Did you know that AP Chemistry is a science class offered at Mead? With a modest 12 students in attendance this year, the answer is probably no. Contrary to some AP classes that are just alternate, more complicated versions of pre-existing classes, AP Chemistry is a unique class that introduces new concepts and ideas and a course that I believe deserves to have more students.
Aside from the obvious benefit of potential college credit, AP Chemistry makes up for the lack of labs in introductory chemistry.
Most people shy away from AP Chem in fear of repeating the monotonous stream of paperwork from intro chem, but the more mature environment actually allows labs to be a learning tool rather than a reward for good behavior.
Within the first two weeks we participated in a lab, using copper (II) sulfate to explain the relationship between weight and moles. In a little over a month, we’ve already completed six labs.
Even without added labs, AP Chemistry is still a very useful class for anyone going into a science-based line of work.
The class provides a basis for why substances act as they do, a concept that is paramount in most areas of science.
The curriculum for AP Chemistry covers how to predict the melting point of a substance, why gasses condense under pressure, and what makes something able to dissolve in water. These important aspects have applications in physics and material science, ensuring AP Chemistry has valid applications even if you don’t pursue it as a career option.
If you’re thinking about the credits then there’s no doubt you should take it. Out of the 2,088 colleges and universities that accept a score for the AP Chemistry exam, over 1400 of those places will give credit for a three.
But don’t most colleges award credits for a three on any exam? The part that’s so special about this one is the amount of people that actually pass the exam.
Last year, 75% of students who took the AP Chemistry exam passed with a three or higher. That’s a higher pass rate than 31 other AP programs. So if chem is in your future college class plan, then this is an excellent opportunity to get those credits early.
AP Chemistry is an engaging, challenging class and one that I personally recommend for anyone who loves science.
