Standard

• Three (3) science classes
  • In two (2) different disciplines

 

Advanced

• Four (4) science classes
  • In three (3) different disciplines

• Students entering 9th grade in SY1819
• Earn either a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma
• Complete at least three different first-level board-approved laboratory science courses and at least one rigorous advanced-level or postsecondary-level laboratory science course, each with a grade of “B” or higher
• Complete laboratory or field-science research and present that research in a formal, juried setting
• Complete at least 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities that involve the application of science such as environmental monitoring, protection, management, or restoration.

Possible Course Choice by GRADE

Rising 9th Graders

Biology

Honors Biology

Environmental Science

 

Rising 10th Graders

Chemistry

Honors Chemistry

Active Physics

 

Rising 11th Graders

Physics 1

Honors Physics

AP Physics 1

Geosystems

Honors Geosystems

 

Rising 12th Graders

AP Biology

AP Chemistry

AP Physics C

Human Anatomy & Physiology

Genetics & Biotechnology

Astronomy

 

Common Course Sequences:

Biology- Chemistry- Physics 1/Geosystems- Physics/Geosystems

Biology- Chemistry- Physics 1/Geosystems- Science Elective/AP Science

Biology- Active Physics- Geosystems- Science Elective

HN Biology- HN Chemistry- HN Physics/ AP Physics 1- AP Science

Environmental Science- Biology- Chemistry

Westfield Biology    

	Standard - Biology 1	HN - Biology
Overview	Students will develop science process skills in a lab oriented class while exploring multiple branches of biology (the study of life).	Students will develop science process skills in a lab oriented class while exploring multiple branches of biology.  Homework, labs and assessments involve higher-order thinking to link 2-3 ideas to solve the problem being asked. Strong reading comprehension, organizational and study skills needed. Be able to apply various biology content topics to real world scenarios, and is not strictly memorization. Investigate topics at a deeper level, with an emphasis on analysis, inference and abstraction, at an accelerated pace.
Major Projects	Short-term projects relating biology to real-life experiences may be assigned throughout the course.	Independent Research Project (“science fair project”). Broken down into a series of steps/due dates throughout the year. 10% of their quarterly and final grade. Completed entirely outside of class time.
Test Format	Various quizzes with different formats. 50 question test including multiple choice, matching, drag and drop, and other technology enhanced question types.	Quizzes and unit tests in multiple choice format, formal written free response question for each unit test.
Amount of HW  (minutes per night)	15 minutes/class period. This can include studying, worksheets, video notes, and small projects.	30-45 minutes/class period. This can include studying, homework, lab analysis, video notes, and small projects. 90 minutes per week devoted to the science fair project.
FAQ	High focus on science process skills that can be used throughout their 4 years at WHS and into college. Working to develop 21st century skills to use in the workforce.    All students will design and implement their own lab experiment with guidance from the teacher.	The Independent Research Project is required of all honors students. Any student may choose to develop an individual or small group science project on a variety of topics with teacher approval. All projects must comply with FCPS and ISEF guidelines. Participation in the actual school science fair is voluntary. The school science fair is held the end of January or the beginning of February.

 

Westfield Chemistry       

	Standard - Chemistry 1	Chemistry I Honors
Overview	Students will develop their critical thinking and mathematical skills as they acquire a better understanding of the chemical nature of our world.  Laboratory experiments and subsequent classroom analysis are integral components of the course.	Students will utilize their critical thinking skills and apply mathematical knowledge to investigate the composition, properties, and reactions of matter.  Laboratory experiments and subsequent analysis are integral components of the course.
Major Projects	Short-term assignment relating chemistry to real-life experiences may be assigned throughout the course	Independent experimental/research project involving multiple assignments throughout the year
Test Format	Various quizzes with different formats. Unit tests are both multiple choice and free response	Quizzes of various formats and lengths and unit tests with multiple choice and free response portions
Amount of HW  (minutes per night)	15 minutes/class period. More before tests.	15 minutes/night average There maybe be times that require more depending on the chosen science project topic and assignment

 

Westfield Geosystems

	Standard - Geosystems	HN - Geosystems
Overview	Geosystems utilizes content from geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology to investigate, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the major earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere) and their dynamic inter-relationships. Students explore concepts with the same tools professional scientists use including computers, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and image processing software. Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.	Geosystems is a science class that uses data and technology to study the various components of the earth.  We will be studying the geological forces that affect the Earth (earthquakes, plate tectonics, volcanoes, rock types, etc.), as well as the Earth’s weather (meteorology), oceans (oceanography), and the universe (astronomy) in which we live.   Technology will be used in this course.   Software and the internet will be used to explore the earth’s systems.  Examples of software include Google Earth, ArcGIS, Layered Earth, the school Stellarium, and Starry Night, among others.   Access to a device/dedicated computer will prove essential.
Major Projects	in class Projects, usually done through hands-on labs or through technological tools (Arc-GIS, Hyperdocs, etc.)	Science Project (10% of total grade  per quarter), in addition to Standard in-class projects
Test Format	Online E-CART Exams, with additional written response	Written response format will/may vary from Standard GEO
Amount of HW  (minutes per night)	10-20 minutes	30 minutes on average (incl. Science project work)

 

Westfield Physics

 

	Standard - Physics 1	HN - Physics
Overview	Students will use scientific inquiry to examine the natural phenomena related to matter and energy. This laboratory-centered course utilizes an approach that is inductive and mathematical as well as conceptual.	Students will explore under rigorous conditions the interactions between matter and energy.  The course will prepare students for college level physics through a focus on the mathematical foundations of the natural world.
Major Projects	Short-term assignment relating physics to real-life experiences may be assigned throughout the course	Independent experimental/research project involving multiple assignments throughout the year
Test Format	Quizzes of various formats and lengths and unit tests with multiple choice and free response portions	Quizzes of various formats and lengths and unit tests with multiple choice and free response portions
Amount of HW  (minutes per night)	15 minutes/class period. More before tests.	30 minutes/night. There may be be times that require more depending on the chosen science project topic and assignment

 

 

 

Area of Study	Hours to prepare/study for each class.	Tests, Essays, Papers, Major Projects	Comments
AP Biology	Prep Time 1-2 hours per day (approximately 5+ hours per week for maximum success)    Readings 2 - 5 textbook chapters per unit, depending on the content    Chapters vary in length and are essential to success in class.   2 - 3 units per quarter	1-2 quizzes and 1 test per unit (tests include multiple-choice, grid-in, free-response). 1-3 labs per unit.   2 - 3 units per quarter   Major Projects 2 major formal lab reports. 1 during 1st quarter, 1 during 2nd quarter. (Other labs have informal analysis questions).	Course includes a variety of activities and skills, such as labs, essay-writing, critical and abstract thinking, complex problem-solving.   Emphasis on analysis of new scenarios (need to know vocabulary and concepts, but also apply them)
AP Chemistry	Prep Time 1-2 hours   Readings 10-20 pages	1-2 quizzes every 2 weeks   1 test every 4 to 6 weeks   Major Projects final project at end of year after AP exam   Maintain a Lab notebook throughout the year   lab reports every 2 weeks   2-4 hours additional	Retain as much knowledge from your chemistry I course   Keep your chemistry I notebook   This is a challenging/college level course   High grades in lower level chemistry do not necessarily carry over to AP studies
AP Environmental Science	Prep Time 1-2 hours per block day, including reading, notes and test practice    Readings 2-4 textbook chapters per unit   2-3 units per quarter	One test per unit, to include MC questions and essays; practice quizzes for each unit; timed writings in class   Major Projects One project per quarter, outside of class time usually needed Post-exam project is up to 50% of 4th quarter grade	You get out what you put in to this course. While nothing is inherently too hard to understand, there is a decent volume of work, and it picks up speed as the year goes on.   Reading is essential to a passing National Exam score. Be ready to analyze your own habits as we learn to live more sustainably
AP Physics 1	Prep Time 30 - 60 minutes A Day to A Day (or B to B)   Readings 5 - 10 pages reading each class	2 - 3 tests per quarter   Ongoing lab notebook   Major Projects Externally moderated project	Must at least be in Precalc while taking this course
AP Physics 2	Prep Time 30 - 60 minutes A Day to A Day (or B to B)   Readings 5 - 10 pages reading each class	2 - 3 tests per quarter   Ongoing lab notebook   *No Major Projects	Must at least have taken Physics as a prerequisite, but AP Physics 1 is strongly recommended
AP Physics C - Mechanics	Prep Time 1 hour from A Day to A Day (or B to B)   Readings 15 pages per week from a college level textbook	3 tests each quarter determine 50% of the grade   40% Labs 10% HW   Major Projects Lab notebook, ongoing	Must at least be in AP Calc AB, but BC is strongly recommended

