What I Discovered About AI and AP Chemistry

Insights from My Recent Presentation

I am not an AP Chemistry teacher; I am a recently retired AP social studies teacher who has been presenting at various high school teacher conferences about the transformative potential of AI in education since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022.

This past week, I had the opportunity to speak to a gathering of 85 AP teachers in Chicago. My presentation was nearly identical to the one I co-presented with APUSH teacher Dr. Marla James at College Board’s Annual Forum in Austin, Texas, in October, with this presentation focusing on how AP social studies teachers could use AI to alleviate various challenges they faced in the classroom before the advent of AI.

My goal in Chicago was not only to share what Dr. James and I had presented in Las Vegas but also to learn from the attendees about their perspectives and thoughts on what we had shared and its applicability to their respective courses of study.

Here’s what I learned from the AP Chemistry teachers who attended my presentation, as well as from the members of the AP Chemistry Teachers Facebook group, CB’s AP Chemistry Online Teacher Community, and several well-known AP Chemistry teachers I shared my slides with afterward:

For a detailed description of each of the features mentioned above, see below:

1. ChatGPT 4 Can Create Clear and Detailed Unit Reviews for AP Chemistry

ChatGPT 4 can create comprehensive unit reviews that summarize essential knowledge (EKs), define vocabulary, and highlight challenging or frequently tested concepts. It can also generate viable lists for defined terms, study tips, and more.

Why It’s Useful:
This tool saves teachers significant time by automating the creation of concise, student-friendly study guides that are customizable and engaging.

How to Use AI to Alleviate This Challenge:

1. Select a Unit for Review: Identify the unit to be reviewed and gather details (e.g., title, topics, EKs, KCs, LOs).
2. Input Your Request: Provide specific details to the AI tool, such as Explanations for each Key Concept (KC); Answers to Learning Objectives (LOs); Vocabulary lists with definitions.
3. Generate a Study Guide: Use ChatGPT 4 to produce the guide based on your input.
4. Enhance the Guide: Add personalized touches like: Memorable jokes or catchphrases; Real-world examples relevant to students’ lives.
5. Share the Guide: Provide students with a shareable link or file.
6. Encourage Personalization: Motivate students to add their own notes or examples; highlight key points; share the guide with classmates for collaborative study.

Score: 4–5 on a scale of 1–5.

2. ChatGPT 4 Can Generate Questions from Visuals

ChatGPT 4 can transform screenshots of released AP Chemistry multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and free-response questions (FRQs) into editable, AP Chemistry-style questions. That said, t that’s not to say it can create great questions 100% of the time. Teachers will need to double check.

Why It’s Useful:
This tool allows teachers to quickly generate customized practice materials from existing resources. It saves time by automating question creation, enabling teachers to focus on instruction and targeted feedback.

How to Use AI to Alleviate This Challenge:

1. Capture Visual Content: Take a screenshot of the MCQs or FRQs you’d like to transform.
2. Upload to ChatGPT 4: Input the screenshot into ChatGPT 4 with a specific request, such as, “Convert this into editable AP Chemistry questions.”
3. Edit for Precision: Review and adjust the AI-generated content for clarity and alignment with your specific curriculum goals.
4. Add Complexity or Scaffolding: Enhance the questions by including follow-ups, such as requiring explanations for answers or asking for calculations based on the data provided.
5. Distribute to Students: Share the customized questions with students for practice, formative assessments, or test preparation.

Score: 4–5 on a scale of 1–5.

Sidenote: See below for a CED Sample Test MCQ

And now ChatGPT 4.0’s response when I asked it to use the visual presented but create a different question.

Four identical 50 mL cups of coffee, originally at 95°C, were stirred with four different spoons, as listed in the table above. If the goal is to bring the coffee to thermal equilibrium with the spoon in the shortest amount of time, which spoon would be most effective?

(A) Cup A (Aluminum spoon)
(B) Cup B (Ceramic spoon)
(C) Cup C (Steel spoon)
(D) Cup D (Silver spoon)

See any glaring errors, outright hallucinations, or attempts to hold students accountable for content not suggested by the CED? I ask this because I believe “prompting and pasting is pathetic.” In other words, teachers will need to double-check ChatGPT 4.0’s output because it will occasionally misinterpret visual information, generate inaccuracies, or create questions that are not directly answerable with only the information provided in the visual.

That said, a high-ranking AP Chemistry teacher I know, with extensive experience using various AI tools (especially ChatGPT 4.0), asserts — and my own use of ChatGPT confirms — that its accuracy hovers around 80%-85%.

