2026-2027 TSD Course Description Book - Flipbook - Page 52
AP Physics 2 (104253/204253)
Grades 10-12
Full Year 1.0 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
This course satisfies 1 credit of math related graduation requirement. Students are required to complete Chemistry 1, Physics 1 and
Physics 2 prior to taking this course. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Physics 2 exam. The Physics 2
AP course includes topics in electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, atomic and nuclear physics, waves, sound, and optics. The
course is designed to be equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. This course does not typically meet
the physics requirements for physics and engineering majors at the college level. Students planning a major other than physics or
engineering, unsure of their college major, or interested in the wide range of topics in physics should consider taking this course.
AP Physics C (104263/204263)
Grades 10-12
Full year 1.0 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
This course satisfies 1 credit of math related graduation requirement. Students are required to complete Chemistry 1, Physics
1, Physics 2 and Calculus (may be concurrently enrolled) prior to taking this course. This course will prepare the student for
the advanced placement Physics C Exam. The Physics C course includes topics in mechanics and electricity & magnetism
with approximately equal emphasis on these two areas. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging
problems. Calculus is used freely in formulating principles and in solving problems. Most engineering colleges recognize and
grant credit for AP Physics C.
Astronomy (004212)
Grades 10-12
1 semester 0.5 credits
Meets NCAA requirements
Students are required to complete Algebra 1 prior to taking this course. Students will explore modern concepts in astronomy
through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on laboratory experiences. Topics include constellation
identification, night-sky observations, planetary surfaces and atmospheres, black holes, galaxies, exoplanets, dark matter, and
the ultimate fate of the universe. The course emphasizes observation, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the science
behind the cosmos.
Environmental Science: Human Impact (004314)
Grades 10-12
1 semester 0.5 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
Students are required to complete Biology prior to taking this course. This interdisciplinary course explores the dynamic relationship
between humans and the environment, emphasizing the science behind climate systems and sustainability. Students will investigate
patterns in both climate and weather. Students will examine energy flow through our biosphere and the ways in which humans are
disrupting those patterns. Participants will evaluate societal structures for obtaining resources and explore the economic and
environmental implications for doing so. Students will engage in data analysis, debate, scientific modeling, and research to foster
critical thinking about sustainable solutions to minimize human impact.
AP Environmental Science (104273/204273)
Grades 10-12
1 year 1.0 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
Students are required to complete Biology, Chemistry 1 and Physics 1 OR Chemistry 2. Students will explore and investigate
the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human made. Topics will
include Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Populations, Earth Systems and Resources, Land and Water Use, Energy and Resources,
Pollution and Global Change. Laboratory investigations and field work are integral components of this course. This course is
designed to prepare students for the College Board exam in the Spring. Skills you will learn: Explaining environmental
concepts and processes, analyzing data, visual representations, and writings, applying quantitative methods in solving
problems, proposing a solution for an environmental problem and supporting your idea with evidence and analyzing a
research study to identify a hypothesis. This course satisfies the Earth Science Graduation Requirement.
