Page 30 - MGSH REGISTRATION HANDBOOK 2018-19

SCIENCE

Is High Performance or Advanced Placement right for you? See chart below and talk to your current Science teacher.
Program Explanation Advantages Considerations
AP  College-level curriculum  May receive college credit  Must take the AP exam to receive
 Recognized nationally  Develop higher level thinking skills potential college credit
Advanced  Students must have above average
Placement  Rigorous  Additional honor points earned with a ability in reading, writing and math
C or above, for weighted GPA
 Available to all grade  Expect considerable homework in most
levels classes
 Students self-select  This level of coursework is expected
from highly selective colleges
HP  Accelerated curriculum  More challenge than regular-level  No college credit
 Rigorous course  Expect more homework in most classes
High  Develop higher level thinking skills
Performance  Available to all grade  Prepares students for college-level  This level of coursework is expected
levels
from highly selective colleges
curriculum

REQUIRED FOR 9TH GRADE - CHOOSE ONE REQUIRED FOR 10TH GRADE - CHOOSE ONE
Physical Science 9 A, B, C HP Biology A, B, C
Course Number: 092101 + 092102 + 092103 Course Number: 093441 + 093442 + 093443
Must register for all 3 trimesters Must register for all 3 trimesters
Prerequisite: None Prerequisite: None
Fulfills graduation requirement for: Physical Science Fulfills graduation requirement for: Biology
Grade Level: 9 Grade Level: 10
Course Description: Physical Science deals with basic chemistry and Course Description: High Performance (HP) Biology is a rigorous course
physics. Topics covered are elements, compounds, mixtures, the nature of that covers materials at a faster pace and in greater detail than general biology.
matter, laws of motion, and simple machines. Chemical and physical laws are The experimentation occurs in greater sophistication and professional detail.
explored through laboratory experimentation. Collection and interpretation of This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts of ecology, cells,
data are stressed. DNA, genetics, evolution and systems of living organisms.

HP Physical Science 9 A, B, C AP Biology A, B, C *
Course Number: 092241 + 092242 + 092243 Course Number: 092371 + 092372 + 092373
Must register for all 3 trimesters Must register for all 3 trimesters
Prerequisite: None Prerequisites: Students must complete Biology A, B, & C OR
Fulfills graduation requirement for: Physical Science completion of summer learning.
Fulfills graduation requirement for: Biology
Grade Level: 9
Course Description: HP Physical Science is a course of study in which Grade Level: 9-12
students learn the fundamentals of chemistry and physics in an academically Course Description: AP Biology will offer an in-depth and academically
rigorous environment which includes lecture, laboratory activities, independent rigorous opportunity for students with a high level of dedication and aptitude
research, group work, experimentation, and problem solving. This course is towards the biological sciences The two main goals of AP Biology are to help
recommended for students wishing to pursue AP course offerings for Science in students develop a conceptual framework for contemporary biology and to help
grades 10-12. students gain an appreciation of science as a process. Primary emphasis in an
AP Biology course is on developing an understanding of concepts rather than
REQUIRED FOR 10TH GRADE - CHOOSE ONE on memorizing terms and technical details. AP Biology provides an opportunity
to take a college-level course in high school. Taking an AP course will enhance
Biology A, B, C your confidence and you will be better prepared for college.
Course Number: 093201 + 093202 + 093203 *weighted grade course (see pg. 6)
Must register for all 3 trimesters
Prerequisite: None
Fulfills graduation requirement for: Biology
Grade Level: 10
Course Description: This is the study of how organisms interrelate with
each other and the environment. It includes the study of cells and cell functions,
DNA and it’s role in evolution, and the study of human systems.

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