Zeina Koolivand
Engaging AP Chemistry lessons with problem solving focus




AP Chemistry tutor - Zeina Koolivand
Masters degree
$18
$17
/ 30 min
About your tutor
Hello! I’m Zeina Koolivand, an enthusiastic AP Chemistry tutor with a Master’s in Analytical Chemistry. My passion for teaching stems from a desire to demystify complex concepts and connect them to real-world applications. I believe that chemistry is not just a subject but a lens through which we can better understand the world around us. My teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment where students feel empowered to ask questions and explore their curiosities. Every student is unique, so I tailor my approach to meet individual learning needs and styles. By utilizing a mix of hands-on experiments, visual aids, and relatable examples, I strive to make the learning experience both engaging and memorable. I am committed to building my students’ confidence and fostering critical thinking skills. My goal is to help you grasp the material and develop a deeper appreciation for chemistry as a subject. Whether you’re in high school, college, or navigating your professional career, I’m here to guide you on your journey to success in AP Chemistry. Let’s embark on this exciting learning adventure together, and unlock your potential in the fascinating world of chemistry!
Rated 5 stars for test prep
Students report improved scores with every practice.
Rated 4.9/5 for effective test prep
Parents see their children scoring higher with each exam.
Frequent progress check-ins
Students report regular updates on their progress.
Teaching methodology
As an AP Chemistry tutor, I tailor my teaching approach to cater to students of all backgrounds, whether they are in high school, college, or adult learners returning to education. My teaching methodology is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, ensuring that every student can engage with the material at their level. Problem-Solving Focus: I emphasize problem-solving as a critical skill in chemistry. Through targeted practice, I guide students in tackling complex questions and breaking them down into manageable steps. This not only builds their confidence but also equips them with the tools to approach future challenges independently. Engagement and Interactivity: To foster a dynamic learning environment, I incorporate interactive discussions that encourage students to express their thoughts and ask questions. This dialogue helps students connect with the material on a deeper level and promotes a collaborative atmosphere where ideas can be shared and explored. Hands-On Practical Sessions: Understanding chemistry often requires a tactile approach, so I integrate hands-on experiments into my sessions whenever possible. These practical experiences not only reinforce theoretical concepts but also spark curiosity and excitement about the subject. Concept-Focused Explanations: I believe that a strong foundation in fundamental concepts is essential for success in chemistry. My detailed explanations focus on core ideas, ensuring that students understand not just how to solve problems but also the reasoning behind the methods. This depth of understanding is crucial for mastering complex topics.
AP tutor specialities
Test prep
Australian Curriculum (AU)
A-Levels (UK)
Advanced Placement (AP) Program (USA)
Homework help
New Zealand Curriculum - NZC (NZ)
International Baccalaureate (IB)

AP concept taught by Zeina
Zeinab tutored Ahmed on chemical kinetics, covering reaction rates, concentration vs. time graphs, rate laws, and experimental determination of rate orders. Zeinab explained why experimental rate laws may not match stoichiometric coefficients due to multi-step reactions and the rate-determining step. Ahmed was assigned practice problems from the end of the chapter, and the next session will cover first-order characteristics, collision theory, and solution equilibrium.
Reaction Mechanisms and Rate-Determining Step
Rate of Reaction
Stoichiometry and Rate
Determining Rate Law
Reaction Order
Rate Law
Zeinab tutored Ahmed on various aspects of chemical bonding and intermolecular forces. The session covered ionic compounds, lattice energy calculations using the Born-Haber cycle, bond polarity, and London Dispersion Forces. Zeinab assigned end-of-chapter questions for practice and outlined plans for the next session, including intermolecular forces, metallic bonding, giant covalent structures, heating curves, and a transition to solubility and equilibrium concepts.
Electrostatic Force
Lattice Energy
Born-Haber Cycle
Bond Polarity
Molecular Polarity
London Dispersion Forces
Ionic Radius
Zeinab tutored Ahmed on advanced chemical bonding concepts, including formal charge calculations, VSEPR theory for predicting molecular geometry, hybridization, sigma and pi bonds, potential energy diagrams, and bond energy calculations to determine enthalpy changes. They worked through examples from the textbook and planned to cover lattice energy and intermolecular forces in the next session. Zeinab also addressed scheduling concerns due to her pregnancy and confirmed the next lesson.
Bond Energy
Potential Energy Diagrams
Sigma and Pi Bonds
Hybridization
VSEPR Theory
Formal Charge
Bond Energy Calculation
Potential Energy Diagrams
Zeinab tutored Ahmed on chemical bonding concepts, including electronegativity, ionic and covalent bonds, and the construction of Lewis structures. They covered exceptions to the octet rule, resonance, and dative bonding, using examples like H2O, NH3, CO2, ozone, and odd-electron molecules. The next session will cover formal charges, VSEPR theory, hybridization, and polarity/intermolecular forces.
Electronegativity
Lewis Structures
Central Atom Selection
Octet Rule Exceptions
Resonance
Polar vs. Nonpolar Bonds
Free Radicals
Dative/Coordinate Bonds
Zeina tutored Rishita on writing formulas for ionic compounds, covering electron configurations, main group and transition metal ions, and polyatomic ions. Rishita practiced determining charges and writing formulas. The next session will include practice naming ionic compounds and discussing their characteristics.
Memorizing Polyatomic Ions
Transition Metals & Oxidation States
Naming Ionic Compounds
Writing Ionic Formulas
Mono vs. Polyatomic Ions
Zeina tutors Ahmed on periodic trends, covering Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) and Group 17 (halogens) reactivity, melting/boiling points, and atomic size. She explains ionization energy, its trends within groups and periods (including exceptions related to electron configuration stability), and how successive ionization energies can identify an element's group. They plan to discuss bonding next, skipping electronegativity.
Group 2 Elements
Exceptions in Ionization Energy
Successive Ionization Energy
Ionization Energy
Effective Nuclear Charge
Atomic Size Trends
Halogens (Group 17)
Free lesson slots
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Teaching tools used by AP tutor
Digital whiteboard
Quizzes
Assessments
Practice worksheets
Presentations
Student types for AP tutor
School
College
Adult / Professional
All Levels
Anxiety or Stress Disorders
Home schooled
Interactive AP classes
Record lessons
Note taking
Pets are welcomed
Parent feedback
Open Q&A

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