HONORS CHEMISTRY

Instructor:
E. Middleton
816-942-3282 x1128
emiddleton@ndsion.edu



Course Description:
Honors Chemistry is a designed to give students a solid foundation for further study in chemistry. A wide range of topics is introduced, with an emphasis on mathematical problem-solving and analysis of experiment results. The pace is fast and students are expected to complete reading and problems as assigned. Homework is seldom collected for credit. Students are expected to understand the importance of keeping up with daily work.

Grades & Testing:
Students’ grades are determined by the percentage of total points scored on tests, quizzes, worksheet activities and assigned laboratory calculations. Letter grades are assigned to each percentage based on the Sion grading scale. Point values of tests range from 75 to 150 points; quizzes from 25 to 45 points; worksheets and lab calculations from 5 to 25 points. Tests are scheduled approximately every two or two-and-a-half weeks, at the end of each major topic. See the Objective/Topics section for approximate dates. Additional projects or other graded work will be assigned at the discretion of the instructor throughout the year with a point value approximately equal to a chapter test.

Students are expected to do their own work on tests, quizzes, and major projects. Instances of cheating and/or plaigiarism will be dealt with according to Sion school policies.

Semester Exams:
According to school-wide policy, students will have a cumulative exam at the end of each semester worth 20% of their semester grade. Classroom tests from throughout the semester are returned to the students so that they may prepare for the exam.


Text: Modern Chemistry (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)

Objectives/Topics

FIRST QUARTER

1. General Science Review (Chapters 1-3)
   
   1. Metric System
      
   2. Significant Digits
      
   3. Scientific Notation
      
   4. Dimensional Analysis
      
   5. Density
      
   6. Classifications of Matter, Physical and Chemical Changes
      
   7. Symbols of the Elements
      
   8. Energy & Temperature Measurements
      
   9. Parts of the Atom
      
      
2. Nuclear Chemistry (Chapter 21) *May be covered in the second semester
   
   
   1. Types of Nuclear Reactions
      
   2. Half-life
      
   3. Fusion and Fission Processes
      
      
3. Electrons & The Periodic Table (Chapters 4 & 5)
   
   1. Electron Distributions
      
   2. Atomic Spectra
      
   3. Groups and Periods
      
   4. Electron Distribution & the Periodic Table
      
   5. Metals, Non-metals, and Transition Elements
      
      
4. Chemical Compounds (Chapters 6 & 7)
   
   1. Ionic Compounds and Formulas
      
   2. Covalent (Molecular) Compounds and Formulas
      
   3. Molecular Geometry and Polarity
      
      
   SECOND QUARTER
   
   1. Calculations with Compounds (Chapter 7)
      
      1. Formula Weight
         
      2. The Mole and Its Calculations
         
      3. Percent Composition
         
      4. Determining Chemical Formulas
         
         
   2. Chemical Equations (Chapter 8)
      
      1. Balancing Equations
         
      2. Types of Reactions
         
      3. Completing Reactions
         
         
   3. Stoichiometry (Chapter 9)
      
      
      
   THIRD QUARTER
   
   1. The Gas Laws (Chapter 11 *Chapter 10 for self-study)
      
      1. Boyles Law, Charles Law, and the Combined Gas Law
         
      2. The Ideal Gas Law
         
      3. Miscellaneous Calculations with Gases
         
         
   2. Solutions and Concentration Measurements (Chapters 12 & 13 )
      
      1. Solute and Solvent
         
      2. Types of Solutions
         
      3. Polar and Nonpolar Solutes and Solvents
         
      4. Molarity and Molality
         
      5. Colligative Properties
         
         
   3. Acids and Bases (Chapters 14 & 15)
      
      1. Definitions of Acids and Bases
         
      2. Properties of Acids and Bases
         
      3. Reactions of Acids and Bases
         
      4. pH Calculations and Titrations
         
   
   
   FOURTH QUARTER
   
   1. Redox & Electrochemistry (Chapters 19 & 20)
      
      1. Oxidation Numbers
         
      2. Balancing Redox Reactions
         
      3. Electrochemical and Electrolytic Cells
         
      4. Electrode Potentials
         
         
   2. Organic Chemstry (Chapter 22)
      
      1. The Hydrocarbon Series
         
      2. IUPAC Nomenclature
         
      3. Classes of Organic Compounds
         
      4. Examples and Important Reactions