Guidelines for Success – AP Chemistry

2013-2014

Instructor: Mr. Raines

Times Available:

7:50 - 8:00 A.M., 9:09-9:26 A.M., 10:18-11:02 A.M., 2:48-3:32 P.M, 3:33 - 3:50 P.M

(Before school) (Hmrm.) (3rd SH/prep) (8th prep) (After school)

*Additional times maybe arranged.

Text: Chemistry The Central Science 11E; Brown, LeMay, Bursten, and Murphy (2009)

I. Course Description and Topics* 1 CreditPrerequisite: Chemistry & Algebra II

This is a second year course in chemistry and is far more lab oriented. The course content is essentially that which is found in a first year college chemistry course. Emphasis in the lectures is on problem-solving, so a good background in math is required. This course will require students to do a good deal of work outside of class. Students will take the Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam in the spring.

II. In Class Expectations

  • Attendance:

You are about to begin a completely different kind of course than most of you have experienced. Imagine the pace of chemistry accelerated many times- you now have AP Chemistry. Attendance is even more crucial than it is in beginning chem. Any time you miss class it is essential that you do the reading and get the notes from another class member. If you still don’t understand the material, come and see me immediately. Things are very sequential in AP Chemistry. If you don’t understand yesterday’s material today’s will be even more confusing. Retention of material is critical for success in this course.

  • Materials:

Bring the following everyday:

- Textbook (with book cover)

- 1, 3-ring Binder (1 1/2” - 2”) with Labeled Tabbed Dividers

- Black or Blue Pen

**Work done in any gel ink will not be accepted for full credit.

- Notebook

- Scientific Calculator – TI – 83 or higher is needed (Required for 2nd semester)

- Lab Notebook (See Lab Notebook handout)

**Be prepared every day!

  • USE THE READING-

I cannot emphasize this enough. Having an idea of what we are going to do beforehand makes mastery so much easier. It also will prepare you better for college. The argument, “I understand it better when you explain it” –will not do. You must do the reading and use it. The course text book is also accessible on-line through separate instructions that will be provided.

  • Get the problem sets done before the next class period-

Do not procrastinate- It will get you confused and frustrated. Staying on track every day is critical for your success. This applies for both problem sets and lab notebooks.

III. Grading

Grading in AP Chemistry consists of four sections:

1. EXAMS – expect these to start more difficult than you have had before. They will consist of multiple choice, free response, and problem solving. Most questions will be taken directly from old AP Chemistry exams.

2. Binder Checks- Problem sets and review exercises will be evaluated as a completion / effort grade. These are done in worksheet or bookwork fashion and placed in a 3-ring binder with dividers as in beginning chem. They are due the day of the exam.

3. Lab Notebook- these will be done in a special notebook. Labs will be due two full days from the completion of the lab. Lab notebooks turned in late will not be accepted. Follow the separate lab notebook guidelines sheet for details.

4. Quizzes- Brief content and lab focused quizzes will be given throughout the course. You will be able to use your lab notebook on any lab quizzes.

Grading Scale:

A+ 100B+ 89 - 87C+ 79 - 77D+ 69 - 67

A 99 - 94B 86 - 84C 76 - 74D 66 - 64

A- 93 - 90B- 83 - 80 C- 73 - 70D- 63 - 60

  • Extra credit will be made available in either lab or bonus problem form. If you choose to take on this work it is to be completed individually.

Your success in AP Chemistry is extremely important to me. The best way we can achieve this is having open lines of communication. If my times of availability do not work for you, talk to me and we will set something up. I look forward to having a great year and if you need anything please let me know.

Have a great year!

Mr. Raines