Therefore, human oversight is crucial to ensure quality and accuracy.

3. ChatGPT 4 Can Create Comparison Tables

ChatGPT 4 can generate detailed comparison tables highlighting important concepts in AP Chemistry, such as the differences between kinetics and equilibrium or acids and bases.

Why It’s Useful:
Comparison tables provide a clear and organized way for students to understand and review key differences and similarities between complex concepts. This visual format helps make abstract ideas more concrete and easier to retain.

How to Use AI to Alleviate This Challenge:

1. Identify Key Topics: Select topics or concepts that students often find challenging to compare (e.g., strong acids vs. weak acids, endothermic vs. exothermic reactions).
2. Input Your Request: Ask ChatGPT 4 to “Create a comparison table between [Topic A] and [Topic B],” specifying the categories to include (e.g., definition, key formulas, examples, applications).
3. Review the Output: Check the table for accuracy and completeness, ensuring it aligns with AP standards.
4. Enhance for Relevance: Add real-world examples, diagrams, or mnemonics to make the table more engaging for students.
5. Share with Students: Provide students with the table as a study aid, either as a handout or a digital file for easy access.

Score: 4–5 on a scale of 1–5, unless, of course, you’re an AP Chem teacher and suggest the tables below contain glaring errors, outright hallucinations, or mention of content the students do NOT need to know. The fact is that I’ve only had one AP Chem teacher “quickly” look over, and though a thumbs up was given, I’m sharing here to double/tripe check.

See any glaring errors, outright hallucinations, or attempts to hold students accountable for content not suggested by the CED?

4. ChatGPT 4 Can Create Checking for Understanding Questions

ChatGPT 4 can be used to create and assess AP Chemistry multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to check for student understanding.

Why It’s Useful:
ChatGPT 4 helps teachers save time by generating targeted MCQs tailored to specific topics. It also provides instant feedback for students, allowing them to identify and address their misconceptions immediately.

How to Use AI to Alleviate This Challenge:

1. Select a Topic: Choose a specific area to assess, such as chemical bonding, acids and bases, or kinetics.
2. Input a Request: Ask ChatGPT 4 to generate MCQs for the selected topic, specifying the level of difficulty or style of questions (e.g., conceptual, calculation-based).
3. Review Generated Questions: Check the questions for alignment with the AP Chemistry curriculum and make adjustments as needed.
4. Deliver the Questions: Provide the MCQs to students through quizzes, online assessments, or as part of a review packet.
5. Analyze Results: Use student responses to identify common misunderstandings and adapt teaching strategies to address them.

Score: 3–4 on a scale of 1–5.

Here are three ChatGPT 4.0 ‘check for understanding’ MCQs related to the topic of Acids and Bases.

Question 1: Acid Strength
Which of the following statements correctly explains why hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a stronger acid than acetic acid (CH₃COOH)?

(A) HCl has a higher molecular weight than acetic acid.
(B) HCl completely ionizes in water, while acetic acid only partially ionizes.
© HCl has a higher boiling point than acetic acid.
(D) HCl contains hydrogen, while acetic acid contains carbon.

Correct Answer: (B) HCl completely ionizes in water, while acetic acid only partially ionizes.

Question 2: pH Calculation
What is the pH of a 0.01 M solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl), assuming complete dissociation?

(A) 1.00
(B) 2.00
© 3.00
(D) 4.00

Correct Answer: (B) 2.00

Explanation: The pH is calculated using the formula pH=−log⁡[H+]\text{pH} = -\log[H^+]pH=−log[H+]. For 0.01 M HCl, pH=−log⁡(0.01)=2.00\text{pH} = -\log(0.01) = 2.00pH=−log(0.01)=2.00.

Question 3: Conjugate Base
Which of the following is the conjugate base of H₂SO₄ in the reaction where it acts as an acid?

(A) HSO₄⁻
(B) SO₄²⁻
© H₃SO₄⁺
(D) OH⁻

Correct Answer: (A) HSO₄⁻

Explanation: When H₂SO₄ donates a proton (H⁺), it forms HSO₄⁻ as the conjugate base.

See any glaring errors, outright hallucinations, or attempts to hold students accountable for content not suggested by the CED?

5. ChatGPT Can Create Scripts for Podcasts Designed for Review

ChatGPT 4 is an excellent tool for creating detailed and engaging scripts for review podcasts. These scripts can summarize essential knowledge (EKs), include example problems, and highlight key concepts in a concise and accessible format tailored to specific AP Chemistry topics.

