Biology 1
Science
Texts
Biology, by Miller & Levine; Pearson Prentice Hall, 2010
Course
Overview
Biology 1 is a one-year lecture and laboratory based course of the study
of life from the cellular level to the level of the organism. In this course,
students will study fundamental biochemistry, cells, genetics, evolution,
taxonomy of the major body systems and taxonomy of plants.
Technology will be used to reinforce class work, to demonstrate
scientific principles, and to teach science process skills.
The student will be able to:
• Analyze charts, tables and graphs
• Demonstrate an understanding of lab safety procedures
• Hypothesize what will happen in an experiment based on prior
knowledge
• Discuss current events and bioethical issues with peers
• Connect topics learned in various units throughout the year
• Share with classmates their findings from an experiment
• Perform lab experiments
• Respect other student’s viewpoints, especially in the evolution and
genetics unit
• Participate in class discussions on real-world examples using case
studies
• Create their own experiment to study the Plant Kingdom
• Explore the living world around them
• Investigate biology concepts using observations and research
• Question the living world around them and utilize scientific inquiry
methods
Unit Tests
Quizzes
Lab activities and reports
Individual projects
Create a podcast on a body system of their choice to later present to the
class
Collect and grow bacteria cultures on a petri dish
Analyze how water temperature affects fish respiration rates by using
live goldfish in the lab
Dissection of a rat to help reinforce the body systems unit
Students, acting as genetic counselors, present to the class their findings
on a specific genetic disorder
Create a brochure or PowerPoint to explain the cause of a genetic
disorder, as well as the treatment and overall outlook of the disease
Construct foldables or scrapbooks on the various invertebrate phyla to
use as a study tool and guide to the unit
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
Gizmos, explorelearning.com
Use of videos in lectures to reinforce concepts
GarageBand or iMovie to create podcasts and/or videos
Online textbook and resources, pearsonsuccessnet.com
Students generate PowerPoint lectures to present in class
Biology 1 Honors
Science
Texts
Biology, by Miller & Levine; Pearson Prentice Hall, 2010
Course
Overview
Biology Honors is an accelerated one-year laboratory and lecture based
course. Honors students will study fundamental biochemistry, cells,
genetics, evolution, plants, and phylogeny of life. A few of the major
human body systems will also be covered. Technology will be used to
reinforce class assignments and demonstrate scientific principles.
The student will be able to:
• Analyze and Interpret charts, tables and graphs
• Connect individual concepts into big ideas cover Biology topics
• Hypothesize what will happen in an experiment based on prior
knowledge
• Critique and peer edit student designed experiments
• Demonstrate mastery of learning by using a variety of methodology
for each unit.
• Experiment through inquiry-based lab assignments that build upon
traditional and student designed labs
• Perform a variety of experiments and activities
• Challenge students by having them synthesize overall objectives
• Write technically in answering lab based questions
• Persevere through vast amounts of information with success
• Question the living world around them and utilize scientific inquiry
methods.
• Share with classmates with findings from experiments.
Unit Tests
Quizzes
Case Studies
One project a semester
Labs
Logger Pro labs utilizing technology
Peer editing of student designed experiments
Cancer podcast
Dissections including: Eye, Shark , Fetal Pig, Owl Pellet
Lecture through power point
Interactive Webquest
Online textbook and resources, pearsonsuccessnet.com
Logger Pro Experiments
Interactive internet lessons
Powerpoint Lectures
Interactive demonstration
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
Chemistry 1
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
Modern Chemistry 12th ed., by Davis; Houghton Mifflin-High School,
2012
Chemistry 1 is a full first year course which focuses on all the major
concepts and skills in a traditional college preparatory chemistry course.
It includes basic chemistry concepts as well as many of the major
chemical calculations. In addition to the chemistry content, students
work on critical thinking skills through multi-step calculations and
laboratory work.
The student will be able to:
• Acquire, analyze and interpret data graphically and statistically.
• Conclude scientific principles in an experiment and support with
data and calculations.
• Cooperate in peer groups for laboratory, activities and problem
solving.
• Hypothesize and predict possible outcomes of experiments and
calculations.
• Appreciate the pervasive nature of chemistry in our world and its
many applications.
• Solve single- and multi-step calculation problems by rearranging and
manipulating the equation(s) to solve for the unknown variable,
incorporating unit conversions, and using scientific notation where
appropriate
• Persevere in the application of problem solving strategies.
