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Course Name: Biology Course Number: 26.0120000 Term: Yearlong Grade: 9 Prerequisite: None Description: Graduation Credit: Will satisfy Level 1 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Topics: 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. 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 20% 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. Course Name: Biology Honors Course number: 26.0120040 Term: Yearlong Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Advanced Science or 95 or higher in on-level Science and 85 or higher in Math 8A or 95 or higher in Math 8 or enrolled in higher level of math; Teacher recommendation Description: Graduation Credit: Will satisfy Level 1 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Topics: 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. 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 20% of the second semester cumulative course grade.
Course Name: Gifted Biology Honors
Course Name: Physical Science Course Number: 40.0110000 Term: Yearlong Grade: 10 Prerequisite: Biology Description: Graduation credit: Will satisfy Level 2 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Topics: 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 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 20% of grade.
Course Name: Chemistry Course number: 40.0510000 Term: Yearlong Grade: 10, 11 Prerequisite: Biology and concurrent enrollment in GPS Geometry or higher math class. Description: Graduation Credit: Will satisfy Level 3 science graduation credit if pass both semesters or can also be a Level 4 science graduation credit when either earth systems or environmental science was the level 3 science graduation credit. Topics: 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 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.
Course: Chemistry Honors Course Number: 40.05110040 Term: Yearlong Grade: 10, 11 Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Biology Honors or 95 or higher in Biology and concurrent enrollment in GPS Geometry or higher; Teacher recommendation Description: Graduation Credit: Will satisfy Level 3 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Topics: 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 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.
Course: Earth Systems Course Number: 26.0640000 Term: Yearlong Grade: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Completed Physical Science or Physics or Chemistry Description: Graduation Credit: Will satisfy Level 3 science graduation credit if pass both semesters or can be used for Level 4 science graduation credit when chemistry or environmental science was completed for level 3 science graduation credit. Topics: 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. 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.
Course: Environmental Science Course Number: 26.0611000 Term: Yearlong Grade: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Completed Physical Science or Physics or Chemistry Description: Graduation Credit: Will satisfy the Level 3 science graduation credit if pass both semesters or can be used as a Level 4 science graduation credit if chemistry or earth systems was the level 3 science graduation credit. Topics: 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. 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.
Course Name: Physics Course Number: 40.0810000 Term: Yearlong Grade: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Completed Chemistry, Concurrent enrollment in GPS Advanced Algebra or higher Description: Graduation credit: Will satisfy the Level 2 science graduation credit if pass both semesters or can be used to satisfy the Level 4 science graduation credit if physical science was used as the level 2 science graduation credit. Topics: 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 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 GPS Advanced Algebra. • This course applies extensive math concepts to the physical world using word problems. • Students should complete homework daily and participate in class discussion.
Course Name: Astronomy Course Number: 40.0210000 Term: Yearlong Grade: 12 Prerequisites: Completed Chemistry or Earth Systems or Environmental Science Description: Graduation Credit: Will satisfy Level 4 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Topics: 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
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.
Course Name: Human Anatomy and Physiology Course Number: 26.0730000 Term: Yearlong Grade: 12 Prerequisite: Completed Chemistry or Earth Systems or Environmental Science Description: Graduation credit: Will satisfy Level 4 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Topics: Structure of the human body, chemistry of life, cell structures and functions, body systems Teacher Expectations: Ÿ Participation in demonstrations, discussions, cooperative learning groups and laboratory investigations Ÿ Students will be required to work individually and as a member of a team. Ÿ Dissections are part of the curriculum for Human A&P and all students are expected to participate. Ÿ Students will be expected to behave in a mature and responsible manor while performing labs. Ÿ Lab reports, case studies and major research projects will be done by all students taking this course. Ÿ 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.
Course Name: Human Anatomy and Physiology Honors Course Number: 26.0730040 Term: Yearlong Grade: 12 Prerequisite: Completed Biology and Chemistry with a grade of 85 (Honors Biology is preferred but not required) Description: Graduation credit: Will satisfy Level 4 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Topics: Structure of the human body, chemistry of life, cell structures and functions, body systems. Honors Anatomy has a faster pace and will go more in depth. This course will have a literature review first semester and a research project second semester. Teacher Expectations: Ÿ Participation in demonstrations, discussions, cooperative learning groups and laboratory investigations Ÿ Students will be required to work individually and as a member of a team. Ÿ Dissections are part of the curriculum for Human A&P and all students are expected to participate. Ÿ Students will be expected to behave in a mature and responsible manor while performing labs. Ÿ Lab reports, case studies and major research projects will be done by all students taking this course. Ÿ 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. Please Note: Students taking Psychology and Anatomy concurrently: AP Psychology students are encouraged to take the honors level Anatomy and students taking on level Psychology are encouraged to take on level Anatomy. Those students taking AP Biology and Anatomy concurrently are encouraged to take honors Anatomy.
Course Name; AP Biology Course Number: 26.0140010 Term: Yearlong Grade: 11, 12 Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Biology H and Chemistry H or 95 or higher Biology and Chemistry; AP Commitment Contract Description: Will satisfy Level 4 science graduation credit if passed both semesters. Topics: Biochemistry, cells, energy transformations, molecular genetics, heredity and evolution, principles of taxonomy and systematics, survey or archaeo, eubacteria, protista, fungi, plants and animals, ecology Teacher Expectations: Ÿ 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. Ÿ 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. Ÿ Since 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. Ÿ There is a summer reading assignment. Other: Students are required to take the AP Exam given in May. Course Name: AP Chemistry Course Number: 40.0530010 Term: Yearlong Grade: 11, 12 Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Chemistry Honors or 95 or higher in Chemistry; GPS Geometry; AP Commitment Form Description: Graduation credit: Will satisfy Level 4 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Topics: 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 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.
Course Name: AP Environmental Science Course number: 26.0620010 Term: Yearlong Grade: 12 Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Biology H and Chemistry H or 95 or higher Biology and Chemistry; AP Commitment Contract Description: Graduation Credit: Will satisfy the Level 4 science graduation credit if pass both semesters. Topics: 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 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.
Course Name: AP Physics B Course Number: 40.0830010 Term: Yearlong Grade: 11/12 Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Chemistry Honors or 95 or higher in Chemistry; 85 or higher in Physics; Completion of GPS Advanced Algebra or higher math; AP Commitment Contract Description: Graduation credit: Will satisfy the Level 2 science graduation credit if pass both semesters or it can be used as Level 4 science graduation credit when physics was used to satisfy the level 2 science graduation credit. Topics: 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. Teacher Expectations: Ÿ There is a summer reading assignment. Ÿ Due to the scope and depth of the material required for AP Physics B, expect to study each night. Ÿ Homework is assigned regularly, at least once a week. Ÿ Labs are conducted approximately once a week & two formal lab reports are required each semester Ÿ Attending class is crucial, as many topics are only afforded one class session discussion. Ÿ 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. Ÿ The most successful students are ones that have completed previous Honors level classes with an A. Ÿ 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. Course Name: AP Physics C- Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism
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