Class Description Pre-AP Chemistry

Pre-AP Chemistry (Honors Chemistry)

2026 Summer (Online)

2026 Spring

Class Description: Chemistry is the study of connections between the everyday world and the molecular world, the structure and interactions of matter. It examines the smallest components of matter (atoms) and how atoms bond with each other to combine elements into compounds. Then it looks at chemical reactions: how energy is involved, the transfer of electrons or hydrogen ions, and factors that affect reaction rate.

Pre-AP Chemistry is a preparatory course designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts in chemistry, laying a solid foundation for advanced studies. It covers basic principles such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, and stoichiometry, while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course emphasizes hands-on experiments and real-world applications to enhance understanding and prepare students for more rigorous chemistry coursework. This is a 2-semester course at Momentum Learning.

Recommended Grades: 8-11

Prerequisite: Completion of Middle School Science and Algebra 1

Homework: Weekly homework will be assigned in Canvas. Students should expect to spend 2 hours on homework problems each week. The homework questions (multiple choices) will be graded automatically upon submission.

Note: Lectures Only (no lab)

Suggested Course Materials

• A laptop, a Chromebook or a tablet
• Notebook

Recommended Textbook: 

Prentice Hall Chemistry Student Edition (ISBN-10: 0132512106)

Paytakov, Ph.D.

Dr. Paytakov holds a doctorate degree in Computational Chemistry. Currently Dr. Paytakov teaches AP Chemistry in a Houston area high school. Dr. Paytakov is certified (Chemistry, Math, Physics and Engineering) and designated Exemplary Teacher by TEA.

Dr. Paytakov has extensive experience in preparing students for Chemistry Olympiad contests. He led and coached his home country’s (Turkmenistan) International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) team between the years 2006-2010. His students won multiple Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals in International Chemistry Olympiad and International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad.

Dr. Paytakov is thrilled to bring his passion and enthusiasm to prepare Momentum Learning students for the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO).