AP Chemistry Ms. Bolduc 2008-2009 Just a reminder of our goal: “From the hundred elements that are at the center of our story, all the planets, rocks, vegetation and animals are made. These elements are the basis of the air, the oceans and the Earth itself. We stand on the elements, we eat the elements, we are the elements. Because our brains are made up of elements, even our opinions are, in a sense, properties of the elements…” -P.W. Atkins Materials ~ Textbook: Brown, et al. Chemistry: The Central Science 11th Edition. 2009. Pearson:Prentice Hall ~ Student Solution Guide (to be ordered) ~ Scientific Calculator Course Description Chemistry provides us the opportunity to understand how chemical properties operate in all aspects of our lives. Chemistry encompasses both the living and the non-living forms on earth and beyond. It is impossible to really and truly understand the functions of the ocean, the human body or even a rock without learning some form of chemistry. . In this course we will cover in depth topics such as, the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. This course will be different from your first chemistry course in the following ways, we will cover more topics, there will be an emphasis on chemical calculations and mathematical formulation of principles, laboratory work will be more detail driven and discovery oriented and it will be a lot more work! However, students often take the AP Chemistry course because it is considered the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken the first year of college, which can enable you to jump to the second year courses in which general chemistry is a prerequisite. Be ready to work hard in this class. Laboratory There is NOT a lab portion on the AP written exam, however the College Board has a recommended list of labs for students to complete for the overall freshman chemistry course requirements. I look to the lab as a place to reinforce the material learned in class, thus I have carved out the time in our jam-packed syllabus to complete a variety of excellent labs to give you the rounded experience of a college freshman chemistry student. Time The College Board expects that we will spend a total of 290 minutes on the AP Chemistry course work per week, with 90 of those minutes dedicated to lab experimentation. Right now we only will have 120 out of 200 minutes of class time available for course work. If we take lab periods to work on course material then we have the full 200 minutes but no time for lab. As a result I have formatted the class to accommodate the occasional morning class. Due to the sensitivity of test materials, tests are not returned. It is my hope to go over each test as a class. If tests are not all taken at the same time, I will not go over the test in class, and we will have to arrange a time outside of class time to learn from these extremely valuable resources. Grading Policy Grades will be based on the following scale: A+ = 100 - 97; A = 96 - 93; A- = 92 - 90; B+ = 89 - 86; B = 86 - 83; B- = 82 - 80 C+ = 79 - 74; C = 73 - 67; C- = 66 - 60; D+ = 59 - 57; D = 56 - 54; D- = 53 - 50 Overall course grades will be calculated based on your performance in the following areas: *Tests *Quizzes *Lab Reports *Homework *Reading Verifications *Final and Mid-term Exams Evaluation If all goes well we will make it through the entirety of the textbook by the end of the year. To follow a logical sequence we will often skip around in the text. Each chapter will be evaluated by either an exam or quiz (usually exams). The format of exams is multiple choice and free response questions to prepare you for the actual exam. The exams and quizzes are time formatted as well and you are expected to complete the evaluation in the time allotted. Finally, it is necessary to complete the homework given on the night it is assigned. NEVER wait for the weekend to get the reading done. To help you to keep up with your work, you will may see Reading Verifications that will count as part of your homework grade. Homework Homework is a way for you to practice and reinforce new and old material, as well as for me to check for your understanding of the material. You are expected to spend at least 5 hours a week in unsupervised individual study. If by some unlikely chance that you do not turn in your assignment, for partial credit it must be turned in the very next day. YOU are responsible for missed work and assignments. If you are planning to be absent please let me know as soon as possible. All in-class assignments as well as homework must be neatly completed in pen or pencil on a full piece of paper. NO fringes! Illegible work will be marked wrong. Assignments handed in with no name will be posted on the bulletin board, and will be given partial credit only. Plagiarism Plagiarism is not in any way permitted in this class ever! Policy on Tardiness Punctuality is expected. We have so much to cover, every second counts!!