Chemistry AP

AP Chemistry is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam to be given in May. Performance on the exam may qualify students for eight college credits and higher level chemistry courses in college. In any event, the preparation offered by this experience should prove to be an advantage in any college course, as well as in the application for summer employment as a chemical technician. Study covers the topics presented in Chemistry but with many additional labs and exercises. Each experiment requires approximately three hours to complete, and students work individually. A minimun of one hour per night of reading or written study is necessary for mastery of the material. This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the composition of matter, the patterns and properties that allow matter to be classified and utilized, and the ability to predict the products of certain reactions.

Students start with a review of fundamental chemistry, and lab safety and procedures. Students' knowledge of chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, nuclear transformations, and aqueous reactions is greatly expanded. Students study chemical statistics in the context of their laboratory work. Next comes the study of matter from a molecular viewpoint with the examination of the behavior of gases, and the energy involved in phase changes and chemical reactions. Alternative fuels and environmental concerns are discussed. There are five experiments, six chapter assignments, two quizzes, and two major exams scheduled as assessments this quarter. All exams include formal essays as well as complex problem solving. IN ADDITION there will be six ion quizzes scheduled during this quarter.

Atomic structure and chemical bonding and geometry are explored in detail. This includes quantum mechanics and periodicity, bonding forces, and three theoretical models to explain observed patterns of molecular architecture. Compute simulations enhance students understanding of this difficult material. The quarter ends with study of the condensed states of matter at the molecular level, thereby tying together all the content studied in the first semester. Three experiments, six chapter asssignments, one quiz, and two major exams are scheduled as assessments this quarter, in addition to six solubility quizzes.

Content and skills mastered first semester are rigorously applied in our quantitative examination of reaction mechanisms and rates, and in our lengthy qualitative and quantitative study of equilibrium systems of all kinds. Also studied are radioactive decay, acids, bases, and salts, and the application of Le Chatelier's principle to environmental and medical problems. Three experiments, five chapter assignment, two quizzes, and two major exams are the scheduled assessments this quarter. In addition, there will be six reaction prediction quizzes.

The study of electrochemistry and thermodynamics concludes the theoretical portion of the course, while qualitative analysis completes the laboratory program. These topics not only pull all the content areas together, but also emphasize the centrality of chemistry to other areas of science and technology. Study ends with a comprehensive review which includes AP Exam study and test-taking skills, and practice exams which simulate the actual AP Exam experience. Assessments are as described for all the other quarters. There will also be 6 reaction prediction quizzes.

These exams have the same format: a short multiple choice section and a free-response essay section. The questions are drawn from or modeled on actual AP Exam questions, and require the students to integrate all the material in the semester and apply their learning to novel situation. These exams will take place during the formal examination period on the designated day for science courses.

At least one major test will be given each unit and quizzes will be given frequently. Occasionally you will do formal lab reports, team projects and other special assignments. You will have a homework assignment EVERY DAY, involving either written work or reading.

95% of your grade will be calculated using your scores on all tests, quizzes, lab reports, and other graded work. Ungraded homework and classwork (Check, Check Minus, Zero) will contribute 5% toward your grade each quarter. Late check assignements will NOT be accepted, and late graded work will be penalized 15% per day late! The school policy will apply to excused absences. In case of an extended absence, an individual schedule for completing missed work will be established. It is the responsibility of the student to turn in work collected during an absence and to request assignments given during an absence.

3. Add the answers to Numbers 1 and 2 above and this = your Check "Points" received. Divide this number by the total check "points" possible, multiply by 100 and that is your Check %.