Advanced Placement Chemistry Mrs.

Buzin Central Bucks South 2008/2009

Course Requirements 1. Since this is a college level course, mature behavior, responsibility, and self-motivation will be expected. It is imperative that ALL reading assignments are completed and that every student is fully prepared for each class. 2. Maintain an organized chemistry notebook. This notebook must be brought to each Chemistry class and must include (in addition to notes and assignments) an accurate record of the students grades. This record allows for self-evaluation by the student as well as regular grade monitoring by parents. The notebook may be checked periodically. A graph paper composition book is required for laboratory reports. 3. Students must come to class on time. During the class period, it is expected that the student will be attentive, and will participate to the best of his or her ability. Bathroom visits should NOT interrupt class time; use lunch, study hall or class changes for these visits. The use of portable listening devices and cellular phones are prohibited at all times. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action as specified in the student handbook. 4. Students are expected to be neat and orderly. Each student is expected to keep the desktop and the area surrounding his/her assigned seat free from marks and scraps of paper. Sloppy assignments must be redone. Assignments done in ink other than dark blue or black will not be accepted. Laboratory areas must be cleaned at the end of each lab period. NO FOOD OR BEVERAGE MAY BE CONSUMED AT THE LAB STATIONS. 5. Carefully follow directions. Failure to do so, especially in the handling of chemicals and equipment may result in stern disciplinary action as well as a grade penalty. 6. Students are expected to have their textbooks covered and the pages free from marks. 7. The importance of regular attendance in class cannot be overemphasized. Chemistry skills and concepts are developed and refined each day. Students who are frequently absent will not experience the continuity of ideas essential to their confidence with the course material. A student who is legally absent from school on the day of an announced test may be asked to take the test immediately upon return to school (in the case of short absences) or after school at a later date (in the case of a lengthy absence). Unannounced quizzes may be made up at the teachers discretion. 8. Students must notify the teacher in advance if an AP Chemistry class will be missed due to sports or field trips. The teacher may deny permission to for a student to miss a class for non-emergency reasons. It is the students responsibility to make up all work missed and to do so in a timely fashion. 9. Any student experiencing difficulty in understanding the course material should seek additional help from the teacher before or after school. 10. Homework will be assigned daily during the school week. Students should review their notes and class work on a daily basis. ( http://mrsbuzin.wikispaces.com/apchemistry ) 11. Course evaluation is through tests, quizzes, laboratory work, homework, class participation, and presentations. Major tests are always announced. There are always times set aside for study sessions before and after school for review. 12. A students marking period letter grade for this course is determined on a point total basis: the total number of points a student earns on tests, quizzes, lab reports, assignments, etc. is DIVIDED BY the total number of possible points.

13. The final course grade is determined as follows: 26% of marking period 1 grade, 27% of marking period 2 grade, and 27% of marking period 3 grade (for a total of 80%) plus 10% of the midterm and 10% of the final exam. 14. It is the students responsibility to understand the grading system and to monitor his/her own progress. All tests are kept on file in the Science Department. Students are given the opportunity to review their tests and to make notes on troublesome areas. Students are required to keep a record of their grades. 15. Parents are encouraged to communicate questions and concerns directly to the teacher. Your e-mail (hbuzin@cbsd.org) will be returned at the earliest convenience. Course Description The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. For some students, this course enables them to undertake, as freshmen, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, the AP Chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses. A brief overview of the course material is as follows: a. Matter, changes and energy b. Scientific measurement c. Problem solving in chemistry d. Atomic structure and electrons in atoms e. Periodic table and its arrangement f. Chemical bonds g. Chemical composition, naming and formulas h. Chemical reactions i. Chemical equations j. Gas laws k. Properties of solutions l. Ionization m. Acids, bases and salts n. Titration and pH o. Chemical equilibria p. Nuclear chemistry For further information about the AP Chemistry Program check: http://www.collegeboard.org/ap