Astronomy   40.0210000

Habits of mind and nature of science; problem solving, astronomy, measurement and motion, celestial clocks, the moon, the solar system, stars, the sun, the Milky Way and other galaxies, cosmology 

Graduation Credit:

Class of 2012 +: Will satisfy level 4 science graduation credit if pass both semesters

Class of 2010-11: Selective

Teacher Expectations:

• This is a rigorous a senior science elective that includes independent and group class work as well as many homework assignments.
• Students must possess a strong background in Math (including algebra, trigonometry and geometry) and Physics is beneficial in the study of this content as we manipulate and solve many physics equations.
• Students must have the ability to work independently and in groups for various problem solving activities.
• Throughout the year, various night observations will be available to students to further their study and understanding of the content.

Biology 26.0120000

Relationships between structures and functions of living cells; role of DNA/RNA in biological traits; increasing complexity in single-celled and multi-celled organisms; interdependence of organisms and the flow of energy; natural selection and the theory of evolution.

Graduation Credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy level 1 science graduation credit if pass both semesters.

Class of 2010-11: Satisfy biology requirement

Teacher expectations:

• Since the nature of biology tends to be rigorous, students are expected to keep current with the material, review regularly (2-3 times weekly), and ask questions.
• In addition, biology is a laboratory science, so students are expected to follow safety protocol at all times.

Other: This course is also designed to give students the necessary content knowledge in preparation for the biology EOCT, which is given at the end of the school year and includes information from both first and second semesters.  This test encompasses 15% of the student’s overall biology grade.  Also, knowledge from this course is necessary to successfully complete the science portion of the GHSGT, which is given during the student’s junior year. 

Honors Biology 26.0120040

Relationships between structures and functions of living cells; role of DNA/RNA in biological traits; increasing complexity in single-celled and multi-celled organisms; interdependence of organisms and the flow of energy; natural selection and the history of evolution; science research project and in depth study of selected biology topics and skills preparing students for AP Biology and AP Environmental Science study.

Graduation Credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy level 1 science graduation credit if pass both semesters.

Class of 2010-11: Satisfy biology requirement

Teacher expectations:

• Honors classes will move at a faster pace, will require more independent study, and will cover topics in greater depth.
• Honors classes will complete an additional number of required labs.
• Any students who aspire to attend the Governors Honors Program or participate in highly competitive summer programs at university campuses are encouraged to complete an additional science project.
• Students will complete a literary review in addition to other research-related assignments, which will comprise a certain percentage of the semester grade. Due to the amount of research required for successful completion of this assignment, considerable time must be spent outside of class in order to meet the requirements of the literature review. 
• Since the nature of biology tends to be rigorous, students are expected to keep current with the material, review regularly, and ask questions. 
• In addition, biology is a laboratory science, so students are expected to follow safety protocol at all times.

Other: In-depth study of selected biology topics and skills prepares students for future study in AP science courses. All biology classes are required to take an end of the course test (EOCT) in May that will count as 15% of the second semester cumulative course grade.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; A’s & B’s in previous math and science courses. 

AP Biology  26.0140010

Biochemistry, cells, energy transformations, molecular genetics, heredity and evolution, principles of taxonomy and systematics, survey or archaeo, eubacteria, protista, fungi, plants and animals, ecology

Graduation Credit:

Class of 2012 +: Will satisfy level 4 science graduation credit if passed both semesters.

Class of 2010-11: Selective

Teacher Expectations:

• AP Biology is a second year biology course designed to be equivalent to a collegiate biology course for biology majors. Students could earn up to 8 semester credits for the course based on the AP exam score.
• The course includes a list of specific collegiate labs which are covered on the AP exam. Due to the length and depth of these laboratory activities, several labs are conducted after school. All students are expected to participate in all the labs and keep a handwritten lab journal for all of the labs conducted in the class.
• Sine the course is designed to cover two semester credits at the college level, there is an enormous amount of material to cover. Students are expected to read the book and keep up with the material. Students are expected to be prepared for class daily and participate in class discussions.
• There is a summer reading assignment.

Other: Students are required to take the AP Exam given in May.

Prerequisite: 1 year biology & chemistry with B average.

Chemistry 40.0510000

Habits of mind and nature of science; nature of matter and its classification; Law of conservation of matter in compounds and chemical reactions; modern atomic theory; the periodic table and properties of elements; factors affecting rates of chemical reactions; motion of atoms and molecules in chemical and physical processes; solutions, acids, and bases.

Graduation Credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy level 3 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Can also be a level 4 science graduation credit when either earth systems or environmental science was the level 3 science graduation credit.

Class of 2010-11: Will satisfy chemistry credit for Biology/chemistry/physics plan

Or selective for biology/physical science/selective plan.

Teacher Expectations:

• Algebra skills – solving equation for unknown – must be able to solve exponential equations. Graphing skills.
• Be able solve applied math problems.
• Skills using basic chemistry lab equipment.
• Emphasizes math and word problems as a problem solving strategy.

