Mission, Vision, Competencies, Standards, and Benchmarks

Advanced Placement Science Courses
By close of Advanced Placement Chemistry:
‣ The teacher has read the most recent AP Chemistry Course Description.
‣ The course provides instruction in each of the following five content areas outlined in
the Course Description:
o structure of Matter (Atomic theory and atomic structure, Chemical bonding)
o states of Matter (Gases, Liquids and solids, Solutions)
o reactions (Reaction types, Stoichiometry, Equilibrium, Kinetics,
Thermodynamics)
o
o
descriptive Chemistry (Relationships in the periodic table)
laboratory (Physical manipulations; Processes and procedures; Observations
and data manipulation; Communication, group collaboration, and the
laboratory report)
‣ The course emphasizes chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation
of principles.
‣ The course includes a laboratory component comparable to college-level chemistry
laboratories. A hands-on laboratory component is required. Each student should
complete a lab notebook or portfolio of lab reports. The Guide for the Recommended
Laboratory Program is included in the Course Description.
By close of Advanced Placement Biology:
‣ The teacher has read the most recent AP Biology Course Description.
‣ The course emphasizes the biological concepts as specified in the three overarching
topics listed in the Topic Outline in the Course Description:
o Molecules and Cells
o Heredity and Evolution
o Organisms and Populations
‣ The course provides students with an opportunity to develop a conceptual framework
for modern biology emphasizing:
o an understanding of science as a process rather than an accumulation
of facts;
o recognition of evolution as the foundation of modern biological models
and thought;
o the integration of the general topics of biology through the eight major themes
o
as specified in the Course Description;
and applications of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental
and social concerns.
‣ The course includes a laboratory component that fulfills all of the objectives of the
recommended AP Biology labs as listed in the Course Description.
By close of Advanced Placement Physics B:
‣ The teacher has read the most recent AP Physics Course Description.
‣ The course provides instruction in each of the following five content areas outlined in
the Course Description:
o Newtonian mechanics
o fluid mechanics and thermal physics
o electricity and magnetism
o waves and optics
o atomic and nuclear physics
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