An Introduction to AP – AP Chemistry

by BIS / 2022.11.11 Friday / Published in NEWS, news & event

AP Chemistry

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. We are delighted to be able to offer this advanced Chemistry class to Grade 9 students at Boston International School.

Mr. Matthew Kirk AP Chemistry Teacher

This is our first year of teaching AP Chemistry at BIS. I have to say, as a Chemistry teacher, I am absolutely loving teaching this course. It is great to see students experiencing challenging and demanding, university level Chemistry in their first year of our four-year High School Graduation program at BIS. The pace is fast and the content is beyond what students have experienced before….however, I am delighted to see all of them rising to the challenge as we progress through the course.

Unit Guides

Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties

Unit 2: Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties

Unit 3: Intermolecular Forces and Properties

Unit 4: Chemical Reactions

Unit 5: Kinetics

Unit 6: Thermodynamics

Unit 7: Equilibrium

Unit 8: Acids and Bases

Unit 9: Applications of Thermodynamics

Class Insight

Students are currently approaching the end of our second unit in the AP Chemistry course. During the lesson, students were exploring, thorough collaborative and individual guided inquiry, the 3-D shapes of covalent molecules, based on the electron arrangement around the central atom. This required students to apply VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory) which required them use prior knowledge of chemical bonding and constructing Lewis structures based on valence electron pair sharing.

The resources used in order to complete the task sheet learning requirements were: phet.colorado.edu (a simulation lab platform from the University of Colorado, USA) and physical molecular kits. This allowed students to construct molecular models virtually (on computer screen) and make physical models that they can explore in their own hands. Students were also required to measure (and compare to calculation) bond angles with a protractor and draw accurate 3-D representation of the main molecular shapes (linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramid and octahedral). This learning was supported by a follow-on homework task, from which students will receive formative feedback to enhance their understanding and address any misconceptions.

Extension and challenge required students to investigate the effects of lone pairs of electrons on molecular shape and bond angles. All students will go on to learn about advanced bonding concepts (atomic orbital hybridization) and, as required in the course, apply this to VSEPR theory too.

Exam

The AP Chemistry Exam assesses student understanding of the science practices and learning objectives outlined in the course framework. The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and includes 60 multiple-choice questions and 7 free-response questions. Starting with the 2022–23 school year (spring 2023 exam), a scientific or graphing calculator is recommended for use on both sections of the exam. Students are provided with the periodic table and a formula sheet that lists specific and relevant formulas for use on the exam.