• Explain and justify the organization of matter and its properties.
• See and perceive subtle variations in three dimensional models when
constructing organic molecules
Tests
Quizzes
Worksheets and Chapter homework assignments
Laboratories
Activities
Reactions Lab- Students predict the outcome of reactions then verify
their hypothesis experimentally.
Measurement Lab- Students gather information and statistically process
data using Excel, then draw conclusions about sources of error.
Organic Activities- Students construct various organic compounds and
isomers using ball and stick models
Vernier Probes including gas pressure sensors and pH probes
Word
Excel
Internet physics simulations and videos
Document Camera used to show reactions and explain how to operate
equipment such as the Vernier Probes
Epson Pens
EHS Portal for posting of calendars, assignments, notes, review sheets,
etc.
Chemistry 1 Honors
Science
Texts
Chemistry AP 8th Edition, Zumdahl & Zumdahl; McDougal Littell, 2010
Course
Overview
Chemistry 1 Honors is an accelerated first year chemistry course which
includes all the major concepts, vocabulary and skills of a typical course,
as well as an increased amount of problem solving and applied
mathematics.
The student will be able to:
• Acquire, analyze and interpret data graphically and statistically.
• Conclude scientific principles in an experiment and support with
data and calculations.
• Cooperate in peer groups for laboratory, activities and problem
solving.
• Hypothesize and predict possible outcomes of experiments and
calculations.
• Appreciate the pervasive nature of chemistry in our world and its
many applications.
• Solve single- and multi-step calculation problems by rearranging and
manipulating the equation(s) to solve for the unknown variable,
incorporating unit conversions, and using scientific notation where
appropriate
• Persevere in the application of problem solving strategies.
• Explain and justify the organization of matter and its properties.
• See and perceive subtle variations in three dimensional models when
constructing organic molecules
• Strategize the procedure to collect the necessary data, determine
measurement method to used, the tools needed, and calculation
process required to develop an open-ended lab problem
• Demonstrate independence in the application of problem solving
strategies
• Organize large quantities of information to fully understand
complex chemistry concepts
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Tests
Quizzes
Worksheets and Chapter homework assignments
Laboratories
Activities
Reactions Lab- Students predict the outcome of reactions then verify
their hypothesis experimentally.
Measurement Lab- Students gather information and statistically process
data using Excel, then draw conclusions about sources of error.
Technology
Organic Activities- Students construct various organic compounds and
isomers using ball and stick models
Vernier Probes including gas pressure sensors and pH probes
Word
Excel
Internet physics simulations and videos
Document Camera used to show reactions and explain how to operate
equipment such as the Vernier Probes
Epson Pens
EHS Portal for posting of calendars, assignments, notes, review sheets,
etc.
Introductory Physics
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Skills
Taught
Physics: A First Course, 1st ed. by Tom Hsu; CPO Science, 2010
Introductory Physics is a full year course that helps the student develop
the problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary to progress to
Chemistry I. The fundamental concepts of physics are used as a basis for
the class. The class teaches each student to think independently,
approach problems and tasks skillfully, memorize on a daily basis, and to
actively participate through prediction, observation, data collection, and
analysis.
