BARBERS HILL HIGH SCHOOL
REQUIRED COURSES
2008 - 2009

Science

Biology 1
Pre-AP Biology
AP Biology
Integrated Physics & Chemistry
Conceptual Chemistry
Chemistry 1
Pre-AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry
Geology, Meteorology, & Oceanography
Physics

Pre-AP Physics
AP Physics
Scientific Research and Design
TAKS Preparation

Course Credits
Index
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Counseling Center
Barbers Hill ISD

BIOLOGY 1 (BIO 1)
GRADE LEVEL:  9-10
One Year
        
Prerequisite:  None

This course is a general survey class for the main biological concepts.  Students will study the origin, structure, reproduction, growth and development of living organisms.  Areas of study include the nature of life, ecology, cells, genetics, evolution, microorganisms, fungus, plants, invertebrates, chordates, and the human body.  Basic scientific skills of observation, measurement, classification, prediction, and documentation skills will be emphasized. Dissections are a part of the curriculum.

 INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY (IPC)
GRADE LEVEL:   9-10
One Year
Prerequisite:
  None

This course, taught by a hands-on method, covers the important principles of both chemistry and physics.  Each discipline is studied for one semester -- chemistry: properties of matter, atoms, periodic table, chemical reactions; physics: motion, forces, simple machines, energy, electricity, magnetism, sound and light.  Basis scientific skills of observation, measurement, prediction, and the scientific method will be emphasized.  IPC can provide the foundation of success in chemistry and physics.  TAKS preparation will also be emphasized.
This course no longer fulfills a science credit for students on the Distinguished Achievement Plan.  It may only be used on the Recommended plan until 2010 – 2011 and must be taken before the senior year.
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PRE-AP BIOLOGY   (PAP BIO)
GRADE LEVEL:   9–10
One Year
Prerequisite: 
Algebra I or concurrent enrollment.

Pre-AP Biology is a preparatory class for AP Biology.  This is an advanced Biology I that includes all elements of that course.  Instruction is at a faster pace which allows study of topics in greater depth.  Four to six major out of class projects will be required.  Problem solving, reasoning skills and analysis questions will be included on each unit of study.  Emphasis is placed on laboratory investigations.  Dissections are a part of the curriculum.
Needs of GT students will be addressed through differentiated instruction.
Students who fail to maintain a 70 or above may be referred to the counseling center for placement in Biology.
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AP BIOLOGY    (APBIO)
GRADE LEVEL:
  11-12
One Year
Prerequisites:
  Pre-AP Science Classes Recommended.

AP Biology serves as a college-level introduction to biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and related topics.  The course was created by the College Board to introduce high school students to a freshman college classroom environment.  The curriculum follows the College Board AP course outline.  It is designed to challenge the minds of those whose goal is to major in the Biological Sciences.  This fast-paced course covers molecular and cellular biology, evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, organisms and populations of the world.  By the use of technology, 12 major College Board labs plus numerous higher level labs from Duke University will be assigned.  Students will correlate all objectives and apply concepts with world events and the latest data on record.  Journals, power points, newspapers, forums, field trips, and outside texts will be used.  In conjunction with tests and labs, there will be one major research paper which will be due in April.  Emphasis is placed on AP test preparation.
Needs of GT students will be addressed through differentiated instruction.

Passing scores on the AP Biology Exam (3, 4, or 5) will count as one of the four required measures for the Distinguished Achievement Program.   [top]

CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY 1 (CON CHEM)
GRADE LEVEL:  10 -12
Prerequisite:  Biology; Algebra 1

This Chemistry 1 Class uses a descriptive approach to cover the study of matter.  Topics will include the introductory principles of chemistry such as, atoms, elements, reactions, states of matter, use of chemical compounds, gas laws, and stoichiometry.  Basic scientific skills of observation, measurement, prediction, and the scientific method will be emphasized.  TAKS preparation will also be emphasized.
Students will be placed into this course according to criteria determined by the High School Administration, Counseling Center, and Science Department Chair.

CHEMISTRY 1 (CHEM 1)
GRADE LEVEL:
  10-12
One Year
Prerequisite:
  Biology; Algebra 1

This class will cover introductory principles of chemistry in a traditional manner.  Topics to be covered include properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, states of mater, uses of chemical compounds, gas laws, pH, solutions and stoichiometry with an emphasis on math skills laboratory procedures, classification and measurement skills, predicting outcomes, and applications of chemistry to daily life will be a critical component.  Recommended for students wishing to pursue a college education.  Emphasis will be placed on preparation for college courses, the Exit Level TAKS test objectives and developing lab skills    [top]

PRE-AP CHEMISTRY 1
GRADE LEVEL:
 10-12.
One Year
Prerequisite: 
Pre-AP Biology or Biology; Geometry,
Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment

Pre-AP Chemistry is a preparatory course for AP Chemistry and/or a rigorous college-level chemistry course.  Topics of study include atomic theory, chemical bonding, chemical formulas and equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, acids and bases, and organic chemistry with an emphasis on developing laboratory skills.  Instruction is at a faster pace than Chemistry 1, which permits investigation of topics at a greater depth.  Recommended for students who are strong in math and science and who are planning a college major in medicine, science or related fields.  Emphasis is placed on laboratory investigations and preparation of the AP Chemistry Class.  Needs of GT students will be addressed through differentiated instruction.
Students who fail to maintain a 70 or above may be referred to the counseling center for placement in Chemistry 1. 
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AP CHEMISTRY (AP CHEM)
GRADE LEVEL:  11-12
One Year
Prerequisites:
  Grade of 85 or above in Chemistry; Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus (or concurrent enrollment) recommended; Pre AP Science Classes recommended.

