AP Classes: Science

Katherine M. Strait, Website Managing Editor and Copy Editor

AP Biology

(Zoey Lin)

AP Biology covers evolution, ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology and other topics that can build off a foundation taught in honors or regular biology classes. It is offered to juniors and seniors, and there are no necessary prerequisites; however, students who took honors biology the year prior may find that the content comes to them quickly.

“I took AP Bio because I wanted to push myself, because I usually struggle with science. But there’s a lot of opportunity for collaboration, so my friends helped me when I didn’t understand. I wound up learning a lot and got to do labs about DNA and genetics, which were cool because you could relate it to yourself.”

-Ava Cowan, 12

Homework Per Night: 30-60 Mins

Challenge Level: 7/10

Exam Pass Rate: 70%

AP Chemistry

(Zoey Lin)

AP Chemistry explores topics like the kinetic theory of gasses, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, and basic principles of thermodynamics and more. It provides a background for people interested in pharmacy, chemical engineering, and environmental sciences.

“I love Ms. Russo’s teaching style because it’s very chaotic, but it’s a fun challenge to organize the information we get. The triathlon lab was especially difficult because we had to drip acid into a base to get our solution to turn a certain color. There’s such a small threshold you have to reach, and it’s chaotic fun.”

-Liam Fields, 12

Homework Per Night: 45-75 Mins

Challenge Level: 9/10

National Exam Pass Rate: 77.9%

Clayton Exam Pass Rate: 95.2%

AP Physics

(Zoey Lin)

AP Physics is a math-heavy science course that covers kinematics, energy, and different types of motion. The class offers AP Physics I and AP Physics I/II, with the latter being the more advanced, fast-paced option. It is primarily taught to seniors, and advances on what is taught in freshman physics or honors physics.

“AP Physics is challenging, but once you know what you're doing, it's not so hard. I took it because I really enjoyed freshman Physics, and AP Physics covers a lot of the same concepts. At first, Newton's laws seemed difficult to understand, but now I see how they connect to the real-world scenarios and even simple things like driving or opening a door.”

-Cosi Pusateri, 12

Homework Per Night: 30-60 Mins

Challenge Level: 8/10

National Exam Pass Rate: Physics I (67.3%), Physics II (72.6%)

Clayton Exam Pass Rate: Physics I (97.6%), Physics II (92%)

AP Environmental Science (APES)

(Zoey Lin)

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary science course offered to juniors and seniors that explores the relationships between humans and the natural world, focusing on ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change and resource use. The class emphasized real-world applications, data analysis, and problem-solving.

“I chose to take APES because in college I am hoping to have one major in environmental science, and I wanted to start getting the basic knowledge I’ll need. I enjoy learning about the environment and the scientific reasoning for the way things occur. If you are deciding between APES and another science course, you should consider taking both, since APES isn’t super heavy in lab work or outside homework.”

-Amelia Lewis, 12

Homework Per Night: None

Challenge Level: 3/10

National Exam Pass Rate: 69.2%

Clayton Exam Pass Rate: 88%

Stories Using This Infobox

AP Course Guide: Science

The Globe

The Globe

The Globe

The Globe