mountain view high school - gcpsk12.org · ap environmental science science about ap environmental...

MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

A P C O U R S EC A T A L O G

EST. 2009

A P A R T H I S T O R YF I N E A R T S

A B O U T A P A R T H I S T O R Y

• Open to 11th grade or 12th grade students• Preparation for college writing courses• An advanced elective for the future liberal arts major

T O P I C S C O V E R E D

• Editorials and critiques of art and architecture throughout time as examples from which to learn how to examine and analyze art throughout history as part of various cultures and in various times• Big Idea 1: Artists manipulate materials and ideas to create an aesthetic object, act or event.• Big Idea 2: Art making is shaped by tradition and change.• Big Idea 3: Interpretations of art are variable.

C O U R S E D E S C R I P T I O N

The AP Art History course is equivalent to a two-semester college survey course exploring the nature of art, art making, and responses to art. By investigating specific course content of 250 works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, students develop in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students become active participants in the global art world, engaging with its forms and content. They experience, research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, responses to, and interpretations of art.

C O U R S E D E T A I L S

WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONSThis course is discussion-based with weekly in class short papers and opportunities to study, view, critique and learn about art, the artists who produce them as well as the culture (context) in which the artwork was produced.

SUMMER WORKChoice of reading by Ross King:• Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling• Brunelleschi’s Dome• Leonardo and the Last Supper

A “book report” will follow and be the first assessment of the school year.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...o Enjoy art and architecture as well as the examination and analysis of art through various cultural lenses. o Want to learn about the world through its art forms, readying yourself for a career in investigation, analysis or global cultures.

PROJECTSIndependent research and/or art analysis projects

A P B I O L O G YS C I E N C E

P R E V I O U S S T U D E N T S H A V E C O M M E N T E D

“I never thought I would like or even want to be a scientist. After taking your class, I now realize I WANT to do something in science and, even better, I KNOW I have what it takes.”

A B O U T A P B I O L O G Y

• Counts as a science credit• Open to 10th - 12th grade students (with appropriate prerequisite courses)• Preparation for the SAT• Can count as two (2) semesters of biology lecture and lab college credits with a certain score on the AP exam


Biology (8th Edition, Campbell/Reece)AP Test Prep Series to accompany Biology, 8th ed.Your Inner Fish by Neil Shubin


AP Biology is intended to challenge student abilities to understand problems, design and implement controlled experiments, manipulate data, draw conclusions, think analytically, and develop hypotheses within the realm of biological science. It is a year-long course with classes meeting every day. The course is organized around the four Big Ideas from the AP Biology curricular requirements – these can be found via the following web link: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_bio.html


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• Amount of Reading: 1-2 nonfiction books related to the content per year• Classwork: In-class- weekly short and long free response questions, per unit- 10 essays due by the end of each unit, Lab reports due within a week a lab completion, • Outside of class- it is recommended students allow 1 hour minimum each night to actively studying and preparing for class.

SUMMER WORKAP Biology students are required to complete a summer assignment aligned with the content in order to prepare for the rigor and demanding course load.

PROJECTSIndependent research and/or reading projects, inquiry-based laboratories

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Have a passion for science! Whether you have aspirations of premed or bioengineering, this class will change your outlook on how life works!

A P C A L C U L U S A BM A T H E M A T I C S


“AP Calculus was definitely a challenge, but has helped me develop a good work ethic which will prepare me for college.”

A B O U T A P C A L C U L U S A B

• Counts as a Mathematics Credit• Open to 11th and 12th grade students who have completed Pre-Calculus• Can count as one (1) semester of Mathematics college credit with a certain score on the AP exam


• Limits and Continuity• Derivatives• Applications of Derivatives• The Definite Integral• Differential Equations and Mathematical Modeling• Applications of Definite Integrals• L’Hopital’s Rule


The AP Calculus AB course is designed to challenge students to become mathematically fluent and think critically to solve a variety of problems. Students will solve problems graphically, verbally, analytically, and numerically. The AP Calculus courses emphasize conceptual understanding of problems that students can approach in a variety of ways. Students will learn to critically analyze mathematics and justify the logic or reasoning behind major mathematical concepts. AP Calculus AB correlates with a typical first semester of college calculus.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONSStudents should be studying and working practice problems daily.

SUMMER WORKAP Calculus students are required to complete a packet of prerequisite mathematical concepts from Geometry, Algebra, and Pre-Calculus.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Enjoy analyzing real-world scenarios through a mathematics lens, want to challenge yourself, and are interested in potentially earning college credit.

