SCIENCE
Suggested AP Course Map for Science
Chemistry 1-2 (Grade 10) Middle School science and math Honors Biology (Grade 9) Honors Chemistry (Grade 10)
AP Environmental Science
(Grade 11 or 12)
AP Physics 1
(Grade 11 or 12)
AP Chemistry and
AP Chemistry Lab
(Grade 11 or 12)
AP Biology
(Grade 11 or 12)
. Biology 1-2 (Grade 9)AP Physics 2
(Grade 11 or 12)
AP Physics C
(Grade 11 or 12)
BIOLOGY 1-2 Course #3141-3142 Prerequisite: None
1 Year = 1 science credit Grades: 9, 10
Lab Fee: $15
This one-year survey course is intended to help 9th grade students develop a conceptual understanding of the fundamental concepts of biological sciences. This course will cover the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Life Science. The course focuses on a limited number of core ideas of science and engineering both within and across the science disciplines that are essential to explain and predict a host of phenomena that students will encounter in their daily lives that will also allow them to continue to learn more throughout their lives. This course meets high school graduation requirements for science, Gateway requirements, and college entrance requirements for laboratory science.
Upon successful completion of Biology, students will understand the following core ideas 1) structure and function; 2) inheritance and variation of traits; 3) matter and energy in organisms ecosystems; 4) interdependent relationships in ecosystems; and 5) natural selection and evolution. By focusing on ideas in depth, students learn the connections between concepts and principles so that they can apply their understanding to as yet encountered situations and allows learners to solve real-world problems and to further develop understanding in an on developmental process. Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures and safety procedures are an integral part of this course.
BIOLOGY 1-2 (HONORS/PRE-AP) Course #3143-3144
Prerequisite: Recommended completion of one year of middle school science with a grade of “A”. 1 Year = 1 science credit
Grades: 9, 10 Lab Fee: $15
This one-year course is intended to cover introductory biological concepts for the academically oriented student. Emphasis is placed on developing critical-thinking skills, research skills, and laboratory techniques. This course will cover the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Life Science, with the academic pace and rigor being greatly increased. This course meets high school graduation requirements for science, Gateway requirements, and college entrance requirements for laboratory science.
Upon successful completion of Honors Biology, students will have in-depth understanding of the following core ideas 1) structure and function; 2) inheritance and variation of traits; 3) matter and energy in organisms ecosystems; 4) interdependent relationships in ecosystems; and 5) natural selection and evolution. Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures and safety procedures are an integral part of this course.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1–2 Course #3101-3102
Prerequisite: None 1 Year = 1 science credit Grades: 9, 10
Lab Fee: $10
This one-year course is intended to reinforce physical science concepts and is intended as a second year science course. This course will cover the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Physical Science. This course is designed to cover the study of the physical science standards for chemistry and physics. The course focuses on a
limited number of core ideas of science and engineering both within and across the science disciplines that are essential to explain and predict a host of phenomena that students will encounter in their daily lives that will also allow them to continue to learn more throughout their lives. This course meets high school graduation requirements for science and college entrance requirements for laboratory science.
Upon successful completion of Physical Science, students will understand the following core ideas 1) structure and properties of matter; 2) chemical reactions; 3) energy; 4) waves and electromagnetic radiation. By focusing on ideas in depth, students learn the connections between concepts and principles so that they can apply their understanding to as yet encountered situations and allows learners to solve real-world problems and to further develop understanding in an on developmental process.
Students who have successfully completed Physical Science 1-2 may receive credit for taking Chemistry; however, students who have successfully completed Chemistry may not receive subsequent credit for Physical Science 1-2.
CHEMISTRY 1-2 Course #3201-3202
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1-2 with a “C” or better and completion of Algebra 1 with “B” or better
1 Year = 1 science credit Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Lab Fee: $10
This one-year course is intended as a second year course for those students who have successfully completed Biology 1-2 or Honors Biology 1-2; or as a third year course for those students who have successfully completed Physical Science 1-2; and have successfully completed Algebra 1. This course will cover the Nevada Academic Content Standards for the Chemistry concepts in Physical Science. This course meets high school graduation requirements for science, Gateway requirements, and college entrance requirements for laboratory science. Upon successful completion of Chemistry, students will understand fundamentals concepts of chemistry including: 1) the atom; 2) periodicity; 3) stoichiometry; 4) properties of gases; 5) liquids and solutions and acids and bases; and 6) chemical energetic and bonding.