Prerequisite: Biology and concurrent enrollment in Integrated geometry or higher 

Chemistry Honors 40.0510040

Habits of mind and nature of science; nature of matter and its classification; Law of conservation of matter in compounds and chemical reactions; modern atomic theory; the periodic table and properties of elements; factors affecting rates of chemical reactions; motion of atoms and molecules in chemical and physical processes; solutions, acids, and bases; science research project; research contemporary topics on the science of chemistry in the society

Graduation Credit: +: Will satisfy level 3 science graduation credit if pass both semesters

Class of 2010-11: Will satisfy chemistry credit for Biology/chemistry/physics plan

Or selective for biology/physical science/selective plan.

Teacher Expectations:

• Honors classes will move at a faster pace, will require more independent study, and will cover topics in greater depth.
• Honors classes will complete an additional number of required labs. Students must keep their lab notebook current and up-to-date, so honors chemistry students must have a strong work ethic.
• Any students who aspire to attend the Governors Honors Program or participate in highly competitive summer programs at university campuses are encouraged to complete an additional science project. 
• Students will complete a literary review in addition to other research-related.
• Math proficiency is necessary since the course is a word problem solving format.

Other: In-depth study of selected chemistry topics and skills prepares students for future study in AP science courses.

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation; Biology and concurrent enrollment in Integrated geometry or higher 

AP Chemistry 40.0530010

Atomic theory and structure of matter, chemical bonding, gases and stoichiometry, liquids and solids, solutions and equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics, reaction types, nuclear and organic chemistry, qualitative analysis

Graduation credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy Level 4 science graduation credit if pass both semesters.

Class of 2010-11: Selective second year chemistry course.

Teacher Expectations:

• Students will have a summer reading assignment.
• Students demonstrate extraordinary work ethic, class preparation, and organization. 
• Students in AP Chemistry should spend at least five hours a week in individual study outside of the classroom.
• AP Chemistry demands high level math, reading, and writing skills.

Other: Upon completion of the AP Chemistry course, students are expected to take the AP Chemistry Exam for possible college credit or course exemption^.

Prerequisites:  1 year chemistry with B average 

Earth Systems 26.0640000

Connections among Earth’s systems; the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere and their interactions to produce Earth’s history, plate tectonics, landform evolution, Earth’s geologic record weather and climate, and the history of life on Earth

Graduation Credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy level 3 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Can be used for level 4 science graduation credit when chemistry or environmental science was completed for level 3 science graduation credit.

Class of 2010-11: Selective

Teacher Expectations: A background in Physical Science is recommended for Earth Systems. 

• Basic mathematic and graphing skills will be used throughout the year. 
• Students are expected to attend class regularly, come prepared with their textbooks and notebooks daily, actively participate in class, turn in completed assignments on the day that they are due.

Environmental Science 26.0611000

Human population growth and cultural revolutions, advent of environments concerns, fossil fuels, nuclear and alternative energies, air pollution and conservation, soil erosion and conservation, waste disposal and management, cycling of Earth’s resources, interactions in biosystems

Graduation Credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy the level 3 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Can be used as a level 4 science graduation credit if chemistry or earth systems was the level 3 science graduation credit.

Class of 2010-11: Selective

Teacher Expectations:

• Students are expected to participate in numerous laboratory activities and work well in groups.  These laboratory activities will be testing and/or simulating real world situations.
• Also students must be willing to engage each other in productive discussions about current environmental problems in the world and local arena. 
• There is a large amount of ecology information (a large portion of the science material in the GHSGT) that will allow students to understand the effects of other organisms and pollution on the environment. 
• Studying for this class will require between 3-5 hours a week coupled with lab assignments that will take up approximately 25% of the class.
• There will be current events and external materials required throughout the year.

AP Environmental Science 26.0620010

Ecosystems and how they work, the human population, major global problems, energy resources, resources and pollution, sustaining biodiversity and ecological integrity, the environment and society

Graduation Credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy the level 4 science graduation credit if pass both semesters.

Class of 2010-11: Selective

Teacher Expectations:

• The student will have required summer assignments and successful APES students will be independently motivated to complete tasks without prompting by a teacher. 
• Students should spend 3-5 hours per week outside of class time preparing/ studying for the class.
• Students should have a solid background in chemistry and biology, a score of A or a high B is highly recommended. 
• A successful APES student will also be very well prepared, complete all work on time, be able to analyze situations to completely understand activities and labs, applying this knowledge to concepts studied in the classroom setting, and is a very strong writer, given the free-response question requirement on the advanced placement test at the end of the course.

Other: Students are required to take the AP exam in May.

Prerequisite: 1 year biology and chemistry with B average 

Human Anatomy and Physiology 26.0730000

Structure of the human body, chemistry of life, cell structures and functions, body systems

Graduation credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy level 4 science graduation credit if pass both semesters.

