AP Chemistry

Course Description

AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level chemistry course. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based lab investigations as they explore the four Big Ideas: scale, proportion, and quantity; structure and properties of substances; transformations; and energy.

Skills Learned

• Designing experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory

• Creating graphs, diagrams, and models that represent chemical phenomena

• Explaining how the microscopic structure of a substance determines its chemical properties

• Balancing a chemical equation

• Making a scientific claim and supporting it with evidence

Lab Requirement

This course requires that 25 percent of instructional time engages students in lab investigations. This includes a minimum of 16 hands-on labs (at least six of which are inquiry-based). It is recommended that students keep a lab notebook throughout. Note: Colleges may ask to see your lab notebooks and reports before granting you credit.

AP Exam

The AP Chemistry Exam will test your understanding of the scientific concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to design and describe chemical experiments.

A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended for use on Section 2 of the exam, and you will be provided with a periodic table and a formula sheet that lists specific and relevant formulas for use on the exam.

Exam Duration - 3 hours, 15 minutes