Dear ____________________
Welcome to AP chemistry! I’m really looking forward to
teaching AP Chemistry next year and wanted to send you an
official ‘welcome’ and give you a few things to work on over the
summer  AP Chemistry is a course set by the college board and is designed to be a
second year of chemistry, building on the foundation we set in honors chemistry.
In this course you will learn more advanced chemistry concepts such as kinetics,
equilibrium, thermodynamics, and acid-base chemistry. The AP chemistry course
has been recently redesigned to focus on core scientific principals, theories and
processes, rather than the traditional memorization of facts and equations. You
should expect to spend a significant amount of time conducting experiments,
analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematical models and thinking about
what is happening to substances on a molecular level.
So what do you need to do over the summer to prepare?
1. Sign up for the AP chemistry 2015-16 edmodo group - code: 2ncfek. During
the summer I will post more information as I get it, so please sign in and get
to know the other students in our class.
2. Obtain a copy of our text book: Chemistry – 7th Edition by Steven S.
Zumdahl and Susan A. Zumdahl. ISBN: 978-0-618-71370-7. There are used
copies available on Amazon, and the angel foundation sells discount copies
also. Please contact me if you are interested in buying a used book from a
previous AP Chemistry student.
3. Review the following concepts from honors chemistry, which are the first 3
chapters of the book. We will be having a test the first week back to make
sure you are up to speed on these concepts. There are a lot of new concepts
we need to cover during AP chemistry and so there will be no time to review
these items in class. The following problem sets are recommended to help
you prepare for the test.
 Chapter 1 - Measurement, significant figures and dimensional
analysis. Read the chapter and then complete practice problems: from
the problem set on pg. 31-36 #21, 24, 26, 28, 34, 35, 38, 52, 56, 58, 60
 Chapter 2 – Atomic structure, ions, molecules, naming compounds.
Read the chapter and then complete practice problems from the
problem set on pg. 70-73 #36, 39, 42, 44, 46, 50, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64,
66, 68, 70

Chapter 3 – Moles, Molar mass, Balancing equations, Stoichiometry.
Read the chapter and then complete practice problems from the
problem set on pg. 116-122 # 20, 28, 34, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 62,
82, 84, 86
4. If it has been a year since you took honors chemistry, or you would just
rather have a more structured time to review, there will be an AP Chem boot
camp the week of august 10-15th. We will be covering the summer
assignments and concepts in depth as well as an overview of the AP chem
course and tips and tricks to help you succeed. Please check in on edmodo for
more specific dates and times. This is also a great way to get back into the
swing of things for school and get to know your new classmates.
5. Remember to take time this summer to relax and take care of your personal
growth and spend time with your friends and family!
Finally, I am super exited to teach this class! I am planning on working really hard
this summer and throughout the school year to make sure that you are well
prepared to get a great score on the AP chemistry test, and also to ensure that this
class is a positive learning experience for everyone. This is not an easy course and
requires a high level of commitment. I am expecting each of you to work AT LEAST
as hard as I will to make this a great experience and a successful year! If you have
any questions or concerns about whether this class is the right choice for you, please
talk with me and/or your honors chemistry teacher.
Looking forward to a great year! Please feel free to contact me via email or edmodo
over the summer if you have any questions or concerns.
Anna Noble
Anna_noble@dpsk12.org