Biology II Honors AP

Prerequisite: Chemistry I Recommended for students who have made A's and B's in honors science courses.

General Information: A science majors', first-year college level biology course.
Meets 2 hours daily

Text: Biology, by Neil Campbell, taught in its entirety of 1000+ pages

Numerous learning methods: laboratory investigations, lectures, class and group discussions and activities, reports, independent study, library and internet searches, and tests.

Written exams (90 to 120 minutes in length) include both objective and free-response questions.

Due to the high level of instruction, emphasis is placed on developing better study habits, writing skills, laboratory techniques, and prudent utilization of time. Students who prepare thoroughly will be adequately prepared for the AP Biology Test given by the College Board.

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Environmental Science

Prerequisite: Successful completion of IPC and Biology 1. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1 or higher

Course Description: A laboratory based course which integrates the study of ecology and natural resources. Energy, recycling, pollution, population dynamics and cultural perspectives will be studied. The successful student should be able to develop written and oral discussions on different topics. Students who have weak reading skills or weak arithmetic skills may have problems with this course. Students are expected to use computer technology, including the use of probe-ware.

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Biology 1

Prerequisite: None. This course is primarily designed to be taken during the 9-10 grade experience.

Course Description: This is a laboratory based course that investigates the structure, growth and function of the life systems of selected organisms. Computer technology is used in the gathering of data, including the use of probe-ware. Energy production, relationships between organisms and with their environment, various ecosystems and inherited traits are studied. Weak readers may have trouble with this course.

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Honors Scientific Research And Design

Course Description: This is a course allowing students to explore science while improving fundamental research skills, applying statistical analysis and enhancing oral and visual presentation techniques. Each student develops his/her own independent science research project and learns how to structure, organize, publish, and present the project in one or more formal presentations to a panel of judges.

Extracurricular: Students are expected to attend various competitions and symposia such as Texas Junior Science and Engineering Symposium, Texas Junior Academy of Sciences, Dallas Regional Science Fair, Texas Sate Science Fair, and International Science and Engineering Fair. In addition, the members of the research class host the Science Challenge, an annual competition for third through seventh grade students in PISD. As a main goal, students serve as role models for the younger students in the district in order to help maintain our strong, district wide research program.

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AP Environmental Science

Course Description: In AP Environmental Science, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. The course is interdisciplinary, focusing on both rigorous scientific analysis as well as sociological and political aspects. AP Environmental Science encompasses a wide variety of topics including: biotic and abiotic factors in habitats; ecosystems and biomes; interrelationships among resources in environmental systems; sources and flow of energy though an environmental system; relationship between carrying capacity and changes in populations and ecosystems; man’s influence on the environment; and changes in environments.

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Course Description: In Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: characteristics and conditions of the Earth; formation and history of the Earth; plate tectonics; origin and composition of minerals and rocks and the rock cycle; processes and products of weathering; natural energy resources; interactions in a watershed; characteristics of oceans; characteristics of the atmosphere; and the role of energy in weather and climate.

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Physics I

Prerequisite: Students taking Physics I should at least be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II.

Course Description: Physics I is a first year algebra-based introductory physics course dealing with a broad range of topics, from the study of motion and energy in teh first semester to waves, electromagnetism, atomic and modern physics in the second semester. Even though we are mainly interested in the concepts behind certain physical phenomena, an algebra and geometry background is very helpful in expressing these concepts mathematically using simple equations. This course emphasizes conceptual understanding through labs, hands-on activities, projects, and problem-solving exercises.

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Prerequisite: It is assumed that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry and has successfully completed first year physics with good grades.

Course Description: AP physics B is an extension of Physics I and Honors Physics I. Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism are covered in detail. Fluids, Thermodynamics, Rotational Motion, Light and Optics, and Modern Physics are also covered. The emphasis is on building problem-solving skills. This includes the design of laboratory experiments, analysis of data, and assigned problems from the text and other sources.

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AP Physics C

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics I is a pre-requisite for AP Physics C, and calculus (preferably BC Calculus) is a co-requisite.

Course Description: AP Physics C is a calculus-based second year physics course. During the first semester we will cover topics from classical mechanics, such as motion, energy, rotation and gravitation. These will be covered at the calculus-based level and use of calculus in problem-solving and derivations increases as the course progresses. Approximately one week is spent on each chapter.

The second semester will be devoted to the study of electromagnetic theory, including electricity, magnetism, and time-dependent circuits. Calculus is used freely in formulating principles and solving problems. Successful completion of Honors Physics I is a pre-requisite for AP Physics C, and calculus (preferably BC Calculus) is a co-requisite.

AP Physics C students are expected to take the national exam in mid-May, and successful completion of the course and exam typically gives college credit for students planning to major in physics, engineering, or other related fields.

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Prerequisite: Emphasis will be placed on the use of mathematics in formulating physical principles and in problem solving, thus a strong math background is necessary.

Course Description: Honors Physics is a two semester sequential study of the physical principles that govern the behavior of matter. It includes mechanics, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic radiation, optics, and some kinetic theory.

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