AP Physics
AP Physics as a year-long AP alternative to the required course that is regularly taken by juniors. The class focuses on the principles of physics like motion, gravity, and forces but moves at a more accelerated pace to cover all of the subject matter that is on the AP Physics exam at the end of the school year. AP Physics is a math-heavy course that requires some math ability, although AP Calculus prepares students especially well for the course.
“AP Physics is really difficult, and studying for the tests is so hard.,” said Sadie Godwin (’26).
While there is no math requirement prior to taking AP Physics, the class can present challenges if you don’t have the mathematical ability.
“In all honesty, I knew that this class wouldn’t be much harder than regular physics and I could get the GPA boost but I’ve also heard that it goes along with calculus well,” said James Hardy (‘21).
Like many APs, especially in the realm of math and science, students have to be self-motivated in order to succeed.
“Whenever there’s a test or quiz, you have to study a lot,” said Stella Barton (’26).
Many students find that it is very possible to thrive in AP Physics and that getting an A is an attainable goal. However, you have to put in the time and energy to make sure you grasp the material.
“It’s a lot of busy work in class, but there’s not that much homework or extra stuff,” said Barton.
AP Physics C vs AP Physics 2
Both AP Physics C and AP Physics 2 expand upon what is learned in Physics 1. AP Physics C is calculus-based and goes over mechanics in the first semester and electricity, magnetism, and particles in the second. AP Physics 2 is entirely algebra-based and only covers the latter material. AP Physics C is typically seen as the harder one, and students who take it suggest also having taken calculus or taking calculus alongside the course.
Both have infamously hard AP tests, as do all AP Physics classes. AP Physics C has two AP tests, one covering first-semester content and one covering second-semester content. In the 2021-2022 school year, both classes were taught by Ms. Cabrices during the same period, as each class only had around 10 students.
AP Physics C
AP Physics C is a physics class typically taken after AP Physics 1. AP Physics C actually includes two classes in one year, with the first semester focused on mechanics and the second on electricity and magnetism. Each section has its own AP test as well. Throughout the year, the course is heavily math-based, using calculus to solve a variety of problems. Students would benefit from taking calculus alongside or beforehand.
“It’s a heavy calculus course. From day one you’re doing differentiation. By the end of week one, you’re doing [basic] integration,” said Eric Baker (‘22).
If you’re interested in physics topics not covered in Physics 1, this might be a great choice.
“You’re getting to learn about like magnetism and electricity, which we didn’t get to spend a whole lot of time on in AP Physics 1,” said Nardos Aynalem (‘22).
The class takes place in the same period and room as AP Physics 2, so the class is somewhat self-taught.
“With ALT it’s become a lot more like a normal class because she just lectures sometimes to both, and then you have extra time to work with her,” said Baker “But it’s a lot more self-taught. […] It’s not a particularly demanding course in terms of [the] amount of work. But the work itself is difficult.”
The teacher, Marie Cabrices, still engages in lectures, examples, and discussions with the students.
“She’s like the sweetest teacher I’ve had in a long, long time…even when I turn in my assignments late, she’s very understanding. She’s a very sweet person, and she’s always there to help us learn,” said Sai Chitta (’25).
As for the workload, students should expect to receive assignments on a regular basis. Like many science classes, there are more labs than projects. Class time is given for work, but there is still some work that must be done outside of class.
“I have a 65 in it right now…but if you just turn your work in, you’ll be good,” said Ethan Weller (’25).
Those who take this class should have a genuine interest in physics. If physics isn’t your favorite, there are other science classes offered that might pique your interest.
“If you had any sort of interest in physics […] then I would say I think you’re gonna enjoy the class,” said Aynalem.
Additionally, due to the combined nature of the class, students should be committed to learning and understanding the material, even if it means taking some time outside of class to do so. Another thing to note is the notorious difficulty of the AP Physics college board exam, so if you are trying to get college credit that is an important consideration. Despite the difficulty, the class environment is very “chill” and Ms. Cabrices is a great teacher.
