AP Chemistry Course Syllabus
School Year: 2012-2013
Course Overview
Welcome to the most challenging and rigorous, yet enlightening Chemistry class you will take in High
School. AP Chemistry is a very demanding course as it requires time and hard work. In this AP Chemistry
class, you will learn the chemistry basics, theories, and laws governing a wide range of skills and abilities.
In the process, you should improve both your thinking and your problem solving skills. These abilities
that you learn in this class will enable you to tackle and resolve tasks that you will encounter in the
future. If you work hard, ask questions, and do all of the assigned work, then you will succeed.
Chemistry is a study of the relationship between the structure and properties of matter. You will learn
the following concepts: the nature of matter, gas laws, thermodynamics, stoichiometry, bonding,
chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, heat, changes in matter, atomic structure, periodic table, bonding,
formulas, equations, mole concept, gas laws, energy and order, catalytic systems, reaction rates,
equilibrium, solutions, nuclear chemistry, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry are specific topics to
be considered. In this course, these topics will be discussed.
This AP Chemistry Course meets 5 days a week for 90 minutes a day over the second semester (18
weeks). This course will give a student one high school credit based on a 6 point grading scale. This
schedule insures students will have adequate time to cover all of the required content for Florida State
Department of Education and the AP College Board.
This Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken
during the first year of college. There are 5 major components that will be covered this year:
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Structures of Matter (20%)
States of Matter (20%)
Reactions (35-40%)
Descriptive Chemistry (10-15%)
Laboratory with a continual intertwining of calculations. (5-10%)
LABORATORTY
Laboratory experimentation is a major component of this class to produce inquiry and problem solving
thinking. Some labs will be conducted during class but students are expected to set aside 45 to 90
minutes a week to commit to a lab/preparation outside of class. This is either to make solutions, or to
redo a lab to get better results.
In the laboratory experiments portion of this class, students will be able to:
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Think analytically and to reduce problems to identifiable, answerable questions;
Understand problems expressed as experimental questions;
Design and carry out experiments that answer questions;
Manipulate data acquired during an experiment – perhaps even to guide progress;
Make conclusions and evaluate the quality and validity of such conclusions;
Propose further questions for study
Communicate accurately and meaningfully about observations and conclusions.
The AP Chemistry curriculum is very lab intensive, and the College Board is intent on making the AP
Chemistry class equivalent to a first-year college chemistry course. To that end, at least six class periods
or the equivalent per week will be scheduled for an AP Chemistry course (Mondays after 2:45 to
4:30 pm). This will meet our goal of laboratory time to complete specific and allotted student labs. The
students will be engaged in laboratory work, yet the time will also be flexible to meet students’ needs
and work schedules.
AP Chemistry Program: Exam Resource and Program Information Booklet
Provided Course Material
Textbook
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Zumdahl and Zumdahl, Chemistry, 8th Edition, Brooks/Cole, Belmont, CA., 2010
Additional Materials
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Vonderbrink, Sally Ann. Laboratory Experiments for Advanced Placement Chemistry Illinois:
Flinn Scientific, Inc.* (Handouts)
Zumdahl. Chemistry 8th ed. Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin. (Individual, PC Web Version
for the home. )
Nelson, John and Kemp, Kenneth Chemistry -The Central Science; Laboratory Experiments New
Jersey: Pearson, Prentice Hall** (Handouts) 2 ~ Moses N. AP Chemistry
Little, John G. and Hall, James F. AP Experimental Chemistry, 8th Edition Zumdahl and Zumdahl,
Brooks/Cole, Belmont, CA., 2010
Study Guide for Zumdahl and Zumdahl’s Chemistry, Kelter, Paul, 8th edition, Brooks/Cole,
Belmont, CA., 2010
Fast Track To A 5, Preparing for the AP Chemistry Examination, Knoespel, Sheldon; OhnSabatello, Tina; Morlan,
Gordon, for Chemistry 7th and 8th Editions by Steven S. Zumdahl and Susan A. Zumdahl,
Brooks/Cole,Belmont, CA, 2010
Additional Materials:
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High School Chemistry for AP Achievement (http://www.trivedichemistry.com/index.php/apchemistry)
Chemistry, A Project of the American Chemical Society, W. H. Freeman and Company, New York,
2005
Chemistry: A Study of Matter, Garrett, Alfred B., Lippincott, W.T., Verhoek, Frank Henry,
Blaisdell Publishing Company, Waltham, Massachusetts, 1968
Chemical Analysis, An Advanced Text and Reference, 2nd Edition, Laitinen, Herbert A., and
Harris, Walter E., McGraw-Hill, 1975.
Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, Skoog, Douglas A., West, Donald M., 3rd Edition, Holt,
Rinehart and Winston, New York, 1976.
Internet: YouTube, TeacherTube, and AP Chem web sites.
AP Chemistry Lab Report Grading Rubric
Name: ___________________________________ Date ____________
Lab Title: __________________________________________________
Points Received
1. Lab report 30 points ______
2. With introductory, data, and conclusion 15 points ______
paragraphs (tables, etc.)
3. With introduction of data in data paragraph 10 points ______
(and introduction of data tables)
4. With summary of procedure in introductory 10 point ______
paragraph
5. With a correct explanation of the concept in 10 point ______
introductory paragraph
6. With the focus statement answered in the 25 points ______
conclusion paragraph Reasonable analysis
of data.
Total 100 points ________
When finished please evaluate your work and indicate the grade
you believe you earned. Explain your reasoning.
Grade Rec’d
Websites used as resources:
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www.sciencegeek.net - quiz yourself on different chemistry topics
www.ptable.com - Periodic Table information
www.adriandingleschemistrypage.com - net ionic equations; pop quizzes; helpful
info/explanations
www.collegeboard.com/apcentral - answers questions about all the Advanced Placement
tests
www.google.com –used to look up YouTube videos and relevant research data.
School Linked: http://grades.lake.k12.fl.us eSembler
Materials Students will need for class
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2 in. Binder (dividers as needed)
Compositions Bound 5 x 5 Quad Ruled Graph Notebook no wires
Scientific Calculator (LHS will provide a TI-84Plus Graphing Calculator)
Writing Utensils (Blue or Black Pen in lab notebooks only)
Colored Pencils (Provided by LHS)
Highlighters
Index Cards (for your study use)
TECHNOLOGY
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Cell phones may not be used in any way during school hours. Please see planner for details
concerning the cell phone policies set by Lake County Public Schools.
Use of school computers and laptops is subject to school policy.
Calculators are scientific/mathematic tools that can be very useful in the school setting. Games
on calculators are, however, unacceptable. If I see games on your calculator in my class, I will
clear the memory on your calculator. Repeat offenders will have their parents contacted.
Apart from your calculator, no use of any other electronic devices in class will be permitted.
FOOD/DRINK
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No food or drink is allowed by students in class, except during class sponsored activities (food
labs, parties, etc.)
Water bottles are acceptable in class, provided they have lids and are kept out of the way.
Absolutely no food or drink is allowed in the lab. This includes water bottles and gum as well.
Grading Scale
Grading will be based on an approximate average of your total points using the following scale.
Tests 50%
Quizzes 20%
Labs 20%
Daily Grades 10%
Students are strongly encouraged to check their grades regularly. Mistakes can be made.
Individual test grades may be curved according to the highest grade in the class and based on difficulty
and rigor of the test. Students will not receive the curve if they are missing work. See late and make up
work.
Letter Grade Equivalent to: **
Honors/AP Honors
90 % - 100% A 6.0
80% - 89% B 5.0
70% - 79% C 4.0
60% - 69% D 2.0
0% - 59% F 0
Tests – all tests will be made up of AP type questions. Therefore they are challenging and timed.
Because of this the scale for exams will be:
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60% and over = A equivalent to a 5 on AP Exam
50 % = B equivalent to a 4 on AP Exam
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33 % = C equivalent to a 3/2 on AP Exam
28% and under = D equivalent to a 2/1 on AP Exam
**The scale provided above is subject to change, it is a close approximation of scores from prior years
in Lake County’s AP Chemistry classes.
Make up and late work:
1. Homework assignments are due the next day unless otherwise stated by the instructor.
2. Late work is unacceptable as this is a college course. In this new age of technology, there should not
be a reason an assignment is late. The assignments can be submitted for grading by fax, email, or in class
either before it is due or the day it is due. If extenuating circumstances do arise, individual requests for
turning work in late will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your instructor if this is
the case.
