Advanced Chemistry (HCHS)

denise.minor@fayette.kyschools.us
Mrs. Minor
http://staff.fcps.net/dlminor
859-381-3423 x1143
http://www.educreations.com Class
Code: BUBUYZK
Advanced Chemistry Description:
Chemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and behavior of matter. Students
will investigate the properties of matter, its interactions and factors affecting the
interactions using a variety of means and technologieslabs, investigations, lectures,
readings, discussions, and group activities among them. The use of technology to collect
and analyze data and to report findings will be integrated into the course. The course is
taught at an accelerated pace as compared to General Chemistry. A list of topics to be
covered and a rough timeline for course instruction can be found at the end of the
syllabus. Students should have successfully completed Advanced Biology with an A, B, or
C to be enrolled in this class and currently enrolled in Algebra 2 or higher, for their math
course.
Textbook: Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation (6 th edition) by Zumdahle and
DeCoste
Getting in Touch:
If you need to reach me outside of school hours, it is best to email be at the school email
address, above. For parents who need to reach me during the school day, please
remember I do not currently have a planning period and do not take phone calls during
instructional period. I will return emails at the end of the day or I can call at 3:15, if you
need to personally speak to me. For the sake of quiet and privacy, I wont call as long as
students are present. When leaving a voice message, please leave your name, your
childs name, and a phone number where you can be reached between 3:30 and 7:00
pm.
Materials Needed:
Binder for all class materials. I do not grade binders but this is the most efficient
and effective way to keep the large amount of printed material you will receive for
this class.
Pencil or Pen (I would suggest one of each). If using pen, blue or black ink ONLY for
assignments.
Red marking pen
Scientific Calculator (TI-83 or higher preferred). Please know how to operate
your calculator.
Googles may be purchased, for $8, during the first four days of school (by the end
of the day August 18). Students may also use a pair of goggles provided in my
room.
Lab Fee ($5)
Expectations:
School-wide rules will be enforced. (Located in handbook and posted in the
classroom)
Only water/drinks (with a cap or lid) may be consumed in the classroom.

NO FOOD is to be consumed without explicit permission from the teacher.

Classroom courtesies and appropriate behaviors/language will be expected.
Inappropriate behaviors including disrespect, defiance, profanity, and obscenities
will be dealt with appropriately and swiftly.
The teachers desk and all laboratory equipment are off limits unless and until
instructed otherwise.
There is no tolerance for use of cell phones and other electronic devices during
instructional time. All such devices will be confiscated without warning. Consider
the review of this syllabus as fair reminder of the cell phone policy.

Academic and Conduct Grades/Homework:

Tests are announced 1 week in advance of the test day.
Reading the accompanying textbook chapters for each unit is an expectation.
Parents can and should check grades using Infinite Campus or request grade
reports from me via email.
Participation grades are based on the students level of cooperation, motivation,
attendance, attitude, and respect for self and others.
Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday and is intended to serve as
review/reinforcement of the days lesson. Daily assignments should rarely take
longer than 30 minutes to complete. Extended assignments are made well in
advance of the due date however, time management is crucial so such
assignments do not consume an entire evening. Students are expected to read
the chapter on his/her own outside of class and quizzes will be used to assess
understanding of reading and lecture material. Each semester, students will
complete a project based on the topics listed below. Project announcements will
be made at least 2 weeks in advance of the due date.
The lowest test score will be dropped at the end of each semester provided the
student takes the comprehensive Final Exam for that semester.
HCHS Grading Scale (A 92-100%; B 83-91%; C 74-82%; D 65-73%) Academic
grades are based on tests (100 points each), homework, labs, final exam, and
participation.
o Cumulative Final Exam (each semester) 20%
o Tests/Quizzes 35%
o Daily Work 20%
o Labs 20%
o Participation 5%
I am available for tutoring/test and lab make-ups Monday, Wednesday 3:304:30 and EVERY day at 7:40 a.m.
Classroom Procedures
Students must be seated with all necessary materialsbook, notebook, writing
utensils when the bell rings for the class to begin. If you are not in your seat and
ready for class, you will be considered tardy.
Late work is accepted under the following conditions:
o If the work is not checked in class ( a rare occurrence) papers will be accepted
one day late but the grade will reflect a 50% reduction in points.

