TEXT: Chemistry, Steven S. Zumdahl and Susan A. Zumdahl, 5^th Edition (Houghton Mifflin

Company, 2000).

MATERIALS: Notebook, Lab notebook (hard cover, bound, with pages numbered), graph paper, and

Calculator.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: AP Chemistry is a second year high school chemistry course designed for students who want to earn college credit while still in high school. The curriculum is consistent and equivalent to a freshman general chemistry course as established by The College Board.

Students will be rigorously prepared for the national AP exam usually administered in May. The exam is 180 minutes long: Section I consists of 75 multiple choice questions (90 minutes, 50%) and section II is made up of free-response questions (95 minutes, 50%). Calculators are only allowed during the first 55 minutes of section II. Emphasis will be placed on understanding of basic concepts, chemical calculations, as well as qualitative and simple quantitative application of principles. The exam is constructed using the following percentages as guideline for question distribution:

Structure of Matter – 20%

States of Matter – 20%

Reactions – 35-40%

Descriptive Chemistry – 10-15%

Laboratory – 5-10%

TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: AP Chemistry should be an exciting experience for students and an opportunity to acquire college level responsibilities. The content is a little over freshman chemistry with special emphasis on problem-solving, clear critical and analytical thinking. The lab sessions would be considered another opportunity for a hands-on review of concepts taught in theory. Lab activities will focus on understanding of the basic principles of the experiments, proper techniques, accurate observations, data collection and analysis, drawing correct and reasonable inferences, as well as effective communication. Lab write-ups must follow proper format for reporting laboratory scientific investigations. Each student must maintain a lab notebook throughout the year. Very often colleges and universities ask to see a record of lab work to give freshman credit for AP chemistry. You will design, prepare standard solutions, and carry out some labs with minimal help from me. Working well with others to help one another is an essential part of scientific investigations. Scientists work together to solve problems and Scientists are very honest.

WORK LOAD: Plan on spending at least 1 hour outside of class for each hour in class. You will have to do practice problems almost every night. "Practice Makes Perfect." The key to success in this course is Planning, Patience, Persistence, and Practice.

COURSE OUTLINE                                                         

FIRST SEMESTER             

SECOND SEMESTER                    

*GRADE WEIGHTING

SCALE:    Consistent with County scale

*These percentages are subject to change by the instructor or county as deemed necessary.

**All science students will have the opportunity to earn up to 5 points on their final average by entering a project in the PHS Science Fair.  The fair will be held on _______, December __,20__ after regular school hours.  Students must attend one of two meetings that will be held on September ________, 20___ to be eligible  to enter a project.

***REMEMBER:     TEN POINTS WILL BE ADDED TO THE FINAL AVERAGE BECAUSE OF THE DEGREE OF DIFICULTY OF THE COURSE.

Safety in a chemistry laboratory is similar to safety in driving. The person who is careless may not be the one who is hurt. The chemistry laboratory is a place to experiment and learn, not horseplay. Accidents are usually caused by somebody’s carelessness. Therefore, all accidents are preventable. Safety is the responsibility of everybody in the laboratory. You must assume responsibility for your safety and that of classmates. You can help prevent laboratory accidents by closely following the safety rules below and any instructions given to you by the teacher. Safety is the number one priority and any violation of the safety rules will result in serious consequences.

The chemistry lab is a place for serious work. Do not perform activities without your teacher’s permission. NEVER work alone in the lab. Work only when your teacher is present. ABSOLUTELY NO HORSEPLAY IN THE CHEMISTRY LABORATORY.

Study your lab activity BEFORE you come to the lab. If you are in doubt about any procedures, ask your teacher for help.

Safety goggles and a lab apron must be worn whenever you work with chemicals and/or glassware in the lab. Gloves should be worn whenever you use chemicals that cause irritations or can be absorbed through the skin.

Contact lenses can absorb vapors and are difficult to remove in an emergency. You are advised not to wear contact lenses in the lab even if goggles are worn.

Long hair should be tied back to reduce possibility of it catching fire.

Avoid wearing dangling jewelry or loose, dangling clothing. Loose clothing may catch fire and either the clothing or jewelry may grab onto an apparatus during lab.

Wear shoes that cover the feet at all times. Bare feet or scandals are not permitted in lab.

Know the location of the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, safety shower, fume hood, and first aid kit. Know the exits from the lab and how to use the safety equipment provided in the lab.

Any accident or injury, no matter how minor, incorrect procedure or damage to equipment MUST be reported immediately to the teacher.

Handle chemicals carefully. Check the labels of all bottles THREE TIMES: before you pick up the container, when the container is in you hand, and when you put the container back.

DO NOT return unused chemicals to the reagent bottles.

DO NOT take reagent bottles to your work stations unless specifically told to do so. Use test tubes, paper, graduated cylinder, or beakers to obtain your chemicals. Take only small amounts. It is easier and safer to get small amounts than to dispose of excess.

Do not insert droppers into reagent bottles. Pour a small amount of the chemical into a beaker or test tube.

NEVER taste any substance (liquid or solid) in the lab. NEVER draw any chemicals into a pipette with your mouth.

If chemicals come in contact with your eyes or skin, immediately flush the area profusely with a large amount of water for at least 15 minutes. Inform the teacher at once.

Keep combustible materials (alcohol, acetone, ether, etc…) away from open flames. Heat flammable materials ONLY in a water bath.

Handle toxic and combustible materials only under the direction of the teacher and in a fume hood.

When heating a substance in a test tube, be very careful not to point the mouth of the tube at anybody, including yourself. Heat the whole length of the tube and NEVER look down the mouth of the test tube.

Use heat resistance gloves or tongs when handling hot apparatus or glassware. Hot glass looks exactly the same as cold glass.

Dispose of broken glass, unused chemicals, and reaction products ONLY as directed by the teacher.

Know the correct procedure for preparing acid solutions. ALWAYS ADD ACID SLOWLY TO WATER.

NEVER weigh chemicals or wet substances directly on the pan of the balance. Keep balance area clean and dry at all times.

Do not heat graduated cylinders, burettes, or pipettes with a laboratory burner.

Housekeeping is an essential part of laboratory activity. Your lab activity is not complete until you have cleaned and returned your equipment to their proper locations. Clean your work area. Make sure the gas and water are turned off.

Finally, before you leave the lab, you must wash your hands with soap and water.

I have read the safety rules above and agree to follow them. Violation of safety rules will result in serious consequences. Parents, please make sure your child understands the importance of safety.

Signed: Student: ___________________ Parent: ___________________ Date: _________