The rising freshman says “What classes can I expect to take in high school science”?

Recommended progression  9 th grade year – Earth Science (academic or honors)  10 th grade year – Biology (academic or honors)  11 th grade year – Chemistry*  12 th grade year – Choice of Physics*, Environmental Science, AP Biology*, AP Chemistry*  * indicates prerequisites needed

Alternate progression for students who are passionate about science  9 th grade year – Honors Biology  10 th grade year – Chemistry*  11 th grade year – Choices : Physics I*, AP Chemistry*, AP Biology*  12 th grade year – Choices: AP Biology*, AP Chemistry*, AP Physics*, Environmental Science

Considerations for an alternate path  Honors science courses require participation in the Science Research Project  SRP is normally a two year process – 9 th grade students opting to take Honors Biology must enroll in an on line class over the summer  Must complete through SRP #4 to begin the school year  SRP includes participation in FHS Science Symposium which is scheduled for 24 April, 2013

Why SRP?  Authentic creative science  Development of skills to be a scientist  Opportunity to participate in LCPS Regional Science and Engineering Fair (students self select for this)  Allows students to EXPLORE areas of interest

What’s involved in on line class?  Develop idea to research  Work with on line mentor  Develop background research  Write background research paper

What other science options are there?  Independent Science Research Project – open to seniors who want to pursue their own project for high school credit  Geospatial Semester – open to seniors who are interested in learning the Geographic Information System (GIS) and working on a GIS project (Co enrollment at JMU for credit)  Both courses result in an elective credit.

Summer on line class  Enroll through VISION  Mrs. Stone and Mrs. Cox will mentor students  Be thinking of what interests you!  Be prepared to use on line sources to learn about your topic!  Class will be available at the end of JUNE!

Questions  Talk to your current science teacher  Talk to your guidance counselor  Talk to students who have taken the route you are considering  Check the course catalog for pre requisites 