Author: Land, Darell

Your path to college science readiness

12th Grade

Choose an elective:
Physics Human Biology
Honors Science Research

Engineering 102

Choose an elective:
AP Physics C Human Biology AP Chemistry Honors Science Research

11th Grade

Chemistry

AP Physics C
and/or
Honors Chemistry

AP Chemistry
and/or
AP Physics 1**

10th Grade

Biology

AP Physics 1**

Honors Chemistry**

AP Biology**

9th
Grade

Investigative Science

Honors Biology*

Investigative Science
This inquiry-based course is designed to investigate chemistry, physics, biology concepts. Concepts explored in the course develop foundational knowledge that ensures success in subsequent high school science classes. Emphasis is based on laboratories in which the student is an active participant in the formation of the lab. This course follows the Modeling curriculum which is designed to construct and use scientific models to describe, to explain, to predict and to control physical phenomena.

Honors Biology*
This course is for ninth grade students who are seriously considering preparation for a science curriculum at a post secondary institution. (Must be taken in conjunction with Geometry, Accelerated Math or Algebra 2)

Biology
This is a lab-oriented course designed to study the major areas of life and living things. Emphasis will be on the major integrating themes of biology.

AP Biology
This is a second year college level course designed to meet the minimum requirements for the AP exam. This second year course includes topics covered in a college introductory biology course for majors and provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. ( Must be taken in conjunction with Honors Chemistry or student must have completed Honors Chemistry).

Chemistry
This is a lab oriented course emphasizing elements, compounds and mixtures as found in nature. This course follows the Modeling curriculum which is designed to construct and use scientific models to describe, to explain, to predict and to control physical phenomena.

Honors Chemistry
This is a lab-oriented course designed for students considering going into AP Chemistry. Major emphasis is on writing and evaluating chemical reactions and relationships. Mathematics Year 2 must be completed before teacher recommendation is honored. This course follows the Modeling curriculum which is designed to construct and use scientific models to describe, to explain, to predict and to control physical phenomena.

AP Chemistry
This is a second year college level course designed to meet the minimum requirements for the AP exam. The study of atomic structure, periodic system, chemical bonding, kinetic theory, equilibrium and descriptive chemistry.

Physics
This is a lab oriented course that studies energy in its many forms. Topics include mechanics, electricity, waves and light. This course follows the Modeling curriculum which is designed to construct and use scientific models to describe, to explain, to predict and to control physical phenomena.

AP Physics C
This course is designed around the AP Physics C Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism exams and is equivalent to the first year of calculus based university physics. The Mechanics curriculum covers: kinematics, Newton's Laws, energy, momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, angular momentum, gravitation, and oscillations. Electricity and Magnetism covers electrostatics, magnetostatics, induction and circuits.

Engineering 102
This course is taken through the University of Arizona. Students receive University of Arizona credit upon successful completion of the course. This course emphasizes engineering design, effective team participation and career preparation. Students are expected to participate in hands-on design projects, develop education/career plans and initiate development of their personal and management skills necessary for life long learning.

Honors Science Research
This course presents techniques for basic and advanced principles of experimental design and data analysis, time management strategies for student research and strategies for successful science competitions. Students are required to complete one original independent science, math or technology research project and compete in the Central Arizona Science and Engineering Fair. Off campus research may be required. Students must provide their own transportation. This elective course does not meet the university requirement for a lab science or for the high school science graduation requirement. This course may be repeated for credit.

Human Biology
This course deals with the structure and function of the human body and is recommended for students interested in a medical career. A thorough study of the systems of the body is presented. Because of similarities to human systems, group dissections of a cat and sheep organs may be performed

AP Physics 1
This course is for the science, technology and engineering students. This course follows the Modeling curriculum which is designed to construct and use scientific models to describe, to explain, to predict and to control physical phenomena.

* Must be taken in conjunction with either Accelerated Math, Geometry or Algebra 2
** Can be taken simultaneously

At Hamilton High School, we “Dare to Dream”

This guide has been put together to show you the many science opportunities your student has in the Chandler Unified School District. While we believe that every student can be successful, we also believe that each student learns differently and more opportunities are needed to meet their needs. By following the arrows on the guide, you can see the many different paths a student can take to be college science ready. Along the way, your student can earn college credit by taking advantage of Dual Credit classes (Agriscience, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Human Biology). Dual Credit is offered to high school students through the local community college. Students can earn college credit as well as high school credits for each Dual Credit course taken. We also offer Advance Placement (AP) classes. Advance Placement is a cooperative program between secondary schools and colleges/universities. AP classes are college level courses where students have the opportunity to earn college credit. They earn this credit by scoring well on the AP exams given each spring. In 2012- 2013 school year, Hamilton administered 1836 AP exams to 831 students and had 280 AP Scholars.
At Hamilton, we offer a rigorous curriculum that will challenge and enable your student to be college ready for whatever they...
“Dare to Dream”
For additional information on course offerings, Dual Credit and Advance Placement, please contact Hamilton High School at 480.883.5000 or check out Hamilton at www.hamiltonhuskies.com

HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL

3700 S. Arizona Ave.
Chandler, Arizona 85248
480.883.5000

HAMILTON
HIGH SCHOOL

Your Path
to

College
Science Readiness