AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry Course Syllabus

Teacher: Mrs. Lori McKenzie

Email: lmckenzie@redeemer-oakmont.org

Schedule: T Th, 12:03 - 1:30 PM; F, 12:03 - 12:50 PM

Room: 203

Afterschool Assistance: Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 at Idaho campus 

Course Overview:  AP Chemistry challenges students to develop a deep, quantitative understanding of chemical principles through rigorous inquiry and problem‑solving. Learners investigate atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry while building strong laboratory and analytical skills. The course emphasizes scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. By the end, students are prepared to tackle college‑level chemistry and apply their knowledge to real scientific questions. In addition, students will be prepared for success on the AP Chemistry exam. 

Course Structure

This course is structured around the following six "Big Ideas":

• Big Idea 1:  The chemical elements are fundamental building materials of matter, and all matter can be understood in terms of arrangements of atoms. These atoms retain their identity in chemical reactions.

• Big Idea 2:  Chemical and physical properties of materials can be explained by the structure and the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules and the forces between them.

• Big Idea 3:  Changes in matter involve the rearrangement and/or reorganization of atoms and/or the transfer of electrons.

• Big Idea 4:  Rates of chemical reactions are determined by details of the molecular collisions.

• Big Idea 5:  The laws of thermodynamics describe the essential role of energy and explain and predict the direction of changes in matter.

• Big Idea 6:  Any bond or intermolecular attraction that can be formed can be broken.  These two processes are in a dynamic competition, sensitive to initial conditions and external perturbations. 

Course Materials

• Binder with loose-leaf paper

• Two different colors of pens, pencils

• Calculator (graphing calculator NOT necessary)

• Text: Chemistry, 11th edition (Zumdahl, Zumdahl, & DeCoste, 2025)

• Class Handouts

• AP Classroom (online resource) 

Course Activities:  small group work, lecture and discussion, guided practice, laboratory experiments

Types of Assignments:  homework, quizzes, unit tests, lab reports, AP Classroom videos and questions

Assignment Values

25% Homework

25% Quizzes/Labs

50% Tests 

Homework: Students will have daily homework assignments. Students are expected to complete homework on time and to the best of their ability. Students may redo all or part of any homework assignment one time; they will receive an additional half-credit for all corrected work. For example, if a student initially scored a 0/5 on a homework question and re-submitted the question with a correct answer, the student would receive 2.5 points. Homework must be redone and submitted by the following class period.

Quizzes: Students will take one to three quizzes per unit to assess their progress in understanding the topic. Students will not be permitted to retake quizzes for credit.

Tests: Students will take three to four tests per trimester and a final exam at the end of the third trimester. As with homework, students may redo all or part of a test one time; they will receive an additional half-credit for all corrected work. Unit tests must be redone and submitted within 48 hours. In lieu of a final exam, students are expected to take the AP Chemistry exam.

Late or Missing Work: Students will receive a 25% deduction for each day an assignment is late. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances. Missing work will be accepted for up to three days after the original due date; students will receive a 0% after that time. 

Extra Credit: The school’s academic policy does not allow for extra credit.  

Teacher Expectations

1. To treat all students with respect, dignity, and caring

2. To return graded assignments and tests within two days 

3. To announce quizzes with at least two-days' notice and tests with a one-week notice

Student Expectations

1. To come to class prepared with a binder, paper, and pens/pencils

2. To complete assignments on time and accurately using original work

3. To engage in the learning process and take responsibility for learning

Classroom Expectations

1. Treat peers and the teacher with respect and dignity

2. Follow school rules

3. Ask for permission before leaving the classroom

4. Clean up after yourself!

Course Calendar

Unit Topic Time Frame (Days)

1 Atomic Structure and Properties 12

2 Compound Structure and Properties 15

3 Properties of Substances and Mixtures 17

4 Chemical Reactions 17

5 Kinetics 16

6 Thermochemistry 12

7 Equilibrium 18

8 Acids and Bases 17

9 Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry 15

AP Chemistry Exam: May 5, 2026