AP CHEMISTRY

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken the first year of college. This course is a continuation of the Chemistry Pre-AP course. The course is designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards in Physical Science related to Chemistry and covers more in depth topics such as kinetics, equilibrium, acid base theory, thermodynamics, organic and electrochemistry. Additionally, the course centers on the AP College Board’s 6 Big Ideas in Chemistry. Students will attain a deeper understanding of chemistry concepts and achieve a competence in dealing with chemical calculations. Engineering practices are incorporated into this course. The nature of the inquiry based, hands on activities as well as the variety of the lab experiences will ensure a very strong background in laboratory techniques and skills that are required for success on the AP Chemistry exam. Strong math and problem solving skills are essential.

Refer to the Advanced Placement section on page nine of the Program of Studies for information on exam requirements for this course.

Recommendation: A grade of B in Chemistry Pre-AP or an A in Chemistry or by teacher’s recommendation.

Students enrolled in the two AP^® Chemistry courses (Pre-AP and AP Chemistry) will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals of chemistry as well as a competence in dealing with chemical problems, calculations, reactions and equations. This course will contribute to the development of the students' abilities to think clearly and express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. Chemistry AP^® meets every other day. . Each block period meets 84 minutes for the school year of 180 days. This time frame allows the student to cover more topics, develop intellectual and laboratory skills in greater depth than a traditional chemistry course. The first year course covers the first thirteen chapters including the accompanying laboratory activities. The second year of our AP Chemistry course called AP^® Chemistry reviews all the topics from the first year and then covers the remaining curriculum (chapters 14-17, 19, 20, 21, and 26) including the accompanying inquiry-based laboratory activities. The students will take the AP Exam at the end of year two. We are able to provide students with a greater amount of coverage including a variety of experiments with various degrees of inquiry. Students spend more than 25% of the course working on laboratory activities. Additionally, students will have to spend at least 5 hours per week learning outside of class. This course will addresses the Next Generation Science Standards for physical science. The AP^® Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students are required to take the AP^® Chemistry Examination and judge the school science fair. This course was designed to help students:

1. Develop a good foundation in chemistry.

2. Apply scientific models to improve abstract thinking.

3. Apply and appreciate the investigative approach in understanding chemistry.

4. Improve social behavior though group work and cooperative learning in the laboratory.

5. Use analytical skills in problem solving with the scientific method.

6. Appreciate the significance of computation in understanding chemistry.

7. Develop safe, effective laboratory skills and utilize technology in the laboratory.

PHS Learning Expectations:

1. Access and critically analyze information to answer questions and explore ideas

2. Solve problems through prioritizing and planning for results

3. Write proficiently for a variety of purposes

4. Communicate effectively in a variety of formats

5. Interpret and design visual messages for specific purposes

6. Engage in work with integrity, both independently and collaboratively

7. Demonstrate knowledge and skills through the use of technology

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices

1. Asking questions and defining problems

2. Developing and using models

3. Planning and carrying out investigations

4. Analyzing and interpreting data

5. Using mathematics and computational thinking

6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions

7. Engaging in argument from evidence

8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating ideas

NGSS Crosscutting Concepts

1. Patterns

2. Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation

3. Scale, proportion, and quantity

4. Systems and system models

5. Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation

6. Structure and function

7. Stability and change

Big Ideas in Chemistry:

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

BIG IDEA 1. All matter is composed of atoms.

BIG IDEA 2. Bonding and intermolecular forces explain the physical and chemical properties of matter.

BIG IDEA 3. Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms and describe how matter changes.

BIG IDEA 4. Molecular collisions determine the rates of chemical reactions.

BIG IDEA 5. Thermodynamics describes the role energy plays in physical and chemical changes.

BIG IDEA 6. Equilibrium represents a balancy between enthalpy and entropy for reversible phyiscal and chemical changes.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (keep only what you use, if any)

HS-ETS1-1.

Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.

HS-ETS1-2.

Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

HS-ETS1-3.

Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

HS-ETS1-4.

Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.