A P C A L C U L U S B CM A T H E M A T I C S


“AP Calculus was definitely a challenge, but has helped me develop a good work ethic which will prepare me for college.”

A B O U T A P C A L C U L U S B C

• Counts as a Mathematics Credit• Open to 11th and 12th grade students that have completed Pre-Calculus• Can count as one (1) semester of Mathematics college credit with a certain score on the AP exam


• Limits and Continuity• Derivatives• Applications of Derivatives• The Definite Integral• Differential Equations and Mathematical Modeling• Applications of Definite Integrals• L’Hopital’s Rule, Improper Integrals, and Partial Fractions• Infinite Series• Parametric, Vector, and Polar Functions


The AP Calculus BC course is designed to challenge students to become mathematically fluent and think critically to solve a variety of problems. Students will solve problems graphically, verbally, analytically, and numerically. The AP Calculus courses emphasize conceptual understanding of problems that students can approach in a variety of ways. Students will learn to critically analyze mathematics and justify the logic or reasoning behind major mathematical concepts. AP Calculus BC correlates with a typical first year of college calculus.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONSStudents should be studying and working practice problems daily.

SUMMER WORKAP Calculus students are required to complete a packet of prerequisite mathematical concepts from Geometry, Algebra, and Pre-Calculus.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Enjoy analyzing real-world scenarios through a mathematics lens, want to challenge yourself, and are interested in potentially earning college credit.

A P C H E M I S T R YS C I E N C E


“I’m so glad I took this course! Everyone around me [in college] is failing freshman chemistry, but I know what to do!”

A B O U T A P C H E M I S T R Y

• Counts as the fourth science elective• Open to all students who have completed Honors or Gifted Chemistry• May count as 1-2 semesters (depending on score) of the General Chemistry required for all biological and physical science college majors


Stoichiometry, Gas Laws, Equations & Reaction Types, Kinetics, Thermochemistry, Equilibrium, Quantum Theory, Acids and Bases, Periodicity, Bonding, Electrochemistry, Introduction to Organic Chemistry


The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. This course stresses theoretical aspects of chemistry and is designed to build upon the foundations of a first year Honors or Gifted course. Laboratory experiences in AP Chemistry are especially intense and the AP Exam includes questions based on experiences and skills students will acquire in the laboratory. Successful completion of this course gives students an excellent preparation for a broad range of careers in science or medicine.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• 8-9 labs per semester with extensive record-keeping and analysis. Lab analysis and written reports will require 2-3 hours of work outside of class.• The Webassign electronic homework system will be used all year. Expect an assignment weekly or bi-weekly. These assignments will take an average student 2-4 hours to complete.• Class work will include working on group problems, conducting lab and occasional quizzes.

SUMMER WORKThe summer assignment is divided into three sections with staggered due dates. These will be administered through Webassign and will cover basic skills from first year chemistry which are critical to success in AP Chemistry. Stoichiometry will be heavily emphasized.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Enjoy working hands-on in the laboratory, you are good at keeping meticulous records OR know you need to learn to be, you intend to major in medicine or any other biological or physical science in college, you want to keep a high GPA in college so you will get into medical school, or you are interested in earning college credit.

A P C O M P U T E RS C I E N C E P R I N C I P L E S

T E C H N I C A L E D U C A T I O N

A B O U T A P C O M P U T E R S C I E N C E P R I N C I P L E S

• Counts as a SCIENCE Credit• Open to 10th – 12th grade students• Can count as one (1) semester of computer science college credit with a certain score on the AP exam

T Y P E S O F R E A D I N G M A T E R I A L

( C O N T E N T C O V E R E D )

Current events, learning the history of coding and programming, binary code, ASCII, and JavaScript.


The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. The course also emphasizes of creating leaders in computer science fields and attracting and engaging those who are traditionally underrepresented with essential computing tools and multidisciplinary opportunities.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• Amount of Reading: minimal, 1-2 article reading per week • Amount of Writing: in-class, 4-7 essays per semester • Classwork: Various short writing responses to activities during the semester; hands on activities involving analytical and critical thinking skills and AP style tests. • A student taking this course should be a self-motivated and proficient in critical thinking.

PROJECTSIndependent research and/or coding projects

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Enjoy technology/computers, coding, the internet, and are interested in potentially earning college credit, then this course is for you.

