BHS Chemistry

Pre-AP Chemistry / AP Chemistry

Teachers: 

Steven Kitchens (pre-AP Chem and AP Chem)

Randy Ramaker (pre-AP Chem)

Kaitlin Castleberry (pre-AP Chem)

School: Bentonville High School

General Description: Chemistry is a laboratory course that studies the composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes.  Chemistry is sometimes called the “Central Science” because it serves as a good base for any area in which an awareness of science and critical thinking skills are desirable.  Labs will require the analysis and interpretation of data as well as possible statistical treatments.  Additionally, many core concepts in Chemistry require mathematical manipulation for complete understanding and relation of specific concepts to one another.  Because of these necessities, a good working knowledge of Algebra is essential.  

Pre-AP Description: The Pre-AP course focuses on preparing students for post-secondary education, either in college or high school AP.  As such, it has a more rigorous curiculum.  The above concepts will be covered in greater depth along with the following additional topics: advanced chemical math, kinetics and equilibrium, RedOx, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry.

AP Description: AP chemistry is intended to be the equivalent of a full year collegiate chemistry course.  As such, it is important that the course contain the same scope of topics and a comparable level of mastery and understanding as what is expected in a university first year chemistry course.  It is also vital that a strong laboratory program be incorporated into the curriculum to foster problem solving skills and interpretation of analytical data.  This includes drawing conclusions and making inferences as well as making informed judgments on the validity of data sets.  Advanced topics will be covered in greater detail and lab experiences and data processing will be more involved.