Transcript Science Course Selection - Dripping Springs Independent

Science Course
Selection
Chemistry
Regular Level
O Tests are MC and short
answer
O In class notes are teacherled with fill in blanks
O Some memorization
O Covers basic chemistry
topics like:
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Atomic theory
Chemical bonding
Chemical reactions
Calculations involving
gases, solutions, heat and
energy and acids and
bases
Pre-AP Level
O Tests are only short answer
O Notes are taken at home
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while watching videos of
lecture
Lab notebooks are kept for
lab reports
Concurrent enrollment in PAP
geometry or Alg 2 is
recommended
Significant amount of
memorization
Fast pace
Covers advanced chemistry
topics to prepare for AP
chemistry
Physics
O Physics is a study of the natural laws of the universe as
they relate matter and energy to one another. Topics to be
studied include: measurement, vector quantities, motion
(single and multiple dimensions), Newton’s laws of motion,
energy, momentum, collisions, simple harmonic motion,
wave motion, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electricity,
magnetism, and atomic/nuclear physics.
O Even though we are mainly interested in the concepts
behind certain physical phenomena, a strong algebra and
geometry background is very helpful in expressing these
concepts mathematically using simple equations.
O This course emphasizes conceptual understanding through
labs, hands-on activities, projects, and problem-solving
exercises.
Physics continued
Pre-AP Physics
The course is a study of the elementary concepts of physics. Topics to be studied
include: measurement, vector quantities , motion, Newton’s laws , energy,
momentum, collisions, simple harmonic motion, wave motion, light (diffraction and
reflection). electricity, magnetism, and atomic/nuclear physics.
O Course work includes problem solving and laboratory experiments. This course is
intended for those students who desire to complete the AP Physics 1 and 2 courses
but do not yet have the mathematics background required for those courses.
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AP Physics 1
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that
explores topics such as motion, Newtonian mechanics; momentum, work, energy,
and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits.
O Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and
reasoning skills.
O This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in handson laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide
students with opportunities to apply the science practices.
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4th Science Credit Courses
Recommended for Juniors and Seniors in most cases
AP Physics 2
O Prerequisite: AP Physics 1, concurrently taking precalculus
O AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level
physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics
and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV
diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits
with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism;
physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and
nuclear physics.
O Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop
scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. This course
requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be
spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on
inquiry-based investigations that provide students with
opportunities to apply the science practices.
AP Chemistry
O Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra 2
O Structured around the six big ideas: Atomic theory, Chemical
bonding and structure, Chemical reactions, Rates of chemical
reactions, Laws of Thermodynamics, and Chemical
equilibrium
O Learning objectives which combine content with inquiry and
reasoning skills will be addressed throughout the course.
O Mathematical computation is an important part of the
concept development process. Development of problemsolving skills is a very important goal for the course.
O The breadth, pace, and depth of material covered is
comparable to the general chemistry course usually taken
during the freshman year of college. The textbook and the
laboratory work are comparable to those of a freshman
chemistry course.
AP Biology
O Prerequisite: biology and chemistry
O Designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology
course.
O Differs significantly from the regular high school biology course with
respect to the range and depth of topics, the type of laboratory
work, and the time and effort required of the students.
O Shifts from the traditional “facts coverage” model of instruction to
one that focuses on enduring biology concepts and the information
and content that supports them. Students who take the AP Biology
course will follow a curriculum that has its foundation in the
development of advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as
designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying
mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across
domains.
AP Environmental Science
O Prerequisite: biology and chemistry
O AP Environmental Science (APES) is designed to be the equivalent of a
college introductory environmental science course. This
interdisciplinary class embraces a wide variety or topics from different
areas of science including biology, chemistry, and the atmospheric,
aquatic and Earth sciences. APES combines these subjects by
integrating the scientific principles, concepts and methodology
required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to
identify and analyze environmental problems as these relate to
humans in a cultural and social context. Human survival depends on
developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems!
O This course is designed toward advanced placement for the collegebound student.
O Students should commit to three to five hours per week of outside
class independent activity and/or study. Students are also involved in
many laboratory and field investigations and projects, including a long
term field study and at least 1 field trip.
Aquatic Science
O This course is the composite study of the biological,
physical, chemical and geological aspects of aquatic
ecosystems.
O Topics include relationships among freshwater and
marine aquatic ecosystems, adaptations of aquatic
organisms, changes within aquatic environments,
uses of water in the watershed, and exploration of
current issues involving the aquatic environment.
O Students are also involved in many laboratory and
field investigations and projects, including a year-long
aquarium study and at least 1 field trip.
O Students may need to purchase supplies and fish for
the aquarium.
Biotechnology
O includes career exploration, history and applications
of DNA/RNA technology molecular biology, bioethics,
and laboratory safe practices.
O supplemented with laboratory exercises,
demonstrations and field trips that illustrate the basic
techniques of biotechnology including laboratory
topics
O concludes with a consideration of bioethical issues
relating to this powerful new technology.
O Requirements: Biology and Chemistry
Anatomy & Physiology
O Prerequisite: biology and chemistry/physics or
concurrent enrollment
O designed to provide the student with unified concepts
that contribute to a basic understanding of the
structure and function of the human body.
O provides essential technical vocabulary and important
physiological concepts that can be understood by an
upper level science student.
O designed to specifically serve those students with an
interest in health, medicine, biology, liberal arts, and
physical education.