3. Tests and announced quizzes must be made up on the day a student returns.
4. If a student is gone for an extended period of time, they need to see the instructor for makeup work.
Hopefully, they can get this before the absence.
5. Students will not be able to make up work from the beginning of the term. They will need to keep
track of assignments they have turned in. The use of eSembler will aid in keeping track of work turned
in.
6. Incentive to being here every day(excused or unexcused):
a. Absent 0 days = 9 pts to exam
b. Absent 1 day = 6 pts to exam
c. Absent 2-3 days = 3 pts to exam
d. Absent more than 4 days = 0 pts to exam
7. Students only have 2 days to make up work. (See LHS Attendance Policy 2010-2011)
Scholarly etiquette: It is very important that students learn the proper means and methods to interact
with adults and peers in scholastic and business setting. To this aim, I would like to maintain a fair and
business-like class atmosphere by asking that students adhere to the following:
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Please raise your hand to be recognized before speaking. Interrupting the instructor or other
classmates is not acceptable behavior. “Popcorn” sessions are done on a weekly basis.
When class time is given to students to work on homework assignments, please do not waste
that time by unnecessary socializing.
Always be courteous to other classmates and the instructor.
Ask before removing or using something that belongs to someone else.
Plagiarism/cheating are serious offenses. If caught plagiarizing from another student both
students will receive a zero and a phone call will be made home. Next offense student will
receive an F as a final grade and a referral will be written to the appropriate administrator.
Class organization
Please see Lake County School Website for Leesburg High School at http://lake.k12.fl.us/LH for
discussions, lecture notes, labs, timeline, and course materials that will be placed on the above site.
Extra help:
Chemistry is a difficult, but manageable class. Therefore, I do not expect students to understand the
concepts right away. I am available for help outside of class. If you have questions about course
materials (and you would be strange if you didn't), your grade, or you would just like to talk about
chemistry and life, I encourage you to drop me an email or talk to me after class. My help sessions for
AP Chemistry will be on Mondays and Thursdays immediately after school from 2:45 to 4:00 pm.
School Tardy Policy “To be early is to BE ON TIME, to be on time is to BE LATE, to be late is
UNACCEPTABLE”
TARDY - to be late, any student that is not in his or her seat when the bell rings to begin class or when
the door is shut after the bell rings.
1. TARDY POLICY
A student is considered tardy to class after the bell unless excused by a note from school personnel.
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1st tardy Parent note-no detention, but still counted as tardy.
1st tardy No note-Warning and/or detention (teacher’s discretion)
2nd tardy Detention (Served with the teacher)
3rd tardy Teacher to notify student of (1) unexcused absence/ Remind student next tardy will be
a referral to office/Teacher to notify parent and office.
4th tardy Teacher refer student to Assistant Principal’s office- Saturday School (Administration
to notify parents)
5th tardy Refer to Assistant Principal—Saturday School (Administration to notify parents)
6th tardy Refer to Assistant Principal—Teacher to notify student of 2nd unexcused absence
(Administration to notify parents)
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7th tardy Refer to Assistant Principal—Gross insubordination-out of school suspension
3 tardies=1 unexcused absence
Missing 30 minutes or more of a class constitutes an absence.
If you have an unexcused tardy, (all tardies that come from administration are the only excused tardy
I will accept) will not be able to make up the quiz, if it is by any other school personnel.
