WELCOME!

Students and parents, welcome to Advanced Placement Chemistry. I look forward to a great year of challenge and accomplishment. I will do all I can to facilitate your learning but this course requires a team effort involving all students and the support of parents and peers. I want to encourage both students and parents to contact me at any time regarding the course or any questions which arise. Your input and suggestions are always appreciated. You may contact me here at school or at home;

  • School phone # 649-4477
  • Email:

Parents; please note that at the end of this handout there is a form which must be read and signed and returned to me as soon as possible. Your prompt response is appreciated.

AP CHEMISTRY

Advanced placement chemistry is designed to equal or exceed the academic rigor of a first-year college chemistry course in both the lecture and laboratory components. The academic objectives for this course comply with this level. It is recommended that this course be taken after one term of general high school chemistry or with instructor approval only. The basis for this recommendation is that scores are generally higher on the AP exam if the student has completed this prerequisite. If you have not taken the regular chemistry course and you are present in this class without my approval I need to discuss your enrollment with you only to verify your qualifications. If you have concerns related to this policy please contact me for more information. A high level of motivation, desire, and mathematical problem-solving ability are traits which students must possess. I will expect when equations are given, if I explain the units to be used, you can convert, do substitution and solving on your own.

A reference sheet with common equations and constants is provided on the exam, but a substantial amount of material MUST BE MEMORIZED if the student is to pass the exam! It is crucial that this study and memorization begin immediately. The examination is not required, but I strongly encourage all students to set the exam as one of their personal goals as the course is built towards this culminating experience. The AP exam is administered in May of each year. The date for chemistry this year is Monday, May 2, 2011. The exam is 3 hours in length and the exam fee is $83. Part 1 of the exam is 90 minutes and consists of 75 multiple choice questions. It comprises 50% of the exam grade. Part II is 90 minutes and consists of several comprehensive problems, essays, and questions requiring the determination of reaction products. Part II also comprises 50% of the overall exam score. The test is assigned a score of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score attainable. A score of 4 or 5 will earn a student from 8-9 credit hours at each of the state’s universities in chemistry and also provide for advanced placement in courses which are not available for first year students. A score of 3 or higher may earn a student as much as 9-10 credit hours at the state universities and may earn them advanced placement. Similar benefits are to be found at nearly 2000 universities in the U.S. and around the world. The course at Mingus is a full-year and grades are weighted on full point. This course is also accepted at the state universities as one of the 3 required lab sciences, even if the general chemistry course was taken previously. This course requires continualstudy, good note-taking skills, extensive time and effort, and excellent math ability and skills. Extensive laboratory work is a major component of the course and it is assumed that the student will spend at least five hours a week in unsupervised study. Additional information can be obtained from the college board internet site for the advanced placement program at the following URL:

This site contains valuable information for teachers, students and parents and I encourage you to read it carefully.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To prepare students for college level work by developing analytical problem solving skills, improving writing skills, and improving test preparation skills.

2. To establish a regime of study that will cover as thoroughly as possible the topics presented in the course outline before the May exam.

3. To develop the students’ self-confidence in their ability to successfully complete a demanding college level course.

4. To allow students to attain depth of understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts and to be competent in dealing with general chemistry problems.

5. To prepare students to pass the AP chemistry exam in May.

SYLLABUS

A. Descriptive chemistry

Knowledge of specific facts of chemistry is essential for an understanding of principles and concepts. These descriptive facts, including the chemistry involved in environmental and societal issues, are taught throughout the course to illustrate and illuminate the principles. Some of these descriptive topics are:

1. Chemical reactivity and products of chemical reactions.

2. Relationships in the periodic table; horizontal, vertical, and diagonal with examples from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, and the first series of transition elements.