AP Chemistry
While all Chamblee students are required to take regular Chemistry in 10th grade, some students choose to take AP Chemistry in order to further their knowledge. The class is typically taken by juniors and seniors as an elective, although it can be used to fill students’ final science credit in their senior year. The class is heavily self-directed, meaning that students interested in taking AP Chemistry should be self-motivated and have strong work ethics.
“AP [Chemistry] is definitely a hands-on class that really challenges you to learn things on your own and focus on what you need to learn specifically. Dr. Z usually puts files and videos on Verge, but the main way that I learned through AP Chem was through the lab experience itself,” said Sahara Heatherington (‘20).
It is recommended that you at least have an interest in the STEM fields before taking this class.
“I would recommend the class to students who are independent and like hands-on learning. I would also recommend the course to students who did well in chemistry sophomore year, specifically to rising juniors because the information you learn can be used in AP Bio senior year. Plus if you take chemistry in your junior year you are likely to remember the concepts you learned during sophomore year — and you use those concepts a lot!” said Heatherington.
Most students agree that enjoying 10th grade chemistry is the first indicator that you might like AP Chemistry.
“I actually found general chemistry interesting and it also aligns with my future career aspirations,” said Victor Lim (‘21).
Although AP Chemistry is notoriously difficult, students who enjoy the class will tell you that the hard work pays off.
“If you’re willing to put in the effort or you’re a tryhard or nerd, I’d suggest you take the class,” said Alex Lin (’26). “You’re gonna be with the people you want to be with.
Forensic Science
Forensic science is a techniques to solve crimes and legal issues, It is taught by Ms. Shim at Chamblee High School. It involves collecting data samples such as fingerprints, DNA, blood, and hair. Forensic Science uses many different methods of science such as biology, chemistry, and physics, to provide evidence that can be used in court and investigations. The goal of the class is to help provide evidence in legal contexts. Right now in the course, they are doing shoebox crime scenes and digital evidence with finding online evidence and data that can help lead to a crime.
“It’s basically learning about the different components of crime scene knowledge such as toxicology and learning about the different types of evidence,” said Kristina Perez (‘22). “We also learn about the jobs of forensics.”
The class itself includes labs, like a typical science class, but meant to highlight parts of the forensics process. Students interviewed mention labs including drawing crime scenes, creating fake crime scenes around their houses, recording fingerprints, etc.
“In forensic science, we learn about the science of forensics so we learn about ballistics like bullet holes, shell casings, and how to collect stuff like that,” said Owen Maas (‘22). “Right now we’re learning about the types of drugs and how to collect them, and people who collect them, so it’s just basically stuff you see on CSI.”
Students mention not having much homework, so long as they use their in-class time. “The labs are fun, and some of the things we learn are interesting,” said Addie Weekly (’25).
Environmental Science
Environmental science (not to be confused with AP Environmental Science) is a science credit class typically taken by upperclassmen, especially seniors. Students who sign up should expect to learn about animals, humans, and their interactions with the environment and each other.
“This course is about the different factors of our living earth, such as biotic and abiotic factors and how they all fit together in our environments and ecosystems,” said Jacari Waller-Watkins (‘22). “We learn about organisms’ roles and how they perform them as well as different environmental situations, such as pollution and natural disasters.”
Students who take the class won’t find themselves strapped with loads of homework. Most assignments shouldn’t take too long, and time in class is provided.
“I have Dr. Hagan, and she usually just leaves us work to do during class and we never have homework,” said Karen Lopez (’25).
The more relaxed atmosphere does not mean that students will get away with not doing any work.
“The class requires a good amount of writing every day in class, as we do daily warm-up questions and vocab. This is probably the only writing you’ll have to do in the class as everything else is either online or hands-on,” said Waller-Watkins.
It’s taught by Dr. Hagan and Ms. Gross, both of which being common favorites among students.
