Honors Chemistry with Labs  
2026-2027

1. Sign up: Registration opens in January 2026.

2. Deposit: Non-refundable $50 per family reserves a seat (or seats)

3. Liability form: Sign the liability release form before or on the first day of class. 

4. Pay balance: Balance of $400 (+ $225 for a sibling) August 1, 2026

Course: This honors chemistry course fulfills 1 credit of high school science and 30-hours of laboratory work. The material adequately prepares students for success in college level chemistry. 

Who: This course is designed for high schoolers who have completed algebra. Chemistry is a math-heavy subject. 

Day and time: Thursdays 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM 

Dates: Classes begin Thursday August 20, 2026 and end May 6, 2027. Calendar to be posted. 

Cost: $450 (includes $50 deposit, lab supplies, guided notes, test and quiz scoring, lab report scoring, and progress reports). Sibling discount for same class/same year available ($225). Deposit of $50 per family holds a spot for one and two siblings.  Balance of $400 (+ $225 for a sibling) due August 1, 2026.  

Location: Ten Ten Rd and Lake Wheeler Rd (near Garner Costco and Chic Fil A) 

Textbook: Discovering Design with Chemistry by Dr. Jay Wile (~ $70). The textbook is not provided. Families must purchase a copy from an outside source before class starts. The Answer Key & Tests booklet is NOT required.

Instructor: Paula Wiese  

What we do in class: A structured format is used. New concepts are reviewed via PowerPoint slides. During the presentation, students fill in blanks and solve problems on guided note sheets.  After the review, 1 - 2 experiments are performed.  

Experiments:  Forty-five experiments are performed this year.  Students generally work in teams of two or three.  Experiments are structured and instructions made clear. 

Lab Reports:  All experiments require post-lab analysis which can be completed in class. Approximately twelve experiments are followed up with a formal written lab report. Guidance for writing effective lab reports is provided. 

Homework: An online graded homework set is assigned each week.    

Chapter Tests: Hand-written tests are taken at home via the honor system every four weeks.  Abundant study resources are available.     

Project: A communications type project is assigned for the spring semester. 

Scoring/grading: Grades are based on homework, lab reports, quizzes, tests, participation, and a project.  Students and parents may view the online gradebook at any time. A progress report is emailed each semester.  

Lab Safety: I take safety seriously.  Chemistry labs employ glassware, chemicals, and flames.  Students must follow directions for equipment usage.  Intentionally not following directions may result in dismissal from course. See my lab behavior policy for specifics on what constitutes unacceptable behavior in the laboratory and how it will be handled.   

Communication: An assignment checklist is emailed weekly. Assignments and resources are also posted on Google Classroom.  Use of Google Classroom is highly recommended but optional. 

Absences and Deadlines: See my policy on absences and my policy on deadlines.  

Privacy and Email Policies: Privacy and Email Policy 

Office hours: If a student needs assistance with a concept, I am available via Zoom.  

Student Recommendation letters: Read my student recommendation policy.