Biology

Students engage in scientific inquiry through lab work as they explore biological processes.  All class and laboratory activities focus on life processes that occur within organisms or cells as well as the characteristics of life including: reproduction, development, and adaptation to environment.  Major topics of study include molecular biology, cells, genetics, organisms, evolution and ecology.  

Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test if required for federal accountability or for use as a verified credit (high school credit courses only). 

Honors Biology

Credit:  one/weighted +.5

Students engage in scientific inquiry through lab work as they explore biological processes.  All class and laboratory activities focus on life processes that occur within organisms or cells as well as the characteristics of life including: reproduction, development, and adaptation to environment.  Major topics of study include molecular biology, cells, genetics, organisms, evolution and ecology. 

Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test if required for federal accountability or for use as a verified credit (high school credit courses only). 

Genetics and Biotechnology

Prerequisite:  Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of biotechnology. It is designed to acquaint students with not only the classical patterns of inheritance but also with present findings in molecular genetics. Laboratory experiments provide active participation in demonstrating and applying the concepts and theories of genetics and biotechnology. This course does not count as one of the science credits for the standard diploma. It can be used as the fourth credit for an advanced studies diploma if the student has already taken three science courses from three different disciplines.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Prerequisite:  Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

Human Anatomy and Physiology provides students with an in-depth understanding and working knowledge of the human body.  It covers the ten systems of the human body with emphasis on the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis.  Lab activities cover both the physiological and anatomical aspects of human biology.  Students have the opportunity to explore careers in the medical sciences.  

A 25 hour internship will also satisfy the independent project requirement.

AP Biology

Credit:  one/weighted +1.0

Prerequisite:  Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

Students engage in authentic science practices and examine biology content within four big ideas: 1) the process of evolution drives the diversity of life, 2) biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce and maintain homeostasis, 3) living systems retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes, and 4) biological systems interact, and these interactions possess complex properties.  If dissections are part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available.  

Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

Chemistry 1

Prerequisite:  Algebra 1

Students investigate the composition, properties, and reactions of matter.  The approach is inductive, mathematical, and conceptual.  Laboratory experiments and subsequent classroom analysis are integral components of the course.

Students may be required to take the Chemistry SOL. 

Honors Chemistry

Credit:  one/weighted +.5

Co-requisite:  Algebra 2

Students investigate the composition, properties, and reactions of matter.  The approach is inductive, mathematical, and conceptual.  Laboratory experiments and subsequent classroom analysis are integral components of the course.  Students will participate in an externally-moderated experimental/research project, either independently or in teams.

Students may be required to take the Chemistry SOL. 

AP Chemistry

Credit:  one/weighted +1.0

Prerequisite:  Chemistry 1

Recommended Co-requisite: Physics or Precalculus with Trigonometry

 Advanced Placement Chemistry represents a full year (two semesters) of college chemistry.  Advanced Placement Chemistry is a second-level, laboratory-centered course that provides an opportunity for students to undertake a more comprehensive investigation at a level above Chemistry 1  It is designed for students who have completed a core science curriculum and are now ready to pursue more advanced and specialized studies.  

All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

 

Geosystems

Prerequisite:  Two  lab science courses

Geosystems utilizes content from geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology to investigate, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the major earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere) and their dynamic inter-relationships.  

Students may be required to take the Earth Science SOL.

