Grade 9 Entry: The recommendation for Geometry Honors (although students can choose to be enrolled in Geometry), and recommendation of Grade 8 Science teacher (includes Grade Level Expectations/report card grades).
Grade 10+ Entry: The successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in Geometry or Geometry Honors, a grade of B+ in Biology or a grade of B in Honors Biology or departmental recommendation.
Chemistry Honors is an introductory course that explores atomic structure, patterns in the periodic table, bonding, reactions, quantitative chemistry, thermochemistry, rates and equilibrium. Student capacity for independent problem solving, mathematical reasoning and higher-level critical thinking is expected. Perseverance in study habits and having a genuine interest in chemistry is needed. The scope of this course includes Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) HS-PS1-1 to HS-PS1-7, HS-PS2-6, HS-PS3-1 to HS-PS3-4 and include a deeper extension of topics at a faster pace.
Students will:
- Develop an understanding of the major themes in chemistry: patterns, cause and effect, energy, structure and function, stability and change and proportions.
- Model chemical principles and events, use mathematics to solve problems, ask and refine scientific questions, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, justify claims with evidence, and present scientific arguments based on experimental results.
- Develop an appreciation of the chemical principles in everyday life.
The course will include core unit formative/summative assessments. Understanding of concepts will be developed through collaborative lab experiences, tests and projects. Student learning in these situations will be assessed individually using the HS Grade Descriptors.
“Depending on what areas of STEM you enjoy, Honors Chemistry might just become one of your favorite classes in the year. Although the first few weeks may be rough, with rapid exposure to unfamiliar chemistry topics, you may just find yourself loving the course towards the end. Honors Chemistry is for students that love logic and puzzle-solving. There is always a right answer at the end of the tunnel.”
- Angelina Wang (Class of 2024)
“Honors Chemistry was my absolute favorite class when I was a freshman. For those who have quite a solid background in math, it has the potential to come easily and naturally to you, so this would be a good class to take in 9th grade to ease into the high academic demands of high school. Also, a good background in chemistry will give you a headstart in Honors Biology and other related courses. Highly recommend this class!”
- Kristy Luk (Class of 2025)
“Honors Chemistry can seem daunting at first. The first few weeks can be challenging in learning new concepts (electron shells, periodic trends, Coulomb’s Law). However, for a student who prefers application-based learning as opposed to memorization, Honors Chemistry may be the course for you. There is no textbook, only anchor guides, and every test is somewhat cumulative. So, once you understand the earlier concepts, it’s just a matter of building on this foundational knowledge. My main advice for those taking HChem is to practice a lot. Make use of practice worksheets and other resources!”
- James Ellis (Class of 2025)