Once papers have been graded and returned to the class, no make-up work is
allowed for that assignment.
o If you are absent, please contact me for your work the day you return to school
(before class). You will receive a one day grace period for each day absent plus
one additional day. Example: If you are absent Tuesday and HW was assigned
to be due Wednesday, you have Wednesday plus Thursday to complete the
work and it will be due Friday of that week.
Please put your FIRST and LAST name on all assignments.
All students are expected to keep a binder/folder for this class. In addition,
notebook paper is a necessity for this class.
The teacher will assign lab groups or lab partners, as needed, with assigned roles
for individuals within the group.
Lab stations are expected to be cleanedwith all equipment properly stored at
the end of each activity.
The class will be held in the room until all stations are clean and orderly.
o

Absences from Class

Excused absence notes should be turned in to the Attendance office before class.
Make-up work for excused absences should be collected immediately upon your
return to school.
Absences should be limited as there is a direct correlation between grades and
attendance. If you should be absent please have your parent contact me by phone
or email and I will relay the assignment as best as possible. In case of extended
absences please have parents contact me for missed assignments.
Laboratory Activities
Long pants and closed toe shoes are required for all lab activities. Leggings or
tights or yoga pants are not considered long pants for the purpose of the lab. You
will be required to wear the appropriate attire and will not be allowed to participate
in the activity if you are missing any of the required pieces. This is considered
unexcused therefore you will receive a zero for any activity you miss for this
reason.
You may find it helpful to keep an extra pair of long pants and old tennis shoes in
your locker for days you forget to dress for lab.
Some activities require the use of safety goggles. They must be worn on your
eyes at all times.
A signed Safety Contract and the successful completion (score of 100%) on a
safety quiz are required to work in the lab.
Outline of Instructional Topics
Semester 1
Safety and Equipment: Introduction to Chemistry
Scientific Method and Data Analysis
Units of Measurement
Interpreting Graphs
Properties of and changes in Matter
Energy
Temperature
Conservation of Matter

8/10-8/19
8/23-9/23

9/6-9/20

 Elements vs. Compounds

Atomic Structures and Nuclear Chemistry
10/11
Early Models of the Atom
Atomic Structure
Radioisotopes
Harnessing the Nucleus
Electron Configuration and Quantum Theory
10/21
Radiant Energy
Electron Configurations
Periodic Table, Elements, and Trends
11/8
Developing the Periodic Table
Reading the Periodic Table
Periodic Trends
Groups of Elements
Bonding and Nomenclature
Ionic Bonding
Covalent Bonding
Naming Chemical Compounds
The Shape of Molecules
Chemical Reactions and Collision Theory
The Nature of Chemical Reactions
Chemical Equations
Classifying Chemical Reactions
FINALS

9/21-

Semester 2
Mole and Stoichiometry
Chemical Measurements
Mole Conversions
Empirical and Molecular Formulas
Stoichiometry
Limiting Reactant and Percent Yield
Gas Laws
Measuring Gases
The Gas Laws
The Ideal Gas Law
How Gases Work
Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Spontaneity
Chemical Kinetics
The Reaction Process
Factors Affecting Reaction Rates
Enthalpy and Entropy
Gibbs Free Energy
Solution Chemistry
Concentrations
Colligative Properties
Precipitates

10/12-

10/24-

11/9-11/22

11/29-12/9

12/14-12/16

1/2-1/27

1/30-2/17

2/21-3/7

3/8-3/31

Equilibrium
Chemical Equilibrium
LeChateliers Principle
Acids and Bases
Defining Acids and Bases
Strengths of Acids and Bases
Naming and Identifying Acids and Bases
Buffers
Titration
Organic Chemistry
Carbon Compounds
Hydrocarbons
Saturated vs. Unsaturated
Polymers
Classes of Compounds
Chemistry and Living Things

4/10-4/18

4/24-5/10

5/11/5/15

FINALS
TBA
The order and pace of instruction is subject to change. Sufficient notice will be
given to students and changes will be posted on the class website.