The student will be able to:
• Connect physics to real world situations
• Understand and explain physics relationships using correct
vocabulary and standard symbols
• Explore physics concepts by observing, collecting and recording
measurements, applying ideas of accuracy and precision, and
performing calculations
• Understand and explain phenomena in terms of overarching
scientific concepts, principles, and theories: one- and twodimensional motion; inertia, forces, and Newton’s laws of motion;
conservation laws for energy, momentum, and charge; theories of
heat and temperature, electrostatics, electricity, magnetism, waves,
and light
• Create, analyze, interpret, and synthesize laboratory investigations
to develop explanations of natural phenomena
• Analyze word problems to extract relevant information and explore
graphical and mathematical solution techniques
• Determine the appropriate equation that applies to particular
physical situations
• Analyze reliability of responses using unit analysis, estimation, and
common sense
• Solve single- and multi-step calculation problems by rearranging and
manipulating the equation(s) to solve for the unknown variable,
incorporating unit conversions, and using scientific notation where
appropriate
• Hypothesize and explore in order to examine concepts and solve
problems
• Research and interpret how physics describes the functioning of
everyday objects to create a “How Things Work” PowerPoint
Presentation
• Cooperate with others and strategize to solve problems in labs and
other group activities
• Understand prior knowledge and past experiences in terms of
physical concepts and principles
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
Unit tests and quizzes
Practice problems/classwork
Homework assignments
Lab activities and reports
Individual projects
Create a PowerPoint Presentation describing how an everyday item
works in terms of physics concepts
Use compasses and iron filings to determine the shape of the magnetic
fields surrounding bar magnets
Investigate qualitatively and quantitatively how Newton’s laws apply to
the use of everyday items
Determine the specific heat capacity of an unknown metal using the
specific heat equation
Vernier Lab Pros and associated sensors, probes, and software
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Graphing Calculator
Gizmos (www.explorelearning.com)
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Epson Pens
Document Cameras
Portal for posting of assignments, notes, review sheets
Conceptual Physics
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Conceptual Physics, tenth ed. by Paul Hewitt; Pearson Addison Wesley,
2008
In this course, we investigate the natural laws that govern how matter and
energy interact. It will give the students deeper insight and curiosity about
the workings of the surrounding world. This course should also strengthen
their analytical and problem-solving skills, but it will mainly emphasize the
concepts and ideas of physics.
The student will be able to:
• Connect physics to real world situations.
• Interpret graphs such as position vs. time graphs.
• Analyze the motion of an object in terms of position, time, velocity
and acceleration, momentum, inertia, linear motion, and circular
motion
• Articulate physics concepts as they relate to the real world.
• Demonstrate comprehension of momentum, impulse, and collisions
and invent an egg drop container.
• Cooperate with others and strategize to solve problems in labs and
other group activities.
• Solve single variable problems including multi-step calculations.
• Research physics concepts to create a “How Things Work” project
• Analyze reliability of responses using unit analysis, estimation, and
common sense
• Understand basic physics concepts and apply them to real world
situations
Tests and quizzes
Daily homework and classwork assignments
Labs
Individual and group projects
Motion detector lab to interpret straight-line motion.
Create a presentation describing how an every day item works in terms of
physics concepts
Use compasses and iron filings to determine the shape of the magnetic
fields surrounding bar magnets
Investigate qualitatively and quantitatively how Newton’s Laws apply to
the use of every day items
Explore and investigate the connection between potential and kinetic
energy in the milieu of energy conservation and the elasticity of different
types of balls
Determine the specific heat capacity of an unknown metal using the
specific heat equation
Invent a container to protect an egg dropped from various heights
Technology
Vernier Lab Pros and associated sensors, probes, and software
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Graphing Calculator
Gizmos (www.explorelearninglcom)
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Epson Pens
Document Cameras
EHS Portal for posting of calendars, assignments, notes, review sheets,
etc
Physics 1
Science
Texts
Foundations of Physics, 2nd ed., by Tom Hsu; CPO Science, 2010
Course
Overview
The curriculum for Physics 1 provides a thorough investigation of all
traditional first-year topics in physics through the use of mathematics,
analysis, and laboratory experiences. This course prepares the collegebound junior or senior to continue studies in a first year undergraduate
physics course. Students are expected to refine their problem-solving
and analytical skills, to process information from word problems, to
independently conduct laboratory investigations and interpret their
findings, and to solve multi-step problems.
