CHEMISTRY 1 HONORS

Mrs Fastovsky's  Honors Chemistry    
                            
 

At WHS, chemistry is:
 

• A Blended classroom that is Learner-driven with Independent-, & Active-learning
• Center-based 
• A Spiraling curriculum
• About Real-world connections

• Interact directly with the natural and de­signed world using tools, data collection techniques, models and theories of science;
• Actively participate in scientific investigations and use cognitive and manipulative skills associated with the formulation of scientific explanations; and
• Use evidence, apply logic, and construct arguments for their proposed explana­tions.
• Are engaged by scientifically oriented questions;
• Give priority to evidence, which allows them to develop and evaluate explana­tions that address scientifically oriented questions;
• Formulate explanations from evidence to address scientifically oriented ques­tions;
• Evaluate their explanations in light of alternative explanations, particularly those reflecting scientific understanding; and
• Communicate and justify their pro­posed explanations.
• (Excerpted from: Laboratory Science in the 21st Century Michael Heinz, Science Coordinator, Office of Math and Science Instruction, NJ Department of Education)

• Promote critical thinking and reasoning
• Improve organizational skills
• Demonstrate how theory is applied in laboratory situations
• Develop and practice good laboratory technique
• Become a proficient problem-solver and a keen observer
• Relate chemical principles to everyday life
• Use scientific principles as vehicles for understanding abstract concepts
• Develop technical writing skills through chemical exploration activities 

• Blended Classroom is one that integrates online with traditional face-to-face class activities to supplement traditional coursework with online media in the classroom.

• Learner-centered classrooms focus primarily on individual students' learning. The teacher's role is to facilitate growth by utilizing the interests and unique needs of students as a guide for meaningful instruction. Because people learn best when they hear, see, and manipulate variables, the method by which learning occurs is often times through experimentation.

• Independent-learning consists of a classroom with a facilitator that has set up a learning environment that largely gives the students the ability to learn on their own. This promotes responsibility of students knowing what they have to do and do it without anyone telling them and finding ways to understand material through application (generally trial-and-error).
• Center-based or Active-Learning means that there are learning centers in the classroom designed to offer a variety of materials, activities, and media through which students can work by themselves or with others.  The information can be review or can be a way to introduce a topic, provide experiences, or review material.

• Spiraling-curriculum is a way of acquiring knowledge where the learning is spread out over time. The curriculum is designed so the material is revisited repeatedly and used in different ways and more complexly.

• You need info for the group and they are depending on you to bring that to them
• It will help you better understand what we will be doing in class tomorrow 
• You need to practice a concept on your own to make sure this is something that you can do independently

• Students have the opportunity to “do over” two assessments per quarter in each course within two calendar weeks (14 days) of receiving the scored assessment. 
• Students must sign the WHS “do over” contract with their teacher to clarify the procedures within two school days of receiving the scored assessment.
• The “do over” score is your final score.
• Students will have one opportunity to “do over” each chosen assessment.
• This option is only available for students who complete and hand the assignment in on the original due date.

• Students who do not earn a proficient rating on an Anchor Task will be afforded a maximum of 5 days from the date returned to revise said anchor task for proficiency only
• In cases of extenuating circumstances, extra time will be afforded to reach proficiency
• You may choose this as one of your "Do-overs" or you may choose to revise to receive a proficient rating that will not change your grade.

• Any student(s) caught cheating or involved in cheating on any form of assessment or any other graded assignment will receive a zero on said assessment/assignment followed by contacting your parents/guardians as soon as possible.  (Please see attached outline of academic integrity)
• WHS policies on academic integrity, which can be viewed on pp. 34-35 of the WHS Student Handbook, will also apply.

• Proper behavior and use of equipment is expected and enforced at ALL times (Please see the attached “Chemistry Laboratory Safety Agreement” for a complete list of expectations).  Improper or unsafe behavior will result in a loss of points and exclusion from the lab activity, which may only be made-up afterschool. 
• No student may participate in laboratory activities until the “Student-Parent/Guardian Acceptance Contract” has been completed and returned.
• Informal lab summary reports or formal lab reports are required for almost every lab exercise. One week will be given to complete formal lab reports after conclusion of lab experiments.  

• Assistance with study habits/development of good study skills.
• One-on-one tutoring/extra help after school (check with teacher for availability)
• Links to helpful resources in LiveBinder!, School Fusion, and our online textbook

• If you are absent, all material can be accessed through Livebinders.
• Assessments/assignments with a due date will be due upon your return to school
• Fieldtrips or other school related absences do not excuse you from due dates!

Electronic Devices: 
Electronic devices are a major part of this course. There are many computers in the room but a personal device is a great way to access material. You are, therefore, encouraged to bring your devices or personal computers.  These devices, however, can easily become a distraction.  If you are not using your electronic device properly or responsibly, the school policy (p. 29) will be followed:
 A student may possess an electronic communication device (ECD) (including but not limited to cellular phones) in school provided that during school hours the device remains turned off. The only exception to this policy is when a teacher asks students to use electronic communication devices for instructional purposes. Violations of this policy will result in confiscation of the cellular telephone or electronic communication device and disciplinary action.