3. Introduction to organic chemistry.

B. Laboratory

Meaningful laboratory work is important in fulfilling the requirements of a college level course of a laboratory science and in preparing for sophomore level chemistry courses in college. Because chemistry professors at some institutions ask to see a record of the laboratory work done by an AP student before making a decision about granting credit and/or placement, students should keep reports of their laboratory work that can be readily reviewed. The AP examination includes questions based on experiences and skills students acquire in the laboratory. Some of these skills are:

  • making observations of chemical reactions and substances
  • recording data
  • calculating and interpreting results based on the quantitative data obtained
  • communicating effectively the results of experimental work

Detailed procedures for completing laboratory investigations will be discussed in class, but basically a pre-lab assignment precedes each experiment and consists of questions from the laboratory manual and preparation of the laboratory notebook for the investigation. We will typically spend one extended period per week or so in the laboratory.

C. Chemical calculations

The following list summarizes the types of problems included in the topic outline because of their presence in the recommended topics for the course. Attention should be given to significant figures, precision of measured values, and the use of logarithmic and exponential relationships. Critical analysis of the reasonableness of results is taught and encouraged.

1. Percentage composition.

2. Empirical and molecular formulas from experimental data.

3. Molar masses from gas density, freezing-point, and boiling-point data.

4. Gas laws, including the ideal gas law, Dalton’s law and Graham’s law.

5. Stoichiometric relations using the concept of the mole; titration calculations.

6. Mole fractions, molar and molal solutions.

7. Faraday’s law of electrolysis.

8. Equilibrium constants and their applications, including their use for simultaneous equilibria.

9. Standard electrode potentials and their use; Nernst equation.

10. Thermodynamic and thermochemical calculations.

11. Kinetics calculations.

D. Lecture and Discussion Topics

UnitsText readings

  1. Chemical FoundationsCh. 1, 2, 3, and 4
  1. Structure of MatterCh. 7, 18, 19, 20, 21
  2. Chemical BondingCh. 8, 9, 22
  3. States of MatterCh. 5, 10, 11
  4. Kinetics and EquilibriumCh. 12, 13
  5. Acids, Bases, and Aqueous EquilibriaCh. 14, 15
  6. ThermodynamicsCh. 6, 16, 17

At the beginning of each topic note-taking and study guides will be given to each student and a concept review will be given out at the end of each topic.

E. Required materials

Students must be prepared for each and every class session. The expectations for this course are on par with the academic rigor. It is expected that each student will come to class prepared for all possible activities. This preparation should include, but not be limited to, the following; textbook (Zumdahl, 7th ed.), lab manual, class notebook, lab notebook, problem notebook, scientific calculator(preferably T-I 82 or 83), pens and pencils and folder or 3-ring binder. Classroom use of additional text and laboratory materials will supplement the required items listed.

F. Curricular Resources

The following is a list of the required textbook with additional print and/or software resources which are teacher provided.

  1. Zumdahl, Steven, and Susan Zumdahl. Chemistry. 7th ed. 2007. Houghton Mifflin.
  1. Hanson, David M. Discovering Chemistry-An Activity Book for Collaborative Learning. 1st ed. 1997. Houghton Mifflin
  1. Vonderbrink, Sally Ann. Laboratory Experiments for Advanced Placement Chemistry. 2nd ed. 2006. Flinn Scientific, Inc.
  1. Holmquist, Dan D., Jack Randall and Donald L. Volz. Chemistry with CBL. 3rd ed. 1998. Portland, OR: Vernier Software.
  1. Student Lab Notebook with carbonless duplicate sheets. 2006. HM Publishing.
  1. Hague, George R., and Jane D. Smith. The Ultimate Equations Handbook. 2001. Flinn Scientific, Inc.

