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.
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.
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
- All required courses are eligible (Biology and Chemistry are required for HS graduation in MI). Electives are not eligible.
- Passing threshold: 77%
- Successful test-out earns "G" grade (credit, no letter grade) on transcript. Failed attempts are not recorded.
- Form: "Waiving out of a NON-MATH course through Testing Out" in PowerSchool
- Study path: Review Michigan Science Standards (HS-LS1 through HS-LS4 for Biology; HS-PS1, HS-PS2, HS-PS3 for Chemistry) — see standards links above
- Note: 7th graders cannot test out of Introductory Biology because Chemistry 1 / Physics 1 are not available to 8th graders