"If chemistry was easy it would be called biology."
Honors Chemistry
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Classroom ExpectationsChemistry is one of the most inquisitive, application based, difficult course offered at CHS. To succeed in this class you must dedicate time EVERY day to thoroughly practice and review. Also be sure to remember the following:
Standard Based Grading |
I have completely thrown out the 10 point grading scale! All students will be graded using standard based grading practices. Standard-Based Learning involves student and teacher empowerment in the classroom. Focus is placed on becoming proficient in specific learning objectives. This enables students to master a specific skill rather than targeting a particular letter grade.Grades will be assigned based on completion and accuracy of assignments. Although I assign grades, I do not give grades. Your grade is a reflection of your mastery of content and will never be a result of personal feelings.
Learning Targets
Learning Targets (LTs) are addressed throughout the course on various assignments such as quizzes, tests, and projects. The grades associated with the learning targets reflect the student’s level of mastery of the required science content alligned with the NC Standards. These grades will change throughout the semester as the student demonstrates his/her level of understanding. Students will have the opportunity to reassess throughout the semester. Note that completing a reassessment does not guarantee that the student’s grade will increase.
Science/Engineering Practices & 21st Century Skills
Grades that are not directly associated with a learning target fall under this category, including projects, presentations and laboratory reports.
Online Coursework:
All students must use Google Classroom and have a login. We will be using this every day in class. To access homework assignments, test dates, review materials, or communications made, students are required to check this daily. If you do not have internet access at home, manage your time wisely and download what is needed before you leave campus.
Learning Targets (LTs) are addressed throughout the course on various assignments such as quizzes, tests, and projects. The grades associated with the learning targets reflect the student’s level of mastery of the required science content alligned with the NC Standards. These grades will change throughout the semester as the student demonstrates his/her level of understanding. Students will have the opportunity to reassess throughout the semester. Note that completing a reassessment does not guarantee that the student’s grade will increase.
Science/Engineering Practices & 21st Century Skills
Grades that are not directly associated with a learning target fall under this category, including projects, presentations and laboratory reports.
Online Coursework:
All students must use Google Classroom and have a login. We will be using this every day in class. To access homework assignments, test dates, review materials, or communications made, students are required to check this daily. If you do not have internet access at home, manage your time wisely and download what is needed before you leave campus.
Independent Practice
- Independent Practice (IP) is an integral part of the day. It allows for students to show understanding and comprehension of the day’s lesson. IP is a time for students to practice new skills that they have learned. Students are provided full solutions for all independent practice in my shared Google Drive Folder.
- Although independent practice will neither be graded for accuracy nor for completion, students are still expected to complete the work because IP is vital to their success in this class. Being able to do chemistry well comes from practicing chemistry. Therefore, independent practice is expected to be completed. IP lets you know what you understand and with what you still need help. Try putting a star next to problems you want to go over and making a note of why you struggled to help jog your memory in class the next day.
Late Assignment Policy
This is an honors course and I hold students at a higher expectation. To be successful in this course, students must study the material each day and turn in ALL assignments on time. Failure to do so will result in a deduction of a student's conduct grade. I have a Zero Tolerance policy; therefore, all work will be completed and on a timely basis. The following describes each conduct level:
Satisfactory: At this level, the student has turned in all assignments on time and is fully participating in class.
Needs Improving: At this level, the student has missed an assignment or turned an assignment in late. This student participates some in class. This will result in a student's parent being notified and meeting with his or her adviser.
Unsatisfactory: At this level, the student has missed 3 assignments or failed to turn in 3 assignments on time during a quarter. This will result in a student being put on "lock down". Lock down consists of a student coming to school for the full day without being allowed to leave for lunch or any other non-school activity. The student will be with an assigned school staff member during his or her free blocks.
Satisfactory: At this level, the student has turned in all assignments on time and is fully participating in class.
Needs Improving: At this level, the student has missed an assignment or turned an assignment in late. This student participates some in class. This will result in a student's parent being notified and meeting with his or her adviser.
Unsatisfactory: At this level, the student has missed 3 assignments or failed to turn in 3 assignments on time during a quarter. This will result in a student being put on "lock down". Lock down consists of a student coming to school for the full day without being allowed to leave for lunch or any other non-school activity. The student will be with an assigned school staff member during his or her free blocks.
Laboratory Notebooks and Reports
This course will provide opportunities for students to develop, record, and maintain evidence of their verbal, written, and graphic communication skills through laboratory reports, summaries of literature or scientific investigations, and oral, written, and graphic presentations.
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