Honors Geosystems

Credit:  one/weighted +.5

Prerequisite:  Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

Geosystems Honors utilizes content from geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology to investigate, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the major earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere) and their dynamic inter-relationships.  Students will participate in an externally-moderated experimental/research project either independently or in teams.

Students may be required to take the Earth Science SOL.

AP Environmental Science

Credit:  one/weighted +1.0

Prerequisite:  Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science.  Students will explore how humans alter the natural system and the cultural and social context of environmental problems.  Major topics include earth systems and resources, the living world, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change.  

Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is a foundational science course intended for 9th grade students. This course builds on student investigations that began in grades K-8 and integrates biology, earth science, chemistry, and engineering to study many components of our environment. Course outcomes focus on scientific inquiry, the physical world, the living environment, resource conservation, humans’ impact on the environment, and legal and civic responsibility. Students will focus on data collection and analysis through laboratory experiences and field work, including descriptive and comparative studies. Through a variety of learning experiences to include career education opportunities, students will gain foundational scientific process skills and environmental literacy to engage the community and provide diverse points of view about the management of natural resources.

Astronomy

Prerequisite:  Geosystems of any Physics course

Astronomy deals with topics such as the universe, universal laws, galaxies, stellar evolution, the solar system and its motion, and the exploration of space.  This course is designed to be an in-depth and mathematical survey of astronomy concepts.  This course does not count as one of the science credits for the standard diploma.  It can be used as the fourth credit for an advanced studies diploma, if the student has already taken three science courses from three different disciplines.

This course includes participation in five outdoor night sky observation labs.

Oceanography 

Prerequisite: Geosystems or Chemistry 1

Oceanography explores geophysical and biological factors of marine environments and covers topics such as the geology and geography of ocean basins, physical properties of seawater, marine chemistry, marine biology, salinity and density circulation in the oceans, waves, and tides. The course is designed to be a survey of oceanography concepts.

Physics 1

Corequisite:  Algebra 2

Physics 1 introduces the central concepts of physics, including kinematics, dynamics, the conservation laws (mass, energy, and momentum), electricity, magnetism, and waves.  This laboratory-centered course utilizes an approach that is inductive and mathematical as well as conceptual.

Honors Physics 1

Credit:  one/weighted +0.5

Corequisite:  Pre-calculus with Trigonometry

Physics 1 Honors introduces the most central concepts of physics, including the dual wave-particle nature of light, kinematics, dynamics, the conservation laws (mass, energy, and momentum), electricity, magnetism, and waves. This course is laboratory-centered and employs the methods of scientific inquiry. Students, either independently or in teams, will be involved in an externally-moderated experimental/research project.

AP Physics 1

Credit:  one/weighted +1.0

Corequisite:  Pre-calculus with Trigonometry

AP Physics 1 is a first year physics course.  The course is designed around six big ideas:  objects and systems have properties; fields can be used to explain interactions; interactions between objects can be described by forces; interactions result in changes in systems; changes are constrained by conservation laws; and waves can transfer energy and momentum.  These big ideas are developed through inquiry and experimentation.   Students, either independently or in teams, will be involved in an externally-moderated experimental/research project. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Physics 2

Credit:  one/weighted +1.0

Prerequisite:  First year physics course

AP Physics 2 is the second year of a two year AP Physics sequence.  The second year builds on the six big ideas that are developed in the first year of the course.  Additionally, students learn how the mathematics of probability can be used to describe the behavior of complex systems and how to interpret the behavior of quantum mechanical systems.  As in the previous year, these big ideas are developed through inquiry and experimentation.   

Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Physics C Mechanics

Credit:  one/weighted +1.0

Prerequisite:  Two laboratory science courses

Corequisite:  AP Calculus AB or BC

 Advanced Placement Physics C - Mechanics is a second-level course which surveys a selection of physics topics dealing only with Mechanics at a level above Physics 1.  It is designed for students who have completed a core science curriculum and are now ready to pursue more advanced and specialized studies in mechanics. AP Physics C serves as the foundation in physics for students who wish to pursue physical science or engineering degrees. 

