Mrs. Nurisso HONORS CHEMISTRY INFORMATION SHEET 2007/2008

     What is chemistry?  Chemistry seeks to answer:  What are substances composed of?  How are their properties related to their composition?  How does one substance interact with another?

Chemistry courses stress both the theory and practical application of the concepts learned.  Honors Chemistry emphasizes the mathematical application of the theory while Chemistry emphasizes the descriptive and practical application of the theory. 

GRADING:     Grades will be based on total points for tests, quizzes, lab reports and homework.  In general, 100-90% = A;  89-80% = B;  79-65% = C;  64-50% = D, and below 50% = F.  Also, two lab reports missing is an automatic F no matter what your average is.  Borderline grades will be influenced by class participation and effort.   

TESTS:            Tests will be worth 25-50 points, depending on the amount of material covered, and will occur about every other week.  You will be able to use a calculator for the tests.  If you miss a test, be sure to see me on the day you return to school to make special arrangements to take a make up test.  You must make up the test within one week from the day you return.  There are no "drop" tests.  Semester exams are worth 20% of your final grade. 

HOMEWORK:             Homework is an essential and necessary part of the course.  You will not be able to master Honors Chemistry unless you do your homework carefully.

1.  Reading assignments are to be completed before class meets.  Quizzes will sometimes be given on the reading assignment.

2.  Written homework will be checked in class on the due date, and collected on the day of the test.  Each assignment will receive 1-5 points, depending on the amount of material.  Quizzes will sometimes be given in place of the homework.

3.  Formal Lab reports are generally worth 10 points each and informal reports are worth less than 10 points.  Either type of report is due the next class day after the experiment is completed. The format for lab reports will be discussed separately. 

ABSENCE:      Absence is no excuse for not completing your work.  All work must be completed and turned in.  Labs can be made up during Academic Advisory periods, certain choice days or before or after school. 

TARDIES AND CHEATING:            The school policy regarding tardies, cuts and cheating will be followed. 

TURNING IN PAPERS:  Use pencil or pen, no ragged edges, use both sides.Please label the outside top right of your assignment with the following information:

YOUR NAME

HONORS CHEMISTRY Period ____

DATE

CHAP. ____ PAGE #=s______ 

HINTS TO PASS THIS COURSE:  Everyone in this class is capable of passing this course.  Some will require more effort than others.  If you score a "C" or lower on anything, please see me or a Chem TA IMMEDIATELY for help.  Help will be available during any of my free periods as well as during Academic Advisory periods, certain choice days and after school.  Honors Chemistry builds upon itself, so you will need to be able to do last week's material next week, next quarter and even next semester.  Seek help when you need it.  DON'T WAIT!