Class of 2010-11: Selective

Teacher Expectations:

• Participation in demonstrations, discussions, cooperative learning groups and laboratory investigations is expected.
• Students will be required to work individually and as a member of a team. 
• Dissections are part of the curriculum for Human A&P and all students are expected to participate.
• Students will be expected to behave in a mature and responsible manor while performing labs.
• Lab reports, case studies and major research projects will be done by all students taking this course.  
• Students must be diligent in completing their required work.  It is imperative to keep current with material; self motivation is a must in this course.

Physical Science 40.0110000

Current understanding of the atom; nature, classification, and naming of matter; characteristics and components of radioactivity; arrangement of the Periodic Table; phase of matter and molecular motion; properties of solutions; transformations and flow of energy; force, mass, and motion; properties of waves; properties of electricity and magnetism

Graduation credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy level 2 science graduation credit if pass both semesters.

Class of 2010-11: Is required for the biology/physical science/selective series

Teacher Expectations: 

• This is a moderately paced, but rigorous course.
• It is expected of all students that they come to class prepared with all their materials everyday.
• To be successful, students need to do homework daily, review material before class, and have a calculator.
• Students will use math skills to solve problems.

Other: Some of the material and skills taught in this course will be included on the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) given in late March of their junior year. The End Of Course Test (EOCT)is  given in early May.  All students must take the EOCT to earn credit for this course. It will account for the Spring Final Exam at 15% of grade.

Perquisite: biology  

Physics 40.0810000

Force, mass, gravity, and motion of objects; energy in matter and the universe; evaluate forms and transformations of energy; properties and application of waves; electrical and magnetic forces; Newtonian physics in quantum mechanics and relativity

Graduation credit:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy the level 2 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Can be used to satisfy the level 4 science graduation credit if physical science was used as the level 2 science graduation credit.

Class of 2010-11: Will satisfy the biology/chemistry/physics series or can be selective for the biology/physical science/selective series.

Teacher Expectations:

• Students planning on taking physics should have a high proficient in algebraic skills and trigonometric functions. Grades of high B or A in Algebra 2 or math 3.
• This course applies extensive math concepts to the physical world using word problems.
• Students should complete homework daily and participate in class discussion.

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Integrated Algebra II or higher 

AP Physics B   40.0830010

Kinematics and geometric optics, Newton’s Laws of motion, work, energy, and power, linear momentum and impulse, torque and rotational motion, oscillation and gravitation, temperature and heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, static electricity and direct current circuits, magnetostatics and electromagnetism, atomic physics and quantum effects, nuclear physics and special relativity

Graduation credit: Will satisfy the level 2 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Can be used as level 4 science graduation credit when physics was used to satisfy the level 2 science graduation credit.

Class of 2010-11: Will Satisfy the biology/chemistry/ physics series or can be a selective for the biology/ chemistry/ physics series.

Teacher Expectations:

• There is a summer reading assignment.
• Due to the scope and depth of the material required for AP Physics B, students should expect to study each night.
• Homework is assigned regularly, at least once a week.
• Labs are conducted approximately once a week and two formal lab reports are required each semester.
• Attending class is crucial, as many topics are only afforded one class session discussion.
• Successful students have excellent attention during class, take notes, participate in class discussions, begin homework before it is due, ask questions (both in class and via the electronic helpdesk) and practice a little each night.
• The most successful students are ones that have completed previous Honors level classes with an A. 
• There is also a strong correlation between PSAT scores and student success, for example a combined PSAT score of 150 (math and verbal) is a good indicator of success in AP Physics B.

Other: Students are required to take the AP Physics B exam in May.

Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Algebra II, 1 year chemistry with A or B average 

AP Physics C- Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism 40.0840010

^{Kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and power, systems of particles, statics, rotational motion, electromagnetism, oscillations, gravitation, electrostatics and magnetostatics, electric current and circuits, capacitance and capacitors, sound. Light and modern physics}

Graduation credits:

Class of 2012+: Will satisfy the level 4 science graduation credit.

Class of 2010-11: Selective

Teac her Expectations:

• Due to the depth of the material required for AP Physics C, students should expect to study each night.
• Homework is assigned regularly, at least once a week. 
• Labs are conducted approximately once a week and two formal lab reports are required each semester. 
• Attending class is crucial, as many topics are only afforded one class session discussion.
• Successful students have excellent attention during class, take notes, participate in class discussions, begin homework before it is due, ask questions (both in class and via the electronic helpdesk) and practice a little each night. 
• The most successful students are ones that have completed previous Honors level classes with an A. 
• There is also a strong correlation between PSAT scores and student success, for example a combined PSAT score of 200 (math and verbal) is a good indicator of success in AP Physics C.

Other: At minimum, student should be con-currently enrolled in Calculus.  Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. . Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems; some requiring calculus. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.

Prerequisite: physics, Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Calculus