Students are required to take the Mechanics Advanced Placement exam

 

Ms. Karen Bendorf (Conboy) 

General Information

• Open to 11Th & 12th graders; Pre-requisite is Biology and Chemistry
• Human A&P counts as a 3rd science for the advanced diploma

Why should students take Human Anatomy & Physiology?

• Prepares them for life…they learn how their body works and how to keep it healthy.
• Prepares them for college level work and/or a career in science (not just medical).
• Provides an opportunity to link classroom learning and real world situations. Anatomy is all around us!
• Students will explore a science that is both challenging and interesting and not like any other class!
• Helps students in other classes (AP Biology, AP Psychology, etc)
• Helps students understand the science behind many of today’s headline news and what they see on science-based TV shows like CSI, House, Grey’s Anatomy, Bones and others…you CAN learn from TV!

What do we do in class?

• Explore the 11 organ systems of the body
• Notes & classwork activities – lots of hands-on activities
• Study guides and models to help with learning
• Discuss current events & other anatomy-related events 
• Labs, Labs, Labs!!!
  • Students are often the subject for lab activities as they learn about their own body and how it works including: Digestion & Metabolism; Respiratory Rate; Blood Pressure & Pulse; Bones of the skeleton; Muscular Contraction labs; Fingerprinting; Sense Labs – Touch, Taste & Smell, Hearing, Vision; Immunity & antibiotics; Reaction time; and many more!
  • Dissections – Chicken Bone, Sheep Brain, Pig Heart, Cow Eye and Adult Cat or Fetal Pig!
  • All labs in groups of 2-4 so there is always a role for everyone, esp if dissecting isn’t ‘your thing’.
• Students are responsible for their own work however; most assignments are completed in groups in class.
• Quizzes & Tests given 3-5 times per quarter. Most quizzes are open notes using a study aid. Students given study guides and with practice test questions ahead of time!
• Watch surgeries – Heart Transplant, Awake Craniotomy (brain surgery), Achilles tendon repair and others!
• Projects – more in-depth study as it relates to the individual students interests and learning
  • Careers related to Anatomy, examining health histories, current events, etc

• Genetics and Biotechnology is an advanced science elective intended for students who have completed Biology and Chemistry. 

• It is not an AP or Honors course, but qualifies as a fourth science for the advanced diploma or a third science for the standard diploma.

• Topics include inheritance, DNA, gene expression, human genetic traits, forensics, microbiology, immunology, GMO’s (genetically modified organisms), bioethics, molecular biology techniques & more. 

• Labs, online simulations, and other hands-on activities are a big part of this course.

• This course will provide background knowledge and exposure to career opportunities in an important and growing field.   

• Current events and developments – ranging from agriculture to medicine and from to bioinformatics to environmental science – will be discussed throughout the year.

• If you enjoyed studying genetics/DNA in Biology class and would like a more in-depth look, this would be a great elective for you!

For more information, please stop by room E203 or contact Christina Zshoche

FCPS Course Description:

Astronomy

Grades: 11, 12 Credit: one

Prerequisite:  Two Laboratory Sciences

Astronomy deals with such topics as the universe, universal laws, galaxies, stellar evolution, the solar system and its motions, and the exploration of space.  This course is designed to be an in-depth and mathematical treatment of astronomy concepts.  This course does not count as one of the science credits for the standard diploma.  It can be used as the fourth credit for an advanced studies diploma, if the student has already taken three science courses from three different disciplines.

Note:  Students who have completed three different sciences are eligible by FCPS standards, but it should be noted that students must agree to a night observation laboratory component that will meet once a month, and be in or have taken Algebra 2

For more information please contact Mr. Donnelly

Greg Robinson & Christina Zschoche

Rooms B207 and E203

Curriculum Night

Course Description 

Advanced Placement Biology is a second-level biology course that utilizes laboratory research activities to acquaint students with the means by which biological information is collected and interpreted. The course focuses on topics ranging from biochemistry to botany and from genetics to zoology and considers real-world applications of biological techniques and research. As a college-level course, the content and schedule for AP Biology are very rigorous. A major goal of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam Mid May 2022) for which college credit and/or placement may be granted by an approving institution if a qualifying score is achieved. Consistent attendance, effective study habits, full participation in class and a positive attitude will help students succeed.

