Science Courses
2021-2022 Course Catalog
Advanced Placement Science Courses
VRHS AP Expectations:
Since AP courses are considered college-level courses, students and parents will sign a contract similar to the concurrent enrollment contract, prior to registering for any AP course. AP courses are YEAR-long courses. Students are expected to be in the class for the entire year. For more information about VRHS AP Course policy and procedures, click here.
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To avoid scheduling conflicts, Science offers 2 AP classes each year, alternating between years. Odd years: AP Chemistry and AP Environmental. Even years: AP Biology and AP Physics C - Mechanics
The College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) program enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while in high school. AP students can earn college credit and potentially skip introductory college courses by testing well on AP exams (requirements vary by learning institution), saving college tuition costs. Students and parents must understand the time commitment, content, and rigor of AP courses are significantly higher than those found in traditional high school level courses. Students need the following skills to be successful in an AP course: the ability to read college-level text, demonstrate high motivation, academic maturity, ability to organize, time management, and self-advocacy. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.
ODD YEAR AP SCIENCE COURSES (offered school years 2021-2022, 2023-2024, etc.)
AP Chemistry
Grade Level: 11-12
Length: YEAR
Class Fee: $120 (includes AP Exam Fee)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry with a 'C' or higher AND Algebra-II with a 'C' or higher. Students concurrently enrolled in Algebra-II must have approval from the instructor. Students who have successfully completed Chemistry with a 'B' or higher must have approval from the instructor.
Link to Application:
AP Chemistry builds students' understanding of the nature and reactivity of matter. After studying structure, students move on to solve complex quantitative chemical problems, examine molecular composition, and learn to predictably transform substances through chemical reactions. The equivalent of an introductory college-level chemistry course, AP Chemistry prepares students for the AP Exam and for further study in science, health sciences, or engineering. A special emphasis is placed on the seven science practices, which capture important aspects of the work scientists engage in with learning objectives combining content with inquiry and reasoning skills. Students in such a course should attain an in-depth understanding of matter and its changes and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. This course will contribute to the development of the students' abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. Students should be prepared to spend anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour each night after school on just their chemistry homework to keep up with the pace of this class.
NCAA, HEAR
AP Environmental Science
Grade Level: 10-12
Length: YEAR
Class Fee: $115 (includes AP Exam Fee)
Prerequisite:
Completion of a biology or chemistry course with an A or B. At least a C in Algebra I. Due to this class being offered every other year, it may not be possible to complete the prerequisites and take this class before you graduate. If this is your situation, complete an application and your transcripts will be evaluated to determine enrollment in this course.
Link to Application:
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester college environmental science course. The AP Environmental Science course will develop an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships within the natural world (living organisms, oceans, land, atmosphere) and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made. Students will evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is challenging. It is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study such as: chemistry, biology, microbiology, geology, atmospheric, and oceanic sciences. Students should expect to spend 5-8+ hours per week on work outside of this class. There will be homework assigned every class period. The instructor will review the transcripts of interested students to evaluate correct placement.
NCAA, HEAR
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