Students who have successfully completed Chemistry may not receive subsequent credit for Physical Science.
CHEMISTRY 1-2 (HONORS/PRE-AP) Course #3203-3204
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1-2 with a “B” or better recommended and completion of Algebra 1 with a “B” or better recommended
1 Year = 1 science credit Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Lab Fee: $15
This one-year course is intended to cover general chemistry concepts for the academically oriented student. Strong algebra skills are necessary to be successful in this course. Emphasis will be placed on the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry: matter; atomic structure; chemical bonding; chemical reactions; gas laws; acids, bases, and salts. This course meets high school graduation requirements for science, Gateway requirements, and college entrance requirements for laboratory science.
Upon successful completion of Honors Chemistry, students will understand: 1) the nature of chemistry which includes elements, compounds, and mixtures; 2) the structure of matter which includes atomic structure, periodicity, and chemical bonding; 3) the language of chemistry which includes nomenclature, chemical
equations, and stoichiometry; 4) the states of matter which included gases, liquids, and solids; 5) chemical solutions, acids, bases, and salts; 6) physical chemistry which includes thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium and electrochemistry; and 7) chemistry and our world which includes organic and nuclear chemistry and chemistry in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1-2 Course #3111-3112
Prerequisite: Two years of science; Credit earned in Algebra 1 1 Year = 1 science credit
Grades: 11, 12 Lab Fee: $10
This one-year course is intended as a 3rd year Gateway course and will investigate various environmental issues in the local and/or regional area(s). The course is designed to cover ecosystems, the processes of natural selection, conservation, threats to our environment, and alternative energy sources. This course meets high school graduation requirements for science, Gateway requirements, and college entrance requirements for laboratory science.
Upon successful completion of Environmental Science, students will: 1) develop a recognition of the flow of matter and energy between living things and their environment; 2) explore the relationships between living things and their environment and how life has evolved over time; 3) develop an understanding of the problems faced by political systems and communities in regulating industry and land use planning; 4) recognize the relationship between societal structure and its impacts on resources; and 5) explore the methods of environmental decision making and the use of cost benefit analysis.
EARTH SCIENCE 1-2 Course #3131-3132
Prerequisite: Two years of science; Credit earned in Algebra 1 1 Year = 1 science credit
Grades: 11, 12 Lab Fee: $10
This one-year course is intended as a 3rd year Gateway course and will explore the atmospheric processes and the water cycle; the solar system and universe; and the earth’s composition and structure. This course is designed to emphasis the sun’s energy and the transfer and flow of energy between and within systems will be explored, weather, components of the universe, formation of the universe, celestial motion, geological processes, plate tectonics, and earth’s composition and resources. Students have the opportunities to gain an understanding of the history of the development of the earth and space sciences, to learn about the unique geological factors of Nevada, to explore the uses of knowledge of the earth and its environment in various careers. This course meets high school graduation requirements for science, Gateway requirements, and college entrance requirements for laboratory science. This course requires that students can confidently use Algebra 1 skills.
Upon successful completion of Earth Science, students will: 1) recognize that matter and energy interact through time to produce changes; 2) develop an understanding of the amount of time involved in earth processes; 3) become aware that the oceans are the earth’s most prominent feature; 4) identify the pathways in the hydrologic cycle; and 5) recognize pollutants and human effects on earth systems.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1-2 (HONORS/PRE-AP) Course #3261-3262 Prerequisite: Successful completion of 2 years of science with a “C” or better in each course, Reed Staff recommends taking Chemistry. Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry, or higher, with a “C” or better.
1 Year = 1 science credit Grades: 11, 12
Lab Fee: $25
This one-year advanced level course is intended as a 3rd year Gateway course and will cover an introduction to the structural and functional aspects of the human body. This course is for those students interested in medical fields or biological science. The course is designed to cover the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and an in-depth look at body systems. Demonstrations and laboratory experience, including dissections are an integral part of the teaching of this course. This course meets high school graduation requirements for science, Gateway requirements, and college entrance requirements for laboratory science.
