2011-12 High School Course Offerings - Durham Public Schools

EARTH / ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry I
Students learn how organisms and their environment interact
through field, laboratory, library, Internet, and classroom work.
Through the scientific principles and concepts and methodologies,
students will identify and analyze both natural and humanmade
environmental problems, evaluate the risks associated with
those problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving
or preventing them.
Astronomy
Honors Astronomy
Prerequisites: Geometry or Integrated Algebra/Geometry II
(For elective credit only)
This course provides laboratory experiences and a number of
evening observation sessions. Students study Newtonian and
Keplerian laws as they learn about the physics and chemistry of
the universe as it evolved from the big bang and the creation of
our solar system.
Meteorology
Prerequisite: Biology I (For elective credit only)
This course takes an in-depth look at the physical characteristics
of the earth’s atmosphere, including weather, structure, and air
quality. Students learn through daily weather observations using
local media and digital weather instruments located on campus.
Specific topics of study include tropical weather, El Nino, and
climate change.
Social Studies
❚ Students earn 1 unit of credit for each successfully completed course.
❚ All courses use the NC Standard Course of Study.
❚ Honors courses require students to demonstrate greater rigor, manage greater
complexity, and move at a faster pace. They are weighted +1.
❚ Advanced Placement courses are equivalent to college level courses. Students are
expected to take the AP exam. AP courses are weighted +2.
Possible Social Studies Sequences
Students may move from one sequence to another as their needs change.
(Students may take additional social studies courses beyond the required three.)
Course 1
Course 2
Course 3
Course 4
Sequence
A
World History
Civics and
Economics
United States
History
Optional Social Studies
Elective Courses
Sequence
B
Honors World
History
Honors Civics
and Economics
Honors United
States History
Optional Social Studies AP courses or
Social Studies Elective Courses
Sequence
C
Honors World
History
Honors Civics
and Economics
AP United States
History
Optional Social Studies AP courses or
Social Studies Elective Courses
REQUIRED SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
World History
Honors World History
Prerequisite: None
This is a survey course that explores recurring themes of the
human experience common to civilizations around the globe
from ancient to contemporary times. Students broaden their historical
perspectives as they explore ways in which societies have
dealt with continuity and change, exemplified by issues such as
war and peace, internal stability and strife, and the development
of institutions. To become informed citizens, students require
knowledge of the civilizations that have shaped the development
of the United States. This course provides the foundation that
students need for their study of Civics and Economics and
United States History.
16 www.dpsnc.net