AP Chemistry is a very rigorous course that is comparable to a first-year college level chemistry course.  Students use a college text and perform advanced laboratory investigations to prepare for the AP Chemistry exam.  The curriculum follows the College Board AP courses outline.  Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, reaction rates, and organic chemistry.  Recommended for students who are strong in math and science and who are planning a college major in medicine, chemical engineering, science or related fields.
Passing scores on the AP Chemistry Exam (3, 4, or 5) will count as one of the four required measures for the Distinguished Achievement Program.  Needs of GT students will be addressed through differentiated instruction.
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GEOLOGY, METEOROLOGY, AND OCEANOGRAPHY (GEOL MET OCE)
GRADE LEVEL:  11-12
Prerequisite:  
Biology, Chemistry and Physics OR IPC, Biology, and Chemistry Until 2010-2011

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.
 **Important note; This course will be replaced by Earth and Space Science in 2010-2011
Prerequisites:  Biology, Chemistry and Physics after 2011-2012 
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PHYSICS 1
GRADE LEVEL:
 11-12
One Year
Prerequisite:
 Chemistry, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (or concurrent enrollment)

Students will learn the fundamental rules that govern the physical universe. The topics included are: motion, forces, conservation laws, waves, sound, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, and atomic theory. Laboratory experiments are an essential part of physics. Students will use the lab to collect and analyze data, and then use it to draw reasonable conclusions which they will communicate clearly.  Mathematical applications are emphasized.   [top]

PRE-AP PHYSICS
GRADE LEVEL:
 11-12
One Year
Prerequisite:
 Grade of 85 or above in Chemistry, Algebra 2, Pre-calculus (or concurrent enrollment) recommended; Pre-AP Science Classes recommended.

This course is an advanced version of Physics that includes all the elements of that course.  Emphasis will be placed on the formulation of models used to solve problems.  In addition, major emphasis will be placed on independent research projects.  The focus of the research is literature search, experimental design, data collection, data analysis and presentation of findings.  Laboratory experiments are an essential part of physics.  Students will use the lab to collect and analyze data, and then use it to draw reasonable conclusions which they will communicate clearly.  The Pre-AP physics course offers students extensive inquiry experiences in which the major concepts involving the physical interactions of matter are developed through labs and classroom discussions.  Mathematical applications are emphasized.
Needs of GT students will be addressed through differentiated instruction.
Students who fail to maintain a 70 or above may be referred to the counseling center for placement in Physics.
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AP PHYSICS
GRADE LEVEL:  11-12
One Year
Prerequisite:
 Biology, Chemistry, Physics: Pre-calculus (or concurrent enrollment).

AP Physics B is a college-level course that uses advanced algebra and trigonometry as the primary tools for problem solving.  The course covers topics in Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves/optics and atomic/nuclear physics.  This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, but rarely calculus.  In most colleges, this is a one-year terminal course including a laboratory component and is not the usual preparation for more advanced physics and engineering courses.  However, the B course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science.
Passing scores on the AP Biology Exam (3, 4, or 5) will count as one of the four required measures for the Distinguished Achievement Program. Needs of GT students will be addressed through differentiated instruction. 
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SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DESIGN
GRADE LEVEL:  12
One Year
Prerequisite: 
Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Department Chair and Academic Dean approval.  Physics is a requirement for those pursuing a physics or engineering related topic.

This advanced course allows seniors to participate in rigorous scientific research.  This research will culminate with a product that clearly demonstrates the thorough valid statistical analysis of data, advance scientific investigation, research skills and applications, and presentation skills of the student.  Students, individually or in small groups, will design and conduct a biology, chemistry or physics experiment to compete in a local, state, national, or international competition.  Students will work on their projects and submit documentation approximately each six weeks to the instructor, department chair and Academic Dean.  Students signing up for this class must exhibit initiative, self-motivation, and a strong interest in science.  Projects must be completed and submitted to the appropriate organization by the due dates.  Previous lab experience in advanced science classes is a necessity.
By meeting all guidelines, the product that results from this class will be used to satisfy the Original Research/Project measure for the distinguished Achievement Program. Needs of GT students can be addressed through participation in this course.
Students who fail to meet submission may be referred to the counseling center for removal.
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TAKS PREPARATION
GRADE LEVEL: 
12
Prerequisite:  Failure on the 10th Grade or Exit Level Exam for Science; department chair approval.

This course allows students to receive individualized instruction in preparation for TAKS testing.  Course objectives include:  the nature of science, organization of living systems, interdependence of organisms, structure/properties of matter, and motion/forces/energy.
 

Spring 2008, Barbers Hill High School, POB 1108, 9696 Eagle Drive, Mont Belvieu, TX  77580    (281) 576-2221