EAST EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
AP CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS
Instructor: Mr. RAFAEL A. BETANCOURT
INTRODUCTION
Course Description:
AP Chemistry is a very demanding course covering twenty-one chapters as well as
labs. The course demands that you not just know the material but are actually able
to use it and make connections between the different topics when solving problems.
It demands a lot of work from the students taking this course; expect to work at least
5 hours per week outside of class in independent study. We will follow all of the
topics in the AP curriculum.
The class meets three times a week, alternating between class time and lab. An
average week should be:
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2-3 classes- lecture activities, practice, quizzes, demonstrations...
1-2 classes- planning labs, performing lab, data analysis, lab quizzes...
1 class - getting help on homework, completing labs, lab reports, independent
study ...
Course Goals: Students will...
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Be expected integrate concepts from multiple units to solve problems.
Solve problems by using a variety of methods (conversions/stoichiometry,
formulas, lab work, the scientific method ...)
Develop good lab skills and be able to use these skills to devise lab procedures
to solve problems.
Develop their critical thinking skills.
Explain properties of materials based on the chemical makeup of the materials
and the chemistry behind how common items (such as light bulbs,
refrigerators,
Be prepared to pass the AP Chemistry exam (score at least 3 or higher)
AP Chemistry Syllabus 2014-2015
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Characteristics of AP Chemistry Students
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Are more responsible for own academic achievement/progress
Are concerned with knowledge as much as grades
Are mature and highly motivated
Can grasp basic concepts though primarily independent study
Are able to synthesize understanding of content with new and varied
approaches
Are comfortable with both the theoretical and practical approaches
Class Expectations
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Take (and pass) the AP Chemistry Exam.
Attend class regularly and on time. On time means that when the bell rings
you are already at your seat ready to begin.
Be prepared for class. Bring with you your book, paper, notebook, lab book,
lab glasses calculator, pencils, and pens (blue or black ink). This also means
that you have completed your reading and homework assignments.
Be an active learner - you are responsible for your own learning.
Read the sections of the textbook that goes along with the class lectures and
activities - whether they are assigned or not.
Do your homework on the day that it is assigned. Keep up with longer term
assignments.
Supplement class work with independent study and review.
Stay at your seat and work quietly anytime your teacher is out of the room.
Do not go in the lab area or the stockroom unless directed to by your teacher.
Be respectful of others and their property.
Follow all other rules from the school handbook.
Materials
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General Chemistry: An Integrated Approach, Prentice Hall, 2002
Class Notebook: 3-ring binder with pockets, loose leaf paper
Lab Notebook: Quad paper composition book with attached pages (can use one
from last year).
Scientific or Graphing Calculator (TI 30, 35, 36, or 83 are good models)
AP Exam Review for independent review (optional but recommended).
The following are the teaching techniques and strategies for an appropriate AP Chemistry
course:
 AP Chemistry classwork time
 AP chemistry Zumdahl homework
 Laboratory time(after school or /and Saturday)
 AP chemistry problems tutorials
 AP Chemistry study groups
AP Chemistry Syllabus 2014-2015
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AP Chemistry exam as part of the lectures
CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD (TBA)
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY exam(TBA)
AP Study Plan before the May examination. (Plan A, B, and C) and time allocated
for the review.
FLINN SCIENTIFIC DEMOSTRATIONS (www.FLINNSCI.COM)
The AP Chemistry examination is administered each year in May. Questions for the
exam are developed by AP Chemistry Development Committee, which includes both
high school teachers and college professors. The exam is three hours long and has two
sections-multiple choice and free-response. For both sections, students may use the
periodic table of the elements that is printed in the exam booklet. For Section II only,
the following also appear in the exam booklet: a table of standard reduction potentials
and a table containing mathematical equations commonly used in chemistry. The
equations are grouped according to the major content categories of chemistry.
SECTION
NUMBER
OF
QUESTIONS
Multiple-Choice 60
I.
questions
II.
Free-Response
Questions
Multipart Questions
3
Single-part Questions
TIME LIMIT
90 minutes
90 minutes
20-25
minutes
per
question
3-10 minutes per question
4
 GRADING: The standard HISD grading scale will be followed:
LETTER
PERCENTAGES
A
B
C
D
F
100 - 90
89 - 80
79 - 75
74 - 70
69 and below
PREDICTED AP
GRADE
5
4
3
2
1
AP Chemistry Syllabus 2014-2015
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Weightings and Instructions to Students for Components of Inquiry Experiments
Item
Definition of the
problem
Weighting
(10%)
Planning the
experiment
(25%)
Performance of the
experiment
Observation of
phenomena
Analysis of data
(15%)
Structure and
format of the
report
(10%)
(10%)
(30%)
Instruction
Define the problem, identify the variables, and make
an assumption.
P(a)
Plan your experiment accurately, logically,
interestingly, and efficiently. Present your
assumptions at each stage; act independently and
prepare an equipment list.
P(b)
Follow the safety rules; use the proper tools and be
careful with the materials. M(s), Ps(a), Ps(b)
Carefully observe the materials and changes that
occur during the experiment.
D(c)
Use concise and complete explanations; point out
ambiguous observations, distinguish between
assumptions, explanations, and conclusions.
C and E
Ensure that your work is well-arranged, legible, and
aesthetically presented.
Percentage Weightings for Student Assessment Components
Assessment mode
Examination
Homework
Daily quizzes / classwork
Inquiry experiments
TOTAL
Percentage
(CHEM)
50%
15%
15%
20%
100%
Student’
initials
AP Chemistry Syllabus 2014-2015
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Final AP CHEMISTRY EXAM RUBRIC
ITEM
PERCENTAGE Student’
initials
Chem Olympiad
30%
result(2014/2015)
American Chemical Society
30%
result(2014/2015)
Final AP CHEM project
40%
Total
100%
FALL SEMESTER
TOPIC
1. Reaction and Periodicity
2. Stoichiometry
3. Gases
4. Thermodynamics
5. Spectroscopy, Light, and Elements
6. Bonding
7. Solids, Liquids, and Intermolecular Forces
CYCLE
SPRING SEMESTER:
TOPIC
8. Solutions and Colligative Properties
9. Kinetics
10. Equilibrium
11. Electrochemistry
12. Nuclear Reactions
13. Organic Chemistry
CYCLE
I have read, understood, and agreed to adhere to the above class policy.
Student name (print) _________________________
Student signature____________________________
Date: ____________
Parent name (print) __________________________
Parent signature_____________________________
Date___________
AP Chemistry Syllabus 2014-2015
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AP Chemistry Syllabus 2014-2015
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