The student will be able to:
• Connect physics to real world situations
• Understand and explain physics relationships using correct
vocabulary and standard symbols
• Explore physics concepts by observing, collecting and recording
measurements, applying ideas of accuracy and precision, and
performing calculations
• Understand and explain phenomena in terms of overarching
scientific concepts, principles, and theories: one- and twodimensional motion; inertia, forces, and Newton’s laws of motion;
conservation laws for energy, momentum, and charge; theories of
heat and temperature, electrostatics, electricity, magnetism, waves,
and light
• Create, analyze, interpret, and synthesize laboratory investigations
to develop explanations of natural phenomena
• Analyze word problems to extract relevant information and explore
graphical and mathematical solution techniques
• Determine the appropriate equation that applies to particular physical
situations
• Analyze reliability of responses using unit analysis, estimation, and
common sense
• Solve single- and multi-step calculation problems by rearranging and
manipulating the equation(s) to solve for the unknown variable,
incorporating unit conversions, and using scientific notation where
appropriate
• Hypothesize and explore in order to examine concepts and solve
problems
• Create graphs and interpret physical data
• Research and interpret how physics describes the functioning of
everyday objects to create a “How Things Work” PowerPoint
Presentation
• Cooperate with others and strategize to solve problems in labs and
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
other group activities
• Understand prior knowledge and past experiences in terms of
physical concepts and principles
• Analyze the motion of an object in terms of position, time, velocity,
and acceleration, momentum, inertia, linear motion, circular motion
Unit tests and quizzes
Practice problems/classwork
Homework assignments
Lab activities and reports
Individual projects
Create a PowerPoint Presentation describing how an everyday item
works in terms of physics concepts
Conduct a laboratory activity to investigate the physics of resonance in
tubes and the speed of sound
Use compasses and iron filings to determine the shape of the magnetic
fields surrounding bar magnets
Match graphs of distance versus time and velocity versus time using
Vernier software and motion detectors (graphical analysis of motion)
Investigate qualitatively and quantitatively how Newton’s laws apply to
the use of everyday items
Use the understanding of projectile motion to predict the range of
projectiles using CENCO marble launcher
Explore and investigate the connection between potential and kinetic
energy in the milieu of energy conservation and the elasticity of different
types of balls
Determine the specific heat capacity of an unknown metal using the
specific heat equation
Experientially learn the rules governing series and parallel circuits by
designing and testing the corresponding circuit
Vernier Lab Pros and associated sensors, probes, and software
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Graphing Calculator
Gizmos (www.explorelearning.com)
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Epson Pens
Document Cameras
Portal for posting of assignments, notes, review sheets
Physics 1 Honors
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Skills
Taught
Physics, 6th Edition by Wilson, Buffa & Lou; Pearson Prentice Hall,
2007
The curriculum for Physics 1 Honors expands on traditional first-year
topics using more intense mathematics, analysis, and laboratory
experiences with an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking
skills. Topics include mechanics, rotational motion and universal
gravitation, heat, electrostatics, electricity, magnetism, waves, sound,
light and optics.
The student will be able to:
• Strategize the procedure to collect the necessary data, determine
measurement method to used, the tools needed, and calculation
process required to develop an open-ended lab problem
• Determine final general equations derived from physical scenarios
• Persevere in solving large multi-variable problems derived from
unfamiliar scenarios
• Analyze a verbal description of physical scenario to visualize the
forces and fields involved in both two and three dimensions
• Understand and explain using correct vocabulary and standard
symbols in terms of overarching physics concepts, principles, and
theories: one- and two-dimensional motion; inertia, forces, and
Newton’s laws of motion; conservation laws for energy, momentum,
and circular motion; heat and temperature, electrostatics, electricity,
magnetism, waves, sound, and light
• Explore physics concepts by observing, collecting and recording
measurements, applying ideas of accuracy and precision, and
performing calculations
• Solve single- and multi-step calculation problems by rearranging and
manipulating the equation(s) to solve for the unknown variable,
incorporating unit conversions, and using scientific notation where
appropriate
• Create graphs to represent physical data and interpret graphs to
determine underlying physics concepts involved in the process
• Write lab journal entries to fully describe procedures and
observations and to articulate conclusions from demonstrations and
labs performed to illustrate complex physics concepts
• Hypothesize possible results for physical scenarios illustrating an
understanding of underlying physics principles
• Experiment with extended and unusual problem-solving techniques
for challenge problems within each unit
• Create an Excel spreadsheet with formulas to calculate and verify
forces exerted in changing scenarios for a Hanging Sign
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
Lab Journal entries for demonstrations and labs
Chapter homework includes conceptual and calculation problems
Tests including multiple choice and free response calculations
Challenge Problems serve as extensions of primary material emphasizing
unusual problem-solving techniques
Analysis of graphs of Displacement vs. Time and Velocity vs. Time
including physically movement to match given graphs with Vernier
Ultrasonic Motion Detectors
Design an experiment to determine initial velocity of a marble launcher
to then determine optimum distance to hit a target
Hanging Sign lab using Vernier Force Sensor and an Excel spreadsheet
Light a flashlight bulb with only a paperclip and D-cell battery and no
instructions
Wire and compass lab requiring students to predict the three dimensional
magnetic field created around a current-carrying wire
Analyze sound waves from tuning forks and the human voice using
Fourier transformation calculations on the Vernier microphone sensor
Vernier probes and sensors including motion detectors, force sensors,
force plates, temperature probes, and microphones
Excel spreadsheets
Internet physics simulations and videos
Epson Pens
Document Cameras
EHS Portal for posting of calendars, assignments, notes, review sheets,
etc
Anatomy and Physiology
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology 9th Edition, by Elaine N.
