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The Science Department at Plano West Senior High helps to prepare students to be successful in their future endeavors of higher education and professional life. The wide array of science class offerings gives students the opportunity to explore various subjects. Make sure you visit mypisd.net to view calendars, syllabi, and other information concerning each course.
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Anatomy and Physiology
Barbara Pittenger
Prerequisite:Biology and Chemistry
Anatomy and Physiology is a one-credit course offered which shall include laboratory investigation and fieldwork using appropriate scientific inquiry. This hands-on course is a survey of the structures and functions of the human body and integrates the physics and chemistry concepts found in the body systems. In this course, the student will investigate the body's responses to forces: maintenance of homeostasis, electrical interations, transport systems, and energy processes.
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Biology
Biology
Prerequisite: None
Biology is the study of the structure, growth, and function of the life systems of selected organisms. This study will encompass historical contributions to biological concepts; energy production, transfer, and use in living systems; and the relationships of organisms with each other and with their environments. Students acquire data using their senses and instrumentation. Observations are made of living organisms in the environment, prepared specimens, various ecosystems, and inherited traits. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the field and the laboratory.
AP Biology
Barbara Pittenger, Wesley Kirpach
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and approval of instructor
Biology AP is the study of general biological principles as well as of the more specialized biological sciences. Cytology, biochemistry, developmental biology, geneitics, ecology, taxonomy, and various aspects of adaptation are integrayed within the course. Relationships and applications of concepts within and among the various sciences are explored. The student acquires data by using his senses and instrumentation. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the laboratory and field. This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam.
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Chemistry
Chemistry
Jeremy Jordan
Prerequisite:Algebra I and either IPC or Biology
Chemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and behaivor of matter. The course of study emphasizes the investigation of matter, its interactions, and the factors affecting the interactions. Chemistry is a laboratory-oriented course that stresses the observation of matter and its behavior, classification of matter, communication of data, measurement of chemical quantities, prediction of chemical phenomena, and manipulation of chemical investigations. Students acquire data by using their senses and instrumentation. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the laboratory and field.
Pre-AP Chemistry
Prerequisite:Algebra I, Biology, and Geometry. Teacher approval and appropriate test scores.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the qualitative and quantitative aspects of a first year chemistry program. An in-depth study of the mathematical applications will be stressed. The course will emphasize the theoretical concepts of molecular bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium. The descriptive aspects of the periodic table will be dealt with throughout the course.
AP Chemistry
Nicole Lyssy
Prerequisite:Chemistry, Biology, and approval of instructor.
Chemistry AP is an in-depth study of chemical concepts and principles encountered in Chemistry. It also integrates the specialized areas of chemistry such as organic chemistry, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and nuclear chemistry. Chemistry is an advanced course with recommended prerequisites of Chemistry and Physics; the latter may be taken concurrently with Chemistry AP. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.
The laboratory program in Chemistry AP will present both confirmatory activities and inquiry investigations. The student will have experience in glass working, filtrating, titrating, weighing, collecting and handling gases, selecting and arranging apparatus, and designing some experiments. Through laboratory experiences, students will gain an operational definition of the concepts and principles of chemistry. Some of the laboratory work will include the analysis of unknowns through a variety of laboratory procedures. This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam.
Environmental Systems
Environmental Systems
Dyan Kethley
Prerequisite: 2 credits of high school science (Biology and IPC or Chemistry)
This course will focus on the study of the environment with emphasis on ecology and natural resources. The current energy situation will be studied, and recycling of natural resources will be evaluated. Emphasis on people and society, including cultural prespectives and pollution problems will be made. Field trips, laboratory experiences, group discussions, and other special activities will be planned.
AP Environmental Systems
Julia Drake, Giovanna James, Wesley Kirpach
Prerequisite: Algebra I, 1 year of Biology, and 1 year of Chemistry
This course will provide students with 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.
AP Environmental Systems is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. There are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam.
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Earth and Space Science (ESS)
Nathan Leraas, Jeremy Jordan, Sarah Chun
Prerequisite:3 years of science and three years of mathematics.
The third year of science and math can be taken concurrently with Earth and Space Science
Earth and Space Science is based on Earth's system in space and time. The approach has three themes of Earth in space and time, solid Earth, and fluid Earth. In each theme are included the strands of systems, energy and relevance. Natural and human events and their effect on Earth's systems will be studied within the context of the three themes and strands.
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Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)
Prerequisite: None
This course integrates the disciplines of physics and chemistry in topics such as the following: motion, waves, energy, transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter, and solution chemistry. The use of technology and laboratory investigation will be a primary focus in instruction. Student investigations will emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the laboratory.
Physics
Physics
Shawn Coryell, Robert Croman, Jerry Grizzle,
Giovanna James, Brittany Bridge, William Barkhurst, Sarah Chun, Danielle Levitt
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry, 2 credits of science
This course is the study of matter and energy and their interactions. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts in the areas of mechanics, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear phenomena. Students acquire information using the senses and the instrumentation. Observations of the laws of force and motion, the nature of light, wave phenomena, and properties of electricity and magnetism are integral components of the course. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, analysis of data, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.
Pre AP Physics
David Carroll, Jerry Grizzle, Brittany Bridge, Danielle Levitt
Prerequisite: Algebra I- H, Geometry H, and Algebra II-H, plus 2 credits of science and concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus
This course is a two semester sequential study of physical principles, which govern the behavior of matter. It includes mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, electromagnetic radiation, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. In introducing fundamental physical concepts emphasis will be placed on the use of mathmetics in formulating physical principles and in problem solving, thus a strong math background is necessary.
AP Physics-B
Shawn Coryell
Prerequisite: Physics, approval of instructor, and an uninterrupted mathmatics program
This course covers topics in mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, waves, optics, and modern physics. The development of problem solving ability for college-bound students in life science, pre-medicine and some applied sciences or engineering is emphasized. It is assured that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry and has successfully completed first year physics with good grades. An examination will be available upon the conclusion of requred material for possible advanced placement in college.
AP Physics C
David Carroll
Prerequisite: Physics and approval of instructor and an uninterruped mathmatics program
This is a calculus-based, second year course in physics. Physics C-AP cover topics in the area of mechanics and includes kinematics, Newton's Laws, friction, circular motion, momentum, energy and work, torque, rotation, gravitation, and simple harmonic motion. The use of calculus in problem solving is introduced. The second semester is devoted to a study of electrcity and magnetism, and calculus is used freely. Either or both parts (Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism) of the Advanced Placement C exam may be taken.
Research and Design
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor through application, one credit of biology or Biology Honors/PreAP/PreIB, concurrent enrollment in an honors schience course suggested
Students will explore science and become acquainted with the scientific community, improve fundamental research skills, apply statistical analysis, and enhance oral and visual presentation techniques. Each student will be required to develop his/her own independent science research project and will learn how to structure, organize, publish, and present the project in one or more formal presentations to a panel of judges. It is required that all student independent research projects be judged.
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