Current 2020-2021 Textbook Information

Principles of Life – © 2012 by Sinauer Associates (Hillis, Sadava, Heller and Price) 

ISBN 1-4292-9117-6 (e-book access and free companion site access)

Biology – Lab Manual – College Entrance Examination Board (class set)

Review Books – Students should look for review books for extra help, and it is suggested they use them to study for unit tests/quizzes as well during the year.

AP Classroom - students must register in AP Classroom where they will have access to many practice questions and videos made by various AP Biology teachers around the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the course expectations?

• Participate in class, be motivated and willing to work.
• Students should expect to devote a minimum of 5 hours per week to prepare for AP Biology.
• Be prepared for class each day, with assignments turned in on time. (Students generally have several days or a week to complete assignments.)

How are students graded?

• Each quarter grade includes the following:

Tests   50%       Quizzes  15%         Lab Activities  35%

What will a test in AP Biology look like?

• Tests are modeled after the national AP exam to familiarize students with the format.
• Unit tests generally consist of up to 25-40 multiple-choice questions and at least one essay. Some, but not all, of the essays may be from a list given to students during the unit. The essays will mimic free-response questions they might see on the AP exam.
• Students have access to past released essay questions to help them prepare for tests. Free-response standards and sample answers can be found online.
• The National AP Biology Exam that is given in-person in May consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, 4 short answer free-response questions, and 2 long free-response questions.

What should students do if they need additional help?

• Form study groups or ask for help in arranging a peer tutor.
• Refer to online animations, internet links, e-book resources, and practice questions provided in class or on Schoology or AP Classroom.
• Use AP Biology review books to help focus on main ideas and principles.
• Attend review sessions after school.
• Always ask & never wait until the last minute!

What is the best way to contact us?

• Email is always the best way to reach us Greg Robinson & Christina Zschoche

Students who take AP Chemistry develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains.  This course focuses on model instruction and inquiry-based learning to promote enduring, conceptual understanding while spending less time on factual recall.  The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year but will provide students with life-long reasoning skills.  Chemistry is a pre-requisite for this course.

APES Course Outline Westfield High School

Deborah LeGros

Introduction/Overview Environmental Issues/Sustainability/Affluenza & Consumption

Matter and Energy Energy units and conversions/Conservation of matter/Laws of Thermodynamics

Principles of Ecology Ecosystems: Components, Energy Flow and Matter Cycling Biogeochemical cycles/Photosynthesis and respiration Food webs/Ecological pyramids/Ecosystem services Evolution and Biodiversity/Natural selection/Biogeography Terrestrial biomes/Aquatic Ecology

Community Ecology Biological populations and communities/Ecological niches Species interactions/Keystone, Invasive and Endangered Species/Succession

Sustaining Terrestrial Diversity Land use and management/Forests/National Parks & Reserves/Ecological restoration

Sustaining Aquatic Biodiversity Human impacts: ocean acidification & plastic pollution/Protecting, sustaining and restoring fisheries, wetlands, lakes and rivers

Population Dynamics Carrying capacity/Reproductive strategies/Survivorship

The Human Population Historical sizes/Distribution/Fertility rates/Growth rates/Doubling time Demographic transition/Age-structure diagrams Strategies for sustainable population growth/National policies/Environmental impacts

Risk, Toxicology and Human Health Risk analysis/Acute and chronic effects/Dose-response relationships

Geology: Processes, Hazards, and Soils Geologic time/Plate tectonics/Earthquakes/Volcanism/Rock Cycle/Soil

Food Resources Types of agriculture/Genetic engineering (GMO’s)/Sustainable agriculture/Rangelands/Fisheries

Pesticides and Pest Control Types of pests/Cost benefit analysis/Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Water Resources Freshwater/saltwater.  Usage/Conservation/Disasters

