CHEMISTRY HONORS COURSE PLAN 2020-2021

Daniel Beavers
Room #3133-Virtual
Email: debeavers@wcpss.net
Class Website: Wake ID Portal - Canvas
Conference Hours: 1-1:30pm
Contact Me Via: Email, Canvas Email, Talking Points

Course Description:
The North Carolina Essential Standards for Chemistry are designed to engage students through inquiry-based instruction
which is a critical way of developing conceptual understanding of the science content that is vital for success in the
twenty-first century. The process of scientific inquiry, experimentation and technological design should not be taught
nor tested in isolation of the core concepts drawn from physical science, earth science and life science. A seamless
integration of science content, scientific inquiry, experimentation, and technological design will reinforce in students the
notion that "what" is known is explicitly tied to "how" it is known. I will provide opportunities for students to engage in
"hands-on/minds-on" activities that are exemplars of scientific inquiry, experimentation, and technological design. The
Essential Standards for Chemistry for Science is to achieve scientific literacy. The National Science Education Standards
define scientific literacy as "the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for scientific
decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity." Find or determine answers to
questions derived from everyday experiences.
● Describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena.
● Understand articles about science.
● Engage in non-technical conversation about the validity of conclusions.
● Identify scientific issues underlying national and local decisions.
● Pose explanations based on evidence derived from one’s own work.

Policies/Classroom Procedures:
1. Students will be on time for each session with muted mics.
a. Turned on cameras are encouraged but not required.
b. Attendance will be recorded, and parent/guardians will be contacted when student is absent.
2. Students will be prepared each day with necessary materials.
3. Students will try their best to refrain from taking bathroom breaks while class is in session.
4. Students are fully responsible for turning in all assignments on time and for making up any work that they have
missed. All work will be posted on our Daily Agenda on Canvas at the beginning of each unit.
5. Students will abide by all lab safety rules and procedures.
6. Students will abide by all WCPSS rules & Green Level School rules including Digital Citizenship.

Category Weight
Products 100%
- Assessments - 1
- Final Labs - 1
- Projects - 1
Processes
- Homework - .25
- Quizzes - .5
- Lab Parts - .5
Total 100%
Grading Scale and Category Weights: Grades will be based on your performance on discussion boards, homework,
classwork, quizzes, recorded group discussions, parts of labs, writing an abstract for a final project, final lab report,
assessments, projects/final projects, etc.
Grade Improvement Policy:  It is our expectation that it is the responsibility of the student to make up missed
assignments, as all students have the opportunity to do so. Due to equipment and time constraints, some activities may
be difficult to make up.  If a student misses certain laboratory or field experiences, they may be given a modified
assignment as an alternative; however, they are still responsible for information covered in the lab activity. Students
who have not
Grade Percentage
A 90 – 100%
B 80 – 89%
C 70 – 79%
D 60 – 69%
F 59 – 0%
demonstrated mastery of concepts covered in an assignment should discuss additional opportunities for learning and
assessment with their teacher. No grade higher than an 80% will be given for any/all grade improvement opportunities.

Late Assignments:  If a student is unable to complete an assignment on time, they must have a one-on-one conversation
with the teacher prior to the assignment due date to discuss and set an alternative date. To ensure that learning targets
are met, late assignments should be completed within the current unit of study. If the alternative date is not met, a late
penalty grade of no higher than a 70% will be applied to the grade for the assignment.

* You will only see one category in PowerSchool. The assignment type will determine the weight of the assignment as
stated above.

Materials needed: #2 Pencils, pens, colored pencils, binder/notebook.

(I know it sounds strange to need these, but working out chem calculations by hand is a class skill)

All students are expected to be on time with all necessary materials each day. I am here to help all my students be
successful; however, in order to do this, students must adhere to all classroom policies and procedures. If this
presents a problem, please contact me through email at debeavers@wcpss.net

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am looking forward to teaching your student this year. Your support and encouragement will allow your student to
participate in various activities and experiences that will teach the concepts of Chemistry and how these ideas relate to
the real world.

Your student deserves the most positive educational climate possible in preparation for the workplace. Together we can
help guide our young people in the right direction. The plan above outlines my classroom policies this year at Green
Level High School.

Please use the link to acknowledge the Google form that you and your student have read, discussed, and understand
these policies and procedures.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to a successful semester with your child.

Daniel Beavers