Life Science Group - Physical Science Group - Life and Physical Sciences Group

Physical Science Group

Last updated 2/26/2007

Note 1: To satisfy graduation requirements, students must complete three courses of science. One unit must be Biology I or Biology for Technology. One unit must be a physical science, chosen from the following: Physical Science, Earth Science, Geology, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Physics, Principles of Technology I, or Principles of Technology II. Environmental science is considered interdisciplinary and may be taught with a life or physical content emphasis. The third unit may come from any life, earth, or physical science.
Note 2: Biology for Technology is a rigorous life science course that may be used to help prepare students for the Science Gateway.

The following two (2) courses are offered as part of the curriculum at Austin-East Performing Arts and Sciences Magnet High School ONLY: Human Anatomy Honors, and Microbiology

3202 Physical Science (Fundamental)

This course provides the physical science unit needed to meet the minimum requirements for graduation. The course is intended for students with a variety of learning styles and special needs who require an adapted program to increase opportunities for success. The goal of Physical Science is to develop a basic understanding of matter and energy relationships.

3202 Physical Science (Regular)

The primary theme for Physical Science is the study of matter and energy. The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts of forces and motion, chemical and physical properties of matter, the ways in which matter and energy interact, the forms and properties of energy, and other basic concepts in chemistry and physics. This course will enable the student to meet the requirement of a physical science unit for graduation.

3202 Physical Science (Standard/CP)

The primary theme for Physical Science is the study of conservation of matter and energy. The course is designed to introduce the college bound student to the concepts of forces and motion, chemical and physical properties of matter, the ways in which matter and energy interact, the forms and properties of energy, and other basic concepts in chemistry and physics. This course will enable the student to meet the requirement of a physical science unit for graduation.

3204 Earth Science (Fundamental)

The goal of Earth Science is to develop an understanding of the origins and connections between the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the earth systems. The focus of the course will be matter, energy, crystal dynamics, cycles, geochemical processes, and time scale in order to understand the events within the earth system.

3205 Geology

This course explores the origins and the connections between the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the earth system. The student will investigate maps, matter and minerals, the rock cycle, geologic history, oceanography, hydrologic cycle, geologic hazards, and plate tectonics. Geology focuses on the physical aspects of the earth processes and cycles. Tennessee geologic features will also be a part of this study.
(Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry I)

3220 Principles of Technology I

PT is an applied physical science course designed to increase the science knowledge and skills of students who plan to pursue technical programs at the secondary (grades 11-12) or post-secondary level. Course topics include force, work, rate, resistance, energy, and power, each taught with emphasis on laboratory problem solving activities. PT I may count as one unit of science credit or vocational credit as required for graduation. (No prerequisite, but basic mathematics skills using fractions, decimals and equations are needed.)

3256 Principles of Technology II

PT is an applied physical science designed to increase the science knowledge and skills of students who plan to pursue technical programs at the secondary (grades 11-12) or post-secondary level. PT II course topics include momentum, waves and vibrations, energy convertors, transducers, radiation, and optical systems, each taught with emphasis on laboratory problem solving activities. PT II may count as one unit of elective science credit. (Prerequisite: Principles of Technology I)

3221 Chemistry I

The goal of Chemistry I is to develop an understanding of the relevance of chemistry as it relates to standards of living, career choices, and current issues in science and technology. Course content includes laboratory techniques and safety, properties and structures of matter in its various states, chemical calculations and quantitative relationships, chemical bonding and molecular structure, chemical reactions, solutions, gas laws, and acids and bases. The ability to make mathematical computations using fractions, decimals, ratios and proportions, and exponents is required. (Prerequisite: Algebra I )

3221 Chemistry I (Honors)

The goal of Honors Chemistry I is to develop an understanding of the relevance of chemistry as it relates to standards of living, career choices, and current issues in science and technology. Course content includes laboratory procedures and safety, properties and structures of matter in its various states, chemical calculations and quantitative relationships, chemical bonding and molecule formation, chemical reactions, solutions, gas laws, acids and bases, basic nuclear principles, and basic organic chemistry. The ability to make mathematical computations using fractions, decimals, ratios and proportions, and exponents is required. This course is designed to meet the needs of the more academically able student. Student selection is based upon a combination of past performance in science and mathematics, teacher recommendations, and established enrollment limits for the course.
(Prerequisites: Biology I (Honors recommended) and Algebra I with eligibility for Geometry)

3224 Chemistry II

The goal of Chemistry II is to develop an understanding of the properties of matter and the interactions of matter and energy. The course includes more in-depth study of topics introduced in Chemistry I, such as atomic structure, quantum theory, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, kinetic molecular theory, stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamics. Student selection is based on a combination of past performance in science and mathematics, teacher recommendation, and established enrollment limits for the course. (Prerequisite: Chemistry I)

3225 Chemistry AP (Advanced Placement)

A first-year college level Chemistry II course which follows the syllabus of the College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement Program. The AP Chemistry curriculum is designed to prepare students to take the College Board AP Chemistry test given in May of each year. Students may be required to attend additional classroom or laboratory sessions beyond the usual five periods per week. (Prerequisites: Chemistry I, Algebra I and II, and Physics required; current enrollment in Advanced Math or Calculus is strongly suggested.)

3226 Environmental Chemistry   

This one-unit course outlines the role that chemistry plays in the student's personal, community and global environment. Using student-centered activities, both in the laboratory and in the field, chemistry is used through current problems and everyday real-life issues. Major topics that will be included in this course are water needs and uses, air and climate, chemical resources, petroleum products and uses, food and health, and nuclear energy. This is an activity oriented approach to chemistry with less emphasis placed on math problems and more emphasis placed on student problem-solving and group decision-making processes.

3231 Physics

The study of the interrelationships between matter and energy. Topics of study include force, motion, momentum, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. (Prerequisite: Algebra I and Algebra II; Biology and Chemistry recommended)

3231 Physics (Honors)

The study of the interrelationships between matter and energy. Topics of study include force, motion, momentum, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. This Honors course is designed to meet the needs of the more academically able student. Student selection is based upon a combination of past performance in science and mathematics, teacher recommendations, and established enrollment limits for the course. (Prerequisite: Algebra I and II required; Biology and Chemistry recommended; current enrollment in Advanced Math or Calculus is strongly suggested.)

3233 Physics B-AP (Advanced Placement)

A first-year college level Physics course for students not planning a college major in engineering or physical science. This course follows the syllabus of the College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement Program. The AP Physics curriculum is designed to prepare students to take the College Board AP Physics test given in May of each year. Students may be required to attend additional classroom or laboratory sessions beyond the usual five periods per week. (Prerequisites: Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Chemistry, along with current enrollment in Advanced Math or Calculus)

3234 Physics C-AP (Advanced Placement)

A calculus-based college level Physics course for students planning a college major in engineering or physical science. The AP curriculum follows the syllabus of the College Entrance Examination Board's Advanced Placement Program. Physics C requires a more advanced knowledge of mathematics than the Physics B course. Students may be required to attend additional classroom or laboratory sessions beyond the five periods per week.
(Prerequisites: Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Chemistry, along with current enrollment in Calculus)

3299 Astronomy

The goal of Astronomy is to introduce students to the concepts, theories, and laws defining the motions of the planets and the properties of the sun, moon, stars, planets and other bodies of the heavens. Students will actively observe the day and night skies; make measurements of astronomical phenomena; create projects and models; and use computers for simulations and research. (Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry)