Overview of the Chemistry Curriculum

Honors Chemistry

General: Honors Chemistry is a full year course designed to prepare students to succeed in a college, freshman level laboratory course such as chemistry or biology. It is rigorous with an emphasis on problem solving rather than memorizing vocabulary terms or scientific “facts.” Although there is no separate laboratory class, we will still be including laboratory work in the course. The chemistry portion of this course far exceeds that required to meet the Delaware Science Standards.


Students: Honors Chemistry is targeted for college able students who may be planning a science or science-related field of study. Students must be able to solve simple, three and four variable equations using basic algebra. Additionally, they must be familiar with and capable of making mathematical calculations using logarithms and scientific notation. Students who complete this course will have a good background to register for AP chemistry in their senior year. This course is the recommended path to AP chemistry.

 

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Physical Science

 

General: Physical Science class is a full year course designed to fulfill the physical science requirement for graduation. Although there is no separate laboratory class, we will still be including some laboratory style work in the course. The physical science portion of this course meets the requirements set forth in the Delaware Science Standards.

 

Students: Physical Science is targeted for students who do not currently plan future study of science. Students must be able to solve simple, three and four variable equations using a calculator. Students who complete this course will not have the background to be prepared for AP Chemistry in their senior year. If you would like to take AP Chemistry in your Senior year, you must take Honors Chemistry instead of Physical Science.