Program of Studies Program of Studies 2018-19 | Page 38

and periodic motion, gravitation,
thermodynamics, fluids, vibrations
and waves, electricity and
magnetism and optics will be the
areas of focus for the course. This
course requires very strong algebra
and trigonometry skills and can
serve as a prerequisite for AP
Physics.
Honors Introduction to
Engineering (1 credit)
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisites: Successful
completion of Honors Physics and
Pre-Calculus (or concurrently) and
Honors Chemistry (or concurrently)
This rigorous introduction to the
field of engineering satisfies an
Accelerated STEM Endorsement
requirement since students will
solve college-level engineering
problems. The course will expose
students to the basic engineering
principles of four major fields
of engineering: mechanical,
chemical/biomedical, electrical/
computer, and civil/environmental.
Students will solve complex
engineering problems using
experimental, analytical, and/or
numerical procedures. A teamwork
approach will be emphasized, and
strong math and physics skills are
required.
AP SCIENCE
COURSES
Students considering majoring in
a science discipline in college or
applying to highly selective post-
secondary institutions should
consider completing one or more
AP science classes. Board-audited
curricula are designed to replicate
the intensity of introductory
college science courses, including
reading, assignments, labs and
exams. Students must be highly
motivated and disciplined, and will
be expected to work quickly and
independently. All students are
required to take the AP exam.
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AP Biology (2 creditS, MEETS DAILY)
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisites: Successful
completion of Honors Biology,
Honors Chemistry and Algebra II
This course will cover college
level biology topics and labs.
Among the units addressed will
be chemistry of life, cells, cell
energetics, heredity, molecular
genetics, evolutionary biology,
diversity of organisms, structure
and function of plants and animals,
as well as ecology. This course will
be quantitative as well as reading-
intensive. Students will use critical
thinking skills to analyze data,
solve problems and write extensive
papers. The goals are to provide a
thematic conceptual framework,
modern biological knowledge, as
well as essential analytical skills for
continued biological research. All
students are required to take the
AP exam.
AP Chemistry (2 creditS, MEETS DAILY)
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion
of Honors Chemistry and Algebra II
Welcome to college level
chemistry! Students will build on
topics from Honors Chemistry (e.g.
the structure and states of matter,
reactions, kinetic theory of gases)
adding depth to their theoretical
knowledge and expanding their
abilities with quantitative analysis.
Students will
develop multi-step problem-solving
skills while taking on advanced
concepts such kinetics, equilibrium
and thermodynamics. Extensive
lab work provides opportunities
to design procedures and perform
advanced analysis. Students will
learn to use specialized equipment
and write college-level reports.
Commitment to independent
learning and strong reading skills
are crucial since the pace of class
will be rigorous. All students are
required to take the AP exam.
www.thorntonacademy.org
AP Environmental Science
(1 credit)
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion
of Honors Biology, one year of
physical science and Algebra II
In this college-level interdisciplinary
environmental science course,
students will study ecological
processes, earth systems, human
effects on the environment, and
sustainable management of
ecosystems, all within cultural
and social context. A significant
lab and field component will be
built into the alternating day class
schedule. Strong reading, writing
and analytical skills are necessary.
All students are required to take
the AP exam.
AP Physics 1 & 2
(2 creditS, MEETS DAILY)
Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion
of Honors Physics, or teacher
placement and pre-calculus
(completed or concurrent)
This course will include the same
physics topics, including labs,
required of college life-science
majors across the country.
Newtonian mechanics, fluid
mechanics, thermal physics,
electricity, magnetism, waves,
optics, and atomic and nuclear
physics make up the foundation
of modern human understanding
of the natural world. Talent for
abstract, multidimensional
reasoning and a gift for solving
word problems are absolutely
essential in this endeavor. All
students are required to take the
AP exam.
AP Physics C (2 creditS, MEETS DAILY)
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion
of both Calculus and Physics
(Honors or AP1)
This course will include the same
physics topics, including labs,
required of college physics and