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.

Below you can see the types of grades and weighting system.  Grades are kept in power-teacher and students and parents can log into powerschool to view their grades live at any time.  

Each Quarter grade is calculated using the following assignment types and category weights:

• 60% - Major Grades - these include:

  • Major Labs

  • Unit Tests

• 30% - Minor Grades - these include:

  • Quizzes

  • Minor Lab activities

• 10% - Homework

  • Edpuzzle Instructional Videos with embedded assessments

  • Practice assignments

Late Work will be deducted 20 points per day.  Homework is not accepted late and should be completed immediately after an excused absence.