Honors Physical Science - Cedarcrest High School

CEDARCREST HIGH SCHOOLGeneral Information:High School Science RequirementsThe Honors Program in Science1. First, what science courses do students at Cedarcrest High School have to take? Answer: The Riverview School District requires two years of science inorder to qualify for a high school diploma. Students generally take physicalscience in the 9 th grade and biology in the 10 th grade. Those who plan toenter a 4-year college after graduation are strongly encouraged to takechemistry and physics in addition to the minimum requirements forgraduation.2. What is the Honors Program in Science, and why should I consider it? Answer: The Honors Program in Science is designed to give serious studentsan opportunity to study science in a more enriched, in-depth way. If youenjoy science and mathematics, are a good student, always work hard, andare planning to attend a 4-year college immediately upon graduation, you maywish to consider this program. On the other hand, if you do not enjoyscience and mathematics, don’t usually work very hard, and want to just getthrough your high school science requirements, this program is probably notfor you.3. How will “Honors” science courses differ from “Regular” science courses? Answer: Because the instructors in the Honors Program will assume that youare there because you want to be, their expectations of you will be veryhigh. They will provide you with opportunities to explore science in a varietyof ways, they will engage you in intellectual discussions, and they willencourage you to “stretch” in ways that may surprise you. Laboratory workwill form the basis for everything that you do in class. In addition, you willbe expected to conduct independent research outside of class under theguidance of the Cedarcrest Science Faculty as well as mentors from localcolleges and universities.4. When can I enter the science honors program? Answer: You can enter the honors program as a freshman or at thebeginning of any year thereafter (on a space available basis) if you meet theinitial admission criteria.5. Once I’m in the honors program, am I in for good? Answer: Only if you want to be and continue to meet the graderequirements. If your grade average in science drops below a “B”, you maybe moved into the regular program at the discretion of the science faculty.Application due, Thursday, March 19, to your Science teacher.

6. What are the criteria for initial admission into the science honors program? Answer: Minimum requirements are listed below.1. An “A-B” average in your science courses, and at least a “B” averageoverall2. Concurrent enrollment in Integrated Mathematics II or higher3. Strong work ethic as evidenced by a recommendation from your currentscience instructor Additional Requirement: It may be that you are not interested in theHonors Program in Science even though you qualify via the criteria listedabove. To make sure that students who join the Honors Program actuallyWANT to be there, you need to complete the Science Honors Programapplication form, sign and date it, get your parent/guardian to sign and dateit, and then return both sheets to your current science instructor by thedate that he/she indicates. Failure to return this form to you instructor ina timely manner may mean that you should reconsider your decision to enterthe Honors Program in Science.7. What are the requirements for retention in the science honors program? Answer: You will need to re-apply for admission to the Science HonorsProgram each year. As stated earlier, a “B” average in your honors sciencecoursework is needed to remain in the program, along with acceptablerecommendations from your current science instructor. If your gradeaverage falls below a “B”, or if your instructor recommendation is notacceptable, you may be moved into the regular program at the discretion ofthe science faculty.8. Ok, I’m interested. Exactly what do I need to do now to be considered foradmission to the Science Honors Program at Cedarcrest High School? Complete the Honors Program Application and give it to your current scienceinstructor by the date he or she indicates. Give the recommendation form to your current science instructor. The Cedarcrest High School Science faculty will review these documentsand, in combination with grade data, will render decisions later in the spring.You will be notified as to your admission status before the end of the schoolyear.Application due, Thursday, March 19, to your Science teacher.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************CEDARCREST HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE:Asking Questions—Exploring Possibilities!HONORS PROGRAM APPLICATIONI. GENERAL INFORMATION:1. Name:_________________________________2. Current Science Class:_______________________________3. Current Science Instructor:___________________________4. Current Math Class:_________________________________5. Current Math Instructor:_____________________________II. EXTENDED RESPONSE: Please answer the following questions in your ownhandwriting on a separate sheet of paper. Exercise great care in your writing, as theCedarcrest High School Science Faculty places great importance on the ability to writewell. Attach your answers to this sheet and then return both sheets to your currentscience instructor. REMEMBER THAT YOU AND YOUR PARENT/GUARDIAN NEED TOSIGN AND DATE THE FORM BEFORE YOU TURN IT IN.1. Do you enjoy science? Why?Describe yourself as a science student.2. Do you enjoy mathematics? Why?Describe yourself as a math student.3. Have you conducted any independent (e.g. science fair) work? If so, describe yourresearch.4. What independent research would you like to do at Cedarcrest High School? Why?5. Why do you wish to join the Science Honors Program at Cedarcrest High School HonorsProgram in Science?Your name (Printed)__________________________Signed________________Date___Parent’s name (Printed)_______________________Signed_________________Date___Application due, Thursday, March 19, to your Science teacher.