Why It’s Useful:
Scriptwriting provides teachers with a structured foundation for creating audio content, ensuring key points are covered while leaving room for personalization. This makes it easier to deliver high-quality, engaging content for student review.

How to Use AI to Alleviate This Challenge:

1. Generate a Script with ChatGPT 4: Select a specific topic (e.g., chemical bonding, equilibrium) and request a podcast script from ChatGPT 4; Specify the tone, focus areas, and desired length (e.g., 5–10 minutes).
2. Enhance the Script: Add real-world examples, memorable tips, or humor to make the content more relatable for students; Insert personalized notes or additional resources as needed.
3. Record the Podcast: Use the script as a guide to record your audio session for students

Note on Google NotebookLM:
For teachers who want to go a step further, Google NotebookLM can automate the creation of entire review podcasts. Teachers simply upload CED topics, essential knowledge (EKs), and learning objectives (LOs), and NotebookLM generates a polished podcast tailored to the desired length.

To give you just some . . .

Why It’s Useful:
NotebookLM eliminates the need for recording, providing students with a complete and professional audio review, ready to share.

Score:

• ChatGPT 4 for Script Creation: 4–5 on a scale of 1–5.
• Google NotebookLM for Podcast Generation: 4–5 on a scale of 1–5.

6. ChatGPT 4 Can Serve as a Mentor

ChatGPT 4’s Voice Mode is a valuable tool for mentoring newer AP Chemistry teachers. It allows for real-time conversations, providing guidance, explanations, and immediate answers to questions in a conversational format.

Why It’s Useful:
Voice Mode enables on-demand support without requiring typing. This is particularly useful for moments when a keyboard isn’t accessible (e.g., during a commute) or when teachers want to step away from their screens. It’s a flexible tool for quick problem-solving and professional development.

How to Use ChatGPT 4 Voice Mode to Alleviate This Challenge:

1. Ask Content-Specific Questions: Use Voice Mode to clarify AP Chemistry concepts or seek insights on curriculum-related topics.
2. Request Teaching Strategies: Get suggestions for lesson plans, effective assessment methods, or student engagement techniques.
3. Simulate Scenarios: Role-play classroom interactions or difficult student questions to refine teaching responses.

Score: 3–4 on a scale of 1–5.

7. ChatGPT 4 Can Support Project-Based Learning

ChatGPT 4 is highly effective for supporting project-based learning (PBL). It assists teachers by creating questions tailored to the written work students produce, ensuring alignment with project objectives, and providing tools to validate student understanding.

Why It’s Useful:
In the age of AI, where much of the written work students submit may be AI-assisted, the way PBL is scored needs to change. Instead of focusing solely on the written product, assessments should prioritize the students’ ability to answer questions about their work, either orally or in a secure, controlled environment. ChatGPT 4 makes this shift easier by generating thoughtful, specific questions based on the content of student submissions.

How to Use AI to Alleviate This Challenge:

1. Generate Assessment Questions: After students submit their PBL-related written work, use ChatGPT 4 to generate detailed, relevant questions they should be able to answer about their projects.
2. Use Multiple Formats for Assessment:

• Oral Assessments: Pose these questions to students in one-on-one or group discussions to confirm their understanding and engagement.
• Written Assessments: Administer the questions in a controlled setting, such as using a lockdown browser, to ensure responses are authentic and not AI-generated.

1. Encourage Deeper Engagement: Use the question-and-answer process to emphasize critical thinking and deeper understanding, shifting the focus away from simply producing polished written work.

Score: 4–5 on a scale of 1–5

8. ChatGPT 4 Can Create ‘Custom GPTs’ for Student Review

ChatGPT 4 allows teachers to create ‘Custom GPTs’ tailored to specific student needs, making it an ideal tool for AP Chemistry review. These GPTs can incorporate essential knowledge (EKs), learning objectives (LOs), and other course-specific content to generate personalized and interactive learning aids.

Why It’s Useful:
Custom GPTs provide students with tailored review tools that reinforce key concepts and address individual learning gaps. This ensures that students can engage with content that is directly relevant to their needs, enhancing retention and understanding.

How to Use AI to Alleviate This Challenge:

1. Set Up the Model: Input EKs, LOs, and key topics into ChatGPT 4, outlining the focus areas for student review.
2. Generate Content: Create custom quizzes, explanations, or flashcards that align with the AP Chemistry curriculum.
3. Encourage Student Interaction: Share the custom GPT model with students who have access to the paid version, allowing them to ask questions and practice interactively.

