Thornton Academy Program of Studies 2-24- 25 | Page 30

Physics

1 Credit • Grade 11 & 12

This year-long class covers the most fundamental physics principles through exploration and application . Units of focus include : motion and accelerated motion , forces , energy , waves , light and optics , circuits , and hydraulics . Students will get their hands dirty by creating , dissecting , and manipulating , and will leave having connected physics to the working world around them .

Physics Honors

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12

Prerequisites : Teacher recommendation , Algebra II ( may be taken concurrently )

This course seeks to expand students ’ introduction to an understanding of the first principles of physics . Students will apply gained understanding in complex , practical , and relevant physical problem solving . The areas of focus for this yearlong course are : kinematics , dynamics , work , energy , power , impulse and momentum , circular and rotational motion , oscillation and periodic motion , gravitation , thermodynamics , fluids , vibrations and waves , electricity and magnetism , and optics .

AP Physics I & II

2 Credits / Meets Daily • Grades 10 , 11 & 12

Prerequisite : Physics Honors , or teacher recommendation and pre-calculus ( completed or taken concurrently )

The purpose of Advanced Placement Physics is to provide a college level course in physics and to prepare the student to seek credit and / or appropriate placement in college physics courses . They will apply problem solving strategies for much of their time in class , while also taking notes from lecture material for homework . Topics from both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 will be covered and students will take both AP exams in May .

AP Physics C

2 Credits / Meets Daily • Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Calculus

This course will include the same physics topics , including labs , required of college physics and engineering majors across the country . Students will derive and implement a great variety of calculus-based mechanics and electricity and magnetism applications . A talent for abstract , multidimensional reasoning and competency in solving multivariable calculus problems are required . Only the most serious and capable physics students should undertake this course . All students are required to take both AP exams .

Applied Science Foundations

1 Credit • Grades 11 & 12

Applied Science Foundations explores a wide variety of current scientific topics to help students near graduation become scientifically literate citizens . The class covers global scale concepts such as energy production and the carbon cycle as well as everyday scientific concepts such as fire safety and food preservation .

Introduction to Engineering Honors

1 Credit • Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites : Physics Honors , Pre-Calculus ( may be taken concurrently ), Chemistry Honors ( may be taken concurrently )

This rigorous introduction to the field of engineering satisfies one requirement for the University of Maine School of Engineering Articulation Agreement . The course will expose students to the basic engineering principles of four major fields of engineering : mechanical , chemical / biomedical , electrical / computer , and civil / environmental . Students will solve complex , college-level engineering problems using experimental , analytical , and / or numerical procedures . A teamwork approach will be emphasized . Strong math and physics skills are required .

AP Environmental Science

1 Credit • Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Biology Honors , one year of physical science and Algebra II

This interdisciplinary course embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of scientific study . Unifying themes will include concepts such as science as a process , human impact on natural systems , the cultural and social context inherent in environmental challenges , and the dependence of human survival on the development of sustainable systems .

SCIENCE ELECTIVES

Science electives are one-semester classes designed for students who wish to add to their science experience . Electives should not replace core graduation requirements . Preference is given to seniors . Students may take elective classes in addition to their required science class ( es ).

Anatomy and Physiology

0.5 Credit • Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Two science credits

This course introduces anatomical position and directional terms , maintenance of homeostasis , medical terminology , the integumentary system , the skeletal system , the eyes and vision , and the respiratory and digestive systems . The human body is explored from the microscopic to the organ-systems level . Topics include comparative anatomy and physiology , pathology , and

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