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What are the classes the freshmen actually take, by period?
I am totally confused, by the 0.25 credit per semester research thing, and how they get a whole credit for physics in one semester if it's one period, is it two? Also, does everyone take the same computer class, or are there levels? |
They get a whole credit per semester for both chemistry and physics because they compress the whole year into a one semester course. Everyone takes the same computer science class first semester, and then they choose between two different levels for second semester. R & E is .25 credits per semester. They learn to use tools and then build projects / do experiments that support the content from their other classes. I believe the classes are: Math Science (Physics first semester, Chem second semester) Computer Science R & E English US History 2 electives (most kids take World Language for 1 of these. The other could be music/art, PE, etc.) |
But is Physics one period, and a whole credit, and R and E is one period and a quarter credit? Or is physics a double period? Do you know the names of the computer science classes? |
Yes, Physics (and Chem) & R&E are single period classes. |
DP. This is a nice summary! |
Is it AP Physics equivalent? |
No it is not, It is more similar to Honors Physics compressed in to one semester. If you want to maximize AP classes, SMAC is not the best choice (though it is a great program learning wise) |
| The 9th and 10th grade schedules listed here match my child's schedules: https://mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/courses.php. Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Science were one semester classes. Biology was two. Language takes up one elective. Art/PE the other. |
What is the magnet Physics class after which most of the kids take the Physics AP exam? Mathematical Physics? |
Magnet kids can do 2X the work in half the time. |
That's an optional class and the magnet physics class does not exactly prepare kids for the AP exam. It's more like honors physics with a focus on teaching kids to think like scientists. |
| At the info session on Monday, they said that Blair is now offering a choice of Hon. History or AP US History for 9th graders, but discouraged taking APUSH as it was very demanding. My question is if kids can instead take AP NSL in 9th grade instead of Hon. History? And, just take APUSH in 10th? That is our home school sequence. |
I would not take APUSH as a 9th grader in SMAC. Blair hasn’t allowed AP NSL in 9th in the past. You’d have to talk to Counseling. |
Except then it really doesn't make sense that they spend a whole period on R & E and get 1/4 credit. That's where I'm totally confused. |
Math Physics is reputed to be one of the hardest magent classes. It is not related to AP Physics. My magnet kid was not interested in physics and didn't go further after freshman year. |