Upon successful completion of Human Anatomy and Physiology, students will develop: 1) an understanding of the methods and techniques used to study the human body; 2) knowledge of the structure of all systems in the body; 3) an understanding of the functions of all the systems of the human body; 4) an understanding of the role of each body system in maintaining the homeostatic balance of the human body; 5) an awareness of relevant pathologies associated with human body systems; and 6) an awareness of the professional opportunities and requirements in the health sciences and related fields.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Course #3115-3116
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment or completion of Chemistry or higher 1 Year = 1 science credit
Grades: 11, 12
Lab Fee: $20; $90 for the AP Exam
This course is an advanced version of the activity-based environmental science experience. Students make more in-depth studies of local or regional environmental problems with a strong emphasis on environmental chemistry and testing. Course goals are focused on rigorous scientific investigations. Topics include interrelationships in the natural world; identification and analysis of environmental problems, both natural and human made; evaluation of relative risks associated with environmental problems; and examination of alternative solutions for resolving and preventing environmental problems. Because this course is intended to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam, WCSD policy requires those who enroll to take the AP exam in May. College Board currently charges $86 for the AP exam, however, it can be subject to change on short notice. Fees must be prepaid by the end of September. This course meets the honors level criteria for an Honors Diploma as described in this Course Offering Book.
AP BIOLOGY Course #3149-3150
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology or Honors Biology and Chemistry or Honors Chemistry with a recommended grade of “B” or better
1 Year = 1 science credit Grades: 11, 12
Lab Fee: $20; $90 for the AP Exam
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. AP Biology differs from a high school biology course with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required by the students. Participation in the AP exam is a course requirement. Passing the AP Exam may give
the student university credit. College Board charges approximately $90 for the AP Exam; however, it can be subject to change on short notice. Students may not audit Advanced Placement courses. This course meets University of Nevada lab science requirements.
AP CHEMISTRY Course #3211-3212
Prerequisites: The AP Chemistry course is designed to be taken only after the successful completion of a first course in high school chemistry with a grade of “B” or better. Students must also have instructor’s approval to take the class. In addition, it is highly recommended that students entering AP Chemistry have completed Algebra 2 with a recommended grade of “B” or better. Students must also register for AP Chemistry Lab.
1 Year = 1 science credit Grade: 11, 12
Lab Fee: $50; $90 for the AP Exam
The AP Chemistry class is a rigorous course. For some students, this course enables them to place out of freshman chemistry as an undergraduate, thus allowing them to focus on other courses of study. For other students, the AP Chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses. Participation in the AP exam is a course requirement. Passing the AP Exam may give the student university credit. College Board charges approximately $90 for the AP Exam; however, it can be subject to change on short notice. Students may not audit Advanced Placement courses.
AP CHEMISTRY LAB (HONORS/PRE-AP) Course #3223-3224
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in AP Chemistry. 1 Year = 1 elective credit
Grade: 11, 12 Lab Fee: None
In addition to AP Chemistry, students must also enroll in an AP Chemistry Lab class. The lab will focus on supporting the concepts learned in class through the inquiry method.
AP PHYSICS 1 Course #3263-3264
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology or Honors Biology, Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, Algebra 1 and Geometry. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher is required.
1 Year = 1 science credit Grades: 11, 12
Lab Fee: $10; $90 for the AP Exam
This course is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. Because this course is intended to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam, WCSD policy requires those who enroll to take the AP exam in May.
AP PHYSICS 2 Course #3265-3266 Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 or higher math with a B or better and concurrent enrollment in Trig/pre-calculus, successful completion of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry with a recommended grade of “B” or better, and successful completion or concurrently enrolled in AP Physics 1.
1 Year = 1 science credit Grades: 11, 12
Lab Fee: $10; $90 for the AP Exam
This course is an introductory upper level Algebra/Trigonometry based AP physics class. It is the equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; atomic and nuclear physics. Participation in the AP exam is a course requirement. Passing the AP Exam may give the student university credit. College Board charges approximately $90 for the AP Exam. Students may not audit Advanced Placement courses.
AP PHYSICS C Course #3247-3248
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus and concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus, successful completion of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry.
1 Year = 1 science credit Grades: 11, 12
Lab Fee: $20; $90 for the AP Exam
The subject matter of the course is mechanics, and will include topics such as motion in one or two dimensions, energy, momentum, gravity, and rotational motion. This course is predominantly a problem-solving course. Laboratory experiments will be selected for various purposes, which should add to the competence, knowledge, and skills of science students. The student will understand that physics is more than a body of knowledge. It is a way of thinking, a highly successful method of solving problems. The course will expose students to a thought process that might well serve the lawyer, the physician, the politician, or anyone else who needs to think through problems. Because this course is intended to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam, WCSD policy requires those who enroll to take the AP exam in May.