A P E N V I R O N M E N T A LS C I E N C E

S C I E N C E

A B O U T A P E N V I R O N M E N T A L

S C I E N C E

The AP Environmental Science course is a full-year course designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science.



Textbook: Miller, G. Tyler. Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning. 16th edition.


The AP® Environmental Science course has been developed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, methodologies, and a laboratory component required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The objectives of this course are 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.

Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing a range of topics from different areas of study. There are several unifying themes that cut across the variety of topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP Environmental Science course: 1. Science is a process. 2. Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes. 3. The Earth itself is one interconnected system. 4. Humans alter natural systems. 5. Environmental problems have a cultural and social context. 6. Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONSStudents will be expected to at times work independently, completing sections of the unit notes at home to be prepared for lab experiments that will be performed in class.

PROJECTSIndependent Biome Research Project and Self-sustaining Ecosystem Project

SUMMER WORKAP Environmental Science will be expected to watch and introductory video with questions that will be due in July and to complete a basic review over Biology, Chemistry, and Math Skills with a test over those topics the first week of school.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Enjoy learning about the environment and want to learn more about the impact humans have on the world around them while finding ways to improve current issues. Environmental Science is a growing field on the job market, with new innovations and “green” technologies becoming an important part of modern life.

S O C I A L S T U D I E S


The 2018-2019 school year will be the first year for a redesigned AP United States Government and Politics Course Curriculum as well as a redesigned AP Exam.

The course is divided into five Big Ideas:1) Constitutional Democracy2) Civil Liberties & Civil Rights3) American Political Culture and Beliefs4) Political Participation5) Interaction Among Branches of Government

Obviously, the Constitution is the most important primary source we will use. There are several required foundational documents (including the Constitution) as well as 19 required Supreme Court cases. The course is supplemented with notes and videos to help students understand the material and open up the classroom to civil dialogue and debate.


AP United States Government and Politics is a college-level introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will read and analyze U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions between political institutions and behavior. They will read and interpret data, develop evidence-based arguments, and engage in an applied civics or politics research-based project.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• Amount of Reading: 30-45 Minutes per night. This could be less on some nights, depending on the topic being taught.• Amount of Writing: Anticipate most writing to be done in class, but an out-of-class writing assignment is not out of the question.• Classwork: Various assignments and readings related to the course. Note-taking with thoughtful discussion of related topics/concepts. • AP-style exams

PROJECTSStudents will engage in an applied civics or politics research-based project. More information will be provided as details are released by the College Board.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Enjoy reading and debating current events and controversial subjects as they relate to government and politics. Civic participation is vital for the survival of a democratic republic, so if you have a passion for civil discourse and dialogue relating to public policy and the role of the United States Government, the role of state and local governments, and the roles and responsibilities of our government lawmakers, then you will enjoy this class. This class is challenging in that there is much to know and many difficult documents to read as well as concepts to understand, but you will be more aware of how our system of government works and operates upon completion of this course.

ABOUT AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS• Satisfies Required Government Credit Needed for Graduation• Usually a 12th Grade Class. Juniors who have satisfied all other required SS credits may be enrolled in this course. This is dependent on the student’s schedule and classes needed for graduation. See your counselor for more information.• Can Count as One (1) Semester of Political Science College Credit

A P G O V E R N M E N T



The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. AP Human Geography (HuG) is a college level course designed to help enhance skills needed for rigorous classes and success in college.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• Amount of Reading: 5-10 articles per unit as well as your review book.• Amount of Writing: In-class: 6 free response questions per semester as well as 5-10 FRQ’s for homework per unit. • Classwork: Various short writing responses to reading material throughout the semester, quizzes, application assignments, projects, and AP style tests.

PROJECTSResearch and creative application projects. Create your own city and building folk houses are two examples.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...• Want to become a more aware global citizen!• You will find out EVERYTHING can be related to AP Human Geography.• You will develop skills and learn vocabulary that will help you in your other courses throughout high school and college.

A P H U M A NG E O G R A P H Y


“This class prepared me for what it takes to be successful in future AP courses.”

“AP Human Geography helped me feel more confident having background knowledge in other ap courses like AP World History and AP Environmental Science.”

A B O U T A P H U M A NG E O G R A P H Y

• Counts as a geography credit- varies by institution- UGA gives credit for a 3 or higher and 2 semester’s credit for a 5 on the AP Exam= 6 credit hours.• Open to 9th grade students

T Y P E S O FR E A D I N G M A T E R I A L ( T O P I C S C O V E R E D )

Current events, world affairs on population, migration, economic development, industrialization, urban planning, culture, race, gender, religion, language, politics, and agriculture.

A P L A N G U A G EL A N G U A G E A R T S


“I was able to learn and develop a new style of writing that allowed me to adapt to the challenging essays that were required. On top of that, I gained insight into critically analyzing passages and stories written hundreds of years ago by looking through the lens of the time period. Overall, the course provided me with the invaluable opportunity to carry these lessons not only throughout college, but also the drive to challenge myself in everyday life.” – Victoria Twumasi-Ankrah

A B O U T A P L A N G U A G E A N D C O M P O S I T I O N

• Counts as a Language Arts credit• Open to 11th grade students• Preparation for the SAT• Can count as one (1) semester of English college credit with a certain score on the AP exam



Editorials and Political Writing,

Memoirs and Biographies, Speeches

and Essays, Fiction and Non-fiction,

Speeches and Argumentation, Current

Events and History


The AP Language course is designed to help motivate students to become highly skilled readers of prose works in a variety of contexts and to equip and inspire them to become effective writers who craft exceptional writing for a variety of purposes. Skillful reading and writing focuses students’ attention on the importance of comprehending a writer’s purpose, subject, and audience, while also helping students recognize the rhetorical conventions of language that writers use to create effective writing. The AP Language course emphasizes learning to distinguish, evaluate and dissect synthesis, analysis and argumentative essays in order to prepare for the national exam. The course also emphasizes personal and reflective writing that fosters the development of writing in any context. Students in AP Language learn to strategically refine their critical thinking as they analyze arguments embedded in the nonfiction masterworks of notable writers, thinkers and orators. AP Language correlates with a typical first semester college Freshman English class.

In addition to the AP course description above, juniors will focus on a study of American literature; students will develop an understanding of the importance of various pieces of literature that characterize and reflect the American experience.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• Reading: 2 to 3 full-length books per semester, plus 3-5 shorter pieces each week • Writing: In-class: 4-7 essays per semester; Out-of-class: 1-2 essays per semester • Classwork: Various short writing responses to reading material throughout the semester, quizzes, and AP style tests.

PROJECTSIndependent research and/or reading projects

SUMMER WORKAP Language students are required to read one book over the summer and complete a summer assignment aligned with the text that includes annotating the text, plus another activity.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Enjoy reading and debating current events and controversial subjects, prefer non-fiction over fiction, want to learn how to organize your thoughts in a logical and effective manner, enjoy the art of argumentation, want to experience the types of reading and writing you will do in college courses, and are interested in potentially earning college credit, then this course is for you.

A P L A T I NF O R E I G N L A N G U A G E


“AP Latin challenged me…pushed me to be a better student…pushed me into the college environment and made me a better student overall.”

A B O U T A P L A T I N

• One of the most exclusive classes of the AP curriculum, less than 200 students in GCPS• Open to seniors only who have completed 2 or 3 previous years of Latin• Preparation for the SAT, SAT II Latin• High score on AP exam can yield a full college language requirement

R E Q U I R E D R E A D I N G

Vergil’s Aeneid Books 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 12 in English; Selections from Aeneid 1, 2, 4, 6 in Latin.Caesar’s De Bello Gallico Books 1, 6, 7 in English; Selections from DBG Books 1, 4, 5, 6 in Latin.


The course is intended to provide the rich and rigorous capstone of the Latin curriculum, the approximate equivalent to an upper-intermediate college or university course. In this course, you will learn to read, understand, translate, and analyze Latin poetry and prose. Each year, the AP Latin course uses the same required selections from the same two classical texts. The poetry selection is always the Aeneid by Augustan author Publius Vergilius Maro (also known as Vergil). The prose text is always Commentaries on the Gallic War, by Gaius Julius Caesar, commonly referred to simply as Caesar. During the course, selections from these texts will be studied in both Latin and English. In addition to reading and translating these seminal works, you will also need to place them in a greater historical and literary context.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS•Reading: Equivalent of 3 books over the prior summer with careful, focused note-taking•Writing: 1 at-home essay per month; 1 in-class essay per month; weekly translations•Classwork: Regular Q & A regarding Latin passages, their grammatical structures, authors’ word choice and use, as well as literary and rhetorical devices et cetera; daily practice at home with grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.

SUMMER WORKAP Latin students are strongly recommended to read the Latin texts from the course in translation (English) as well as biographies of Caesar and Augustus in order to gain an understanding of and an appreciation for the historical contexts of the course texts. Further, students should maintain or work towards enhancing the four major skills from previous Latin courses: reading & comprehension, translation, contextualization, and analysis of texts. These skills will be used in the context of the seven AP Latin themes: Literary Genre and Style, Roman Values, War and Empire, Leadership, Views of Non-Romans, History and Memory, Human Beings and the Gods

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Enjoy a challenge and have a passion for language composition. From ancient military tactics to breathtaking poetry, the AP Latin reading list serves as a reminder of how our world benefits from the Latin language. This course is for the serious Latin student who wishes to maximize all four years of high school Latin to potentially earn college credit.

A P L I T E R A T U R EL A N G U A G E A R T S


“AP Lit taught me more than just how to analyze literature; it showed me that literature is a reflection of a culture. My favorite part of AP Lit was the discussions the class had after we read a certain section of a novel because it showed me what everyone else was thinking and helped me shape my views on life.” --Zach Weiner, Class of 2017



Novels, plays, poetry, short stories, secondary criticism on primary works. Major works have included titles like: Invisible Man, Song of Solomon, Pygmalion, Great Expectations, King Lear, MacBeth, Doubt: A Parable, The Awakening, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and The Road.


Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is designed to develop your ability to read and understand literature, communicate in writing and in speech, and polish skills you will need in your academic and professional future. The course follows the curricular requirements described in the AP English Course Description, and, unlike other levels of language arts, the “Advanced Placement” designation indicates that this is a college-level literature course with increased academic rigor and intellectual demands. According to the AP English Course Description,

An AP English course in Literature and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONSThe majority of the homework is reading; therefore, students must be willing to read the novels (not Cliffnotes, Sparknotes, Shmoop, or other such “aids” in the novel’s stead). It is possible to have 25+ pages of novel reading per week.Students are additionally expected to write poetry explications and in-class essays regularly.

PROJECTSPrevious projects have included research papers, a literary reduction project, a poetry teaching project, a contemporary independent novel project

SUMMER WORKRead and annotate a novel or play of literary merit. Recent titles have included: Frankenstein, A Lesson Before Dying, The Importance of Being Earnest.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...• love reading pieces of literature from different time periods and cultures,• enjoy discussing your ideas with others, • desire to improve your writing skills for college

A P M A C R O E C O N O M I C S


C O U R S E O B J E C T I V E S

1. Students will be able to apply ECONOMIC ANALYSIS to a variety of real world situations to improve their personal and civic decision-making skills.

2. Students will prepare for their future educational and career goals by meeting COLLEGE-LEVEL EXPECTATIONS and practicing skills for life-long success.

3. Students will develop a sense of community and MAKE their senior year their best year of high school.


AP Macroeconomics is a fast-paced college-level course that focuses on the decision making of individuals, businesses, and the government. Students will study a variety of economic theories and analyze their practical application in the real world. This semester-long course will cover both macroeconomics. Macro focuses on the economy as a whole, including economic measures, economic growth, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international economics. Student are expected to take the AP exam in May.

This class will prepare you for college and potentially allow you to earn 3 university credits upon passing both AP exams. Extensive math skills are not required; however, the ability to analyze graphs and charts is essential.


PROBLEM SETS• Problem Sets are essentially take home tests that require you to explain and apply the concepts discussed in your class and in your book.• Each problem set will contain at least two Free Response Questions (FRQs) similar to those given on the AP Exam. • Problem sets are expected to be TYPED, double-spaced, 12 font size, with reasonable margins. (Special cases will be excused upon request)

UNIT EXAMS• Unit exams include in between 30 to 40 multiples choice questions • Approximately 25% of the questions are actual AP questions given on previous exams • These are group Exams made up of students of similar abilities

THE FINALS• Semester Final resembles the actual AP Exams. • The exam is divided into two sections: 60 multiple choice questions and 3 FRQ

ACTIVITIES & SIMULATIONS• This year you will participate in several activities or simulations that will allow you to “learn by doing”. • For example, you will analyze shortages and surpluses in an activity called The Pear Exchange. In this activity you will be divided into buyers and sellers that negotiate prices and respond to changes in the pearl market.• The more you participate the more fun these activities will be. No ANCHORS

A P P H Y S I C S IS C I E N C E

C U R R I C U L U M

AP Physics focuses on the science practices that enable one to establish lines of evidence and use them to develop and refine testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena. Because content, inquiry and reasoning are equally important in AP Physics, each learning objective described in the concept outline combines content with inquiry and reasoning skills described in the science practices. Six Big Ideas1: Objects and systems have properties such as mass and charge. 2: Fields existing in space can be used to explain interactions.3: The interactions of an object with other objects can be described by forces.4: Interactions between systems can result in changes in those systems.5: Changes that occur as a result of interactions are constrained by conservation laws.6: Waves can transfer energy and momentum from one location to another without the permanent transfer of mass and serve as a mathematical model for the description of other phenomena.