G. Teaching and Learning Strategies

It is assumed that students enrolled in this course possess a high level of self-motivation and desire to work and learn. My philosophy is one of participation among students in class discussions, frequent laboratory work, presentation and discussion related to teacher and student performed classroom demonstrations, and continualstudy. Students must be able to work in groups, as data indicates that peer coaching and cooperative learning are highly beneficial when it comes to learning chemical concepts. Classroom activities include, but are not limited to the following:

group and class homework sessions related to assigned readings and problems

guided study and practice in groups and individually

review sessions

practice tests and discussion of test taking strategies

ongoing analysis of the AP exam

teacher and student performed chemical demonstrations

laboratory investigations

regular collection of problem notebook

“pop” equations quizzes, unit and review tests, and exams

performance of chemical “magic show” at local school

Frequent study is perhaps one of the most important facets of this course. Topics are not left behind after the test or exam has been taken. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 5 hours per week in unsupervised individual study. Chemistry is a very cumulative science, and the AP exam stresses this. Concepts learned in the early days of the course must be internalized completely for later retrieval. A common student question is, “How do you study when nothing was assigned?” Students must be self-motivated and creative. Some strategies include:

re-reading assigned material

checking previously assigned problems to determine if you still have them mastered

reading alternate texts for the same concepts

checking mastery with AP type test items

utilizing the internet resources available to practice problems and communicate with other students

stay on top of daily reading assignments

know your “stuff”!

Great effort has been expended to try to provide students with some of the latest technology available to study and learn chemistry in the classroom and laboratory. With a team effort, all will succeed and take with them a rewarding learning experience.

H. Attendance and classroom policies

Missing class can have direct impact on a student’s achievement. Although some absences are beyond our control, a serious attempt should be made to minimize the loss of valuable class time. After the 7th absence during a term credit will be denied regardless of the current grade. Students entering class after one-half of the period has elapsed will be considered absent. Tardies accumulate over the course of one term. Each tardy from 1 through 7 results in a 1% reduction in a student’s Mid-year or Final exam score. A maximum of 2 tardies may be removed with extra class work. Any student who is not inside the classroom when the bell rings is considered tardy. Students are expected to be PUNCTUAL, PREPARED, AND POSITIVE. If tardy problems persist and lead to the accumulation of a 8th tardy, the student will be referred to the administration for insubordination. When a student will be or has been absent it is his or her responsibility to arrange to make up any work missed. Make up work must be completed within 5 days upon return to class or it will NOT be accepted. Any work due or tests taken the day of an absence will be made-up the FIRST day of the student’s return. All quizzes, tests, and exams will be made-up either before school, during 2nd period (my preparation period), or after school-NOT during the regular class period.

Students are allowed 3 hall passes per 6 week grading period. If you need to leave the classroom, let me know first and then complete the hall pass check-out and complete it upon your return. Attempt to return to class within 5 minutes.

The following guidelines are meant to facilitate the learning process. Remember, anything that interrupts the teaching and learning process is unacceptable.

  • Participate fully in all classroom and laboratory activities
  • Respect the right of others to listen and speak without interruption
  • Abide by school and laboratory dress codes
  • Use of any unauthorized electronic device in class is forbidden
  • Food or drink of any kind is not allowed-water is OK, but not in lab

I. Assignments and Grading

Grades will be based upon the following categories and weighted as shown:

  • Problem notebook, Text outlines, and miscellaneous homework-30% of total grade
  • Laboratory reports and student-performed demonstrations-30% of total grade
  • Quizzes, tests and exams-40% of total grade

Grading scale:90-100% = A

80-89% = B

70-79% = C

60-69% = D

Below 60% = F

J.MUHS AP Chemistry Time Line

NOTE; The following outline provides approximate timelines for lecture/demo, laboratory, problem assignments, homework sessions, and tests and exams. Equations quizzes are of the “pop” variety, and thus may occur at anytime. Any of the following information is subject to revision at any time. NOTE: AT THE END OF EACH CHAPTER/TOPIC (where applicable) YOU WILL FIND SECTIONS FROM A TOPIC OUTLINE PUBLISHED BY THE COLLEGE BOARD. USE THIS TO CHECK TOPICS AND YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THEM AS THEY ARE INVESTIGATED. THIS SHOULD GUIDE YOUR QUESTIONING TO CLARIFY CONCEPTS WHICH ARE TESTED ON THE AP CHEMISTRY EXAM.