Marieb; Prentice Hall, 2009
Anatomy and physiology is a laboratory-oriented course in which
students investigate the structure and functions of the components of the
human body. This course offers students opportunities to investigate
anatomical structures and regulating mechanisms that influence how
systems function. It is a course designed to build a knowledge base for
those students who are interested in a career in the health professions.
This course will be a combination of lecture and lab, as well as computerenhanced activities.
The student will be able to:
• Analyze and interpret charts and tables
• Appreciate the complexity of the human body
• Aspire to pursue a career in a health related field
• Discuss careers that would utilize a background in Anatomy and
Physiology
• Participate in classroom discussions
• Share and collaborate while solving clinical application questions
• Solve case studies based on knowledge gained in each unit of study
• Perform lab experiments and dissections
• Discover advances in surgical techniques through watching
operations from the OR channel
• Understand the complementary nature of structure and function
within the human body
• Describe several homeostatic imbalances for each of the body
systems
• Persevere through the memory work that is required to be successful
in Anatomy and Physiology
Unit Tests
Case Studies
Labs
Clinical Application Questions
Case Studies
Dissections Including: Sheep Brain, Cow Eye, Cow Heart, Fetal Pig
Blood Pressure
Vision Activities such as Snellan Eye Chart
Using Model Magic to learn Anatomical Terms for each unit
Measuring tidal volume through the use of respirometer
Virtual Physiology Labs such as Muscle Fatigue
Technology
Vernier probes and sensors including Heart-rate monitors
Internet physics simulations and videos
Epson Pens
Document Cameras
EHS Portal for posting of calendars, assignments, notes, review sheets,
etc
Geology
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology 10th ed., Tarbucks &
Lutgens; Prentice Hall, 2011
Geology is a semester course investigating the basic principles of
physical geology. Many applications of geology and technology will be
discussed as well as the introduction of the basic principles of historical
and environmental geology.
The student will be able to:
• Analyze and interpret diagrams.
• See and describe minerals and rocks.
• Explain processes needed to create formations and rocks.
• Organize large amounts of detailed information into chart form.
• Hypothesize a possible scenario to explain the process of converting
one rock into another using the rock cycle.
• Understand the basic concepts of physical geology to determine
types and origins of formations in Texas and the world.
• Evaluate information to avoid or accept natural hazard risks.
• Interpret topographic maps.
• Accept the existence and importance of change over time in shaping
the Earth.
• Evaluate critically properties of our planet
• Appreciate the pervasive nature of geology in our world in
Tests & Quizzes
Laboratories
Activities
Chapter homework and worksheets
Mineral Lab- Students observe, describe and identify minerals
Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic rock labs - Students observe,
describe and identify rocks.
Volcano Tour- Students use the internet to visit and investigate volcanoes
around the world. The students collect real-time data about the volcanoes.
Dynamic Earth- Web based activity
E-text and text animations
Word
Document Camera used to view samples and identify minerals
Epson Pen
PowerPoint
Internet
Portal
Oceanography
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Essentials of Oceanography 10th ed., Thurman and Trujillo; Prentice
Hall, 2011
Oceanography is a one-semester course covering an introduction to the
physical aspect of earth’s oceans. Topics in this course include the nature
of water, the ocean floor, meteorology, ocean circulation, waves and
tides, coastline, aquatic life and productivity. Ecological issues facing the
Texas Gulf Coast will be emphasized.
The student will be able to:
• Analyze and describe the important physical processes in the ocean
• Analyze and interpret graphs and diagrams
• Create graphs using Microsoft Excel
• Appreciate the natural world and how little we actually know about
the deep ocean.
• Describe the processes that govern the distribution of ocean
currents, the interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere
• Evaluate the relationships between physical, chemical and
biological components of the ocean system
• Demonstrate problem solving abilities
• Understand the basic vocabulary for air and water circulation,
waves and tides, ocean topography, coastal features, and the
interconnectedness of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and
lithosphere.
