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AP Chemistry
The key concepts and content for AP Chemistry
are organized around six principles called
“THE BIG IDEAS.”
The big ideas encompass the core scientific
principles, theories, and processes governing
matter and chemical systems.
For each big idea, enduring understandings are
identified, which incorporate the core
concepts that students should retain from the
learning experience.
Ap chemistry
1st Concept: Atoms & Elements
The 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.
Ap chemistry
2nd Concept: Properties of matter
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.
Ap chemistry
3rd Concept: Chemical Reactions
Changes in matter involve the rearrangement and/or reorganization of
atoms and/or the transfer of electrons.
Ap chemistry
4th Concept: Kinetics
Rates of chemical reactions are determined by details of the molecular
collisions.
Ap chemistry
5th Concept: thermodynamics
The laws of thermodynamics describe the essential role of energy and
explain and predict the direction of changes in matter.
Ap chemistry
6th Concept: Equilibrium
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 conditions.
Ap chemistry
Essentials: Reading Comprehension
We are using a college chemistry text book.
Students are expected to read the text and take notes
on the assignment before class.
This way, in class, we can spend time clarifying and
expounding instead of stopping and taking notes.
If desired: students can purchase their book online –
so they can annotate and underline in their books.
Ap chemistry
Essentials: Reading Comprehension
Studies show that students need to see
information a minimum of 3 times before
they retain it.
Class should not be the first time they are
introduced to the information.
Ap chemistry
Essentials: Labs
Because inquiry-based labs take more time than traditional labs, the
number of labs has been reduced from 22 to 16.
These are student-directed labs that provide opportunities for students
to design plans for experiments, collect data, apply mathematical
routines, develop explanations, make predictions, and communicate
their work.
Ap chemistry
Essentials: Lab Reports
A common lab structure has the following sections:
• Purpose or background
• Hypothesis
• Procedure & materials
• Data & observations
• Calculations
• Graphs
• Results & error analysis
• Conclusions
Not all of these components are necessary or appropriate for all labs.
Lab reports are written in third person.
Ap chemistry
Essentials: Writing skills
Chemistry/Lab writing is NOT creative writing.
If you can’t explain it simply,
You don’t understand it well enough.
-- Albert Einstein
Students must be clear and concise.
Incomplete or out-of-order lab procedures may lead to
an ineffective or even dangerous outcome for the lab.
Penmanship/handwriting is also important. If I can’t
ready it, I don’t grade it.
Ap chemistry
Essentials: Math skills
Simple algebra and manipulation of formulas
PV=nRT rearrange to solve for R
R = PV/nT
Ap chemistry
Math is the language of science
Science is a measure of change
Science is based on patterns
Ap chemistry
Essentials: Organizing Skills
Binders need to be organized and neat.
Lab books need to be organized.
Time management is essential to covering all
the material required for an AP course.
Ap chemistry
Essentials: Paperwork
Syllabus
Lab Safety Contract
HOMEWORK: Read, Understand and Sign the
syllabus and lab safety contract