Water Pollution Surface water pollution/Groundwater pollution

Atmosphere and Air Pollution Atmosphere: Composition/Structure/Climate/Atmosphere-ocean interactions/ENSO Air Pollution: Sources/Criteria pollutants/Smog/Acid deposition/Heat islands/Indoor air pollution Remediation/Reduction strategies/Economic impacts

Climate Change and Ozone Loss Global Warming: Greenhouse gases/Greenhouse effect/Impacts, consequences/ Climate change Ozone Loss: Ozone formation/Benefits of ozone in the stratosphere (UV radiation)/Causes and effects of ozone loss/Reducing ozone loss

Solid and Hazardous Waste Solid: Types/Disposal/Reduction Hazardous: Types/Treatment/disposal/Cleanup/Superfund sites

Nonrenewable Mineral and Energy Resources Minerals: Formation/Extraction/Global reserves Energy: Present use/Future needs Fossil fuels: Formation/Extraction/purification/Reserves vs. demand/Advantages vs. disadvantages Nuclear: Fission and fusion/Types of reactors//Advantages vs. disadvantages/Safety issues

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Alternatives Solar/Hydroelectric/Wind/Biomass/Tidal/Geothermal Environmental advantages vs. disadvantages

 

The AP Physics Phlyer

We offer AP Physics 1, 2, and C at Westfield. Here’s a summary of each. For questions, see:

William Keay (Room D-207) or Drew Donnelly (Room C-207)

AP PHYSICS 1

Who it’s for: First-time physics students who are at least co-enrolled in Precalculus.

What you’d learn: Introductory physics, mechanics, and engineering principles. Topics include Newton’s Laws, gravitation & orbits, conservation laws, torque, waves & sound, and basic electric circuits.

What uses does this course have? Some of the applications of AP Physics 1 include: collisions and explosions, projectile launching, literally every field of engineering, every spring-loaded thing ever, musical instrument design, circuitry, roller coasters, sports physics, and satellite launching. Just to name a few.

Work load? Expect 30 to 60 minutes of out-of-class work, A-Day to A-Day (or B to B).

AP PHYSICS 2

Who it’s for: Students who’ve already taken a physics course (ideally AP Physics 1).

What you’d learn: Fluid physics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern/nuclear physics.

What uses does this course have? Some applications of AP Physics 2 include: electrical engineering, lasers, medical equipment (x-rays, PET scans, MRI) and other medical physics (radiation oncology, for example), eyeglasses, mirror and telescope design, astronomy, fluid pressure, power plant design, radioactivity, basic quantum mechanics principles, and cosmology.

Work load? Expect 30 to 60 minutes of out-of-class work, A-Day to A-Day (or B to B).

AP PHYSICS C MECHANICS

Who it’s for: Students who’ve ideally already taken a physics course, and who are at least co-enrolled in AP Calculus AB (although BC is strongly recommended).

What you’d learn: Mechanical physics and engineering at the calculus level. Topics overlap with AP Physics 1 except for sound and circuits.

What uses does this course have? In addition to being a specialty introduction to mechanical engineering, AP Physics C Mechanics is an introduction to all fields of engineering at the college level. This course is therefore most useful to future Physics, Engineering, Astronomy, and Math majors, because its college equivalent course is almost always required toward these majors.

Work load? Expect about 60 minutes of out-of-class work, A-Day to A-Day (or B to B).

Ms. Karen Bendorf

General Information

• Open to 11Th & 12th graders; Pre-requisite is Chemistry 1 or Geosystems
• An advanced science elective that examines the geophysical and biological factors of our Earth’s oceans
• It is NOT an AP, Honors or SOL course (so no standardized exam at the end)
• Oceanography can count as a 3rd science for the advanced diploma
• Great course for students who want to learn more about Marine Biology, Environmental Science and other related fields
• Oceans occupy most of our Earth and water is one of our most valuable resources
• Examine the geophysical features of our oceans including its structure, salinity, tides, and more
• Understand how oceans are a major influence on our weather & climate
• Connect how our oceans enable life on Earth and the impact of Human life on our oceans
• Examine the biological features of our oceans that support a great diversity of life and various ecosystems