Science

Tutoring Schedule -

Science teachers are always available to provide extra help for students. If a student’s classroom teacher is not available on a certain day, the student is welcome to visit another teacher for assistance. The schedule below is tentative, and certain teachers may not be available due to meetings or emergencies.

BIOLOGY/PAP BIOLOGY

IPC

CHEMISTRY/PAP CHEM

Safety

Safety is a critical concern in laboratory-based classes. All science students at Dawson High School must study safety practices in the laboratory, sign a safety contract, and pass a safety exam before being allowed to participate in lab activities. Failure to follow laboratory safety rules puts all students in danger and will have consequences starting at loss of the laboratory grade and continuing to loss of laboratory privileges.

DHS Safety Contract

Science Courses:

Biology: In Biology, students conduct laboratory investigations using scientific methods and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Topics include: zoology, botany, biochemistry, genetics, adaptations, taxonomy, microbiology, ecosystems, and living systems. Self-directed laboratory skills will be stressed. Completion of this class is required for graduation.

Prerequisite: None

PAP Biology: Biology Pre-AP focuses on providing a strong foundation in Biology or those pursuing a science/medical, mathematics, and/or engineering career. Students utilize laboratory investigations, scientific methods, critical thinking and problem solving to make informed decision on biological issues. Topics include human body systems, adaptation, zoology, botany, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, evolution, taxonomy, and ecosystems. Material in this course comes at a very high rate and degree of difficulty. students must possess considerable personal responsibility and time to complete work and projects independently.

Prerequisite: Students must have passed the 8 th grade Reading TAKS.

PAP Biology Summer Assignment

AP Biology (Bio 2 AP): Biology AP is for those students who desire a course in university-level freshman biology that meets the College Board AP Biology course requirements.  The goal of this course is to provide a learning environment that enables the student to develop a solid understanding of the principle concepts of biology.  A substantial amount of time will be required for study.  Self-motivation and organization are a must.  Topics will include, but not be limited to, biochemistry, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, as well as biological processes and systems.  A complete topic listing can be found at the College Board website: www.collegeboard.com.
THIS CLASS REQUIRES ATTENDANCE AT ONE 2-HOUR LAB SESSION PER WEEK OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY.  Meeting days and times will be determined by the teacher and science department.  Failure to attend these lab sessions will result in loss of course credit.

Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC): This course stresses a practical integrated approach to the introduction of physics and chemistry. Major units include: development of atomic theory, density, the study of the periodic table, changes in matter, solution chemistry, force and motion, thermal energy, electricy, and waves.

Prerequisite: Students may NOT take this course if they have passed one semester of Chemistry or Physics.

STUDENTS ENTERING 9 TH GRADE IN 2007-2008 MAY NOT TAKE IPC AS ONE OF THE FOUR REQUIRED SCIENCES IF THEY WANT TO COMPLETE THE DAP PROGRAM.

Chemistry 1 Conceptual: This course is targeted toward non-science students and those interested in allied health.  There will be limited mathematics used only in select instances where it assists in conceptual understanding.  Basic chemical concepts will be taught including atomic models, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions.  Also taught will be applied chemistry topics such as nutrition, drugs, agriculture, water resources, the atmosphere, modern materials, and energy sources.  This course will encourage critical thinking and increase student understanding of the world of chemistry around them.

Chemistry: This course is recommended for all college bound students. Proficiency in basic algebra skills, self-motivation, and good organizational skills are necessary to be successful in this course. Introduction to basic chemical concepts and interactions of matter will be studied. it is fast-paced and required daily study. Active participation in laboratory procedures as well as written lab reports are required.

Prerequisite: Algebra, Biology

PAP Chemistry: This course is for students who excel in science and math courses. It is designed to be an introduction to chemistry for those students preparing themselves for studies at a 4-year college and/or the Advanced Placement Sciences. It is strongly advised that chemistry Pre-AP be the sophomore science if the student pans to take more than on AP science course in high school. extensive mathematical problem solving will be included, and therefore a strong math (especially algebra) foundation is critical for success. In addition to greater depth to the topics in Chemistry, oxidation-reduction, net ionic equations, and introductory organic chemistry are covered. A detailed laboratory report book will be required. It is recommended that the student also enroll concurrently in Algebra 2 or higher math.

Prerequisite: Algebra I, Biology (preferable Pre-AP)

AP Chemistry (Chem 2 AP):  This course is for those students who desire a course in university-level freshman inorganic chemistry that meets the College Board AP Chemistry course requirements.  Expensive problem-solving and analysis are required.  Topics will include, but not be limited to, periodicity, quantum mechanics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics. A complete listing can be found at the College Board website (www.collegeboard.com).  This course is recommended for those students who plan to major in science, engineering, pre-med, or math in college and are planning on attending a 4-year university.  A strong algebra math foundation is essential for success. It is recommended that the student also be enrolled concurrently in Pre-Calculus or higher math.  A detailed laboratory report book will be required.
THIS CLASS REQUIRES ATTENDANCE AT ONE 2-HOUR LAB SESSION PER WEEK OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY.  Meeting days and times will be determined by the teacher and science department.  Failure to attend these lab sessions will result in loss of course credit.

AP Chemistry Summer Assignment

Physics: This course is designed to give students insight into the physical nature of matter and energy. Students will conduct field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Topics include mechanics, Newton’s laws of motion, changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum, wave motion, basic electricity, and magnetism. This course provides students with a conceptual framework and factual knowledge, as well as analytical and scientific skills.

PAP Physics: Topics will include those in regular level Physics, with greater depth and additional problem solving. This class is intended to prepare students to take AP Physics C and is recommended for students who plan to pursue a science or engineering degree in college.

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus

PAP Physics Summer Assignment