Program of Studies Program of Studies 2018-19 | Page 37

CLASSES OF 2020
& 2019
The science curriculum is
unchanged for juniors and seniors.
Introduction to Physics II
(0.5 credit)
Grade 11
How can the motion of objects be
predicted and calculated? Using
a variety of hands-on equipment,
including unique physics-based
sensors and software for data
interpretation, students will
study vector addition, projectile
motion, momentum and impulse,
energy, work and power. Live
demonstrations, hands-on
activities, and in-class lab work
will emphasize conceptual
understanding. Focusing on
building problem-solving and
critical thinking skills, students
will also learn to solve a variety
of traditional physics problems
that emphasize algebra-based
mathematical solutions while
investigating these concepts.
Foundations of Physics II
(0.5 credit)
Grade 11
NOTE: Students enrolled in this
course will also take Foundations
of Math III. This project-based
course has the same content as
Introduction to Physics II, with more
math support as needed.
Introduction to Biology II
(0.5 credit)
Grade 11
How did our living earth develop
and evolve? How did life diversify
and what drives this continuous
change? How do all forms of
life coexist? Why do we appear
and behave the way we do?
Students will explore scientists’
hypotheses relevant to the origin
of life, and how they have been
used to further today’s research.
Students will compare and
contrast the mechanisms that
drive evolution, from Darwin’s
original ideas to today’s use of
biochemistry. Students will explore
scientific methodologies and
learn how to support hypotheses
in ecology, Mendelian genetics,
and population genetics. Concepts
will be reinforced through hands-
on experiences, data collection
and analysis activities, and class
discussion.
Foundations of Biology II
(0.5 credit)
Grade 11
NOTE: Students enrolled in this
course will also take Foundations
of Math III. This project-based
course has the same content as
Introduction to Biology II, with more
math support as needed.
Chemistry (1 credit)
Grade 10, 11
For sophomores and juniors
who are transferring in with a
completed full year lab science(s)
from another school.
ADDITIONAL
HONORS SCIENCE
COURSES
Sophomores and juniors who have
successfully completed an honors
science course or have been
placed by a science teacher and
guidance counselor are eligible
for honors courses. Seniors who
have completed the graduation
requirement in science are also
eligible for honors science courses.
Honors Chemistry (1 credit)
Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisites: Teacher placement,
completion of Algebra II is strongly
suggested.
This course will foster an
appreciation for the relevance of
chemistry to the world outside
the classroom. Students will
gain a solid foundation in the
www.thorntonacademy.org
fundamentals of chemistry through
lecture, laboratory work and
problem-solving activities. Critical
thinking skills are necessary for
success in this course, and there
is a strong emphasis on further
developing this skill. Students
will study structure and phases
of matter, atomic and quantum
theory, periodicity and periodic
table, chemical bonding and
molecular structure, stoichiometry,
types of chemical reactions,
kinetic theory, gas laws, and acids
and bases. This course requires
very strong algebra skills and is a
prerequisite for AP Chemistry.
Honors Forensics in Chemistry
(0.5 credit)
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry
Explore adv anced concepts
in chemistry through the use
of forensics in this advanced
chemistry course. Over the course
of the semester students will solve
a murder by solving one piece of
the forensics case at a time. This
inquiry-based laboratory class
builds upon concepts learned in
Honors Chemistry and introduces
students to nuclear chemistry,
electrochemistry, and organic
chemistry.
Honors Physics (1 credit)
Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisites: Teacher placement
and Algebra II (or concurrently)
Through the use of introductory
exploratory activities, debriefing
and concept development
secessions, and formal
verification, extension and
application exercises, students
will gain experience and expanded
knowledge of the principles and
theories of the scientific discipline
of physics and the physicist’s
approach to understanding the
universe. Kinematics, dynamics,
work, energy, power, impulse
and momentum, circular and
rotational motion, oscillation
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