“I have Dr. Hagan, she’s so sweet and so nice,” said Lopez. ” I have Ms. Gross and she’s super nice and she gives super easy work,” said Gary Lopez (’25)
Ms. Kinsler makes the class enjoyable and the discussion-based nature means that students can be more engaged. “It’s really fun. She jokes around a lot. She’s really nice to her students,” said Walls.
For some students, selecting the AP version of the class might have been a better choice.
“Honestly, I suggest that you take the AP, especially if you need a grade boost and you like science,” said Walls. “I wish I had taken the AP version, but definitely take the class. I would not take anatomy over [environmental] science.”
AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science, or APES, is an elective science primarily taken by juniors and seniors. The course focuses on the environment, it’s different attributes, and how humans affect it. This class is unlike any other here at Chamblee and is unique because the subject matter covered in APES is rarely covered in any required high school curriculum.
“I feel it’s an AP class that a lot of people can take because its easy and you don’t need to have much experience in an AP class to take it,” said Lacy Rutherford (’25).
Some may consider APES to be an easier AP because of the subject matter and, in turn, an easy way to boost your GPA.
“Overall I rate it an 8 out of 10 because I’m interested in most of the topics and it’s an easy class for most of the time,” said Rowan Smith (’26).
Most students would agree that APES is on the easier side of the spectrum of AP difficulty, but students still have to work to keep an A in the class.
AP Bio
Like AP Chemistry, AP Biology is a college-level biology course meant to further student’s required biology education, taught by Dr. Mary Wagner. The class is usually taken by upperclassmen interested in STEM.
“You have to make sure to study all of the cycles, it’s a fun class because I want to go into pre-med and biology is important to me,” said David Nevada (’25).
The workload is seen as considerable.
“We do reading guides. And sometimes we do like mini projects and stuff that can take up. They’re not hard but they take up a lot of time,” said Aitken. “Going through the textbook and making sure you know the material and are prepared for a test or class.”
However, some students describe it as more classwork than homework.
“Compared to other teachers […] AP classes, not really much [homework],” said Kamora Kemp (‘22). “You get a lot of the work done in class instead.”
However, tests are considered quite difficult according to Aitken, “the tests are pretty in depth and they can be a little bit difficult.”
The highlight of the class seems to be the labs. “I love the labs, they’re very fun,” said Aitken. They require more writing than students expect, according to Kemp but are still great. “[There’s] a lot of writing the first semester, but a lot of fun labs, and you really do get to learn a lot about AP Bio,” said Kemp.
The AP Test includes short-answer questions (SAQ’s) which mean there is lots of writing practice in class.
In comparison to the required biology classes, “there’s a lot more stuff to remember and also it just goes more into depth of what’s like,” said Kemp. “Like photosynthesis [for example] W.e go more into knowing the chemical formula and all of that while in microbiology class, we just know that photosynthesis equals food for plant good.”
Kemp says that “Dr. Wagner really tries to make it interactive,” as well. “She switches out groups so you meet not all your peers at least you meet all your peers.”
Wagner is described as lenient with late work if you email her and explain the circumstances. “Dr. Wagner is very understanding and open to listen to you,” said Kemp. “She really is a very communicative teacher and there’s no problem going up to talk to her whether it’s about your grade or just how you‘re doing.”
The classroom is described by Aitken as “very collaborative. I’ve enjoyed interacting with everyone and everyone seems to have a similar passion for science and biology in particular. […] It’s always very lively.”
Anatomy
Anatomy is the general science course for seniors. Students learn about the body systems and their functions.
“The class is fun and you get to learn about parts of the body and skin, I think the class is really good to take if you want to learn about the human body,” said Paige Pendleton (’25).
While it might sound like an easy class, some students think this is far from the truth.
“We have homework every night in this class and a classwork assignment every day, with homework as well,” said Kate Stokley (’25).
For many students, the best part of the class is the teacher, Leila Warren. “My favorite parts of the class are Ms. Warren’s energy and the way that she presents information to us,” said Mary Axelson. According to Zoe Kehoe, “Even if you’ve never liked a teacher before, you will most likely like her.”