january 29, 2015 rick leuschner- chemistry teacher

Science Department

Upper Class (10-12)Course Selection Guide

January 29, 2015Rick Leuschner- Chemistry Teacher

Students are required to pass 3 science credits to graduate.

Students must take Biology (only required course) and 2 other electives.

Our Department believes that each student should take a course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics before leaving Central Dauphin.

Students taking and passing 6 or more science courses will receive Science Merit Awards at Senior Awards Night.

Requirements/Guidelines

There are 2 tracks to follow:

Science TrackNon-Science Track

This track is recommended for all students planning on

college programs in science, medicine, or

engineering.

This track is recommended for all students planning

on college programs NOT in science, medicine

or engineering.

Course Selection Flow Chart

Central Dauphin Website:http://www.cdschools.org

Select: AcademicsSelect: Science DepartmentSelect: WelcomeSelect: Course Selection Chart

Course Selection ChartAvailable at:

http://www.cdschools.org/



Earth Systems Science

Biology I (required) Honors Biology Biology II AP Biology

Human Influences on the Environment

Chemistry Honors Chemistry Organic Chemistry AP Chemistry

Science Physics AP Physics 1 AP Physics 2

14 Courses Offered:


Biology II AP Biology



Physics AP Physics 1 AP Physics 2

11 Science Electives:

If you are taking 9th Grade Science, then you have 1 option:

◦ Biology (required)

If you are taking Honors Biology, then you have the 2 options:

◦ Honors Chemistry (recommendation from teacher)

◦ Chemistry

Incoming 10th Graders:

If you are majoring in science, medicine, or engineering, then you should be taking 4 or more science courses.

Students should “double-up” and take 2 courses in the same year.

Examples include:◦ Physics and Organic Chemistry◦ Physics and AP Chemistry◦ AP Biology and Organic Chemistry◦ Biology II and Organic Chemistry◦ AP Biology and AP Chemistry

*see 11 electives on previous slide

Incoming 10th Graders:


Biology II AP Biology



Physics AP Physics 1 AP Physics 2

Review of 11 Science Electives:

Central Dauphin Website at:http://www.cdschools.org

Select: AcademicsSelect: Science Department

Information Available




Scientific LiteracyProblem Solving/Critical Thinking Independent/Collaborative WorkSelf-Responsible BehaviorCommunication SkillsLaboratory Skills

Skills Emphasized

Students must be…◦ Self-Motivated◦ Self-Focused◦ Mathematically Adept◦ Problem Solving Focused

Upper Level Science Courses

Students must have good…◦Study Skills◦Verbal Skills◦Writing Skills◦Lab Skills◦Research Skills

AP Course - Expectations

AP Courses are challenging and require extensive work outside of class.

AP Courses require self-study to be successful.


AP Courses require comprehension of material and focus on the student’s ability to apply content to new situations.


AP Courses emphasize mastery of material and focus on the student’s ability to connect multi-content areas.


Friends of the SwampPennsylvania Science and Engineering FairPennsylvania Jr. Academy of ScienceScience OlympiadEnvirothon

Activities and Clubs Offered

Central Dauphin Website at:http://www.cdschools.org

Select: AcademicsSelect: Science Department

All Information is Available at:




january 29, 2015 rick leuschner- chemistry teacher

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