Syllabus
AP Chemistry
2015-2016
OVERVIEW:
AP Chemistry is designed to provide the student with the equivalent of an introductory first year
course sequence in college chemistry. The course is designed for college-bound students who either would
like to earn college credit (by AP examination) or would like to prepare for college chemistry while in high
school. This is accomplished through an intensive, in-depth approach.
As many colleges recommend, the minimum time required for outside class work is 1.5 hours per
class hour, i.e. a minimum of 5 hours of homework per week.
If you choose to take the College Board's Advance Placement test in Chemistry. The score on this
test will be evaluated by the College Board and the scores reported to the colleges of the student's choice.
Scores of one and two on the test will generally not qualify the student to receive credit. Scores of three,
four, or five (the maximum score possible) will generally allow the student to place out of freshman courses.
The amount of credit granted varies by grade and by university. The grade earned in the class is
independent of the Advance Placement test.
The laboratory portion of this class is to be the equivalent of a college laboratory experience.
Because some colleges require proof of the laboratory portion of the course before granting credit, all
students will keep a laboratory notebook. Some of the laboratory investigations may require the students to
spend time in tutorials outside of school.
Because of the nature of this course and the amount of new material that will be covered, a strong
preparatory background in Chemistry-I is a requirement. The topics that you should be familiar with already
include:
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atomic structure
electron configurations
bonding
VSEPR theory
acid-base chemistry
nuclear chemistry
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chemical names and
formulas
chemical reactions
(balancing and completing)
periodicity
behavior of gases
mole concept
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mole calculations
stoichiometry
making and interpretation
of graphs
making observations from
laboratory situations
The nature of Chemistry requires the student to know certain basic facts that MUST be committed to
memory. Mathematics is an integral part of this class. Problem solving strategies will be stressed throughout the year and this course also requires the student be able to solve problems WITH and WITHOUT a
calculator.
BIG IDEAS:
1. Structure of matter
2. Properties of matter – characteristics, states, and forces of attraction
3. Chemical Reactions
4. Rates of chemical reactions
5. Thermodynamics
6. Equilibrium
MATERIALS NEEDED:
The following are the materials needed for this class.
1.
Loose-leaf notebook paper
2.
Graph paper
3.
3 ring binder (1.5-2 inch, NOT 3 inch or bigger)
4.
1 pack of dividers
5.
Scientific Calculator (a graphing calculator is fine!) – you may use mine if you need to.
6.
Black or blue pens and #2 pencils with erasers.
7.
1 box of kleenex
TEXTBOOK:
Chemistry: A Molecular Approach, Nivaldo J Tro, 3rd Edition (Pearson Publishing), 2014
GRADING:
A typical six weeks grading period would have:
 tests , major projects 50%,
 laboratory investigations 20%
 quizzes 20%
 daily grades 10%
Within a grading period there will be generally no more than three major tests, and several short quizzes.
One of the tests will be in AP format and will be graded according to AP standards. The grading procedures
for this format will be explained before the students take the exam.
Grading policies are more stringent for an AP course than a regular class. It is imperative that you put in the
effort initially and avoid having to take measures to improve a grade after the fact. Major projects will have
ten points deducted per day late. Daily assignment will be thirty points off the first day it is late, and you
have 1 week to turn it in. Laboratory investigations and write ups will be lengthy and cannot be made up for
a better grade. Low test grades will be discussed on a case by case basis. Tutorials will be required to
address any make up work to improve your average.
YEAR AT A GLANCE:
1st six weeks
2nd six weeks
3rd six weeks
4th six weeks
5th six weeks
6th six weeks
Review of Chemistry-I, Laboratory Investigations, Solution Chemistry.
REDOX Reactions, Nuclear Chemistry, and Thermochemistry.
Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Gas Laws.
Equilibrium, Acid-Base Chemistry
Chemical Equations, Electrochemistry
Electron Configuration and Periodicity
TUTORIALS:
I am available mornings before school, 7:30 until the bell rings, and afternoons until 4:00, except on game
days. Please communicate ahead of time if you are planning to attend tutorials in case I need to prepare
materials for you or I have another conflict. If I am not in my room at the moment you arrive, I may have
stepped out to the office or copy machine, so please wait or make use of your time with another teacher until
I can return.