As itemized in the College Board course description, The AP Physics 1 course is designed to enable you to develop the ability to reason about physical phenomena using important science process skills such as explaining causal relationships, applying and justifying the use of mathematical routines, designing experiments, analyzing data and making connections across multiple topics within the course. This AP Physics 1 course is equivalent to the first semester of a typical introductory, algebra-based physics course.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• Nightly homework.• Online practice problem platform assigned weekly or biweekly• Extensive labs with detailed write-ups (25% of grade) every week to 1.5 weeks

SUMMER WORKA summer math remediation provided by the paid platform of ALEKS specific to AP Physics 1 preparatory math skills is mandatory. A grade of 100% is the expectation. A grade less than 90% will result in a mandatory level change. This assignment defines the necessary math skills to be successful in AP Physics 1.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...• love to think and solve problems• love math• want a stem career• want a challenge• want to better understand the workings of the world around you through the eyes of a scientist

ABOUT AP PHYSICS• counts as an elective science credit • credit given for college science credit for most non-STEM majors• especially useful as a foundation for AP Physics C

A P P H Y S I C S CS C I E N C E


AP Physics C is intended to challenge student abilities to understand problems, design and implement controlled experiments, manipulate data, draw conclusions, think analytically, and develop hypotheses within the realm of physical and mathematical sciences. It is a year-long course with classes meeting every day. The course is organized around the four Big Ideas from the AP Physics C curricular requirements – these can be found via the following web link: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_phys.html


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONSAll classes meet five days a week in 53-minute periods. The semester is 90 days. With this calendar, it is necessary to organize the course within a tight schedule that includes assignments during some holiday breaks. The calendar reflects the day-by-day unit assignment schedule outlined in the syllabus.

SUMMER WORKTo begin the school year on a solid mathematical footing, all students enrolled for the following year are given a programmed elementary calculus book, Quick Calculus: A Self-Teaching Guide by Daniel Kleppner and Norman Ramsey, and assignments to be completed over the summer. The book helps students initially learn or review the basic differentiation and integration needed for the course. Quizzes on the material are given the first week of school.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Have a passion for science! Whether you have aspirations of science or engineering, this class will change your outlook on how life works!

PROJECTSIndependent research and/or reading projects; inquiry-based laboratories; construction projects to measure and parallel the classroom topics.

A B O U T A P P H Y S I C S C

Other than lab experiments, class time is taken up with lecture and question–answer sessions. A “lecture” consumes 20 to 30 minutes during which a concept presented in the reading is reviewed, stressing important definitions and limitations. The remainder of the period usually involves showing relevant demonstrations (toys are frequently used), and then introducing an assigned problem or set of problems related to the demonstration. The students are then guided in a discussion (whole class or small group) to develop solutions to the problem(s). Live demonstrations with simple equipment, often done by the students themselves for the rest of the class, are preferred. Computer simulations and video demonstrations have their place when real equipment is not available.

T Y P E S O FR E A D I N G M A T E R I A L ( T O P I C S C O V E R E D )

Physics for Scientist and Engineers (Tipler), AP Test Prep Series to accompany Physics C

A P P Y S C H O L O G YS O C I A L S T U D I E S

A B O U T A P P Y S C H O L O G Y

• Counts as an elective• Open to 11th and 12th grade students• Can count as one (1) semester of Psychology college credit with a certain score on the AP exam



History and approaches to psychology, research methods, behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, developmental psychology, personality, testing and individual differences, abnormal behavior and treatment, and social psychology


The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• Reading: chapters of the textbook for all units • Writing: short answer responses; focus is more on the correct answer and less on organization and structure• Classwork: Various short answer responses, quizzes, activities, projects, and AP style tests.

PROJECTSIndependent or group projects related to major units

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Have a strong interest in the human mind and the factors that influence people’s thoughts and behavior, have a strong work ethic and are committed to learning the material, have a desire to go into a psychology-related field in the future, and want to potentially earn college credit. and writing you will do in college courses, and are interested in potentially earning college credit.

