AP* Summer Institute

            This session will cover how to begin/set up an AP Chemistry course, effective ways of structuring a course, and an examination of successful teaching strategies. We will look at some of the best teaching materials available (texts, lab manuals, review books etc.) and have an in-depth study of recent AP Exams. This institute will examine ways of preparing students to take the AP Exam, as well as strategies to maximize exam scores. We will also cover the new exam format, the upcoming changes in topics to be covered, and the requirements for the AP Chemistry Audit.

This Institute will include an in-depth study of the topics: “Equilibrium”, “Kinetics”, “Thermochemistry”, and “Electrochemistry”- in light of what depth these topics should be covered--including examples of questions from recent exams. Four labs will be presented:  “Rate and Order of H₂O₂ Decomposition”; “Equilibrium Constant for FeSCN²⁺”; “Thermochemistry and Hess' Law” and “Electrochemical Cells”

Agenda (intended to be flexible!)
 

Morning Before Break "Teaching an Advanced Placement* Chemistry Course" & "2008 Exam"

Day 1: Introductions; Beginning a Course--Requirements for Success; Structure/Use of Time; Recruitment of Students;
2008 Exam Questions 1 & 2

Day 2: Textbook Selection; Homework and Tests; Teaching Strategies; 2008 Exam Questions 3 & 4

Day 3: AP Audit; Laboratory Work/Lab Manuals; Reference Materials;
2008 Exam Questions 5&6

Day 4: Exam and Course Changes; Exam Taking Strategies; How to Review/Prepare for the AP* Test

Day 5:  AP Chemistry Test Development Committee; AP* Chemistry Reading
 

Morning After Break "Chemistry Theory" and “Earlier Exams”

Day 1: Survey of Kinetics; 2007 Exam

Day 2: Survey of Equilibrium; 2006 Exam

Day 3: Survey of Electrochemistry; 2005 Exam

Day 4: Survey of Thermochemistry; 2004 Exam

Day 5: Review of Labs and Institute Wrap-up.
 

Afternoon "Laboratory Work"

Day1: Rate and Order of H₂O₂ Decomposition

Day 2: Equilibrium Constant for FeSCN²⁺ Formation

Day 3: Thermochemistry and Hess' Law

Day 4: Electrochemical Cells
 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Participants are asked to obtain a copy of and (if possible!) solve the Free Response Questions from the 2008 AP Chemistry Exam (available at: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com . If they cannot obtain a copy or have difficulty solving the questions, this is no problem—come to the Institute and we will help you! Participants are also asked to bring their own personal calculator (with trigonometric functions), a periodic table, a flash drive for copying files and lots of enthusiasm!

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

*College Board, AP, Advanced Placement Program, Pre-AP, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board.  Used with permission.