AP Expectations and Grading

     The purpose of this chemistry course is to allow the students to discover and work with the relationships that are fundamental to chemical reactions through hands-on and virtual instruction. Chemistry is a rigorous course made more so at the AP level. Students are expected to arrive in the classroom with high level of algebra comprehension.  A keen sense of logic and reasoning will also be expected as the students will be asked to work in small groups to solve complex and multi-level problems. The lab experience will provide opportunities to master concepts, use problem-solving skills, and to apply those skills to real-world situations. Topics studied will include atomic structure, structures and properties of compounds, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibria, acids and bases, and thermodynamics.  Students need to be proactive about seeking out tutoring or online help to catch up as quickly as possible if they struggle with topics.  Additionally, it is highly recommended that students purchase and use an AP chemistry preparation workbook and use resources provided on collegeboard.org in addition to the preparation that they do in class.

Grading Policy (include grade weighting here)

• Majors (60%).  Tests and  major labs

• Minors(40%) - Will include quizzes and minor labs for each unit of study.  Within each unit of study there will also be 2-3 composite minor grades for daily practice and composite online instruction grades.  For instance, if there are 5 daily practice and/or HW assignments in a unit of study, the timely completion of these assignments before the end of the unit of study compose a single HW grade.  

Late Work Policy:  Students are expected to responsibly complete assignments and projects by the assigned due date.  Any late major or minor assessment will be penalized 20 points per day that it is late (Extensions may be given for students with absences and extenuating circumstances as long as prior communication with the instructor has been made.  HW WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE for absent students since maintaining pace with daily practice assignments is vital for student success.

Test Corrections policy:  Students who score an 80 or lower will have the opportunity to complete test corrections.  The following criteria apply.

1.  Students must have completed all daily practice assignments before the end of the unit to have the opportunity to perform test corrections.

2. Students must complete test corrections in AM office hours or in the afternoons by appointment within 5 days of the assignment being graded.

3. The maximum grade a student can earn after completing test corrections is an 80.

Missed Work / Make-Up Policy:  Absent students will be expected to turn in HW, complete quizzes or tests upon the day that they return unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.  Major and minor grades must be made up within 5 days of an absence.

Extra Help:  Office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00-8:40 AM.  Please communicate with your teacher either in person or via email the day before attending.  If it is a morning session, you will need a pass to come upstairs before school starts.  You can also receive afternoon tutoring and help by appointment if you communicate with Mr. Swindall