VHS Course Catalog

Advanced Topics In Chemistry Section DH

Prerequisites
One year of introductory chemistry with a hands-on laboratory component is required for success on the AP Exam. Strong math background required. Students should be enrolled in Algebra 2 or preferably have completed Algebra 2 prior to enrolling in Advanced or AP Chemistry. Tech requirement: Lab software is completely compatible with PCs and with Macs that run Mac OS X or higher. Compatibility issues with older MAC OS versions (7.x, 8.x, 9.x). Students need PC or Mac OSX access to complete lab activities on a biweekly basis.

Description
This full-year advanced chemistry class is equivalent to a first year chemistry class at any college or university in the United States. If you have successfully completed a course in high school chemistry and are looking for a challenge, then this may be just the right course for you! This class will prepare you to take the AP chemistry exam in May, and, depending on your exam results, you may earn college credits.

The textbook used in this chemistry course, Chemistry The Central Science by Theodore Brown, Eugene LeMay, et. al. is used in many college chemistry classes. The laboratory experiments will be done using an interactive computer program. An important part of the course will be a required interaction with your peers in on-line discussion groups. Also, each student will be required to submit an original, written research project.

Although this course is necessarily rigorous, it will place you in an excellent position to study chemistry further and/or to pursue a career in the sciences or technology. In this 33 week course, some of the subjects covered are: the atom, stoichiometry, solutions, thermochemistry, periodic properties, chemical bonding, gases, intermolecular forces, kinetics, equilibrium, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, etc. So, if you want to know more about the science of chemistry, this course is just what you need - compelling and satisfying!

Course Objectives
This course will utilize the student's Scientific Inquiry by seeking the following learning objectives:

To provide students the opportunity to participate in a college level Chemistry Course.

Investigation and problem-solving skills, including observation, hypothesis formulation and testing, evaluation, and use of evidence to propose, design and test solutions are critical aspects of the course.

Students will be required, for example, to recognize, evaluate, analyze, and explain natural scientific and technological phenomena. Specific examples may include using scientific reasoning to formulate hypotheses; analyze data; justify and defend a position based on evidence; evaluate the design of a technological device; and/or draw and communicate conclusions based on evidence of a scientific and/or technological nature.

Identifying appropriate procedures and their correct sequence in conducting a scientific investigation or in applying the design process; recognizing correct and incorrect procedures, or extending and/or modifying familiar ones; identifying proper procedures or solutions for collecting data with accuracy and precision; and/or identifying appropriate tools for measurement, design, production, or other purposes.

To improve student's skill in selecting appropriate scientific and technological concepts and procedures, and appropriately applying these concepts and procedures to solve real-life and theoretical problems. Specific examples may include reading and interpreting graphs, charts, and/or maps; prototype development; and the creation of product design.