Dates to Remember
February 21 First 9 Wks Exam (AP Multiple Choice)
March 20 MidTerm exam (Both Multiple choice and Free response)
April 27 mock AP exam over all material 7am in the media
Center
May 6 AP chemistry exam
AP Chemistry Course Timeline Leesburg High School
FY 2012-2013
Topic ,Approximate # of days, Dates, (Test )
0:Intro to Chemistry , 3, January 22-24
1: Matter and Measurement/Periodic Table Intro, 3, January 25-29
2: Atoms, Molecules, Ions, Chemical Names, 3, January 30-February 1
3: Stoichiometry/Chemical Equations, 3, February 4- 6
4: Chemical Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry, 3, February 7-11
5: Gases, 3, February 12-14
7: Electronic Structure/Periodicity, 3, February 15-20
8: Bonding, 3, February 21-25
9: Organic Chemistry, 3, Feruary 26-28
10: Thermochemistry, 3, March 1-5
11: Liquids & Solids, Intermolecular forces, 3, March 6-8
12: Solutions & Aqueous Reactions, 3, March 11-13
13: The representative elements Groups 1A-8A, 3, March 14-18
14: Kinetics, 3, March 19-21
End of 9 Weeks/Semester
SPRING BREAK March 22-31
15: Gaseous Equilibrium, 3, April 1-3
16: Acids & Bases, Acid Base Equilibrium, 3, April 4-8
17: Precipitation Equilibrium, April 9-11
18: Spontaneity, Entropy, and Free Energy, 3, April 12-16
19: Electrochemistry, 3, April 17-19
20: Transition Metals & Coordination Chemistry, 3, April 22-24
21: Nuclear Chemistry, 3, April 25-29
22: Mock Exam 1 April 27
4/29-5/3 : Review for AP Exam, free response questions.
May 6, 2013 AP Exam - Morning
Detail Course Outline:
1st 9 weeks of semester 2
Chemical Foundation and Components of Matter Ch. 1, 2
pg 1-38; 39-75; 73-75 (3 days)
Topics: Chemistry, Chemical Problem Solving, Measurement in Scientific Study Uncertainty in
Measurements, Types of matter, Pure Substance vs. Mixture, Separation of mixture, uses of dimensional
analysis, metric conversions
Labs: Basic Lab Techniques (2.5 hr)*
Separation of a Solid Mixture; Qualitative (2 hrs.)*
Paper Chromatography: Separation of Cations and Dyes (2hrs)*
Atomic Structure and Periodic Table Ch. 2, 7
pg 39-75; 284-329 (3 days)
Topics: Law of Conservation, Discovery of electron and nucleus Dalton’s Atomic Theory, Modern Atomic
Theory, and calculation of mass defect and binding energy. Present periodic table information about the
elements and how to use the table, quantum numbers, periodic trends, valance electrons, electronic
configuration.
Stoichiometry Ch. 3
Pg. 76-117 (3 days)
Topics: Conversion through and to mole, determining empirical and molecular formula of an unknown
compound, Calculating amounts of reactant and product, solution. Solve all types of stoichiometric
problems involving percent yield and limiting reagents.
Chemical Reactions, Solutions Ch. 3,4
Pgs. 101; 134-166 (3 days)
Topic: Writing and balancing chemical equations, Types of reactions; solutions and the role of water.
Labs: Chemical Reactions (2.5 hr)*
Activity Series (2.5 hrs) FlinnScientific Kit
Oxidation-Reduction Titration (1 hr) FlinnScientific Kit
Gases and Kinetic Molecular Theory Ch. 5
Pgs. 180 -223 (3days)
Topics: Kinetic Molecular Theory, Laws of Ideal gases: Charles Law, Boyles’ Law, GuyLussac’s Law,
Maxwell-Boltzman Distribution Law, Vander Waals equation (students will be able to work these
problems) Avogadro’s Hypothesis and the mole concepts.
Labs: Determination of R: The Gas-Law Constant (2.5 hr)*
Quantum Theory, Electron Configuration and Chemical Periodicity Ch. 7
pg. 284 -329 (3 days)
Topics: Atomic Spectra, Nature of Light, Duality of Matter and Energy, Quantum Mechanical Model,
Development of the Periodic Table, Trends, and Chemical Reactivity. Calculation of wavelength and
energy.
Labs: Atomic Spectra and Atomic Structure (2.5 hr)*
Gravimetric Analysis of Chloride Salt (3 hrs)*
Bonding, Naming, Intermolecular Forces Ch. 8, 9, 22
Pg. 339-369; 403-430, 1005-1052 (3 days)
Topics: Binding forces, Molecular Models, Ionic and Covalent Bonding, Organic Chemistry (structure and
functional groups.