Limitations:
This feature is only available to students with the paid version of ChatGPT ($20/month). Students without the paid version cannot access the personalized model, which limits its value for those without access.

Score:

• Paid Version: 5 on a scale of 1–5.
• Free Version: No value without the paid version.

ChatGPT - AP Chemistry Unit 7 Review

Insights from AP Chemistry Teachers about Class Companion

Class Companion is a free online AI tool that helps teachers generate assignments and provides instant feedback on students’ SAQ, LEQ, DBQ, and MCQ responses. It also supports students by offering AI-guided feedback, helping them approach and respond to FRQs more effectively. This functionality makes it a valuable resource for building student confidence and improving writing and critical thinking skills.

AP Chemistry teachers who either attended my presentation or whom I have communicated with since reported being impressed by Class Companion’s ability to create checks for understanding in their subject.

This truly surprised me. Going into my presentation, I doubted Class Companion’s capability to handle a subject with complex calculations and symbolism. So, I was caught off guard when many AP Chemistry teachers reported how effectively Class Companion generated targeted multiple-choice and free-response questions aligned with their curriculum. One teacher even commented that it felt like the tool “understood the underlying logic of the subject” better than they’d expected.

To further investigate, I’ve formed a small team of AP Chemistry teachers who are committed to testing Class Companion between now and the start of 2025. They’ll focus on its ability to generate questions and checks for understanding that align with the AP Chemistry framework. Whatever they uncover, I’ll be sure to share the results here.

I’ve also formed teams of AP Biology, Environmental Science, and Physics teachers to explore the extent to which Class Companion has applications in their classes. I’m especially curious to hear what the Physics teachers will say. I have no doubt what the Biology and Environmental Science teachers will conclude — they are sure to give it a thumbs up.

Sidenote #1

Since publishing this post, various chemistry teachers have suggested adding Challenge #9 and Challenge #10.

• Challenge #9: The Letter of Recommendation Challenge
  Writing letters of recommendation has long been a challenge for teachers, especially for AP Chemistry teachers. As AP Chemistry is typically taught in the junior year, these teachers are often the ones called upon to write recommendations for college applications, scholarships, and specialized programs. The challenge lies in crafting personalized, compelling letters that authentically capture a student’s achievements and potential, all while managing the significant time commitment involved. With ChatGPT 4.0, however, teachers can follow a process to not only alleviate this burden but also produce exceptional recommendations. Teachers begin by interviewing students or asking them to complete a detailed form about their accomplishments, goals, and unique qualities. This information is then input into ChatGPT to create a draft. The teacher iterates on the draft, refining it to match their voice and ensure it reflects their insights about the student. AP Chemistry teachers who recommended this challenge — and as I’ve experienced personally — have found that this process consistently leads to higher-quality letters compared to starting from scratch.
• Challenge #10: The Parent Email Challenge
  Responding to challenging emails from parents has always been a demanding part of teaching, and this is especially true for AP Chemistry teachers, given the rigorous nature of the course and the high expectations from parents. Crafting these responses requires professionalism, empathy, and clarity, often under time pressure. While ChatGPT 4.0 can help draft thoughtful responses, teachers must understand that simply prompting and pasting what the AI generates won’t suffice. AP Chemistry teachers have emphasized that an iterative process is essential: teachers must refine and customize the draft to reflect their tone and the specific context of the situation. By following this approach, AP Chemistry teachers can save time while producing diplomatic, polished replies that effectively address parent concerns and maintain strong communication.

Sidenote #2

Despite claims from 1–2 outspoken AP Chemistry teachers that “AI can’t do AP Chem,” most AP Chemistry teachers I’ve heard from maintain that AI, particularly ChatGPT 4.0, can effectively address numerous teaching challenges.

To illustrate this point, one teacher uploaded a sample exam from the AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description (CED) to ChatGPT 4 and asked the AI to score it. ChatGPT 4 achieved a 90% accuracy rate. While not all teachers agreed on the accuracy of every question, the overwhelming majority concurred that the AI performed reliably, correctly answering at least 90% of the questions.

That said, if you find that ChatGPT falls short in areas that I have mentioned or excels in areas that I have failed to mention, I’d love to hear about it. Your insights will surely contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how ChatGPT 4.0 can best support AP Chemistry educators (and, therefore, by extension, all science teachers.)

The bottom line is that Dr. James and I welcome your feedback as it will help us ensure that we objectively appraise ChatGPT 4.0’s strengths and limitations in the sciences when we present at next year's AP Conference.