STEM Science (5 Credits)
These are the courses that you would need to complete before graduation to achieve this endorsement. Many of these courses have different sections: Non-PAP, PAP, Dual Language, Dual Language PAP, On-Ramps, AP, and Dual Credit. Please refer to our Advanced Multidisciplinary Core Concentration endorsement to see the differences between these sections.
1st Science Course: Typically Biology (Regular, DL Regular, PAP, and PAP DL)
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In Biology PAP, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Biology study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth and development of organisms; cells, tissues, and organs; nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; and ecosystems and the environment. Student must meet 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigation using safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices.
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2nd Science Course: Typically Chemistry (Regular, DL Regular, PAP, and PAP DL)
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In Chemistry, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include characteristics of matter, use of the Periodic Table, development of atomic theory and chemical bonding, chemical stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives. Student must meet 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigation using safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices.
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3rd Science Course: Typically Physics (Regular, AP Physics 1, and On-Ramps Physics)
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In Physics, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion; changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum; forces; thermodynamics; characteristics and behavior of waves; and atomic, nuclear, and quantum physics. Students who successfully complete Physics will acquire factual knowledge within a conceptual framework, practice experimental design and interpretation, work collaboratively with colleagues, and develop critical thinking skills. Student must meet 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigation using safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices.
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4th or 5th Science Course: Can be AP Physics 2
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AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: fluids; thermodynamics; electrical force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.
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5th Science Course: Can be AP Physics-C
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AP Physics C: Mechanics is equivalent to a one-semester, calculus based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The course explores topics such as kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course.
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4th or 5th Science Course: Can be Biology On-Ramps
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Molecular and cellular biology is the focus of this introductory biology course. This year-long course explores three big ideas of biology: the structure and function of biomolecules, the flow of energy through living systems via photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and how genetic information is expressed and transmitted both within and between cells. At its core, this course is focused on teaching students how to think like scientists. How do scientists think? They acquire knowledge through discovery—both within and outside a laboratory environment. They communicate their conclusions to others and use critical feedback to improve their scientific thinking. With practice and continued application, scientists strengthen their skills in scientific thinking and grow their craft...
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4th or 5th Science Course: Can be AP Environmental Systems
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The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
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4th or 5th Science Course: Can be Earth and Space
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Earth and Space Science (ESS). ESS is a capstone course designed to build on students' prior scientific and academic knowledge and skills to develop understanding of Earth's system in space and time. Student must meet 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigation using safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices.
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4th or 5th Science Course: Can be Forensic Science
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Forensic Science is a course that introduces students to the application of science to connect a violation of law to a specific criminal, criminal act, or behavior and victim. Students will learn terminology and procedures related to the search and examination of physical evidence in criminal cases as they are performed in a typical crime laboratory. Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence such as fingerprints, bodily fluids, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, and cartridge cases. Students will also learn the history and the legal aspects as they relate to each discipline of forensic science. Students must meet the 40% laboratory and fieldwork requirement. This course satisfies a high school science graduation requirement.
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4th or 5th Science Course: Can be Anatomy and Physiology
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The Anatomy and Physiology course is designed for students to conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Anatomy and Physiology will study a variety of topics, including the structure and function of the human body and the interaction of body systems for maintaining homeostasis. Students must meet the 40% laboratory and fieldwork requirement. This course satisfies a high school science graduation requirement.
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