Kentwood High School
AP® Chemistry Syllabus 2015-2016
Mrs. Mackey
Melissa.mackey@kent.k12.wa.us
253-373-4735
Room # 515
Textbook
Chemistry: The Central Science by Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy, Woodward and Stoltzfus, 13th Ed.
Course Goals
 Students will learn the topics and concepts of a first year college chemistry curriculum.
 Students will perform hands-on laboratory investigations appropriate to the topics of study.
 Students will be able to provide clear and logical oral and written explanations for scientific ideas,
observations and phenomena.
 Students will be able to solve chemistry problems by applying their content knowledge and analytical skills.
 Students will be prepared to successfully complete the AP Chemistry Exam in May 2016.
 Students will complete a project after completion of the AP Exam.
Prerequisites
AP® Chemistry is a second year course normally taken after Chemistry I and II, and after successful completion
of Algebra 3/4. In some cases it is acceptable for a student to take AP Chemistry without having met some of
the prerequisites. Strong math skills and an exemplary work ethic are a must for success in this course.
Requirements:
Often (approximately weekly) it will be necessary for students to return to the science lab after school has ended
to complete a lab or exam. This is due to the fact that in college chemistry courses, 2 hour periods are allotted
for laboratory exercises and exams. These lab dates will be announced in advance; please plan accordingly.
The lab schedule is fluid as sometimes we will break up lab sessions between two class periods. As such the lab
calendar below is a guideline only.
Over each of the holiday breaks an assignment will be given to allow for review or coverage of concepts we
will not have class time to explore more deeply.
It is expected that each student will remain in the class for both semesters, and take the AP exam at the end of
the course.
Materials Needed: Scientific calculator (not a cell phone), binder with 3 sections: (1) Lecture Notes, (2) Labs,
and (3) Problem Sets/Homework
Grading:
75%
25%
o A = 93%-100%
A- = 90%-92%
+
o B = 88%-89%
B = 82%-87%
B- = 80% -81%
o C+ = 78%-79%
C = 72%-77%
C-=70%-71%
+
o D = 67%-69%
D = 60%-66%
o F = 50%-59%
Summative Assessment. These exams are developed to mimic the AP® Exam. Each exam is
cumulative in nature and so will cover more material than the previous exam.
Homework-Quiz. Homework (including pre-reading or viewing a podcast or PowerPoint) is assigned
almost daily, and is expected to be completed each night prior to the next class. Students should be
prepared to present solutions to the class for discussion purposes and/or actively participate in Q&A.
There will be regular assessments to check for understanding.
Laboratory. Each student completes individual lab reports and/or handouts in a separate section of
their chemistry notebook, electronically, or bound composition book (portfolio). Format and rubric for
lab write-ups will be available on the class website.
Regular attendance will be necessary to succeed. Missed work for unexcused absences will not be available for
make-up as per KSD policy 3122.
Course Outline & Schedule (dates are approximate; labs may be shifted or changed to accommodate schedule)
Topics
Matter and Measurement (Chapter 1)
Time
~1 wk
Laboratory
Determining Aluminum Foil Thickness
Separation of Mixtures by Chromatography
Atoms, Molecules and Ions (Chapter 2)
~1.5
wk
Chemical Reactions & Reaction Stoichiometry (Chapter 3)
~1.5
wk
~1.5
wk
Reactions in Aqueous Solution (Chapter 4)
Mid-Term Exam
Electronic Structure of Atoms (Chapter 6)
Periodic Properties of the Elements (Chapter 7)
Basic Concepts of Molecular Geometry and Bonding
(Chapters 8 and 9)
~2 wk
~1 wk
~2 wk
Determination of Dye Components of Candy
Determining the Empirical Formula of a Compound
Formula of a Hydrate Activity
Gravimetric Analysis of Fertilizer
Precipitation Reactions and Qualitative Analysis
Inquiry on Light and Properties
Molecular Modeling Computer Simulations
Creating Molecular Models
Mid-Term Exam
Gases (Chapter 10)
~2 wk
Liquids and Intermolecular Forces (Chapter 11)
Solids and Modern Materials (Chapter 12)
~2.5
wk
~1 wk
Properties of Solutions (Chapter 13)
~2 wk
Boyles’ Law
(*see lab below)
Spectrophotometric Analysis of Concentration Activity
*Determination of the Amount of Copper in Brass
(incorporates solids & solutions)
Semester Exam
Kinetics (Chapter 14)
Equilibrium (Chapter 15)
Acids and Bases, Apps of Equilibrium (Chapters 16 & 17)
~2 wk
~2 wk
~2 wk
Kinetics of Crystal Violet Fading
Le Chatelier’s Principle
Using a Primary Standard to Analyze Acid and Base
Solutions
Design a buffer
Mid-Term Exam
Thermochemistry (Chapter 5)
Chemical Thermodynamics (Chapter 19)
Electrochemistry (Chapter 20)
Practice AP Exam/Final
Review for AP Exam, wrap up any topics
AP Chemistry Exam
Post AP Exam Project
~2 wk
~1.5
wk
~1.5
wk
~3 wk
5/?
(5/? end of
year
Specific Heat of an Unknown Metal
Hess’s Law
Electrochemical Cells
Early May TBD