Sandia Prep Curriculum Guide 2018 - 2019

environmental chemistry. In the lab,
emphasis is placed on experimental
design, keeping a lab notebook, identifying
unknowns, and chemical engineering.
Experiments include: building and using
a hydrometer, creating and modifying
a bioplastic, making a plant dye, and
isolating and identifying the compounds in
polluted water. The course also includes
field trips and/or guest speakers to help
students understand the careers that
extensively use chemistry.
Physics 1
Grades 11-12
In physics, students are introduced
to the essential principles of physics
such as dynamics, energy, waves, and
electromagnetism that describe the
interaction of matter and energy. Students
develop both a mathematical and
conceptual understanding of the subject
through experimental design in order to
illustrate and predict outcomes. Physics is
a hands-on course where students use their
existing knowledge of the world to deepen
and solidify their understanding of the
principles of physics. Lab work includes
activities such as hitting a moving target
with one try using only the equations of
motion.
Physics 2
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Physics 1 with a grade of
“B-“ overall and a grade of “C-“, or better,
on the mid-term exam, Algebra 2, and/or
permission of the instructor
This challenging class builds upon several
22
of the topics from Physics 1 by advancing
students’ understanding of fundamental
concepts. These concepts include;
mechanics as it pertains to rotating objects
along with electricity and magnetism by
introducing capacitors and capacitance.
Advanced physics students also study
select modern physics subjects such as
relativity and quantum mechanics. Inquirybased
laboratory work, student-directed
collaborative projects, problem-solving,
and critical thinking are essential elements
of the work in this class.
Environmental Science 1:
Ecosystems and Climate
Grades 11-12
Offered every other year
Prerequisite: Molecular or Ecological
Biology
Ecosystems and Climate focuses on the
interactions between living organisms and
their environments, including biotic factors
such as population growth, biodiversity,
competition, predator-prey interactions,
epidemiology, and the abiotic factors that
control Earth’s climatic systems and the
ecosystem patterns that result. This course
involves independent research, field trips,
and inquiry-based experiences in the lab
and in the field.
Environmental Science 1: Resource
Consumption, Pollution, Water,
and Energy
Grades 11-12
Offered every other year
Prerequisite: Molecular or Ecological
Biology