Our Approach

AP Chemistry Exam Concept Alignment

Concept	Subconcepts	Question count
Scientific Method and Measurement	Steps of the Scientific Method, Units of Measurement (SI Units), Accuracy vs. Precision, Significant Figures, Dimensional Analysis	129
Atoms, Molecules, and Ions	Structure of the Atom, Isotopes and Atomic Mass, Molecules and Molecular Compounds, Ions and Ionic Compounds, The Mole Concept	125
Phases and Classification of Matter	States of Matter, Phase Changes, Classification of Matter, Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous Mixtures, Physical vs. Chemical Changes	138
Physical and Chemical Properties	Intensive vs. Extensive Properties, Physical Properties, Chemical Properties, Methods of Separation, Chemical vs. Physical Changes	132
Atomic Theory and Structure	Dalton’s Atomic Theory, Rutherford’s Gold Foil Experiment, Bohr Model of the Atom, Quantum Mechanical Model, Electron Configuration	135
Periodic Table and Periodicity	History of the Periodic Table, Periodic Law, Groups and Periods, Trends in Atomic Radius, Trends in Ionization Energy	126
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure	Ionic Bonding, Covalent Bonding, Metallic Bonding, Lewis Structures, VSEPR Theory	125
Chemical Nomenclature and Formulas	Naming Ionic Compounds, Naming Covalent Compounds, Naming Acids and Bases, Writing Chemical Formulas, Empirical and Molecular Formulas	129
Chemical Reactions and Equations	Types of Chemical Reactions, Balancing Chemical Equations, Stoichiometry, Limiting Reactants, Reaction Yield	127
Gases and Gas Laws	Properties of Gases, Boyle’s Law, Charles’s Law, Ideal Gas Law, Kinetic Molecular Theory	127
Thermodynamics and Energy	First Law of Thermodynamics, Enthalpy and Heat, Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics, Gibbs Free Energy, Endothermic vs. Exothermic Reactions	130
Acids, Bases, and pH	Definitions of Acids and Bases, pH and pOH Scale, Strong vs. Weak Acids and Bases, Acid-Base Titration, Buffers and Their Function	133

NGSS Alignment

Level	Performance Expectation	Disciplinary Core Idea (DCI)	Science & Engineering Practice (SEP)	Crosscutting Concept (CCC)	Question count
					1,556
MS	MS-PS1-1	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Developing and Using Models	Scale, Proportion, and Quantity	60
MS	MS-PS1-2	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Analyzing and Interpreting Data	Patterns	73
MS	MS-PS1-3	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information	Structure and Function	59
MS	MS-PS1-4	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Developing and Using Models	Cause and Effect	75
MS	MS-PS1-5	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Developing and Using Models	Energy and Matter	74
MS	MS-PS1-6	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions	Energy and Matter	58
MS	MS-PS1-7	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Planning and Carrying Out Investigations	Structure and Function	71
MS	MS-PS1-8	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking	Patterns	59
HS	HS-PS1-1	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Asking Questions and Defining Problems	Patterns	62
HS	HS-PS1-2	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking	Patterns	58
HS	HS-PS1-3	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Planning and Carrying Out Investigations	Scale, Proportion, and Quantity	73
HS	HS-PS1-4	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Developing and Using Models	Energy and Matter	64
HS	HS-PS1-5	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Developing and Using Models	Energy and Matter	68
HS	HS-PS1-6	PS1.C - Nuclear Processes	Developing and Using Models	Energy and Matter	56
HS	HS-PS1-7	PS1.C - Nuclear Processes	Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking	Energy and Matter	56
HS	HS-PS1-8	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information	Stability and Change	58
HS	HS-PS1-9	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions	Scale, Proportion, and Quantity	55
HS	HS-PS1-10	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Analyzing and Interpreting Data	Patterns	66
HS	HS-PS1-11	PS1.C - Nuclear Processes	Asking Questions and Defining Problems	Energy and Matter	71
HS	HS-PS1-12	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Planning and Carrying Out Investigations	Structure and Function	71
HS	HS-PS1-13	PS1.A - Structure and Properties of Matter	Developing and Using Models	Cause and Effect	57
HS	HS-PS1-14	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking	Energy and Matter	69
HS	HS-PS1-15	PS1.B - Chemical Reactions	Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions	Patterns	69
HS	HS-PS1-16	PS1.C - Nuclear Processes	Analyzing and Interpreting Data	Stability and Change	74

Click to expand and explore the detailed standards, practices, and question counts we've tailored for comprehensive learning.

We further value the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) because they provide a comprehensive framework for science education that integrates core disciplinary ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. By aligning our questions and exercises with NGSS, we ensure that students develop a deep understanding of scientific principles and are well-prepared for real-world applications and future academic challenges.

At our core, we reject the notion of a one-size-fits-all question template, acknowledging the diverse learning styles of students. Rather than chasing an elusive ideal question, we tackle the issue from another angle by steering clear of queries that are overly wordy, demand too much prior knowledge, make sudden leaps, or are mechanically answered without genuine thought. When a question requires pre-existing knowledge to even approach an answer, it's too heavy on the knowledge front for our taste. We lean towards starter questions that are accessible to novices willing to invest a modest effort—yes, we're aware we're setting the bar high with that expectation :D. If a question assumes understanding that hasn't been solidified, it's too much of a leap—akin to expecting a preschooler to read before mastering the sounds of the letters. The toughest nut to crack is crafting questions that can't be robotically answered without engaging with the core idea.

We like our questions to be cheat-resistant, challenging, and not too challenging. In summary, we aim for questions that are not easily outwitted by cheats and offer a good brain workout without tipping into frustration.

Q: Given the amazingly powerful search engines and AIs available today, how do you make your questions resistant to cheating?

A: We create bite-sized questions that require minimal effort to answer properly, reducing the temptation for students to cheat.

Q: What are your qualifications?

A: 100+ years combined experience in chemistry, stem, education, AI, and programming. We work with scientists and engineers daily (and we see them using AI and programming daily too). Learn more about our authors.

Q: As educators, what are some of your most serious concerns about the education industry?

A: Too many schools wait 20+ years to learn, and teach, the latest scientific findings and technologies.

Bloom's Taxonomy	Question count
Remembering	285
Understanding	379
Applying	346
Analyzing	355
Evaluating	113
Creating	78

ChemKeyz aligns with the AP Chemistry Exam

AP Chemistry Exam Overview

ChemKeyz Concept Alignment

The ChemKeyz Approach

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