AUGUST

Unit 1Chemical Foundations

Ch. 1Chemical Foundations

  • Chapter 1 outline and study guide handouts
  • Lecture/demo(3 days), Homework session/review, chapter quiz(2 days)
  • Handouts; UNIT concept summary, Safety in the Chem lab, lab notebook writing criteria, “stuff you must know”, AP chem reference tables, flowchart for naming compounds.
  • Laboratory; Density and density determinations (hands-on)
  • Principle topics and problem notebook assignments 1 & 2: Dimensional analysis, density and specific heat calculations.

Ch. 2Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

  • Chapter 2 outline and study guide handouts
  • Lecture/demo(3 days), Homework session/review, chapter quiz(2 days).
  • Laboratory; Liquid Chromatography (hands-on)
  • Principle topics and problem notebook assignments3 & 4: Development of atomic theory, atomic weight calculations, subatomic particles.
  • Multiple Choice and Free-Response in Preparation For The AP Chemistry Exam (MCFR Book), Ch. 1

Ch. 3Stoichiometry

  • Chapter 3 outline and study guide handouts
  • Lecture/demo(3 days), homework session/review, chapter quiz(2 days).
  • Laboratory; Ratio of Moles of Reactants(hands-on CBL)
  • Principle topics and problem notebook assignments5 & 6: Moles and molar mass, percent composition, empirical and molecular formulas, chemical equations and Stoichiometry, limiting and excess reactants and percent yield.
  • MCFR Book Ch. 5

College Board Topic Checklist:

A. Stoichiometry

____1. Ionic and molecular species present in chemical systems: net ionic

equations

____2. Balancing of equations including those for redox reactions

____3. Mass and volume relations with emphasis on the mole concept,

including empirical formulas and limiting reactants

SEPTEMBER

Ch. 4Chemical Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry
  • Chapter 4 outline and study guide handouts
  • Lecture/demo(3 days), homework session/review, UNIT TEST(3 days).
  • Handouts; Predicting reaction products, Balancing Redox Equations
  • Descriptive chemistry practice and quiz website:
  • Laboratory; Analysis of a Silver Alloy(hands-on), An Activity Series(hands-on)
  • Principle topics and problem notebook assignments7 & 8: Aqueous solutions and molarity, metathesis and redox reactions, balancing redox equation using the half-reaction method.
  • MCFR Book, Ch. 12

College Board Topic Checklist:

A. Reaction types

____1. Acid-base reactions; concepts of Arrhenius, Brönsted-Lowry, and Lewis;

coordination complexes; amphoterism

____2. Precipitation reactions

____3. Oxidation-reduction reactions

a. Oxidation number

b. The role of the electron in oxidation-reduction

c. Electrochemistry: electrolytic and galvanic cells; Faraday's laws; standard half-cell potentials; Nernst equation; prediction of the direction redox reactions

Unit 2Structure of Matter

Ch. 7Atomic Structure and Periodicity

  • Chapter 7 outline and study guide handouts
  • Lecture/demo(5 days), homework session/review, chapter quiz(2 days).
  • Handouts; UNIT concept summary
  • Laboratory; Spectroscopy(hands-on)
  • Principle topics and problem notebook assignments9 & 10: Light and matter, wave calculations, electron configurations, quantum numbers, orbitals, periodic properties, families of elements.
  • MCFR Book, Ch. 1

College Board Topic Checklist:

A. Atomic theory and atomic structure

____1. Evidence for the atomic theory

____2. Atomic masses; determination by chemical and

physical means

____3. Atomic number and mass number; isotopes

____4. Electron energy levels: atomic spectra, quantum

numbers, atomic orbitals

____5. Periodic relationships including, for example, atomic

radii, ionization energies, electron affinities,

oxidation states

Ch. 18Representative Elements: Groups IA through 4A

  • Chapter 18 outline and study guide handouts
  • Lecture/demo(1 day), homework session/review, chapter quiz(2 days).
  • Problem notebook 11 & 12: group 1A through 4A elements.

Ch. 19Representative Elements: Groups 5A through 8A