• Appreciate their sense of stewardship of the Earth
• Evaluate information to avoid or accept natural hazard risks and to
make personal choices about diminishing ocean resources
• Connect the phenomena of grunion mating to the changes in tides
• Experiment with the behavior of water with different densities
• Solve latitude and longitude problems
Homework
Laboratory activities
Internet activities
Unit tests
Temperature and Salinity lab and its effects on density
Sandy Activity: look at sand samples from around the globe and analyze
its composition
Track and plot hurricanes
Track the movement of drift meters through the ocean and understand
their movements
Examine and explore a Texas roadmap to identify coastal features and
practice using coordinates
Technology
Use Microsoft Excel to make a transect graph of the ocean bottom
topography. Use draw tools to label and identify parts.
Use Microsoft Excel to graph real-time Tidal data to differentiate the
types of tides
Use Microsoft Excel to make a double axis graph of ocean salinity as it
relates to evaporation and latitude.
Vernier Probes to graph the change in temperature of land and water
Use Microsoft Word and draw tools to depict the phases of the moon.
Video documentaries – Hurricane Katrina, Sumatran Tsunami
Use draw tools to label features of your favorite coastline
Biology 2 AP
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life 13th ed., Starr and Taggert;
Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., 2013
Biology is an experimental science. Students learn by asking questions
and seeking answers. As students ask and answer questions they learn to
search for connections, weaving together a view of science that has room
for the contributions of other scientists and provides a mechanism to
pause and reflect on the validity of their own findings.
This course is structured around the four Big Ideas and Enduring
Understandings (EU’s) identified in the Curriculum Framework. All
Essential Knowledge (EK) is taught and all Learning Objectives (LO’s)
are met through this curriculum. The course is based on inquiry based
laboratory work and the use of the science practices in both lab and nonlab activities.
Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building
blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.
Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to
information essential to life processes.
Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their
interactions possess complex properties.
Students are given a copy of the Big Ideas, Enduring Understandings
(EU’s) and Learning Objectives to self-monitor mastery as course
objectives are met. The Big Ideas are interrelated and are not being
taught in isolation. The course connects the Enduring Understandings
from one Big Idea with those of the others wherever practical. Students
maintain a curricular map of the Big Ideas and Enduring Understanding
showing connections as they are made.
Skills
Taught
Accepted science practices are used throughout the course. All activities
and class work will be connected to at least one science practice and that
will be clearly communicated to students so they can see the science
practices as the framework around which the learning of the course takes
place.
The student will be able to:
• Communicate scientific phenomena and solve scientific problems
using representations and models.
• Use mathematics appropriately to analyze sets of data.
• Question in scientific manner to extend thinking or to guide
investigations within the context of the AP course.
• Plan and implement data collection strategies appropriate to a
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
particular scientific question.
• Analyze data and evaluate evidence to demonstrate an
understanding of biological concepts.
• Understand and articulate scientific explanations and theories.
• Connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts and
representations in and across domains.
• Experiment in investigative laboratory work.
• Analyze charts, tables and graphs to make conclusions regarding
laboratory investigations.
• Hypothesize what will happen in an experiment based on prior
knowledge.
• Discuss current events and bioethical issues with peers.
• Share with classmates their findings from an experiment.
Unit tests
Quizzes
Lab activities and reports
Mini poster presentations and peer review
BLAST Activity: Students use NCBI to compare DNA and protein
sequences for organisms to test student-generated hypotheses on
relatedness.
Hardy Weinberg: Spreadsheet development to investigate factors
affecting Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium.
Artificial Selection: Students grow organisms such as Fast Plants and
select for specific traits over several generations.
Cellular Respiration: Students investigate some aspect of cellular
respiration in organisms.
Photosynthesis: Students investigate photosynthetic rate under a variety
of student-selected conditions.
Diffusion/Osmosis: Students investigate diffusion and osmosis in model
systems and in plant tissue.
Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis: Students compare mitotic rate after
exposure to lectin or other substances presumed to affect mitotic rate.
Energy Dynamics: Students develop and analyze model systems that
describe energy flow.
Behavior: Students study kinesis in pill bugs or other similar organisms
in both a guided and inquiry lab.
Flipped classroom using Bozeman Lectures.
Discovery Channel videos and activities.
Use of videos, animations, and illustrations in lectures to reinforce
concepts.
Use Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) to find regions of local
similarity between DNA sequences.
Online textbook and resources, Starr and Taggert.
Use Vernier instrumentation in lab investigations.
