Do you know the various science classes you’re supposed to take in high school?
As you approach graduation, do you know the science subjects that colleges will expect you to have taken, and that you are still considered to be somewhat good at?
Most high schools in the United States require children to finish at least two years of science curricula to graduate. In most cases, high school science courses, involve a lab component where' students engage in experiments for experiential learning purposes. With their courses, you can get the needed knowledge and enjoy your education level at a different standard.
Here’s what the typical high school science curriculum entails.
Top 4 science courses that you should take
1. Biology
As a freshman, biology is usually the first science subject that you’ll learn and have at your school. Well, did you know that there’s a sequence?
Yes, that’s right.
Educators proposed starting with biology because the subject takes a lesser focus on mathematics, unlike chemistry or physics. Math can be seen as a complex subject where' some students need to have passion & talent to fully conquer it and understand.
Consequently, the high school curriculum allows you to enroll in various math courses and hone your skills before you’re required to apply them in science subjects.
Some of the concepts you expect to study in biology class include:
- Cells
- Ecology
- Organisms and how they interact with their surrounding
- Genetics
- Human growth and development
Even if you’re not interested in pursuing a science course in college, high chances are that you’ll enjoy biology. Often students have reported that biology helps ease them into more complex sciences. It is also fun to read, easy to understand, and it can be a broad subject that most guys or girls can easily master.
2. Chemistry
In your sophomore year, you’ll be taught chemistry. As you might expect, it involves more calculations and lab work than biology, but some kids/students enjoy that, especially if they are naturally gifted for this subject or semi-complex tasks.
During your chemistry classes in high school, you’ll delve into topics like:
- Acids and bases
- Reaction rates
- The mole concept
- Chemical energy
Chemistry is a bit more complex than biology and you can either love it or hate it. Not a lot of people are just ”in-between-” when it comes to it. However, proper preparation and a good teacher will make your learning experience and your school days a lot more fun. They can come up with loads of different & practical tasks for you to master and they can make your learning experience a fun one.
If you want to be successful in chemistry, you should be attentive and use practice problems. Make sure that you have an interest in chemical reactions and math equations and you will love chem.
You’ll realize that the calculations get easier with time, that’s for sure.
3. Physics
Your junior year of high school is probably the first time you’ll have options regarding your science subject of choice. This is what the rules are like in most schools around the world. Well, if you choose physics, here’s what to expect.
The main topic you’ll cover in physics include:
- Matter, time, and space
- Optics and light
- Motion and force
- Electricity and magnetic forces
- Atomic physics
Often, students who pick physics are confident in their mathematics and scientific abilities. The subject requires high-level math skills like algebra, etc. If you are into numbers and you find atoms and speed of light to be interesting as a concept, you won’t mind learning even more about them, right?
Other groups who opt for physics are those planning to study math or science, and those looking to apply to more competitive colleges in the future. Physics has a high level of difficulty, thus looks better on a college application. If you are an ambitious person you will enjoy a good challenge for an amazing cause.
Physics is not for slackers, so you must hit the ground running. Luckily, Adobe Education Exchange has plenty of resources on high school science courses, which can help you get better at physics.
4. Physical/Earth Science
Last, but not least, there is physical/earth science. If you’re less confident in your science or math abilities just know that physical/earth science can be a great go-to science course in your junior year. It doesn’t focus much on math and isn’t as rigorous as physics, yet it can be easy to master within a short time frame.
Here’s what you’ll focus on & study:
- Life processes
- Weather
- Astronomy
- Geology
Finally, if you studied science during your first three years, you don’t have to join a science class in your senior year. However, if science fascinates you, you can enroll in extra science classes like -environmental science, or forensic science. This way you will enjoy the extra credentials that you can get + you will do something that truly fulfills you and makes you happy.
Fun facts
1. Did you know that most California public high schools require the equivalent of between- 22 and 26 yearlong courses?
2. Did you know that a lot of U.S. schools offer foreign language courses, but only 11 states require students to take a foreign language course?
3. Students who want to better their chances for future college applications need to consider AP classes. AP classes are more rigorous courses that teach subjects at an introductory college level, and they include Calculus, History, Biology, Chemistry & English Literature.
Which subject was your favorite/still is?
In the end, which subject was your favorite back in elementary or high school days? If you are still in school what is your favorite subject at the moment from our list? Not everyone is a fan of science subjects, but if you are and you are still trying to master some topics & explore new fields you can always give it a go and refresh your memory!