AP Chemistry Student Expectations 2016-17
North Haven High School, Room 320 (Nichols), Block 4__
Course: AP Chemistry
Teacher: Mrs. Julie Nichols
Objectives:
Course Scope: Topics include a rigorous mathematical approach to the topics covered in first-year chemistry: (mathematics of chemistry, laboratory safety and procedures, elements-compounds-mixtures, atomic theory and structure, structure and organization of the periodic table, mole concepts, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, kinetic theory, gas-liquids-solids-solutions, acids-bases-salts, equilibrium, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, environmental chemistry) and extensions of general chemistry topics to the college level. AP chemistry is designed to be equivalent to a first-year chemistry course at the college level.
Some colleges and universities will accept a high score on the AP test, along with a complete, well documented lab notebook for college credit.
Because AP chemistry focuses on the how of chemistry, building on the what of chemistry you learned in your first-year course, you should review your first-year chemistry notes and materials regularly during this course.
Course Goals:
1. All course goals outlined in the L3 Chemistry Honors Syllabus.
2. Extend your current first-year chemistry knowledge to the introductory college chemistry level.
3. Perform extensive mathematical calculations using advanced chemistry formulae.
4. Prepare yourself to take the Chemistry Advanced Placement Test in May.
5. Develop laboratory expertise, as well as working on labs in teams, for extended periods of time, and without a set of specifically outlined lab instructions.
6. Keep a detailed and complete lab notebook.
7. Complete AP-chemistry level textbook problem sets.
8. Use the scientific method of problem solving.
9. Practice safe, efficient, and effective laboratory procedures.
10. Develop basic laboratory techniques and skills in using laboratory equipment.
11. Develop skills in using symbols, terms, equations, metric system measurements, and mathematical calculations to express chemistry processes.
12. Understand the differences among elements, compounds, and mixtures.
13. Understand atomic structures.
14. Develop an understanding of and ability to use periodic tables.
15. Develop an understanding of chemical bonding.
16. Develop an understanding of and skills in writing and naming chemical formulas.
17. Balance the various types of chemical equations.
18. Develop an understanding of stoichiometry and use factor label method to solve mass-mole problems.
19. Recognize the qualitative and quantitative similarities and differences among gases, liquids, and solids using the kinetic molecular theory.
20. Develop an understanding of qualitative and quantitative interrelationships of pressure, temperature and volume of solids and liquids in general, and gases in particular.
21. Develop an understanding of the solution process.
22. Recognize the major differences among acids, bases, and salts.
23. Develop a basic understanding of thermochemistry.
24. Develop a basic background in kinetics.
25. Develop a basic understanding of electrochemistry.
26. Develop an understanding of basic organic chemistry.
27. Study basic nuclear chemistry.
28. Relate principles of chemistry to current societal items of concern.
29. Develop an awareness of the occupational opportunities related to chemistry.
30. Develop an understanding of character, ethics, and manners appropriate for this college-level course.
Basic Course Outline: (tentative and flexible, see STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES)
Quarter One: Basics; Atoms, Molecules, Ions; Chemical Equations and Reactions; Gas Laws
Quarter Two: Quantum Theory; Periodic Law; Chemical Bonding; Molecular Geometry; Solutions
Quarter Three: Reactions Rates; Equilibrium; Solution Equilibrium; Acids and Bases; Thermochemistry; Electrochemistry
Quarter Four: Full-year review. The AP Test. College-prep lab activities or student teaching at MS.
Textbook: Houghton Mifflin’s Chemistry, 8th ed. Zumdahl: Each student will be issued a text. Take care of it. Cover your textbook; this is required. I recommend the stretchy-fabric type of book cover as it doesn’t use tape to secure itself to the book. Do not use adhesives of any kind when covering a book, and do not use contact paper. Your textbook will remain at home for reference for homework assignments.
The AP Test: All students enrolled in AP Chemistry are highly encouraged to take the AP test in May to earn AP credit. Students who opt out of the AP Exam will take an alternate final exam.
