Michigan Department of Education · Science · 9–12

Michigan 9–12 Science Standards & Skills Strand-by-strand, course-by-course reference for the Michigan Science Standards (NGSS-aligned) covering Biology and Chemistry, with curated free resources, AP exam coverage, and Troy SD curriculum overlay where identifiable.

About the Michigan Science Standards

Michigan's Science Standards mirror NGSS for K–12. HS Biology and Chemistry are anchored in Disciplinary Core Ideas with codes like HS-LS1-1 (Life Sciences) and HS-PS1-1 (Physical Sciences). Each standard integrates content with science practices (asking questions, analyzing data, constructing explanations, etc.) and cross-cutting concepts (cause/effect, systems, energy, structure/function).

Primary source: Michigan K-12 Science Standards (PDF)

Biology · Grades 9–10 (typically)

Required HS course in Michigan. Anchored in four Life Science Disciplinary Core Ideas. Troy SD offers Biology (1.0 credit), Honors Biology, and AP Biology.

📊 MDE Standards Matrix
Domain / Strand MDE Standards Skill / What students learn Free Resources Troy SD Curriculum AP Coverage
HS-LS1
Molecules to Organisms

HS-LS1-1 thru HS-LS1-7
  • Cell structure & function
  • DNA replication, transcription, translation
  • Photosynthesis & cellular respiration
  • Homeostasis & feedback
 Likely Miller & Levine Biology (Pearson/Savvas) [unverified] HS-LS1 covered in AP Bio Unit 2 (Cell Structure) + Unit 3 (Cellular Energetics) + Unit 6 (Gene Expression)
HS-LS2
Ecosystems

HS-LS2-1 thru HS-LS2-8
  • Carrying capacity
  • Energy & matter cycling
  • Biodiversity & ecosystem dynamics
  • Group behavior
 Same as above AP Bio Unit 8 (Ecology) covers HS-LS2 fully.
HS-LS3
Heredity

HS-LS3-1 thru HS-LS3-3
  • Chromosomal inheritance
  • Genetic variation & mutations
  • Probability in genetics
 Same as above AP Bio Unit 5 (Heredity) + Unit 6 (Gene Expression).
HS-LS4
Evolution

HS-LS4-1 thru HS-LS4-6
  • Common ancestry & evidence
  • Natural selection
  • Speciation
  • Biodiversity & human impact
 Same as above AP Bio Unit 7 (Natural Selection) covers HS-LS4 fully.

Chemistry · Grades 10–11 (typically)

Anchored in three Physical Science DCIs. Troy SD offers Chemistry 1 + Chemistry 2 (semester courses, 0.5 credit each), Honors Chemistry, and AP Chemistry.

📊 Sheet 1: MDE Standards Matrix ↪ Cross-cutting NGSS framework
Domain / Strand MDE Standards Skill / What students learn Free Resources Troy SD Curriculum AP Coverage
HS-PS1
Matter & Interactions

HS-PS1-1 thru HS-PS1-8
  • Atomic structure & periodic trends
  • Chemical reactions & bonding
  • Bond energy & reaction rates
  • Equilibrium & conservation of mass
  • Nuclear chemistry
 Likely Pearson/Savvas Chemistry or Experience Chemistry [unverified] AP Chem Units 1–4 (Atomic Structure, Compounds, Reactions, Stoichiometry) + Unit 5–7 (Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium) + Unit 8–9 (Acids/Bases, Applications).
HS-PS2
Forces & Interactions

HS-PS2-6
  • Molecular-level structure of designed materials
  • Connection between attractive forces & bulk properties
 Same as above AP Chem Unit 3 (Intermolecular Forces).
HS-PS3
Energy

HS-PS3-1 thru HS-PS3-5
  • Energy conservation in chemical systems
  • Energy transfer & thermodynamics
  • Energy in fields (electric, magnetic)
 Same as above AP Chem Unit 6 (Thermodynamics) + Unit 9 (Applications).

AP Science exams available · Troy HS / Athens HS

College Board offers seven science AP exams. Troy HS confirmed offerings (per Wikipedia + course catalog) include AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and AP Physics 1 (Athens HS lists additional courses).

AP Exam Typical Grade Prerequisite Content overview At Troy?
AP Biology 11–12 HS Biology + HS Chemistry 4 Big Ideas: Evolution, Energetics, Information Storage, Systems Interactions. 8 Units. ✓ Yes
AP Chemistry 11–12 HS Chemistry + Algebra II 9 Units covering atomic structure, reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids/bases. ✓ Yes
AP Environmental Science 10–12 1 yr life science + 1 yr physical science (recommended) Interdisciplinary: ecosystems, biodiversity, populations, earth systems, pollution, climate change. ✓ Yes
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based 11–12 Geometry; Algebra II concurrent Mechanics: kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, rotation, fluids (newly added). ✓ Yes
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based 11–12 AP Physics 1 or honors physics Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, optics, modern physics. Verify w/ counseling
AP Physics C: Mechanics 12 Calculus (concurrent OK) Calculus-based mechanics. One semester. Verify
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 12 Calculus + AP Physics C: Mech Calculus-based E&M. One semester. Verify

Troy SD test-out for Biology and Chemistry