1. FHS Science Department
2017 Curriculum Night Presentation

2. Course offerings Earth Science (Research and Academic)
Biology (Research and Academic)
Chemistry (Research and Academic)
Physics
Environmental Science
Independent Science Research (ISR)
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP Environmental
Conceptual Physics
Geographic Information System (GIS)

3. Credits All science classes are year long 1 credit classes
Research classes receive a 0.5 grade “bump”
AP classes receive a 1.0 grade “bump”
Dual enrollment classes receive a 0.5 grade “bump”
Dual enrollment classes may receive college credit for a fee.

5. Recommended progressions:
For Std or Adv Studies diploma candidates:
9th grade Earth Science
10th grade Biology
11th grade Chemistry
12th grade Choice of physics, conceptual physic, environmental science
For students with strong science interest and desire to do research:
9th grade R Earth Science
10th grade R Biology
11th grade R Chemistry 12th grade Physics, AP Bio, AP chem, AP phys, Env Sci

6. Another option
For students with strong interest in the sciences who intend to pursue science at the university level:
9th grade R Earth Science
10th grade R Biology
11th grade R Chemistry or Physics and choice of AP Bio, ISR
12th grade Physics or Chemistry, Choice of AP science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science), ISR, GIS

7. 9th Grade Options Earth Science Research Earth Science
The path your student chooses should reflect their interests, abilities and passions.
Subsequent science options depend on success in both MATH and SCIENCE!

8. 10th Grade Options Biology Research Biology
(Chemistry/Research chemistry)
Students with required coursework may select additional sciences: Physics (co and pre requisites apply)

9. 11th Grade Options Chemistry/Research chemistry Physics
Choice of AP Sciences, ISR, GIS

10. 12th Grade Options Physics Conceptual Physics Environmental Science
Choice of AP Sciences, ISR, GIS

11. Why Research Classes? Independent research work Additional challenge
.5 additional grade “bump”

12. What is co enrollment
College credit from James Madison University (cost per credit hour)
Also .5 grade “bump”
College credit without end of course testing.
Currently Geospatial Science is offered, Independent Science Research will be added it there is demand

13. What is AP? Advanced placement courses
Rigorous course requirements defined by College board
Approved syllabi
For college credit must successfully complete end of course test.
Recognized by most colleges and universities as “challenging” curriculum.