Next year, Aliso Niguel High School students taking AP Chemistry will have a new teacher leading the class: Mrs. Zhou. Known for her passion for science and engaging teaching style, Mrs. Zhou is set to take over the rigorous course, sparking both excitement and curiosity among students.
Currently, AP Chemistry at Aliso Niguel is taught by another experienced teacher, but with this upcoming change, many students are eager to see how Mrs. Zhou’s approach will shape their learning experience. As a well-respected chemistry teacher, she has built a strong reputation for making complex concepts easier to understand, a skill that will be crucial for students tackling the challenging AP Chemistry curriculum.
Mrs. Zhou has been teaching at Aliso Niguel for several years, primarily focusing on Chemistry and Honors Chemistry. Her teaching methods emphasize hands-on learning, in-depth discussions, and fostering a deep understanding of chemical principles. Many students who have taken her previous classes describe her as approachable, supportive, and dedicated to ensuring that everyone grasps the material. These qualities have led to widespread enthusiasm about her transition to AP Chemistry.
Xochi Ponce (10), who is preparing for AP Chemistry next year says, “I had Mrs. Zhou for Chemistry this year, and she’s really great at explaining tough concepts … I think she’ll make AP Chem easier to understand, even though it’s a hard class.”
Students like Ponce, who already have a background in chemistry, are eager to expand their knowledge even more. Because of Mrs. Zhou’s reputation as an excellent teacher, students feel comfortable seeking her guidance and have high expectations for next year’s AP exam.
The AP Chemistry curriculum is known for its depth and rigor, covering topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. It also requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
One of the biggest concerns among students taking AP courses is the difficulty of the AP Exam. The AP Chemistry exam is widely considered one of the toughest, with a mix of multiple-choice and free-response questions that demand critical thinking and a solid understanding of chemistry principles.
Mrs. Zhou, the new AP Chemistry teacher, says, “AP Chemistry has a reputation at all schools, not just ours, for being a hard class. The difficulty isn’t just in the material itself; it’s that there’s a lot to cover. I anticipate that I will probably just be spending a lot of time going over stuff with students individually if they need help.”
Despite the complexity of the course, she reassures students that she plans to offer plenty of support, working with them individually whenever they are in need of extra help. Her approach reflects her commitment to balancing accessibility with AP-level rigor.
As the school year winds down and students begin preparing for their next academic challenges, the transition in AP Chemistry leadership remains a significant change. While some may feel uncertain about what to expect, the overwhelming sentiment is one of excitement and optimism. With Mrs. Zhou’s expertise and dedication, students are looking forward to a year of discovery, growth, and success in AP Chemistry.
