Science

Science — Grade 12

American Curriculum · Ages 17-18

Twelfth grade science is usually an elective or Advanced Placement course chosen to match a student's intended major: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, or a capstone research course.

AP courses work at introductory college level and are assessed by an exam in May that mixes multiple choice with extended free-response questions requiring experimental design, data analysis and justified conclusions. Support at this level is usually about exam technique and the specific free-response formats as much as content.

Key topics covered

• AP BiologyBiochemistry, cell energetics, heredity, gene expression, evolution and ecology.
• AP ChemistryAtomic structure, bonding, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics and electrochemistry.
• AP PhysicsMechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modern physics.
• AP Environmental ScienceEcosystems, populations, resources, pollution and global change.
• Anatomy & PhysiologyHuman body systems, their structure, function and interdependence.
• Experimental Design & DataDesigning investigations, statistical analysis and justifying conclusions.
• Exam Free-Response TechniqueStructuring extended answers to earn every available AP rubric point.