Data organization and presentation via Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Use of cell phones to document and time investigations.
Chemistry 2 AP
Science
Texts
Chemistry AP 8th Edition, Zumdahl & Zumdahl; McDougal Littell, 2010
Course
Overview
Chemistry 2 AP is a full second year college preparatory course, which
focuses on enrichment and in-depth study of all major concepts and skills
in addition to rigorous problem solving training and exam taking
practices, supported by laboratory experiments and data collection and
analysis.
The student will be able to:
• Demonstrate, connect and appreciate the fundamental chemical
concepts and their relevance to the real world processes and events.
• Plan, strategize and prioritize the steps to solve highly rigorous
problems modeled after College Board Exam questions.
• Cooperate and support each other in group activities related to class
instructions, problem solving and lab experiments.
• Hypothesize and predict the outcome of chemical experiment
• Collect and interpret the experimental data
• Conclude physical and chemical properties of matter drawn from
experimental date.
• Analyze graphical and numerical results for physical sense and
relevance in laboratory and test settings.
• Persevere in the application of problem solving strategies.
College Board format mock exam and tests on specific topics,
Quizzes,
Laboratories
Computer simulations
Activities
Worksheets and Chapter homework assignments
Laboratory experiment on Determination of the Empirical Formula of a
Compound Silver Oxide demonstrates The Law of Multiple Proportions
and The Law of Conservation of Mass.
Laboratory Experiment on Oxidation-Reduction Titration.
Students gain valuable experience in the process of titration and
standardization, writing “half” reactions and calculating molar
concentrations and oxidation numbers.
Computer simulations for Kinetics and Equilibrium processes,
Vernier Probes including gas pressure sensors and pH probes
Word
Excel
Epson Pens
EHS Portal
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
Environmental Science AP
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Skills
Taught
Assessments
Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions 17th
ed, AP ed by G. Tyler Miller Jr.; Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012
AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary, college-level, science
course that includes the consideration of people and how they have
influenced natural systems. It includes many aspects of biology, earth and
atmospheric sciences, fundamental principles of chemistry and physics,
population dynamics, and an appreciation for biological and natural
resources.
The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students
with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to
understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and
analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to
evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine
alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
The student will be able to:
• Acquire information from written sources and analyze case studies
• Demonstrate problem solving abilities
• Understand the basic vocabulary for renewable/nonrenewable
resources, air and water pollution, air and water quality,
sustainability, populations, biodiversity, endangered species,
agriculture, habitat destruction, legislation, terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems
• Appreciate the interrelationships of the world around us—
terrestrial, aquatic, air, energy, plants, animals—living and nonliving
• See the underlying relationship between human populations and
environmental problems
• Commit to environmentally conscious decisions based on scientific
data
• Analyze interrelationships among science, technology, and human
activity and how they affect the world
• Demonstrate experimental design
• Create data tables and graphs using Excel
• Interpret graphs and diagrams
• Cooperate while working collaboratively
• Solve calculations without a calculator
• Analyze document-based questions
• Participate actively in class discussions
• Discuss relevant current events
Unit tests
Lab activities and reports
Sample
Activities
Technology
Homework assignments
Current Event Project
Free Response Questions (FRQs)
Construct a 3 chamber ecosystem and perform a variety of water tests on
the aquatic chamber
Grow beans and radishes to demonstrate the Nitrogen Cycle and run soil
tests
Perform a home energy audit “Watts the Cost”
Identify and describe the major types of biomes: desert, grassland,
savanna, tropical rainforest, temperate deciduous forest, taiga, tundra,
marine, freshwater
Identify and describe population characteristics, growth curves, and
reproductive strategies using population pyramids
Perform the LD 50 Lab. Presented with sets of data resulting from LD 50
tests, students graph mortality and identify LD 50 .
Perform the Population Board Lab to learn how species are distributed
throughout a community as how many individuals or each species are
present using the quadrat analysis sampling technique.
Use Legos to design 3 sustainable cities. Photograph, present and label
in PowerPoint.
