AHS Science

Since earth and space standards are part of the Iowa Academic Standards, AHS does require students to take earth and space science coursework.  A science knowledge base grounded in such standards are foundational and contribute to a scientific literate AHS graduate. Consequently, AHS does not currently offer a test out option for Earth/Space Science.

All students at AHS must take and pass both earth/space science and biology in order to take chemistry.  Passing both courses provides evidence of standards mastery and readiness to proceed to the rigors of chemistry. When a high school student enrolls in Ames High we submit a transcripts request. The transcript provides evidence of the level of standards acquisition and proficiency. We use this information to make course placement decisions. We do ask for evidence of proficiency related to completed coursework for all students who enroll at AHS.  

SCENARIO 1: 

Student is a current 9th grader. He wants to take AP Physics as a senior and is currently taking Biology at home. This is what is desired:

9 - Biology (at home)

10 - Chemistry

11 - Physics

12 - AP Physics

OPTIONS:  If there is evidence (typically provided via transcript) that the student has taken and passed a course aligned to recognized state or national science standards in the area of biology then the student would have the requisite knowledge to move along to chemistry. If the student would like to accelerate to AP Chemistry, the student would need to take the AP Placement exam. 

SCENARIO 2: Student is a current 10th grader and wanting Chemistry for 11th grade, but took Biology at home. 

OPTIONS:  If there is evidence that this student's academic coursework in earth/space science and biology is aligned to national/state academic standards and there is strong evidence of content mastery via that coursework, he may be able to take the chemistry course. However, barring substantial and through evidence regarding mastery content-area standards, the student will need to take both prerequisite courses prior to chemistry. 

SCENARIO 3: To take AP Physics, a student will need to do one of the following:

• Take the normal yearlong physics course at AHS as a pre-req.

• Complete an acceleration request (in February) and then take the placement exam in August, scoring at least 80%.

• Present evidence that they’ve taken a course in the same content area outside of AHS

Students are required to take a year-long physics course as a precursor to AP Physics. Students need to successfully pass the physics course in order to take AP Physics. However, students may also demonstrate readiness for AP Physics by taking an AP Placement test. A proficiency level of 80% or more on the placement examination is required for acceleration into an AP course. In this example, passing the AP Placement exam waives the prerequisite physics course requirement. Please see page 6 in the course planning handbook for acceleration information and request forms.

If a student has satisfactorily completed coursework outside of AHS and this coursework aligns to the same prerequisite standards (Iowa Academic Standards or national standards) and coursework offered at the high school, the student may be placed in the next level of science class. However, there needs to be substantial evidence regarding mastery of content-area standards and coursework. This evidence is typically provided through a transcript review process. 

SCENARIO 4: If a student wants to take AP Physics Jr year and AP Chem Senior year, options are: 

• Take Earth Science Fr. Year (I assume this is his only option as a freshman)

• Take normal Bio So. Year (if he passed the placement exam, could he take it sophomore year?)

• Take placement exams to take AP Chem & Physics Jr. & Sr. year & maybe AP Bio.

The student would need to take earth/space science during his freshman year. During the student's 10th grade year, he would take Biology.  If interested in AP Biology, the student would need to take the AP Placement exam and accelerate into AP Biology based on a passing score. Prior to 11th and/or 12th grades, the student could take the AP Placement exams for AP Chemistry and AP Physics and with passing scores could double up AP course work during one of those years, or take one course each of the two years.