EAST EARLY COLLEGEHIGH SCHOOL

AP CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS

Instructor: Mr. RAFAEL A. BETANCOURT

INTRODUCTION

Course Description:

AP Chemistry is a very demanding course covering twenty-one chapters as well as labs. The course demands that you not just know the material but are actually able to use it and make connections between the different topics when solving problems. It demands a lot of work from the students taking this course; expect to work at least 5 hours per week outside of class in independent study. We will follow all of the topics in the AP curriculum.

The class meets three times a week, alternating between class time and lab. An average week should be:

  • 2-3 classes- lecture activities, practice, quizzes, demonstrations...
  • 1-2 classes- planning labs, performing lab, data analysis, lab quizzes...
  • 1class - getting help on homework, completing labs, lab reports, independent study ...

Course Goals: Students will...

  • Be expected integrate concepts from multiple units to solve problems.
  • Solve problems by using a variety of methods (conversions/stoichiometry, formulas, lab work, the scientific method ...)
  • Develop good lab skills and be able to use these skills to devise lab procedures to solve problems.
  • Develop their critical thinking skills.
  • Explain properties of materials based on the chemical makeup of the materials and the chemistry behind how common items (such as light bulbs, refrigerators,
  • Be prepared to pass the AP Chemistry exam (score at least 3 or higher)

Characteristics of AP Chemistry Students

  • Are more responsible for own academic achievement/progress
  • Are concerned with knowledge as much as grades
  • Are mature and highly motivated
  • Can grasp basic concepts though primarily independent study
  • Are able to synthesize understanding of content with new and varied approaches
  • Are comfortable with both the theoretical and practical approaches

Class Expectations

  • Take (and pass) the AP Chemistry Exam.
  • Attend class regularly and on time. On time means that when the bell rings you are already at your seat ready to begin.
  • Be prepared for class. Bring with you your book, paper, notebook, lab book, lab glasses calculator, pencils, and pens (blue or black ink). This also means that you have completed your reading and homework assignments.
  • Be an active learner - you are responsible for your own learning.
  • Read the sections of the textbook that goes along with the class lectures and activities - whether they are assigned or not.
  • Do your homework on the day that it is assigned.Keep up with longer term assignments.
  • Supplement class work with independent study and review.
  • Stay at your seat and work quietly anytime your teacher is out of the room.
  • Do not go in the lab area or the stockroom unless directed to by your teacher.
  • Be respectful of others and their property.
  • Follow all other rules from the school handbook.

Materials

  • General Chemistry: An Integrated Approach, Prentice Hall, 2002
  • Class Notebook: 3-ring binder with pockets, loose leaf paper
  • Lab Notebook: Quad paper composition book with attached pages (can use one from last year).
  • Scientific or Graphing Calculator (TI 30, 35, 36, or 83 are good models)
  • AP Exam Review for independent review (optional but recommended).

The following are the teaching techniques and strategies for an appropriate AP Chemistry course:

  • AP Chemistry classwork time
  • AP chemistry Zumdahl homework
  • Laboratory time(after school or /and Saturday)
  • AP chemistry problems tutorials
  • AP Chemistry study groups
  • AP Chemistry exam as part of the lectures
  • CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD (TBA)
  • AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY exam(TBA)
  • AP Study Plan before the May examination. (Plan A, B, and C) and time allocated for the review.
  • FLINN SCIENTIFIC DEMOSTRATIONS (

The AP Chemistry examination is administered each year in May. Questions for the exam are developed by AP Chemistry Development Committee, which includes both high school teachers and college professors. The exam is three hours long and has two sections-multiple choice and free-response. For both sections, students may use the periodic table of the elements that is printed in the exam booklet. For Section II only, the following also appear in the exam booklet: a table of standard reduction potentials and a table containing mathematical equations commonly used in chemistry. The equations are grouped according to the major content categories of chemistry.

SECTION / NUMBER OF QUESTIONS / TIME LIMIT
I. Multiple-Choice questions / 60 / 90 minutes
II. Free-Response Questions / 90 minutes
Multipart Questions / 3 / 20-25 minutes per question
Single-part Questions / 4 / 3-10 minutes per question
  • GRADING: The standard HISD grading scale will be followed:

LETTER / PERCENTAGES / PREDICTED AP GRADE
A / 100 - 90 / 5
B / 89 - 80 / 4
C / 79 - 75 / 3
D / 74 - 70 / 2
F / 69 and below / 1

Weightings and Instructions to Students for Components of Inquiry Experiments

Item / Weighting / Instruction
Definition of the problem / (10%) / Define the problem, identify the variables, and make an assumption.
P(a)
Planning the experiment / (25%) / Plan your experiment accurately, logically, interestingly, and efficiently. Present your assumptions at each stage; act independently and prepare an equipment list. P(b)
Performance of the experiment / (15%) / Follow the safety rules; use the proper tools and be careful with the materials. M(s), Ps(a), Ps(b)
Observation of phenomena / (10%) / Carefully observe the materials and changes that occur during the experiment. D(c)
Analysis of data / (30%) / Use concise and complete explanations; point out ambiguous observations, distinguish between assumptions, explanations, and conclusions.
C and E
Structure and format of the report / (10%) / Ensure that your work is well-arranged, legible, and aesthetically presented.

Percentage Weightings for Student Assessment Components

Assessment mode / Percentage
(CHEM) / Student’ initials
Examination / 50%
Homework / 15%
Daily quizzes / classwork / 15%
Inquiry experiments / 20%
TOTAL / 100%

Final AP CHEMISTRY EXAM RUBRIC

ITEM / PERCENTAGE / Student’ initials
Chem Olympiad result(2014/2015) / 30%
American Chemical Society result(2014/2015) / 30%
Final AP CHEM project / 40%
Total / 100%

FALL SEMESTER

TOPIC / CYCLE
  1. Reaction and Periodicity

  1. Stoichiometry

  1. Gases

  1. Thermodynamics

  1. Spectroscopy, Light, and Elements

  1. Bonding

  1. Solids, Liquids, and Intermolecular Forces

SPRING SEMESTER:

TOPIC / CYCLE
  1. Solutions and Colligative Properties

  1. Kinetics

  1. Equilibrium

  1. Electrochemistry

  1. Nuclear Reactions

  1. Organic Chemistry

I have read, understood, and agreed to adhere to the above class policy.

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AP Chemistry Syllabus 2014-2015

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