Homework / Assignments: Homework is due when it is due. Homework is late when it is turned in after it is due. The format for late work is as follows: At least a day late: 90% of credit available. Late work that is turned in after it has been corrected or returned is not accepted. Complete late or make-up work as soon as you can after an absence to avoid being overwhelmed by the continuing class content. Please check for finished and graded work at least once a week from the “returned work” bins. Assignments turned in without student name may not receive credit. Grossly incomplete assignments will not be graded. Homework is usually graded based on effort and quality of work.
You must read your textbook.!!! It is strongly recommended that you work out some of the in-section sample problems in your text, prior to that chapter’s lecture. You will be required to complete numerous problem sets from your textbooks. These are very time consuming and cannot be completed in a rush. Budget your time well. You will be required to present solutions to various problems to the class when the assignment is due.
Grading Policies: Anyone can succeed in AP chemistry. Because this class is advanced coursework in science, your participation each day is key to your success in class (as it is in life). Peer grading may be used in this course. Your minor assignments may be graded by students, so learn to write legibly and understandably.
Grade weight: The final grade in the class will be a rough composite of approximately 50% test scores and quizzes, and 50% lab reports, projects and daily work (in class and homework). Quizzes will be small tests covering short-term lesson goals and information presented in class. Tests will be larger exams covering chapter/unit goals. Note about unit tests: Each test after the first unit test may have questions from past tests. So, resist the temptation to mentally bury unit content after you take a test. Science and school vocabulary may be on tests and quizzes. Also, don’t cram for quizzes and exams. Our brains don’t work that way. Patiently study new material more often over a longer time period.
Semester Exams: Your semester exams in chemistry will be cumulative, based on all topics covered up to that point. Questions will be similar to those given on past unit exams. Save your tests and quizzes in your class folder, as you will most likely want to review them prior to your exams.
Extra Credit: Extra credit opportunities are rare and should be pursued when available. Extra credit assignments are designed to stretch and expand your knowledge and will be extensions of the class material, going beyond usual the class curriculum. I will accept extra credit only from those students that are current on usual, assigned class assignments. Late extra credit will not be accepted.
Quarter Grades: Your points are totaled frequently. Please check your grades in PowerSchool regularly. The grade breakdown for quarter grades are as follows:
90-100% A 80-89.9% B 70-79.9% C 60-69.9% D <60% F
Semester Grades: Your semester grade will be calculated from 40% each from your quarter grades and 20% from your semester exam. The resulting percentage will determine your letter grade for the semester, using the percentage breakdown shown above.
Absences: Absences can and will affect your grade. If you are going to be absent, get your work ahead of time. Even if you have an excused absence, you are responsible for your missed work. If you missed an assignment due to an absence you have one week from the time you return to complete that assignment. Remember, unexcused absences can seriously impair your ability to pass this course, as outlined in your student handbook. If you miss a lab or class activity for any reason, you must come to class after school within one week of the missed lab to remake the lab. Please sign up for make up tests and labs on the posted sheets within the classroom. Prior to turning in any late assignment, write “Absent” and the date next to your name.
Tardy: If you are not in the classroom by the time the bell rings, you are tardy. If you enter the class tardy, take your seat and get right to work. Do not disrupt the class by immediately asking me what you missed while you were gone.
Lab partnerships: You will be a member of a lab group. I recommended getting the phone numbers and email addresses of each member of your lab group and keeping that information handy. If you notice that a member of your group is not in class, step up and take good notes for him/her. Do keep in mind, though, that if you miss class, it is still your responsibility to get class content and makeup work. A good lab partner is invaluable, and the best way to keep good lab partners is to BE a good lab partner.
Lab Rules and Conduct: In addition to the school rules identified in your student handbook, we will observe certain rules and procedures particular to the chemistry environment. By enrolling in AP chemistry you have made a claim that you are mentally and emotionally ready for a college-level lab-based class. Your conduct in the laboratory setting should be of the highest caliber. You will be warned if your behavior is unsatisfactory. A second behavioral issue will result in removal from the lab and a zero for day’s portion of the lab grade. Any intentional behavior that puts yourself or a member of the class at physical risk will result in immediate removal from the lab and a zero for the lab, as well as possible removal from the class. Finally, please treat yourself, your classmates, and the lab equipment provided for you with the utmost respect. Any lab station left untidy will result in points taken off lab grades for the entire group.
Pre-lab Assignments: Most of your labs have pre-lab assignments that are to be completed prior to your starting lab. These shall count as homework assignments. Read the lab and complete the pre-lab assignment prior to coming to class on a lab day. Pre-lab assignments also include preparing lab notebooks and data tables prior to coming to the lab.
Equipment: Respect all lab equipment and chemicals. Use only equipment you have been instructed to use. Do not use any lab equipment in a manner other than directed. If you are unsure how to use an apparatus, ask your instructor for assistance. Do not remove lab equipment, experiments, or chemicals from the lab, unless you obtain specific permission from your instructor to do so.
Safety: The first and most important thing you will learn in this class is lab safety. What makes chemistry fun also makes it dangerous. If I can count on all the students observing proper safety practices, I will sleep better, and in turn be a happier teacher, more likely to host fun labs and demos. You will be provided with a safety sheet outlining some of the safety rules that we will be living by. Read this sheet and have your parents/guardians read it. Your signature and theirs indicates that you and they have read the rules and you have agreed to follow them. No student will be allowed to do chemical-wet labs until he/she has turned in his/her safety sheet. Completion and submission of your safety sheet is your first and easiest assignment of this class.
Eye Protection: All students in the lab area must wear goggles when any student is working with any glassware or chemicals in the lab area. Goggles are provided for student use. You may purchase approved goggles for use in the lab. Be aware that wearing contact lenses in lab adds an additional layer of risk, as chemicals can become trapped between the contact lens and your cornea (eye lens) damaging your cornea. Removing goggles while in an active lab area, even for a short time, constitutes a behavior infraction and will be dealt with per the progressive discipline policy. Further, repeated violations of this goggle policy will result in loss of lab credit, parent contact and referral to the dean’s office for disciplinary action.
Lab Attire: Avoid loose clothing that can sag and fall into the chemistry workspace. Such items can soak up chemicals, and transfer them to your skin. Long hair must be tied back during lab. No open-toed shoes or sandals are permitted in the lab area. Neck ties should be removed or tucked into shirts before working in lab.
Lab Breakage: Accidents happen, even in a chemistry lab. Being diligent and aware in lab will dramatically reduce potentially hazardous lab breakage. If you witness or are responsible for glass breakage, DO NOT attempt to clean it up without telling me. Notify your classmates and instructor immediately and secure the area, but do not pickup the broken glass. A bruised ego is better than a lacerated hand.
Lab Cleanup: Keep your lab area clean. You are responsible for your lab area. Prior to leaving the lab area, make sure the counter tops and floor are clear of paper or trash, clean and put away lab glassware and equipment (unless otherwise instructed), and wipe up excess water. Failure to clean your lab station appropriately prior to leaving the class will result in loss of some credit for the lab and the job of cleaning the entire lab the following day.
Gum/Candy/Drinks/etc: Eating and drinking in a lab environment is never allowed.
Preparedness: Be in your seat or working in lab promptly at the start of the class period. Have all applicable class materials with you as you enter the classroom. Don't come to class and expect me to allow you to return to your locker to pickup materials you neglected.
Speeling and Grammor: Youse propar Speeline ‘n gramer whne riting. Itz much exeer 2 red ‘n graad. Excessive grammatical or spellings errors MAY reduce your grades on writing assignments. Remember -effective communication of ideas is at the heart of science!
Succeeding in AP Chemistry: Many of you have completed your first-year chemistry course without the need to study the class material outside of class. Some of you managed to do very well by simply scanning the textbook. For many students, AP chemistry is a wake-up call and will require them, for the first time, to really study outside of class and read their textbook for content, and review the sample problems. Study groups can be very handy for some, but should not be used as an opportunity to copy a friend’s work. Also, advanced algebra is used often in chemistry AP. If you struggle with mathematics, take it upon yourself to work out the in-chapter sample book problems to help familiarize yourself with the kinds of calculations that you will be doing in each chapter.