Science Electives - Chemistry

Modern Chemistry is a traditional laboratory course in general chemistry, emphasizing the study of matter and its changes as understood within the framework of the Atomic Theory. Full block laboratory exercises are problem solving in nature and require student participation in experimental design, data reduction, and report preparation. Juniors should note that this course is a pre-requisite for some senior electives.

Modern Chemistry Honors is an accelerated laboratory course in pre-college chemistry for the high ability science student. The course content centers on the Atomic Theory as an explanation for the changes in matter through the investigation of the theoretical and quantitative aspects of chemistry. Special emphasis is placed on development of critical thinking skills in applying the scientific method and relating abstract concepts to chemical principles and laboratory experiences. Many aspects of the course material involve understanding quantitative relationships and solving quantitative problems, therefore a strong mathematical background is required.

Gastronomic chemistry deals with the chemical, physical, biological and functional properties of food components (water, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). The aim of the course is to provide the students with a molecular explanation of those most important food components, including their properties and reactions. Students will distinguish how individual food components contribute to the overall quality of foods. Gastronomic Chemistry lab experiments will measure, control and modify the chemical and physical properties of food. Acidity, oils, spices, nutrients, pigments, and flavors will be investigated to determine their role in a food product. Students will also learn how humans sense, taste, and digest food.

The AP Chemistry model of instruction promotes enduring, conceptual understandings and the content that supports them. This approach enables students to spend less time on factual recall and more time on inquiry-based learning of essential concepts, and helps them develop the reasoning skills necessary to engage in the science practices used throughout their study of AP Chemistry. Students who take AP Chemistry will develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enables them to undertake, in their first year, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, the AP Chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses.

All students enrolled are required to take the AP exam in May for which there is a fee of $95.