How Many Science Credits Do You Need to Graduate High School in Arizona?
In general terms, students in Arizona must complete three (3) credits of science courses that cover topics such as physical, earth and space, and life sciences. However, there is no mandatory course sequence across the state. Instead, the high school standards are written at two levels: essential and plus.
- All high school students should learn the essential standards, regardless of the 3-credit course sequence taken. The full set of essential high school (HS) standards is designed to be taught over a three-year period.
- Designed to enhance the rigor of general science courses, high school plus (HS+) standards extend the essential standards within general chemistry (HS+C), physics (HS+Phy), earth and space sciences (HS+E), or biology (HS+B). With this additional rigor, HS+, these courses should prepare students for college-level science courses.
Is Chemistry Required in High School in Arizona?
As with other states, Arizona's public high schools are required to offer a number of courses that will prepare students for various post-secondary options. This includes some science courses as stated in Arizona Administrative Code R7-2-302. Per the 2018 Arizona Science Standards, students must demonstrate proficiency in the following chemistry topics:
Chemistry – P1
Structures and Properties of Matter
Essential HS.P1U1.1
Develop and use models to explain the relationship of the structure of atoms to patterns and properties observed within the Periodic Table and describe how these models are revised with new evidence.
HS+
Physical Science Plus (+) Standards HS+C are supporting standards designed to be used with the essential standards for students taking a high school chemistry (C) course.
Plus HS+C.P1U1.1
Develop and use models to demonstrate how changes in the number of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons) affect the identity, stability, and properties of the element.
Plus HS+C.P1U1.2
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate the qualitative evidence supporting claims about how atoms absorb and emit energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
Plus HS+C.P1U1.3
Analyze and interpret data to develop and support an explanation for the relationships between kinetic molecular theory and gas laws.
Chemical Reactions
Essential HS.P1U1.2
Develop and use models for the transfer or sharing of electrons to predict the formation of ions, molecules, and compounds in both natural and synthetic processes.
Essential HS.P1U1.3
Ask questions, plan, and carry out investigations to explore the cause and effect relationship between reaction rate factors.
HS+
Physical Science Plus (+) Standards HS+C are supporting standards designed to be used with the essential standards for students taking a high school chemistry (C) course.
Plus HS+C.P1U1.4
Develop and use models to predict and explain forces within and between molecules.
Plus HS+C.P1U1.5
Plan and carry out investigations to test predictions of the outcomes of various reactions, based on patterns of physical and chemical properties.
Plus HS+C.P1U1.6
Construct an explanation, design a solution, or refine the design of a chemical system in equilibrium to maximize production.
Plus HS+C.P1U1.7
Use mathematics and computational thinking to determine stoichiometric relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions.