AP Chemistry Spring Semester Project

Chemistry is a class that has a stigma attached to it. Surely when you signed up for Chemistry as
a freshman you heard multiple people voice their distaste for the subject. Even in signing up for AP
Chemistry you heard yet again how difficult the subject is and will be. In the interest of adding a bit of
excitement and anticipation for the course among the student body I would like for you to design, test,
explain, and display a chemical demonstration. You will carry out this demonstration with a current
freshman biology class during the time we have after the AP Exam. You will need to pick or design a
short demonstration, compile a materials list, briefly explain the chemistry of the demo, explain the need
for safety precautions, and carry out the demonstration. Keep in mind that the desired outcome of this
process is to generate excitement for freshman as they enter this stigmatized course.

Here are some particulars:

Your demonstration and explanation should last no longer than 10 minutes.
You should link the demonstration and explanation to one (or more) of the topics that will be covered in
either the advanced chemistry course or the general chemistry course.
You should have statements highlighting the need for safety precautions and equipment.
You should explain the chemistry of the demonstration as if you are talking to people that have never
taken chemistry.
Your demonstration should be attention grabbing, exciting, and spark curiosity.
Timeline
Groups chosen, demonstration designed, Lowery approval to move forward – END OF FEBRUARY
Materials list and preliminary explanation of the chemistry submitted – BEFORE SPRING BREAK
Proof of concept test and demonstration practice, schedule a time with a bio class – MAY 7-8
Carry out demonstration May 9-17
Bio Class Options

Block Class Teacher

A Biology Ham
B None None
C Biology Ham
D Advanced Biology Arocha
E Biology Ham
F Advanced Biology Arocha
G Biology Ham
H Advanced Biology Arocha
Topics covered in chem classes

Chemistry Advanced Chemistry

Unit 1: Measurement Semester 1
Significant Figures
Accuracy and precision Unit 1: Language of Chemistry and Matter
SI Unit conversions (elements, compounds, mixtures)
Density
Unit 2: Chemical Reactions and Equations
Unit 2: Nomenclature and the periodic table Unit 3: Measurement, the Mole, and
Atomic structure (protons, électrons, neutrons)
Isotopes Stoichiometry
Periodic Table Unit 4: Atomic Theory and Structure, Periodic
Chemical bonding
Nomenclature for acids, bases, molecular, and ionic compounds Trends, Nuclear, Quantum (include f block
elements)
Unit 3: Electronic Structure
Electron configurations
Orbital filling diagrams Semester 2
Lewis structures Unit 5: Gas Laws and KMT (also phase diagrams,
VSEPR Theory
Polarity phase changes)
Intermolecular forces Unit 6: Bonding and IMFs, Molecular Geometry
Unit 4: Reactions (including expanded octet)
Writing and balancing reactions Unit 7: Thermochemistry (∆H using
Classifying reactions (single and double displacement, neutralization,
combustion, decomposition, synthesis) summation/Hess’s Law, use calorimetry to find
Redox reactions ∆H)
Oxidation numbers
Unit 8: Solutions and Acid/Base Chemistry (with
Unit 5: The Mole pKa, pKb, curves)
Mass to mole conversions
Mole to mass conversions Unit 9: Reaction Rates and Equilibrium (collision
Empirical formulas theory, concentration vs. time, 0, 1, 2 order
Unit 6: Stochiometry
reactions and graphs, rate constants)
Stochiometric conversions
Limiting and excess reactants
Percent yield

Unit 7: Gases
Boyle’s Law
Charles’ Law
Gay-Lussac’s Law
Avogadro’s Law
Combined Gas Law
Ideal Gas Law
Dalton’s Law of partial pressures
Gas stoichiometry
Gass collection of water

Unit 8: Acid-Base Chemistry

Molarity calculations
Dilution
Arrhenius and Bronsted-Lowry definitions of acids and bases
Conjugate acid-base pairs
pH calculations (including pOH, pka, and pkb)
Titrations
Rubric

End of February Meeting with Date Done Points

Lowery
Done by 2/29
Presented with demonstration,
group members ________/30
Linked to Chem curricula
Demonstration okayed by
Lowery
Materials List Submitted by Date Submitted
Spring Break
_________/25

Proof Of Concept Video Date Submitted

submitted by 5/8 ________/25

Time limit Acieved Time for demonstration and

explanation:

______/5

Demonstration and Explanation

were chemically sound
Y or N ______/5

Wow factor, How “cool” was Scaled from 1-10

the demonstration _________/10