8th grade parent night science presentation

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

SCIENCE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

• Core 40 Diploma

– Biology (either Biology I or Honors Biology I)

– 1 physical science course (Chemistry, Physics, Integrated Chemistry & Physics)

– 2 semesters of another science: (Earth Science, or Advanced Science, PLTW courses)

SCIENCE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

• Core 40 Diploma with Academic Honors– Biology (either Biology I or Honors Biology I)

– 1 physical science course (Chemistry, Physics, Integrated Chemistry & Physics)

– 2 semesters of another science: (Earth Science, or Advanced Science, PLTW courses)

– Must earn a grade of C- or above in courses that count toward the diploma

HONORS VS. ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

• Honors classes: (Biology, Chemistry) cover the same state standards as the regular courses but in more depth.

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses: (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics) are college level courses that follow a specific curriculum set by the College Board. Students take an exam in the spring. If students prove themselves on the exam, they may receive college credit for their score.

CHOOSINGWhat do I take after 8th grade science?• Biology vs. Honors Biology

– Students that are strong in Science, Math AND Language Arts are more successful in Honors Biology than if they were strong in just one area.

– Honors Biology focuses on critical thinking and application skills; very rigorous course

– An A+ in 8th grade science does NOT mean that they will be an A student in Honors Biology

– Good work ethic and time management skills are essential

CHOOSING What do I take after 8th grade Honors Biology?

• Honors Chemistry vs. Chemistry

– Solid algebra background a plus for Honors Chemistry

– Math strength is a bigger indicator for Honors Chemistry than Biology grade

SPECIAL COURSESProject Lead The Way

• Principles of Biomedical Sciences– Must have taken at least Algebra I successfully as an 8th

grader

– Must enroll in Honors Biology I or Biology I (or have already taken it as an 8th grader)

– Elective course

• Introduction to Engineering Design– Must have taken at least Algebra I with a “B” average as

an 8th grader

– Can be taken at any time during high school

– Elective course

SPECIAL COURSEAgriculture

• Introduction to Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources– No prerequisite

– Foundation course for all other agricultural classes

The Future in Science• Advanced Science Courses – taken

sophomore, junior & senior year– Year courses:

• Dual Credit (Anatomy/physiology, ACP Chemistry)

• AP Courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science)

• Forensic Sciences

– Semester Course:• Genetics

• Microbiology

• Zoology

• Intro to Neuroscience

• Astronomy I & II

• Organic Chemistry

• Oceanography

• Meteorology