A P S P A N I S HF O R E I G N L A N G U A G E


The AP Spanish Language Course is a rigorous course designed to be roughly equivalent to a mid-advanced level college Spanish course. This course will be conducted completely in Spanish and focus on culture, grammar, composition, and conversation, as well as test-taking skills leading to preparation for the AP Spanish Language Examination. Students taking this course will continue to develop their proficiency by repeatedly practicing the target language in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural knowledge through interaction in Spanish with the teacher and peers. Course content may reflect intellectual interests shared by the students and teacher (the arts, literature, sports, etc.) Materials will include authentic audio and video recordings, film and written material including newspapers and magazines. Extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions (the persuasive essay and DBQ’s) will be emphasized. The goals of the AP Spanish Language courses are as follows:1. The ability to understand spoken language both formally and in conversation,2. The ability to speak with accuracy and fluency using appropriate pronunciation and intonation.3. The acquisition of vocabulary and grasp of structure that enables students to read newspaper and magazine articles as well as literature, with ease and accuracy.4. The ability to express ideas accurately and fluently in writing.5. Support opinions and develop persuasive arguments.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONSStudents are expected to:Engage in spoken interpersonal communication; Engage in written interpersonal communication; Synthesize information from a variety of authentic audio, visual and audiovisual resources; Synthesize information from a variety of authentic written and print resources; Plan, produce, and present spoken presentational communications as well as interpersonal communication.

SUMMER WORKAP Spanish Language and culture students are required to find 10 authentic sources to watch and/or read and write a summary of that source in Spanish using specific parameters.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF...Like to explore the Hispanic culture both in contemporary and historical context. The course develops students awareness and appreciation of cultural products (tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions), practices (patterns of social interactions within the culture), and perspectives (values, attitudes, assumptions).


“The variety of speaking and listening activities, as well as the level of participation necessary to succeed in AP Spanish definitely prepared me for actual college courses. Honestly, I have it a lot easier than other students who didn’t take AP because I’m already accustomed to discussing contemporary themes in Spanish.” -Cheyenne Stewart


The AP Spanish Language and Culture course is structured around 6 themes. 1. Beauty and Aesthetics2. Science and Technology3. Contemporary Life4. Families and Communities5. Global Challenges6. Personal and Public Identities• Themes facilitate the integration of the language, content, and culture as well as promote the use of the language in a variety of contexts. The themes may be combined, as they are interrelated.

A P S T A T I S T I C SM A T H E M A T I C S


The AP Statistics course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. The course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. There are four themes in the AP Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONSThere is more reading in this math class than in all other math classes; however, the reading is about real-life statistical situations that are interesting, especially in sports!

SUMMER WORKStudents will be asked to read a short book, “How to Lie with Statistics”, and answer some questions about it. There will also be a multiple choice quiz on the book once school starts.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF...• Like to use your calculator• Want to know how to produce and use data, to recognize bad data, and to make decisions with data. • Statistics allows you to drive data, rather than being driven by it.


“AP Statistics changes everything; it teaches you about an aspect of math that you never really knew existed, yet it influences our daily lives. I really enjoyed learning data analysis techniques, and the knowledge that I gained has helped me so much in my science classes, especially in lab experiments.” - Suraj Modi


Exploring Data, Sampling and Experimentation, Anticipating Patterns, and Statistical Inference

A B O U T A P S T A T I S T I C S

• Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who have completed CP Pre-calculus or Accelerated Geometry• Counts as a Mathematics Credit• Students who successfully complete the course and exam may receive credit, advanced placement or both for a one-semester introductory college statistics course

A P S T U D I O A R TF I N E A R T S


“This is by far the most enjoyable class I have taken. I have learned a lot about myself as an artist and have a new appreciation for the world of design. I have learned how to take a theme that interests me and build upon it to produce a sustained body of work. Time management is definitely the key to success in this class, this will most certainly help me mature as a college student as well as an artist.

A B O U T A P S T U D I O A R T

• 2D Design • Drawing and Painting• 3D

T Y P E S O F M E D I U M S

This can include but is not exclusive to; acrylic paint, oil paint, watercolor, collage, graphite, color pencil, photography, textiles and digital art.


Through AP Studio Art students will demonstrate mastery through any two-dimensional medium or process, such as graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting and printmaking. They will develop technical skills and familiarize themselves with the functions of visual elements as they create an individual portfolio of work for evaluation at the end of the course.

