Welcome to AP Chemistry!
Mr. O’Connell
BLOG: WHS website, click on staff, my name, AP Chemistry Communication
Phone: (503)673-7615 ext 4633
Email: oconnelj@wlwv.k12.or.us
Students in AP Chemistry will receive a rigorous course in First Year College Chemistry.
While students are asked to take the AP exams in May, this is not the sole purpose of the
course. The goal is for all students to be challenged in problem solving skills, technical
laboratory ability, synthesis of difficult concepts, and presentation of issues in Chemistry.
All students in the class have the capability to pass the AP exam next spring. All AP
Chemistry students will have successfully completed first year General Chemistry and
Laboratory. Sometimes obstacles get in the way in achieving that goal. As the teacher, I
will work hard to help students jump over, move, or build their way around the
“obstacles” that pop up. Every student leaving the class next summer will be well
prepared to be highly successful in College Chemistry. If students pass the exams
(results come out in July), most will receive college credit for their efforts or acceptance
into honors programs. Further, OIT will offer 5 credits per quarter…that’s up to 15
credits of 200 level Engineering Chemistry! Watch for more information by Sept 20th or
so!!!
How can parents help?
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Please try to avoid lab days for appointments as it is extremely difficult to make
up AP work. The labs are 2 ½ hours long.
Recognize this is a full year class being taught in a compressed time. Students
will have work during breaks; it is particularly important during Spring Break
because it is close to the exam in May.
Encourage after both triumphs and pitfalls. For many students, this will be their
first look at very difficult work that may cause struggles. One bad test score or
lab is not the end of the world and frequently students bounce back just fine on
the next assessment.
Being in class is crucial, missed time really cannot be duplicated for discussions,
demos, presentations, and lab work. Help them to adjust schedules to make things
work for them.
Purchase of an AP prep book (there are many good ones) is helpful. Have
them start preparing after the first of the year. Passing the AP tests can save big
$$$ and can lead to opportunities. All are around $20
Examine the AP Central Website for Chemistry: Testing Date Monday, May 5th @ 8am
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/150180.html
Syllabus
Summer: It is expected students will master preliminary work to prepare for fall term
during the summer.
Topics: Scientific Methods, Significant Figures, Measurement, Dimensional
Analysis, Fundamental Laws, Periodic Table, Atomic Theory, Naming
Compounds, Stoichiometry(all of these topics are review in nature from first year
Chemistry)
(We’re already past that part)
Fall Term:
Topics: Chemical Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
Gas Laws
Atomic Structure and Periodicity
Ionic and Covalent Bonding, Polarity, Resonance, Molecular Structures
Hybridization Model
Intermolecular Forces, Colligative Properties
Thermodynamics
Advanced Solution Chemistry
Spring Term:
Topics: Kinetics
Equilibrium Chemistry
Acid/Base Chemistry
Aqueous Equilibria
Organic
Spontaneity: Gibbs Free Energy and Entropy
Electrochemistry
Preparation and Review for AP Exams
Student Laboratory Projects
(This is fairly open ended and relates to Organic Chemistry
Usually, esterification reactions for flavorings and scents, but this varies)
Have a great year with your student!!! These are great kids doing wonderful work and
AP can really lead to some terrific opportunities for their future. Please don’t hesitate to
contact me to help your student be successful.
Sincerely,
Jim O’Connell
PS: Suggested AP Chemistry prep books: Princeton Review, Barron’s, Fast Track to a 5