2013 lhs course selection guide - Longview Independent School ...

CHEMISTRY
Grade Placement: 10 – 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra I
Chemistry involves the study of matter and its properties, structure, composition and changes
matter undergoes. The study of the structure and composition of matter includes atomic structure,
periodicity of the elements and chemical bonding. The study of the changes of matter includes
chemical changes, physical changes and nuclear changes. The study of the properties of matter
includes the properties of ionic compounds, molecular compounds, phases of matter, solutions,
and acids and bases. The concepts of chemistry will be emphasized over mathematical
relationships. Student will spend 40% of class time doing laboratory experiments and being
involved in hands-on activities. Students will be given the opportunity to relate the concepts
covered to everyday chemistry with interesting practical applications.
(PRE-AP) CHEMISTRY
Grade Placement: 10 – 11
1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology or Pre-AP Biology and Algebra I or Pre-AP
Algebra I with concurrent enrollment in either Algebra II or Pre-AP Geometry
Recommend: minimum average of 80 in Pre-AP prerequisites or 90 in regular course
prerequisites
Pre-AP Chemistry is designed for the gifted and/or advanced student requiring honors courses or
the student who desires a career in science. Pre-AP Chemistry involves the study or matter and its
properties, structure, composition and the changes matter undergoes. The study of structure and
composition of matter includes atomic structure, periodicity of the elements and chemical bonding.
The study of the changes of matter includes chemical changes, physical changes and nuclear
changes. The study of properties of ionic compounds, molecular compounds, phases of matter,
solutions, and acids and bases. The major difference between chemistry and Pre-AP chemistry
will be the degree of difficulty of the labs and problems. A lab notebook will be kept and some of
the labs will be open-ended requiring skills not taught in regular chemistry. The problems will
require students to use more advanced problem-solving skills and to seek practical applications.
This course will prepare the student for the difficult science regimen found at a major university
and/or AP Chemistry.
PHYSICS
Grade Placement: 11 – 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing of two high school math courses and two science courses
Physics is the science that studies the nature of matter and energy. The first semester covers
mechanics; the second semester includes electricity and magnetism, heat, and the wave
properties of light and sound. The concepts of these relationships will be stressed instead of the
mathematical relationships. Laboratories will be used to reinforce these concepts. It is desired
that the student gain a practical knowledge of physics.
(PRE-AP) PHYSICS
Grade Placement: 11 – 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra II with concurrent
enrollment in Pre-Calculus
Recommend: 80 average in Pre-AP prerequisites and/or a 90 average in regular classes
Pre-AP Physics deals with the material world and its phenomena. Included in the course are the
closely related sciences of mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear
physics. Mathematics is an integral part of physics. Individual projects will be required.
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