Anonymous
Post 02/09/2023 02:58     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote: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.


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)


I thought it wasn't far off from AP Physics 1. Lots of kids self studied for the few missing concepts and took the test. (Not mine, not interested).


The point is it doesn't adequately prepares students for the AP physics exam. It will require extensive self-study to make up the difference.
Anonymous
Post 02/09/2023 00:00     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote: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.


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)


I thought it wasn't far off from AP Physics 1. Lots of kids self studied for the few missing concepts and took the test. (Not mine, not interested).
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 22:56     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote: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.


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)


I disagree. Many magnet kids take AP Physics test after 1 sem class. The .25 research and experimentation class is a lot like physics lab 1 sem and Chem lab 2nd sem. So students get more than 1 period of physics.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 20:10     Subject: Re:SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What is APUSH?


AP US History


Thank you


Does anyone know if the AP US History teacher is good? If there's more than one, are they all equally good?

TIA!
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 17:17     Subject: Re:SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What is APUSH?


AP US History


Thank you
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 17:07     Subject: Re:SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:What is APUSH?


AP US History
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 17:05     Subject: Re:SMAC Question
What is APUSH?
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 16:58     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Do you mind sharing what are the four hs credits she earned at Clemente?


Heh... I'll try to correct the quoting mess I started... *fingers crossed*

Spanish 1 & 2 - 1 credit each
Mag Algebra - 1 credit
Mag Geometry - 1 credit
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 16:58     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
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.



It is hard to recall the details, but the workload was light for that course so I think that was why there was less credit. They already have plenty of work to do in 9th grade.

Because they take an extra class and also received high school credit for advanced math classes and language classes in middle school, magnet kids earn many more credits than they will ever need to graduate. Looking at the requirements, my kid could graduate a year early just by taking an English class in the summer.




I understand that the .25 credit is a little weird, but I wouldn't worry about it. My daughter picked up 4 HS credits at Clemente and will have way more than needed after four years at Poolesville. She loved R&E. Learned how to use band saws and miter saws and all sorts of tools. It was like math and shop class rolled into one. I'm now having to kick her out of my shop when I have a project to get done


Do you mind sharing what are the four hs credits she earned at Clemente?


Different poster but probably three foreign language credits and geometry.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 16:53     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
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.



It is hard to recall the details, but the workload was light for that course so I think that was why there was less credit. They already have plenty of work to do in 9th grade.

Because they take an extra class and also received high school credit for advanced math classes and language classes in middle school, magnet kids earn many more credits than they will ever need to graduate. Looking at the requirements, my kid could graduate a year early just by taking an English class in the summer.




I understand that the .25 credit is a little weird, but I wouldn't worry about it. My daughter picked up 4 HS credits at Clemente and will have way more than needed after four years at Poolesville. She loved R&E. Learned how to use band saws and miter saws and all sorts of tools. It was like math and shop class rolled into one. I'm now having to kick her out of my shop when I have a project to get done


Do you mind sharing what are the four hs credits she earned at Clemente?
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 16:49     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
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.



It is hard to recall the details, but the workload was light for that course so I think that was why there was less credit. They already have plenty of work to do in 9th grade.

Because they take an extra class and also received high school credit for advanced math classes and language classes in middle school, magnet kids earn many more credits than they will ever need to graduate. Looking at the requirements, my kid could graduate a year early just by taking an English class in the summer.




I understand that the .25 credit is a little weird, but I wouldn't worry about it. My daughter picked up 4 HS credits at Clemente and will have way more than needed after four years at Poolesville. She loved R&E. Learned how to use band saws and miter saws and all sorts of tools. It was like math and shop class rolled into one. I'm now having to kick her out of my shop when I have a project to get done
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 15:59     Subject: SMAC Question

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.



It is hard to recall the details, but the workload was light for that course so I think that was why there was less credit. They already have plenty of work to do in 9th grade.

Because they take an extra class and also received high school credit for advanced math classes and language classes in middle school, magnet kids earn many more credits than they will ever need to graduate. Looking at the requirements, my kid could graduate a year early just by taking an English class in the summer.


Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 13:24     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote: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.


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)


What is the magnet Physics class after which most of the kids take the Physics AP exam? Mathematical Physics?


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.


And you have to be invited into that class.


So, when do most kids end up taking the AP Physics exam? After which Physics class?


Most dont take it. Only the Math Physics kids take it, and not all of them.. Blair SMAC is not an AP focused program. If you are focused on that, you are in the wrong place. I know the Magnet Coordinator says this every year. The Bio class do not prepare you either, you’d need to self study. The Magnet calc, and Stat prepare you, the comp sci prepares you. Everything else, not really.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 13:20     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote: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.


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)


What is the magnet Physics class after which most of the kids take the Physics AP exam? Mathematical Physics?


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.


And you have to be invited into that class.


So, when do most kids end up taking the AP Physics exam? After which Physics class?
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2023 13:01     Subject: SMAC Question
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote: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.


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)


What is the magnet Physics class after which most of the kids take the Physics AP exam? Mathematical Physics?


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.


And you have to be invited into that class.