Pre-AP (Honors) Chemistry Syllabus

							                                     Pre-AP (Honors) Chemistry Syllabus
                                         Spring 2010 3rd and 4th block
                               Peachtree Ridge High School - Science Department
                                            www.peachtreeridge.org

Room: D218                                       Sarah Eales                    Sarah_Eales@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

Text: Glencoe, Chemistry: Matter and Change. A fee of $54.99 will be assessed for any lost or damaged
      textbook or disk.

Course Introduction:
        Pre-AP chemistry is an introductory course designed for students who are interested in math and science.
The pacing and structure of this class will be designed to prepare students for AP Chemistry as well as other
future science coursework. A significant amount of class time will be spent in the laboratory. Students must keep
up with reading assignments and terminology so that they can effectively participate in class discussions.
        The course includes both thematic and traditional approaches to the study of chemistry. Themes will be
used to link the AKS as well as relate the scientific content to everyday living.
        All students will be expected to show proficient knowledge and skills in each area of this course as defined
by the Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Academic Knowledge and Skills Handbook.

Course Overview
Units                                Textbook References            AKS                     Time
Matter and Measurement               Chapters 1, 2, 3, 13.3, 15     1-7; 8a; 9b             12 days
Atomic Structure/Nuclear Chemistry Chapters 4, 25                   1-7; 10a-e               7 days
Periodic Table                       Chapters 5, 6, 7               1-7; 11                  9 days
Bonding                              Chapters 8, 9, 13.2            1-7, 8b, c; 10f         10 days
Chemical Equations                   Chapter 10                     1-7; 9a, 9c              5 days
Stoichiometry                        Chapters 11, 12                1-7; 9c,d               13 days
Solutions                            Chapter 15                     1-7; 14a                 5 days
Thermodynamics/ Organic              Chapters 13, 16, 22, 24        1-7; 13c,d               6 days
Kinetics                             Chapter 17                     1-7, 12, 13a             9 days
Acids and Bases                      Chapter 19                     1-7; 14b                 5 days
Gases                                Chapters 13, 14, 26            1-7; 13b                 4 days
 ** The teacher reserves the right to update the syllabus if necessary for instructional benefit **

Materials:
 Scientific calculator (bring to class daily)
 3 ring binder with notebook paper
 2-bound lab books with GRAPH PAPER- may be purchased at the school store
 Highlighters, Pens (black or blue), and Pencils

Grading: A= 90-100,    B= 80-89,          C= 75-79,     D= 70-74,       F= 0-69
    Assessments                                            30%
    Lab assessments                                        25%
    Daily work                                             5%
    Experimental Design Project                            10%
    Final Exam*                                            20%
    County Assessment                                      10%

* The final exam will be given in two parts. The multiple choice part will count 75% of total exam grade (15%of
   20%). The performance part will count 25% (5%of 20%) of the total exam grade.
Experimental Design Project:
All levels of science students will be performing an experimental design project during the semester. The project
will consist of research, experimentation, analysis, and a presentation, with the emphasis being on the
experimentation during chemistry. This project will be structured so that students will work in groups, pairs or
individuals, depending on the level.

In addition to the Georgia High School Graduation Test, which is required for all GA Diplomas, there is a
Gwinnett Gateway test required for high school graduation. This test is first administered in April of the
tenth grade. Should a student not pass the Gateway, he/she will have the opportunity for academic
interventions and will be able to retake the Gateway to earn a passing score. All students must pass this
Gateway in order to earn a regular Gwinnett high school diploma.

Gwinnett County is also implementing Benchmark tests in all core classes including chemistry. Benchmark
tests will be cumulative and will be administered once every grading period (4 ½, 9, and 13 ½ weeks). These
tests will be supplemented with classroom tests and projects for assessment supposes.

A copy of additional classroom procedures is being provided and should be kept on file with the course syllabus for
reference purposes. Progress reports will be provided to students and parents after the completion of 4 ½, 9, and
13 ½ weeks of the term. Electronic email reports will be sent regularly to parents with an active email address on
file.