2015-2016Fontbonne Hall Academy

AP Chemistry

Mrs. Alla Tandilashvili

  • Objectives:
  1. To learn the inquiry process through numerous laboratory investigations.
  2. To gain an understanding of the six big ideas as articulated in the AP Chemistry Curriculum Framework.
  3. To apply mathematical and scientific knowledge and skills to solve quantitative, qualitative, spatial and analytical problems.
  4. To apply basic arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric concepts.
  5. To formulate strategies for the development and testing of hypothesis.
  6. To use basic statistical concepts to draw both inferences and conclusions from data.
  7. To identify implications and consequences of drawn conclusions.
  8. To measure, compare, scale, locate, and code accurately.
  9. To do scientific research and report and display the results of this research.
  10. To learn to think critically in order to solve problems.

Textbook: Brown, Theodore L., H.Eugene Lemay, Bruce E.Bursten, Catherine Murphy, Patrick M. Woodward, and Mathew W.Stoltzfus. Chemistry: The Central Science AP Edition, 13th edition. New Jersey: Pearson, 2015

Workbook: Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam: 2016 edition, The Princeton review, 2015

Laboratory: AP Chemistry Guided Inquiry Experiments: Applying the Science Practices .College Board, 2013

Course Requirement:3-subject notebook

Graphing calculator

  • Examination Policy:

Each major topic will conclude with a unit examination, which is scheduled in advance. Each unit examination will contain material from prior units. Students who miss a unit test due to absence must take an appointment with the subject teacher for a make-up examination the day of return to school. All make-up exams must be completed by the end of the cycle following the absence. A grade of zero will be issued to the students missing more than two regularly scheduled unit exams. Weekly quizzes should be expected. If a student misses more than two consecutive quizzes, a grade of zero will be issued for each proceeding quiz missed. There is no make up for the quizzes.

All students will be required to take Advanced Placement Chemistry Examination which is given in May.

  • Grading:

QuartersI, II & III and IV:

Examinations and Quizzes:60%

Homework:15%

Laboratory:25%

The final grade in the course will be an average of Quarters I, II, III and IV.

  • Homework

Work outside of class is an integral part of the course. Homework assignments are provided along with course objectives for each study guide. Each student is responsible for completing homework assignments on the loose leafs. Homework is 15% of the quarter grade. It is due when the objective is completed in class. If the homework is incomplete, a grade of zero will be given for that day. If homework is incomplete a second time, a parent-teacher conference will be requested. Daily quizzes based on the homework should be expected.

  • Laboratory

All students are required to maintain a binder to organize all of their laboratory investigations including a pre-lab discussion notes, procedural design and completed laboratory reports for each investigation performed. The laboratory reports will constitute 25% of the overall student grade. Students collect, process, interpret and graph data from both qualitative and quantitative observations. Students work in groups of two per station but are required to submit their own laboratory reports. [All laboratory experiments are intended to be completed in one double period (80 min) except the guided-inquiry experiments.

The Laboratory component of the AP Chemistry class is based on the AP Chemistry Guided-Inquiry: Applying the Science Practices Lab Manual. The laboratory investigations used throughout the course allow students to apply the seven science practices defined in the AP Chemistry Curriculum Framework. Ten of the required 16 labs are conducted in a guided-inquiry format. The laboratory is stocked will all required equipment, lab wares an reagents necessary to provide for a college-level laboratory experience. The experiments provide students with the opportunity to connect their knowledge of chemistry and science to major societal and technological components.

Lab Reports. Labs are essential to understanding chemistry. Laboratory experiments are held every cycle and students are required to write a formal laboratory report in a graphic composition notebook and submitted within one week after the experiment is completed. The lab report must be written in the following order:

  1. Title
  2. Introduction – provide definitions, equations, statements and drawings related to the experiment
  3. Safety - list the safety requirements that must be followed to perform the particular experiment
  4. Procedure
  5. Materials

*** The above must be completed prior the lab experiment***

  1. Data – Provide all calculations, graphs and data and pictures. All graphs must be labeled with a title and axis labeled appropriately. All pictures must be labeled. All formulas and significant figures must be used and all calculations must be shown.
  2. Error analysis (if applicable)
  3. Questions
  4. Conclusion
  • Guidelines

Class notes are based on the textbook. Organized notes are a must! Class notes should be reviewed each evening. This makes study easier and will help uncover material, which needs extra review in class or during resource time.