Labs: Cu to Cu, (2 hr.)*; Hydrates ( 3.5 hr)*; Qualitative Analysis Group 2 and 5 (4 hrs)*
Shapes of Molecules Transition Elements and Their Coordination Cpds Ch. 8, 9, 21
Pg. 339-369; 403-430; 953-997 (3 days)
Topics: Geometry of molecules and ions, structural isomerism of simple organic molecules, dipole
moments of molecules and relation of properties to structure.
Labs: Molecular Geometries of Covalent Molecules (2.5hr.)*
Review of First Semester Exam (1 Day Review, 1 day for AP Test)
SPRING TERM
Liquids, Solids, Solutions Properties (Intermolecular forces) Ch. 10, 11, 16
Pgs. 438-486; 497-530; 743-766 (3 days)
Topics: Liquids and solids from the Kinetic Molecular Theory POV, phase diagrams, phase changes with
critical points and triple points, structure of solids, and lattice energies.
Labs: Molar Mass by Freezing point Depression (2 hr)*
Thermodynamics Ch. 6, 17
Pgs. 235-275; 863- 890 (3 days)
Topics: Enthalpy, Calorimetry, Stoichiometry, Hess’s Law, Laws of Thermodynamics, Calculating Entropy,
Entropy, Free Energy and work Along predicting and calculating free energy.
Lab: Enthalpy of Reaction and Hess’s Law (1 hr)**
Synthesis, Isolation and Purification of an Ester (2 hr.) FlinnScientific Kit
Kinetics Ch. 12
Pg. 539-580 (3 days) AP Chemistry
Topics: Factors that influence, expressing reaction rates; rate law and its components; reaction order;
Collision theory, Transition state theory, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, and calculate of K and
equilibrium concentrations.
Lab: Kinetics of a Reaction (3 hr)*
Equilibrium Ch. 13
Pg. 593-628 (3 days)
Topics: Reaction Quotient, equilibrium constant, Expressing Equilibria w/ pressure terms, Reaction
Direction, Le Chatelier’s Principle and along with all calculations of equilibrium constants.
Lab: Demonstration: Two Faced Solutions FlinnScientific Kit
Acid/Base/Buffers Ch. 15
Pg. 697-736 (3 days)
Topics: How to create a titration curve, titrate, making solutions, Equilibrium of an acid-base buffer,
equilibria of slightly soluble ionic compounds, equilibria involving complex ions, and how to perform
analytical chemical analysis. Perform corresponding calculations of solubility constants (Molarity,
molality, and Normality).
Lab: Selecting Indicators for Acid-Base Titrations (2 hr.)*
Preparation and Properties of Buffer Solutions (1 hr)*
Acid/Base/Ksp Ch. 14
Pg. 638-688 (3 days)
Topics: Autoionization of Water and the pH scale, Proton transfer Bronsted-Lowry Acid-Base Definition,
Weak acid equilibria, Relationships of weak acids and weak bases, .molecular properties and acid
strength, Lewis Acids
Lab: Determination of Solubility Product of an Ionic Compound ( 1 hr.)*
Preparation and Analysis of Tetraammine copper (II) Sulfate Monohydrate ( 30 min. then 45 min.)*
Electrochemistry Ch. 18
Pg. 816-861 (3 days)
Topics: Electrochemical Cells, Voltaic Cells, Cell Potential Free Energy and Electrical Work, electrolytic
Cells Along with corresponding calculations of half reactions and energy.
Lab: Electrochemical Cells (1.5 hr)*; Design and build a 1.5 volt working battery (3 hr)*
Nuclear Chemistry Ch. 19
pg 872-901 (3 days)
Topics: Radioactive Decay, Nuclear Stability, Interconversion of Mass and Energy, Nuclear Transmutation
and Fission, and fusion. Lab: Simulation of alpha and beta decay in radioactive elements.(1 hr)*
Note: All labs are student run, except one which is noted that it is a Teacher Demonstration. Students will
be in groups of 2 to 3 people per group. If labs are not completed within 2 weeks prior to the AP Exam,
they can be completed after the exam so that you, the student, may get credit for the lab aspect of this
class.
Review for Exam and Weekend Mock AP Test; End of Year Project/ Exam (depending on
participation/work you have put in through the year
*Students are required to come in after school at least 1 to 1.5 hours per week to complete labs and for
working problems and AP Test practice questions