PTHS Curriculum Guide 2019-2020

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SCIENCE

GENERAL SCIENCE (610, 611) Class Level: 9

Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Departmental Placement This course provides a general introduction to physical science and areas associated with it. Emphasis is given to topics in elementary physics and chemistry, biology and space science. This course is sufficiently general that it will introduce the student to several scientific fields, enabling him to determine areas of interest before taking any further science courses. BIOLOGY (600, 601) Class Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Freshman placement or C or better in General Science This course is designed to survey systematically the many fields of the life sciences. Some specific areas studied are taxonomy, microbiology, genetics, life chemistry, and ecology. The physical adaptations and life functions of vertebrate and non-vertebrate animals and flowering and non-flowering plants also form an important part of the course. Students are encouraged to find answers to questions by experimentation and observation. The subject is made relevant to the lives of the students by utilizing the living resources of the community. BIOLOGY (AP) (606, 607) Class Level: 11, 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: A “C” in Biology and Chemistry is recommended This course follows a fundamental outline, which includes cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, evolutionary theories, ecology, and taxonomy. However, the pace is faster and the scope is broader. One of the goals of the course is that all students taking the course will be prepared to successfully complete the AP Biology exam authorized by the College Board and thus earn credit at many colleges and universities. After the 2013-2014 school year, AP Biology will be offered every other year beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. It will be offered 2020-2021, 2022-2023, 2024-2025, 2026-2027, 2028-2029 etc..

PHYSICS (620, 621) Class Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Biology, a “C” in Algebra, Chemistry is recommended

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the basic areas of classical and modern physics. The student studies force, motion, vectors, energy, light, electricity, sound, and pressure. Experiments are conducted in order to provide necessary practical experience. The purpose of the course is for the student to discover the basic unity binding all physical phenomena together.

CHEMISTRY (630, 631) Class Level: 10, 11, 12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Algebra or Consent of Instructor; Biology

This introductory course deals with descriptive and theoretical chemistry involving topics such as matter, atomic structure, solids, liquids, crystals, gases, chemical formulas, acids, bases, salts, equilibrium, chemical kinetics, oxidation-reduction, an introduction to organic chemistry, and problem solving using factor label method and electronic calculators.

CHEMISTRY (AP) (636, 637) Class Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Chemistry This course covers major topics of chemistry involving structure of matter, states of matter, reaction types, and descriptive chemistry including a heavy emphasis on laboratory exploration. Students will have studied all topics necessary to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam given by the College Board in May which may result in college credit. After the 2013-2014 school year, AP Chemistry will be offered every other year. It will be offered 2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2023-2024, 2025-2026, 2027-2028 etc. EARTH SCIENCE (640, 641) Class Level: 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Previous Science course recommended This course includes the study of geology and geological principles, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, and the earth’s dynamic processes. Some very basic chemical and physical principles are covered. Labs are not technically oriented. Topographic maps, star charts, and weather instruments are utilized in the lab exercises. Some prior science is recommended but not required.

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