Vernier Lab Pros and associated sensors, probes, and software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Video Documentaries of real world environmental issues (PBS
Frontline:Heat; National Geographic, CNBC Trash Inc., YouTube)
Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for data collection
Create advanced double axis bar and line graphs of climate
Create extensive spreadsheet with formulas to calculate home energy
usage by room and appliance
Epson Pens
Document cameras to show a large group how to do a variety of water
tests
Portal discussion board for Current Events
Internet resources
Portal posting of notes, chapter PowerPoints, chapter outlines, review
sheets, drop box submission of assignments
Physics 2 AP
Science
Texts
Course
Overview
Skills
Taught
Physics 6th Edition by Wilson, Buffa, and Lou;
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.
Physics 2 AP is a senior-level full-year course intended to prepare
students for the Physics Advanced Placement Exam B. Enrollment in the
course presumes that the student is familiar with all the concepts covered
in the junior-level Physics I Honors class, the prerequisite for this AP
course. The Physics B curriculum is a broad overview of all the basic
topics in a first year college algebra-based course, including Mechanics,
Electricity and Magnetism, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Waves,
Sound, Light, Atomic Theory, and Nuclear Theory. Critical thinking and
problem solving techniques are emphasized along with course content.
This is facilitated by the regular use of actual multiple choice and free
response questions (with accompanying rubrics) culled from previous AP
exams. The course includes a full complement of labs ranging in
difficulty from moderate to challenging that amplify the curriculum
covered in the course and do not duplicate what is performed in Physics 1
Honors.
The student will be able to:
• Analyze complex data using general physical principles and
applying appropriate solving techniques
• Articulate the subtleties of complex phenomena and situations
involving multiple scientific concepts or abstract ideas
• Create independent experiments to investigate and interpret ideas
also explored through lecture, reading, and discussion
• Determine the essential constraints and simplifying assumptions
necessary to gain insights into complex phenomena and to render
real-world situations into tractable, soluble problems
• Explore the historical foundations for the evolution of scientific
theory, especially the emergence of new understandings reached
through the electromagnetic theory of the 19th century and the
modern physics of the 20th century
• Hypothesize reasons that explain familiar natural phenomena in
terms of the laws and concepts of physics
• Interpret and explain subtle and abstract physical phenomena using
verbal descriptions, mathematical relationships, graphing, and
relevant vocabulary
• Solve complex multi-part calculations using equations from several
sub-disciplines of physics, and persevere in identifying solutions by
employing techniques from algebra and pre-calculus
• Synthesize ideas and equations from distinct units of study to gain a
broader picture of the interrelated framework of physics
• Understand the connections of the algebra-based approach to
physics with its foundations in the study of calculus
Assessments
Sample
Activities
Technology
Quizzes, unit tests, semester exam, and practice AP
Practice free response problems and multiple-choice questions
Homework assignments from text and other sources
Lab journals, including observations, analysis, and conclusions relevant
to the lab procedures performed in class
Resonance Lab: tuning forks produce sounds that resonate in glass
tubes; data is used to determine the speed of sound
Refraction Lab: lasers are passed through plate glass to investigate
refraction and total internal reflection of light
Diffraction Lab: lasers are passed through diffraction gratings to
determine the wavelength of laser light
Photoelectric Effect Simulation: simulated data is collected from
ExploreLearning applet and analyzed to understand departures from
classical theory of light
Spectroscopy Lab: illuminated gas tubes are viewed through
spectroscopes to understand atomic spectra and energy levels
Buoyancy Lab: masses are suspended in air and water in order to
determine density and specific gravity
Fluid Flow Lab: numerical methods are used to generate theoretical data
to compare with actual fluid flow data
Heat of Fusion Lab: Vernier temperature probes collect data from ice
melting in water to determine ice’s heat of fusion
Thermodynamics Lab: Vernier pressure probes collect data that
illustrate Boyle’s Law and the laws of thermodynamics
Resistivity Lab and Kirchhoff’s Rules Lab: electrical meters and
resistors are used to investigate the properties of resistivity and basic
electrical circuits
Kirchhoff’s Rules Calculations: matrices are used in graphing
calculators to solve systems of equations describing the current flow in
electrical circuits
Angry Birds Lab: video analysis software is used to explore the
underlying physics of a popular video game
Vernier LabPros and various probeware in conjunction with LoggerPro
software to collect real data and to perform video analysis
ExploreLearning applets for virtual simulations and investigations
Java applets from other web sources that illustrate the subtleties and
abstractions of physical phenomena
Use of Excel spreadsheet for formula calculation, statistical analysis, and
numerical prediction
Use of Portal for information dissemination, automated quiz response,
and discussion
Advanced use of graphing calculator