PTHS Curriculum Guide 2024-2025

CHEMISTRY II (632, 633) Class Level: 11, 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: A “C” or better in Biology and Chemistry is recommended

This course in chemistry is taken after completing the Chemistry course. It is designed to cover more advanced topics such as, electrochemistry, gas laws, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, acids and bases, equilibrium and organic chemistry. These topics are covered in a way that relates to chemistry in everyday life, for example movie special effects, chemistry in art and CSI, and chemistry involved in toys. Students are engaged in more laboratory work including learning through modeling, experimentation, and observation in the laboratory. One of the goals is that all students taking the course will be prepared to successfully complete their first chemistry course in college.

CHEMISTRY (AP) (636, 637) Class Level: 11, 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: A “C” or better in Biology and Chemistry is recommended

This course follows the College Board AP Chemistry Framework which includes incorporating Science Practices in a series of laboratory experiments and the content from the 4 Big Ideas of Scale, Proportion, and Quantity, Structure and Properties, Transformations, and Energy.. The pace is fast and the scope of the course is broad. One of the goals is that all students taking the course will be prepared to successfully complete the AP Chemistry exam and earn credit at many colleges and universities.

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. Some prior science is recommended but not required.

ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY (642, 643) Class Level: 11, 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry

This course will emphasize the anatomy (structures) and physiology (functions) of the human body. The eleven body systems will be studied with an emphasis on five systems (digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, skeletal, and muscular). This course will also emphasize histology, metabolism, homeostasis as it applies to each system. In addition to developing a basic knowledge of the eleven systems, students will become familiar with how the systems work together in structure and function including common diseases and disorders. Laboratory exercises emphasize anatomical aspects of the human, using the cat as a comparative dissection specimen, along with preserved materials, microscope slides, models, and interactive simulations. This course is designed to prepare students for college level science classes. 31