AP Chemistry
Science Department
Mr. Jeff Panos
Main Course Outcomes:
 The AP Chemistry course is designed to offer students a solid foundation in introductory collegelevel chemistry.
 It is my goal to help them identify, understand, and apply key principles that exist in chemical
processes around them everywhere, every day.
 Students will engage in inquiry-based learning through activities and laboratories that integrate
chemistry knowledge with science practices.
 At the end of the course, students will have an awareness and understanding of how to go about
tackling multi-faceted scientific problems with a keen idea of how to develop proper college level
procedures, perform key data analysis, and draw meaningful conclusions in a collaborative
manner that could potentially impact their lives.
Key Topics Covered:
The course is centered on six “Big Ideas” in Chemistry:
Big Idea 1
Chemical elements are fundamental building materials of matter, and all matter can
be understood in terms of arrangement of atoms. These atoms retain their identity in
chemical reactions.
Big Idea 2
Chemical and Physical properties of materials can be explained by the structure and
the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules and the forces between them.
Big Idea 3
Changes in matter involve the rearrangement and/or reorganization of atoms and/or
the transfer of electrons.
Big idea 4
Rates of chemical reactions are determined by details of the molecular collisions.
Big Idea 5
The laws of thermodynamics describe the essential role of energy and explain and
predict the direction of changes in matter.
Big Idea 6
Any bond or intermolecular attraction that can be formed can be broken. These two
processes are in a dynamic competition, sensitive to initial conditions and external
perturbations.
These major themes are supported through intensive reading, activities that promote critical thinking and
scientific thought, and inquiry-based laboratory activities that emphasize experimental design.
Brief Course Description:
Students must have satisfactorily completed both Biology and Chemistry first year courses as
well as be concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus level math or higher before enrolling in AP Chemistry. A
summer assignment will be given to review first year chemistry principles of measurement and
stoichiometry. All students enrolled in the course are expected to take the AP Chemistry Exam. Primary
emphasis will be in developing an understanding of concept rather than on memorizing terms and
technical details. It is essential that students connect their classroom knowledge to socially important
issues in their everyday lives. The course will allow students to learn about and discuss many issues in a
variety of formats. Issues will be discussed in a class setting and students may research and report on a
current topic that has social or ethical issues associated with it. Students should be prepared to spend
time outside of class to complete this rigorous course.
Major Assessments:
 8 Unit Exams
 16 Laboratory Write-ups (Includes formal & informal)
 Minor Quizzes, Homework, and Participation