Grades 9-12 Course Catalog - Plano Independent School District

205151 Chemistry AP
(second year)
Grade Placement: 11 – 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry (1 credit), Biology (1
credit)
Concurrent enrollment in Physics for 11 th graders.
Credit: 2.0 (1.5 AP Chemistry and 0.5 Research
and Design)
Chemistry-AP is a second year, two-hour course designed to be the
equivalent of an introductory college-level course. In Chemistry AP,
study focuses on matter, its interactions, and energy of matter. Some
topics included are thermochemistry, chemical bonding, kinetics,
equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Laboratory investigation is an
integral part of the course. This course prepares students to take the
Chemistry Advanced Placement exam. (See the counselor for GPA
information.)
206001 Physics (first year) Physics I is the study of matter and energy and their interactions.
Grade Placement: 11 – 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I (1 credit) and Geometry (1
credit), 2 credits of science
Credit: 1
What's Next? Physics B –AP, Chemistry AP,
Biology AP, or 4 th year of science
Students are introduced to fundamental concepts in the areas of
mechanics, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear
phenomena. Student investigations emphasize accurate
observations, collection of data, analysis of data, and the safe
manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.
206031 Physics Honors/PreAP
(first year)
Grade Placement: 11 – 12
Prerequisite: 2 credits of science, concurrent
enrollment in Algebra II
Credit: 1
What's Next? Physics AP, Chemistry AP, Biology
AP, or 4 th year of science
206151 Physics B-AP
(second year)
Grade Placement: 12
Prerequisite: Physics (1 credit) and an
uninterrupted mathematics program
Credit: 1
206251 Physics C-AP
(second year)
Grade Placement: 12
Prerequisite: Physics (1 credit) and an
uninterrupted mathematics program
Concurrent enrollment in Calculus-AP.
Credit: 1
206501 Engineering Design
and Problem Solving
Grade Placement: 12
Prerequisite: Geometry, Algebra II, Biology,
Chemistry, and Physics.
Credit: 1.0
Physics H/PreAP is the study of physical principles, which govern the
behavior of matter. It includes mechanics, electricity, magnetism,
thermodynamics, kinetic theory, electromagnetic radiation, optics, and
atomic and nuclear physics. In introducing fundamental physical
concepts emphasis will be placed on the use of mathematics in
formulating physical principles and in problem solving; thus a strong
math background is necessary. Students will complete an
independent research project.
Physics B-AP covers topics in mechanics, electricity,
thermodynamics, kinetic theory, waves, optics, and modern physics.
The development of problem-solving ability for college-bound
students in life science, pre-medicine and some applied sciences or
engineering is emphasized. This course prepares the student to take
the Advanced Placement exam.
This is a calculus-based, second year course in physics. Physics C-
AP covers topics in the area of mechanics and includes kinematics,
Newton's Laws, friction, circular motion, momentum, energy and
work, torque, rotation, gravitation, and simple harmonic motion. The
use of calculus in problem solving is introduced. The second
semester is devoted to a study of electricity and magnetism, and
calculus is used freely. Either or both parts (Mechanics, Electricity
and Magnetism) of the Advanced Placement C exam may be taken.
This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement
exam.
Engineering Design and Problem Solving introduces students to what
engineering is, what engineers do, and how engineering shapes the
world around them. This is a design-based course, where students
will learn the concepts of engineering design and problem solving by
completing a series of projects throughout the year. The intention of
this course is to teach engineering design through a practical and real
world approach to problem solving. This course will satisfy the
fourth year science requirement.
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All courses may not be offered on every campus.