3. And many Outdoor Investigations!

4. Graduation College Requirements Expectations 3 credits of science 1 life science 1 physical science 1 additional science College bound students should take the following during their HS career: biology or honors biology chemistry physics or AP physics I & II To be successful in college it is best to take a science all 4 years Interested in science? Take MORE than 4 courses Most 4 year universities expect one of the sciences to be either chemistry or physics It is always best to prioritize! Don’t put too much on your plate.

5. Freshmen year: Biology All freshmen will take a biology course Honors Biology or General Biology Both courses focus on District curriculum including same major topics/units Same textbook Problem solving Lab based learning Exploring how science relates to life

6. Skills of an Honors Student Spring MAP score 227+ in reading Solid algebraic math skills and ready to learn and use statistics in data analysis Demonstrates a high reading comprehension level Is well-organized with materials, assignments and due dates Demonstrates solid study habits Is highly motivated

7. Differences Between the Courses Honors Biology Biology Weights in the Grades: Tests/Quizzes: 50% STEM: 40% Daily Work: 10% More depth in the material Moves at a faster pace More complex math, specifically with statistical analysis of lab data Weights in the Grade: Tests/Quizzes: 35% STEM: 40% Daily Work: 25% More opportunities to practice within class Less math application Less homework but there will still be homework

8. After freshmen year Science has many options and paths, but general When to take chemistry and physics? Most students should enroll in chemistry either currently with Algebra II or after taking Algebra II. Math skills are the best guide for determining when to take chemistry/physics. Typically students enroll in physics/AP physics I after chemistry.

9. Life Science Physical Science Biology Honors Biology Field Biology (semester) Zoology (semester) Anatomy & Physiology AP Biology Earth Space Science Meteorology (semester) Astronomy (semester) Chemistry Physics Physical Science AP Physics I & II (2 yr) AP Chemistry

10. Changes to Physics! General Physics Prereq: completed Alg II Typically will not take a 2 nd year physics course AP Physics I and II Prereq: completed Alg II and concurrent enrollment in Precalc Two year program

11. Advanced Placement Sciences An AP course is a college course taught at the high school Students who are planning on attending college should consider taking one of these The best way to take all of the courses needed is to plan ahead The CAPS programs also offer college credit options

12. Questions? Science Department Chair Melissa McCarty mkmccarty@bluevalleyk12.orgmkmccarty@bluevalleyk12.org Freshmen Biology Teachers Dianne Dunnddunn@bluevalleyk12.orgddunn@bluevalleyk12.org Brittany Harding baharding@bluevalleyk12.orgbaharding@bluevalleyk12.org Melissa McCarty mkmccarty@bluevalleyk12.orgmkmccarty@bluevalleyk12.org Deb Sisk dsisk@bluevalleyk12.orgdsisk@bluevalleyk12.org Joel White Jtwhite@bluevalleyk12.orgJtwhite@bluevalleyk12.org Please check the BVSW enrollment website