Realignment of the sciences

(the red lines in the image above indicate synergistic connections between courses)

Physics – Chemistry – Biology. The prerequisite for understanding Chemistry is Physics, while the prerequisite for understanding modern Biology is Chemistry and Physics. The traditional Biology – Chemistry – Physics sequence used by most secondary schools today is a product of thinking from over a century ago. Biology was much different than it is today since much of modern Biology is actually molecular biology which requires a strong understanding of chemistry and physics. A hundred years ago, students were also thought to have lacked the mathematics to perform physics. While mathematics continues to be a challenge and concern for all students, teaching an algebra based physics should strengthen algebra skills through application and practice. In order to support a strong, modern Biology curriculum and improve mathematics, PSI teaches using a Physics – Chemistry – Biology sequence.