INSTRUCTION

 All Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre Arts and Visual Arts students enroll in core mathematics and science courses. Students take a math course and a science course each year. (Mathematics and Science specialty program students satisfy core math and science requirements in their specialty classes.)

The following list describes the core courses available in each area. Students typically follow the curriculum in order with initial placement depending on age, grade in school and prior background. Exceptions are possible if approved in writing and in advance by the Director of Curriculum & Instruction.

Mathematics

Prealgebra (Grade 7-9) This course focuses on the exploration of the algebraic concepts to foster the transition between arithmetic and algebra . The student becomes more proficient with the operations involving rational numbers and studies the foundations of Algebra I. (1 unit required)

Algebra I (Grade 7-10) This is an in-depth study of algebraic concepts and the real number system. Simplifying expressions, solving equations and inequalities, function concepts, graphing linear expressions and applying formulas to find perimeter, area, volume, circumference, distance, midpoint, and slope are included in this course. This course is fundamental for graduation from any high school and meets the needs of every student. (1 unit required)

Geometry (Grade 8-11) Geometry provides experiences to increase students’ understanding of shapes and properties in practical tasks, recreations, sciences, and the arts. Translations, rotations and reflections are used to describe how objects move. Deducing properties and making assumptions are the part of geometry that teach logical thinking. Geometry is also a course required for graduation from all high schools. (1 unit required) 

Algebra II/Trigonometry (Grades 9-12) This course provides a more in-depth understanding of the concepts presented in Algebra I, while introducing several higher level topics. Function graphing, systems of equations, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions are all covered. A student who is college bound should include this math class, which is required for the Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement. (1 unit) 

Precalculus (Grades 10-12) This is a college-preparatory class that follows successful completion of the Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry sequence. Functions studied include: limits, polynomials, logarithmic, exponential, rational, trigonometric, matrices, and complex numbers. Polar graphing and vectors are introduced. This course is strongly recommended, but not required, for college bound students. (1 unit) 

AP Calculus (Grades 10-12) This is a college level class recommended for students interested in pursuing a college major like engineering, architecture, social or biological sciences. The course begins with a review of the functions of previous math classes and then proceeds to the derivative - or rate of change. The integral is the total change calculated from the rate of change. The Advanced Placement exam is optional for students at end of the class. (1 unit)

Statistics (Grades 11-12) Statistics for non-majors – An introductory statistics course

Science

Science 7: Life Science. This course focuses on the characteristics of living things: growth and development; reproduction; use of energy; response to environment; and more.  Structures and classification are examined for single and multi-cell organisms.  An introduction to genetics is also included.  (1 unit required)

Science 8: Physical Science. This course integrates chemistry and physics by emphasizing the interrelationships between the two. It is a laboratory based science course where the focus is on the scientific process. This course provides a firm foundation for scientific literacy and the pusuit of subsequent science courses. (1 unit required)

Biology (Grade 9) Living things are studied from the cellular level to the human biology. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of living things, how structure relates to function. Science as a process is also emphasized. (1 unit required)

Physical Science (Grade 10) This is a laboratory based class which emphasizes the relationship between matter and energy. Scientific measurements and conversions are studied. Students are prepared for chemistry and physics. (1 unit required)

Agriscience (Grades 9 -12) The Art of Science of Agriculture Program (ASAP) is an interdisciplinary agriscience course in which students must attend classroom sessions and do lab work in the field (literally).  ASAP may be taken as a summer course divided into two four-week sessions, or in regular semesters during the school year. One half unit is earned during each semester.  Taking both semesters is strongly recommended.  The course is an outdoor experience and an opportunity to serve the community. (.5 unit/semester)

AP/Honors Environmental Science (Grades 11-12) The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methods required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions to resolving and preventing them.  Students are qualified to take the Advanced Placement exam when they have completed the course. (1 unit)

Chemistry (Grade 11) Prerequisite: Algebra I. This course introduces students to the theoretical principles behind basic inorganic chemical concepts. It is a laboratory class that covers chemical principles that will prepare student for college level chemistry. Students must have the ability to perform advanced algebraic operations and independently solve word problems. (1 unit)

Forensic Science (Grades 12) Students will study and reproduce the science and chemistry behind crime-solving techniques, investigate and examine famous cases in the past and present, and explore writing exercises in the genre of mysteries. (1 unit)

Human Anatomy and Physiology (Grade 11-12) Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment). This is a comprehensive course in the study of the human body and how it works. It is a laboratory class that studies the structure and function of each organ system. Cat and/or fetal pig dissections, light microscopic examination of prepared sections and physiological experiments are used to study the organ systems. (1 unit)

Physics (Grade 12) Prerequisite:  Algebra II.  Algebra-based Physics course. (1 unit)

 

This website describes the present courses, requirements, programs and services of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, which are subject to change at any time according to state requirements and the policies and procedures of the school.