Projects): 50%
    • Labs & Activities: 30%
    • Classwork (Problem Sets & Quizzes): 20%
  • Assignment Submission:
    • Assignments will be submitted online in Canvas unless otherwise indicated.
    • Hard copies of some assignments will be provided. If you lose yours, you may download a copy in Canvas - all assignments and notes will be posted.
  • Extra Credit: Limited extra credit may be offered during the semester, but you should not rely on extra credit to get the grade you want. Extra credit will not be provided “on demand,” so take advantage of it when it is offered!
  • Final course grades will be determined as follows:
    • Semester 1 - 40%
    • Semester 2 – 40%
    • Final Exam – 20%
  • Test Corrections/Retake Policy:
    •  Students may retake up to 2 tests per semester.
    • In order to be eligible for a retest, students must have submitted all assignments for the unit and complete a remediation assignment to review the material.
    • The higher of the two test grades will be reported in Infinite Campus. If you retest, and your retest score is lower than the original, your grade will not be changed, but it still counts as one of your 2 retests.
    • Remediation assignments will have definite deadlines. If you do not submit your reassessment ticket by the deadline, you will not be allowed to retest.
    • Retests will have definite deadlines. If you do not complete the retest by the deadline, you will not be allowed to retest, even if you completed the reassessment ticket.
  • Late Work Grading Policy: 
    • Labs and Projects will have definite due dates.
    • Classwork assignments submitted in Canvas will have due dates, but they will not be counted late until after the date of the unit test.
    • I will follow the GMHS Grading Plan in grading late work.
    •  Assignments will be locked in Canvas when they can no longer be submitted.
    • Exceptions to this policy may be made; please contact your teacher to discuss extenuating circumstances.

Extra Help/Tutoring Hours

If you need extra help, I am available on Tuesdays until 3:30, or by appointment.

Integrity

GMHS teachers, students and administrators value academic integrity. As part of a collaborated effort between teachers, students, parents, and administrators, there is a clearly defined academic integrity policy. As part of this policy, teachers and students will follow a code of conduct which deals with issues such as cheating and plagiarism.

Students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Study and work in an honest and respectable manner.
  • Complete and submit your own work. Do not copy someone else’s work in class or outside of class.
  • You are encouraged to work with others only under approved circumstances.
  • Cite all sources when doing research. This includes pictures!
  • Quizzes and tests must be completed without outside help of any kind, using only approved resources.
  • Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used during class, except for your school-issued chromebook or laptop.