Email: ktownsend@scottsboroschools.net
Phone: 256-218-2052
DESCRIPTION: This course will focus upon the fundamental concepts of the Advanced Placement Exam, in addition to reviewing concepts covered in the Chemistry I and II courses. Various methods will be used in teaching such as lecture and note taking, discussion of scientific literature, audio-visual aids, performance-based assessment, and lab exercises.
TEXTBOOK: Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change by Silberberg and Amateis. Copyright 2016
MATERIALS: You will need a notebook, calculator that has trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan), and scientific curiosity! You already have a lab notebook, so you do NOT have to pay a fee for this course, you only pay for the exam!
GRADING: Overall = 75% Assessments + 25% Assignments
*Final Average is weighted 8%.
Assessments include: Unit Exams, Video Notebook Checks, and Lab Reports.
Assignments include: Labs & Projects, Classwork & participation, and Homework
** Final counts 20% (separate average depending on attendance)
Everyone will take the Chemistry Olympiad Exam for the final.
Everyone MUST take the AP exam on Monday, May 2nd from 12 pm to 3 pm!
SCALING & TEST CORRECTIONS: There will be NO extra credit given in the AP course other than lab group competitions (you CAN turn in supplies for points – paper towels +2 and box of gloves +5). However, a test may be scaled AFTER a test correction day where we work each problem of the test and review.
LAB NOTEBOOK/ REPORTS: You will be responsible for keeping a lab notebook. You will only have to turn in 2 typed group LAB REPORTS. EACH person in your group turns in a rough draft EXCEPT the lab report leader. I will grade/compile them into one lab report to send to your lab leader for corrections. The lab report leader is responsible for turning in the final lab report. We will keep the same rubric as Chemistry I and II for the reports and notebook.
TUTORING: There will be zoom AP chemistry tutoring available on all E-days. Times will vary.
FLIPPED CLASSROOM / VIDEO NOTEBOOK: AP Chemistry is taught as a hybrid-FLIPPED classroom – meaning that you will watch some lectures at home and use class time to complete the homework problems and perform labs. Essentially, you will have a video(s) to watch EVERY NIGHT and you will be required to take notes in your video notebook. I will try to keep the video(s) limited to 45 minutes or less. However, you are required to take notes and the video notebook daily checks are ALWAYS counted as a TEST GRADES!
AP EXAM: Everyone is expected to take the AP exam on Monday, May 2nd. However, if you are involved in sports or there is some reason you cannot take it that specific day, you can take the make-up exam at the end of May (and let Mrs. Paradise know ASAP). The exam costs $93, however the cost can be reduced if a student is eligible for financial aid. Good news is everyone has already paid $40 of this! Therefore, only $53 is owed for the exam. You write the check out to SHS. All money is turned in to Mrs. Paradise. I suggest getting this paid BEFORE spring break!
You also need to check if the college you will be attending accepts AP credit and what is their minimum score of acceptance. A passing grade on the AP chemistry exam is usually a 3, the highest possible score is a 5. Local schools (like UAH or Northeast) will accept a 3 and you will get free credit for freshmen chemistry courses, especially labs.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is very important in an AP class. We will move at a faster pace and will not wait for anyone despite having a small class. If you are absent, please use email, your lab partners, and schoology. I know people will get sick or put into quarantine; however, this class is a great chance to get college credit by passing an exam and I hope you take advantage of this opportunity. So, if absent, you really need to make up the work in at least 3 days.