AP CHEMISTRY H - Van Geel - 22-23 - A(5) B(5) E(1-2,4) F(6)

Instructor: Thomas van Geel

Email: vangeelt@wellesleyps.org

Office: 358

Welcome!

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a college freshman course in general chemistry. We will cover a broad range of fascinating topics, making the course fun yet very rigorous; it requires a high level of dedication from the students. It is intended as a second-year high school chemistry course, and assumes a thorough mastery of the topics in sophomore chemistry. The curriculum is based on the guidelines of the College Board. For information about the course content, a complete description can be downloaded at the College Board website (www.collegeboard.org).

MATERIALS

Textbook: Chemistry, Zumdahl. Students are expected to read the relevant chapters for each unit as we progress through the year. Students who do not return the book will receive a grade of "incomplete." The cost of a replacement book is $155.

Shared Folder: Many course materials (labs, handouts, etc.) will be found in this Google Drive folder (Links to an external site.).

Computer: Laptops are now required for all students in WHS, and this is a computer-friendly class. You will need your laptop for note-taking, writing labs, etc.

USB adapter: In certain labs you will need to connect electronic sensors to your computer. The sensors have the older, large USB connectors. If your computer doesn't have a USB port that will accept the old connectors, you will need to bring an adapter to class.

Software: You should install the Logger Lite (Links to an external site.) program on your laptop. It will allow you to collect data on your computer in lab. 

Calculator: You will need a scientific or graphing calculator every day.

AP Chem review book: While not required, I strongly recommended buying one of the AP Chemistry course preparation books currently on the market by Barron’s, Princeton Review, Kaplan, etc. Each student should select one based upon personal preference. Please buy it at the beginning of the course and use it regularly throughout the year, not just to review before the exam.

Closed-toed shoes: For safety, students must wear closed-toe shoes to every class.  Keep a pair in your locker.

GRADING

Tests/Quizzes (60%). There will be a test/quiz every 2-3 weeks. Test questions will be in the style of AP test questions.

Labs (30%). All laboratory reports must be typed and double-spaced. Due dates will be announced in class and will vary depending on the length of the write-up. Late labs will receive half credit.

Homework (10%). Homework will be assigned almost daily. When none is assigned, students should study the material on their own.

TARDINESS

If you are more than 10 minutes late you will receive a cut. Lab for this class starts at 7:30 AM. At this time traffic can be heavy; this is not a valid excuse for tardiness. We will sometimes take a short break during double block; students will be marked tardy if they do not return to class by the designated time. If you have a written excuse for being late, take it to the office before coming to class. If you are late without a written excuse, come directly to class.

MISSING CLASS: If a student misses class for any reason, he/she must take the initiative to ask a classmate for class notes, announcements, and make up missed work.

SAFETY:

You will be handling hazardous chemicals in this class, so it is imperative that the class environment remains calm and quiet. No running, sitting on lab benches, or roughhousing of any kind. Safety glasses must be worn at all times during lab. There will be no food, drink, or gum in lab.

PROJECT: All students in AP Chemistry must complete a project after the AP exam.

Contacting Me

If I am not teaching a class, I can often be found in the science office, room 352. The best way to get in touch with me is email (vangeelt@wellesleyps.org); teachers in the science department do not have individual phones. I check my email daily, but my voicemail rarely. My schedule is posted on the classroom door.

Laboratory Safety Guidelines

Wellesley High School

1. Serious, responsible behavior is expected in the laboratory at all times.
2. You are expected to follow all directions given by your instructor at all times.
3. Safety glasses must be worn when work involves toxic chemicals or the possibility of eye contact from material being used. If the instructor informs you that safety glasses are required for this lab, you MUST wear the goggles. Contact lenses are not always allowed since some chemicals which can get stuck behind the lenses cannot be removed easily. Some safety goggles may be worn over prescription glasses.
4. Know the location and understand the usage of the following safety features of the classroom: fire extinguisher, fire blanket, safety shower, eyewash, and emergency exits.
5. Sandals are not permitted in the laboratory. Feet must be completely covered to protect against injury from spilled chemicals or broken glass.
6. Long hair must be tied back to avoid contact with chemicals, flames, and equipment.
7. Eating and drinking are prohibited in the laboratory.
8. Report all accidents and injuries to the instructor immediately.
9. Food is not allowed on the lab benches.
10. Do not return unused portions of chemicals to the reagent bottles. This could contaminate the chemicals. Measure materials carefully and consult instructor on the proper disposal of each chemical.
11. Clean up all spills immediately. Broken glass must be disposed of in the marked container. Always consult your instructor on the proper way to handle cleanup of spills.
12. DO NOT perform any experiments that are not authorized and supervised by the instructor. DO NOT use any equipment in the laboratory for any purpose other than how you have been instructed.
13. Never taste chemicals in the laboratory. When smelling chemicals, “waft” the smell toward you by waving your hand. Do not put your nose directly into the chemical.