Students will become an informed and critical decision-maker as they develop a portfolio that is personal to their individual talents and interests, while demonstrating mastery of 2D design principles.

Students will explore their creativity and become independent thinkers in their contributions to art and culture.


PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS• Breadth: 12 pieces of unrelated work directed by the teacher. A variety of mediums and themes may be explored.• Concentration: 12 pieces of work related by theme. This pieces are student lead with tutorial support.• Quality: 5 pieces from quality and concentrations that represent your best work.

PROJECTS12 quality and 12 breadth pieces are submitted digitally to the AP college board. 5 quality pieces are sent off by post for assessment. All works are due in early May to the AP college board.

SUMMER WORKStudents should begin to explore their concentration theme and gather visual references.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...Are creative and have a passion for art. If you love to draw, paint or work with a range of creative mediums including photography. Students who like design and enjoy working with imagery will benefit from this course immensely.



This course focuses on the development, expansion, and the current events of the United States. Specific time periods from the organizing principle for dealing with change and continuity from the beginning of the United States to the present. Historical themes provide further organization to the course, along with the consistent attention to contacts among societies that form the core of U.S. History as a field of study. The objectives for this course follow the College Board syllabus, preparing students for the optional Advanced Placement exam.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• Amount of Reading: AMESCO Textbook, primary and secondary source readings, and IAE readings. • Amount of Writing: 6-9 essays per semester, these are Long Essay Questions (LEQ), Document Based Questions (DBQ) and Short Answer Questions (SAQ). • Classwork: Lecturepoint quizzes, AP style tests, document analysis, short answer writings, and presentations.

PROJECTS• Group activities: each unit for class participation.• Unit Performance Supplements- available per unit, which is additional LEQ per test.

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...• Love to learn about the past.• Want to know why the United States is the way it is today. • Want to have skills that you can use in all your other Academic pursuits. • If you want to become a better overall student.• Enjoy looking at documents.• Are curious about the diversity of America

A P U S H I S T O R Y


“The class is awesome because you learn about our country, and how it was developed.”

A B O U T A P U S H I S T O R Y

• Open to 11th grade students• Preparation for the SAT/ACT• Can count as one (1) semester of History college credit with a certain score on the AP exam



Biographies, Speeches, Essays, Non-fiction Historical text, Speeches and Argumentation, History documents, Primary and Secondary Sources are used in this course.



Focusing primarily on the past thousand years of the global experience, this course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological foundations that, along with geography, set the human stage prior to the year 1000. Specific time periods form the organizing principle for dealing with change and continuity from that point to the present. Historical themes provide further organization to the course, along with the consistent attention to contacts among societies that form the core of world history as a field of study. The objectives for this course follow the College Board syllabus, preparing students for the optional Advanced Placement exam.


WORK LOAD AND EXPECTATIONS• Amount of Reading: AMESCO Textbook, primary and secondary source readings, and one history book per semester. • Amount of Writing: 4-10 essays per semester, these are Long Essay Questions (LEQ), Document Based Questions (DBQ) and Short Answer Questions (SAQ). • Classwork: Quizzes, and AP style tests, document analysis, and interactive

PROJECTS• Independent research and/or reading projects: 2 per semester• Group research projects: 3 per semester• Extra Credit Projects

THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU IF YOU...• Love to learn about the Past.• Want to learn about different peoples and cultures.• Want to know why the world is the way it is today. • Want to have skills that you can use in all your other Academic pursuits. • If you want to become a better overall student.

SUMMER WORKAP World History students are required complete a summer assignment aligned with the text and to study the physical and political geography of the globe in order to be prepared for a World Geography Review Test the first week of school.

A P W O R L D H I S T O R Y


“AP World was a great class to me because I have got to learn so much about the world around me and why the world is the way it is to this day. We learned about history, but also many cultures, customs, and lots of interesting facts that overall has made me a more knowledgeable person when it comes to the world.” – Briani Netzahuatl

A B O U T A P U S H I S T O R Y

• Counts as a Social Studies Arts Credit• Open to 10th grade students• Preparation for the SAT/ACT• Can count as one (1) semester of History college credit with a certain score on the AP exam



Memoirs and Biographies, Speeches, Essays, Non-fiction Historical text, Speeches and Argumentation, History, Primary and Secondary Sources from around the world covering the history of Humanity.

mountain view high school - gcpsk12.org · ap environmental science science about ap environmental...

Documents