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The Allegany County Public School System science curriculum provides the organization and structure for what a student is to know and be able to do by the end of a course. The basis for each high school curricula is identified in the Core Learning Goals (CLG) for Earth/Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science.
System Beliefs about Science
- Science is for all students.
- All students must have the opportunity to attain high levels of scientific literacy. Scientific literacy means being able to use scientific knowledge and ways of thinking in daily life. Scientific literacy ensures the ability of our students to participate fully as informed citizens and decision-makers in a scientific and technological world.
- Learning science is an active process.
- Students learn science by describing objects and events and asking questions.
- Students learn science by acquiring knowledge and construction explanations of natural phenomena.
- Students learn science by testing those explanations many different ways, and communicating their ideas to others. This allows students to actively develop understanding of science by combining scientific knowledge with reasoning and thinking skills.
- The goal of science is for students to recognize that science is more than a body of knowledge. It is a way of investigating.
- Students have the opportunity to examine the impact science has and will continue to have on society.
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Graduation Requirements - Science
A student must earn three credits in high school science in order to earn a diploma. One of the credits must be Biology and students entering grade 9 in 2005 and later must pass the MSDE high school assessment in biology.
Advanced Placement (AP) Course Offerings - Science
A full complement of Advanced Placement (AP) courses is offered: Biology, Chemistry, Physics B and Environmental Science. The course syllabi for all AP classes have been approved by the College Board as meeting the criteria of content rigor. Students prepare for optional May assessments that may award college credit for a passing score of 3, 4, or 5 depending upon the college or university the student chooses to attend.
Methods of Instruction - Science
In the high school program students are engaged in the use of computers, probes, scanners, digitized cameras, and other forms of technology when completing laboratory investigations and projects.
Recommended Course Sequence - Science
The high school course sequence for many students is earth/space science, biology, chemistry or environmental science and/or physics. However, students who plan to go to college in a science field or prepare for a medical career follow the sequence of Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Placement Biology and/or Advanced Placement Chemistry. In addition, high school students may enroll in a dual enrollment program whereby they can earn 12 -14 college credits as seniors and also receive high school credit.
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