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Physics First and Earth Science |
PHYSICS FIRST AND EARTH SCIENCE (HONORS)
(course 312): 1 credit; full year
This is a standards-based course that establishes knowledge of physics and the Earth and its
place in the universe. The course integrates biological, chemical and physical aspects of our
natural world. This rigorous course is designed to meet the Rhode Island Grade Span
Expectations in physics and earth/spaces sciences, covering topics in physics, astronomy and
geology. The course will require a strong background in mathematics and will include as much
open-ended inquiry as possible to foster higher level thinking skills. A long-term science fair
project is required for this class.
Recommendation: A grade of A in grade 8 science and an A in Algebra I
Human Anatomy and Physiology
(course 324): 1 credit
This is a rigorous, second-level biology course designed for students with a keen interest in the
structure and functioning of the human body or those planning to pursue a career in health care
or a related biological field. A strong background in biology is essential. This program engages
the student in the vocabulary of human anatomy and the functioning of the human body, utilizing
inquiry based biological lab techniques, some independent project work, and dissection. A
college level textbook is used and term papers are required.
Recommendation: A grade of B or better in Biology (Honors); a grade of A-minus in Biology or
recommendation of the Biology teacher.
Chemistry In the Community (11)(course334)1 credit; full year
This is an introductory course exploring chemistry concepts, cooperative learning endeavors,
cognitive skills and laboratory skills. The course is designed to meet the Rhode Island Grade
Span Expectations in Chemistry. The program was developed by the American Chemical Society
and chemistry teachers to help students become aware of the important role that chemistry will
play in their personal and professional lives. The program connects the core concepts of
chemistry with the important issues that affect society.
Recommendation: A passing grade in Biology or Biochemistry.
Chemistry 11(course 331) 1 credit; full year
This chemistry course is designed for juniors who have successfully completed Biology. This is
an introductory course exploring chemistry concepts, cooperative learning endeavors, cognitive
skills and laboratory skills. The course is designed to meet the Rhode Island Grade Span
Expectations in Chemistry. This traditional chemistry program includes topics such as atomic
theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, periodicity and the mole concept. Problem solving and
math skills are essential.
Recommendation: A passing in Biology, Honors Biology, or Physics.
Chemistry 10(course 332) 1 credit; full year
This chemistry course is designed for sophomores who have successfully completed Physics
First/Earth Science. This is an introductory course exploring chemistry concepts, cooperative
learning endeavors, cognitive skills, and laboratory skills. This course is designed to meet the
Rhode Island Grade Span Expectations in Chemistry. Topics include atomic theory, chemical
bonding, stoichiometry, periodicity, and the mole concept.
Recommendation: A passing grade in Physics First / Earth Science.
Chemistry Pre-AP(course 333) 1 credit; full year
This is an introductory course designed to prepare a strong science student for Advanced
Placement Chemistry. The course is designed to meet the Rhode Island Grade Span
Expectations in Chemistry and covers traditional chemistry topics such as atomic theory,
chemical bonding, stoichiometry, periodicity, the mole concept, but does so at a greater depth
than Chemistry (11) or Chemistry (10). This course utilizes an AP approved textbook which has
more difficult reading and mathematics levels. This will enable diligent students a very strong
background in Chemistry. Strong math and problem solving skills are essential for student
success. Students may participate in a state chemistry contest.
Recommendation: A grade of A in Biology or Physics First /Earth Science, or a grade of B in an
honors class with the teacher’s recommendation.
Conceptual Physics(course 340)1 credit; full year
This is an introductory course employing basic algebra along with a qualitative presentation of classical and modern physics. The course is designed for college-bound students planning to pursue non-science careers. The program offers lab-centered study to develop a good background in topics from motion, dynamics, momentum, energy, waves, optics, electricity, and magnetism. Mathematics is an important component of this course and a scientific calculator is required.
Recommendation: A grade of C in Algebra 1 or Math Connections 1a plus a grade of C- or better in any biology or chemistry class.
Physics(course 341) 1 credit; full year
This is an introductory course in which the student will be guided toward a better understanding of
the physical world and some of the basic laws of the universe. Topics include motion (Linear and
two-dimensional), Newton’s Laws, momentum, energy, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism.
Since mathematics is the language by which these principles are studied, the student will require
a strong background in mathematics including basic trigonometry. Most, but not all, concepts can
be understood with a mastery of Algebra II. Physics is for students who like to be challenged.
Recommendation: A grade of B- in Algebra II plus a grade of C or better in any academic or
honors biology or chemistry class. Students who have not taken a math course above Algebra II
must be concurrently enrolled in Advanced Math.
Physics (AP)(course 346) 1 credit; full year
The AP Physics course is algebra-based and is designed to be equivalent to the general physics
course usually offered during the first year of college. It is a demanding and challenging course
for capable students eager to pursue an intensive science education. Topics include: Newtonian
mechanics (linear and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s Laws, momentum and energy); fluid
mechanics; thermal physics; waves; optics; electricity; magnetism; atomic physics and nuclear
physics. The major goals of the course center around the student gaining an understanding of
the basic principles of physics and the student acquiring the ability to apply these principles in
laboratory experiences and in the solution of problems. The student is expected to have a solid,
working knowledge of Algebra II and Trigonometry and should be currently enrolled in Calculus.
AP Physics students are required to take the AP Physics (algebra-based) test.
Recommendation: A grade of A in any academic or honors biology or chemistry course
Interactive Science(course 351) 1 credit; full year
This is a hands-on course designed for Juniors and Seniors who want to explore another year of
science. The program is activity-centered and includes readings, labs, and technological
explorations. Concepts from physics and chemistry are studied in real-life applications.
Recommendation: A passing grade in a biology course at grade 10
Applied Biochemistry(course 329) 1 credit; full year
This is a course designed for students interested in exploring the application of basic principles of
biology and chemistry to real life situations and to areas of global concern. The inquiry-centered
program is ideal for the student with a practical interest in science or a student desiring to
transition from Biology to Chemistry in the Community. Course work consists of readings from
topical texts, videotapes, field trips, cooperative learning activities, lab work and research outside
of the classroom.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Biology
Oceanography(course 361) 1 credit; full year
This course is a study of the total marine environment with emphasis on basic facts and principles
of physical, chemical, biological and geological oceanography. Topics include the origin of
oceans and the composition and history of seawater, oceanic currents, tides, waves and
beaches, the sea floor, plant and animal life in the sea, oceanic resources, minerals and food,
and marine pollution, undersea living, marine farming, and laws of the sea and the coastal region
of Rhode Island, open ocean and coastal exploration through history and navigational chart
reading. There will be a year-end project, which will have both a written and media presentation
component. Oceanography is for students who have successfully completed Biology.
Recommendation: A grade of C- in Biology
Environmental Sciences(course 358) 1 credit; full year
Students in this authentic setting will learn not only from their teacher but from the individual
strengths and talents of their diverse classmates. This course will provide students with a
thorough understanding of the main environmental issues confronting our world today. Building
on the scientific principles introduced in earlier course work, the students will explore topics such
as sustainable development, environmental quality and pollution, environmental law, ecosystem
analysis, land use planning, rainforest destruction, biodiversity, natural resource management
and the politics and ethics of the environment and society. Field trips, current issue analysis, field
work and lab work will supplement traditional instructional methods. Additionally, time will be
devoted to exploring environmental careers and the post high school programs that lead to them.
Although this is a science course, an interdisciplinary approach to environmental problem solving
will be highlighted. This course may be taken for one year or for one semester. Environmental
Science is for students who have successfully completed Biology.
Recommendation: Completion of any earth science and biology class.
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