IB Physics 11 HL
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Chemistry, preferably at the 300 level, and Algebra II/Trigonometry.
IB Physics 11 HL is a two-year course that may be taken to fulfill the requirements of the IB Diploma Program for experimental science or as a certificate course. In year one, the higher level course meets one period per day and has a lab period every other day. Scholars are required to complete a series of experimental labs designed to assess their ability to plan and design experiments, collect and process data, evaluate results and draw scientific conclusions. Scholars will develop analytical and critical thinking skills through these practical labs, as well as through cooperative problem solving activities. Course topics will include mechanics, oscillations and waves, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics, among others. During the first year, scholars will be required to complete a scientific investigation with a written report and complete an interdisciplinary group science project in which they gather information and present their findings to an audience of their peers. In addition, during the first year of the course, IB Physics scholars will sit for the Physics Regents exam in June to fulfill New York State graduation requirements.
IB Physics 12 HL
Prerequisite: IB Physics 11 HL.
IB Physics 12 HL is the second year of a two-year course that fulfills the requirements of the IB Diploma Program for experimental science or completes the certificate course begun in IB Physics 11 HL. This course is devoted to preparing scholars for the higher level (HL) exam in May and completing the remaining IB laboratory requirements. The class meets one period per day and has a lab period every other day. In the second year, scholars delve into new topics including astrophysics, thermal physics, particle physics and the greenhouse effect, among others. An international perspective will be infused throughout the year as scholars explore the physical causes and effects of global warming and climate change and study the science of worldwide energy production.
IB Chemistry SL
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors or Regents Chemistry.
IB Chemistry SL is a one-year course that may be taken to fulfill the requirements of the IB Diploma Program for experimental science or as a certificate course. The course meets one period per day and has a lab period every other day. Scholars will develop analytical and critical thinking skills through practical lab experimentation and cooperative problem solving activities. The curriculum delves more deeply into chemistry topics covered in the Regents curriculum, including quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and organic chemistry. IB Chemistry scholars will also study advanced topics including environmental chemistry and the chemistry of medicine and drugs. In addition to the SL written exam administered in May, scholars are required to complete a series of experimental labs designed to assess their ability to plan experiments, collect and process data, evaluate results, and draw scientific conclusions. Participants in the course will be required to complete a scientific investigation with a written report and an interdisciplinary group science project in which they gather information and present their findings to an audience of their peers.