Science Department

Department School Based Teacher Lead – Jalimar Martinez: jmartinez2@philasd.org

Terms and Definitions

General (G): A class designed for students to meet their graduation competencies in a given area.

Sheltered (S): A class instruction designed for English Language Learners, and its goal is to teach content to EL’s that is at grade level and rigorous, yet comprehensible.

Honors (H): All honors courses are advanced in nature and material, and are highly recommended for gifted, motivated, and college-bound students.

Advanced Placement (AP): These courses follow a curriculum mandated by the College Board. Students in any grade may take AP courses (as long as any prerequisites are completed) and AP exams. Students are required to take a college placement exam in order to obtain college credit in the subject area.

International Baccalaureate (IB): These courses follow a curriculum mandated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) in Cardiff, Wales. Only juniors and seniors are eligible to take IB classes and exams.

Career and Technical Education (CTE): Courses that are part of a state-approved program where students learn skills and are able to apply their knowledge to real-world applications. These courses help prepare students to enter the workforce or college once they graduate high school.

Courses Offered & Suggested Grade it is Taken:

9th Grade:

  • Environmental Science (G, S, H)

10th Grade:

  • Biology (G, S, H)
  • AP Biology

11th Grade:

  • Chemistry (G, S, H)
  • AP Biology
  • IB Chemistry – SL + SL2

12th Grade:

  • Physics (H)
  • AP Biology
  • IB Physics – SL2

Math Electives**:

  • Botany
  • Earth Science
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Forensics
  • Contemporary Issues in Science
  • Computer Science
  • IB Extended Essay
  • IB Theory of Knowledge
  • AP Computer Science Principles

 

** Not all courses are offered each year. Work with your counselor to plan your courses for the following year.

Dual-Enrollment at the Community College of Philadelphia:

  • BIOL 106 – General Biology I
  • BIOL 109 – Anatomy and Physiology I
  • CHEM 110 –  Introductory Chemistry
  • CIS 103 – Applied Computer Technology
  • CIS 106 – Introduction to Computer Programming