Chemistry Courses

Chemistry in the Earth System

Prerequisite: Biology, the Living Earth

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Enrolling students should have completed Biology, the Living Earth with a grade of “D” or better.

Course Description: Students will investigate the formation of the first elements and their transformation to heavier elements in the context of stars as nuclear element factories. They will use this knowledge to explore the structure of an atom and patterns in the periodic table. Students will investigate the forces that hold matter together and how society uses its understanding of elements and molecules to develop useful materials. Students will explore the interactions of atoms and molecules as illustrated by chemical reactions.  Students will investigate Earth’s atmosphere and climate system. Students will explore the factors that drive chemical and physical changes based on their understanding of elements and materials science. They will examine connections between matter and energy into and out of chemical systems, extending the concept to the movement of energy through Earth’s systems and ways humans may control these moments.  Students will investigate these concepts in the context of greenhouse gases, their effect on the atmosphere, and the stability and changes of the chemistry of the ocean and other bodies of water on Earth.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 20 minutes, each evening

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry

Prerequisite: Biology, the Living Earth & Chemistry in the Earth System

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Enrolling students should have completed Biology, the Living Earth and Chemistry in the Earth System with a grade of “D” or better. Students who received a C or lower in any prerequisite courses should speak to both the teacher of record and their counselor before enrolling in this course.

Course Description: Advanced Placement Chemistry is a highly specialized course for qualified students whose future includes university attendance with a possible major in the sciences. Advanced Placement chemistry is equivalent to a rigorous first year college‐level chemistry course and is designed for students with strong mathematics and problem‐solving skills along with a genuine love of science and its application. This course prepares students for the AP Chemistry Exam and for further study in science, health sciences, and engineering. All Students enrolled in Advanced Placement Chemistry are expected to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam in May. Topics of study include Mater and Measurement, Atoms, Molecules, and Ions, Stoichiometry, Thermochemistry, Periodic Properties, Chemical Bonding, Molecular Geometry, Properties of Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry. Many of these units involve a large amount of mathematical calculations and manipulations.

Since this is a college level course taught in high school, it is very demanding, both in time and effort required. Much of the work involves solving math‐type word problems. Homework is assigned each day and on weekends. The amount of work outside of class depends upon the student and his/her background; however, students should be prepared to spend anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half every night on just their Advanced Placement Chemistry homework. Because class time is limited, students are also required to work independently on additional units over vacation breaks. Those students who are heavily involved in after school activities will have to learn to budget their time very carefully to achieve success in this course.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 45 minutes each night

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry

Prerequisite: Biology, the Living Earth & Chemistry in the Earth System

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Enrolling students should have completed Biology, the Living Earth and Chemistry in the Earth System with a grade of “D” or better. Students who received a C or lower in any prerequisite courses should speak to both the teacher of record and their counselor before enrolling in this course.

Course Description: Advanced Placement Chemistry is a highly specialized course for qualified students whose future includes university attendance with a possible major in the sciences. Advanced Placement chemistry is equivalent to a rigorous first year college‐level chemistry course and is designed for students with strong mathematics and problem‐solving skills along with a genuine love of science and its application. This course prepares students for the AP Chemistry Exam and for further study in science, health sciences, and engineering. All Students enrolled in Advanced Placement Chemistry are expected to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam in May. Topics of study include Mater and Measurement, Atoms, Molecules, and Ions, Stoichiometry, Thermochemistry, Periodic Properties, Chemical Bonding, Molecular Geometry, Properties of Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry. Many of these units involve a large amount of mathematical calculations and manipulations.

Since this is a college level course taught in high school, it is very demanding, both in time and effort required. Much of the work involves solving math‐type word problems. Homework is assigned each day and on weekends. The amount of work outside of class depends upon the student and his/her background; however, students should be prepared to spend anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half every night on just their Advanced Placement Chemistry homework. Because class time is limited, students are also required to work independently on additional units over vacation breaks. Those students who are heavily involved in after school activities will have to learn to budget their time very carefully to achieve success in this course.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 45 minutes each night