SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
510 Physical Science – Fundamentals - Grade 9 (1 credit)
This activity based course emphasizes the major areas in Physical Science: matter, physical forces, motion and energy. Concepts and skills are developed simultaneously through “hands-on” lab activities and coordinated lessons. Students become more proficient learners and investigators of their scientific world. Placement dependent on Math and English levels.
511 Physical Science - Grade 9 (1 credit)
Active student participation in this “hands-on” laboratory class analyzes a variety of topics throughout the year: including structure and interaction of matter, physical forces, motion, and the different forms of energy. Critical, investigative, and interpretive thinking skills develop during the course of the year. Successful completion of this class results in each student acquiring a broad and scientific literate appreciation of the science world. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher
521 Biology – Fundamentals - Grade 10 (1 credit)
This is a study of living organisms, their basis of life, need for energy, patterns of behavior, fundamental life processes, and changing environment and ecology that will aid in the students’ understanding and appreciation of the world in which they live. Placement dependent on English and Math level.
522 Biology – Grade 10 1 credit
This is the study of living things. Science as inquiry is studied and practiced. The topics include scientific problem solving, microscopic investigation, principles of life, biochemistry, cellular organization, metabolism, cellular reproduction, homeostasis, genetics, evolution, diversity, human systems, and biotechnology.
523 Honors Biology - Grades 9, 10 (0.5 weight) (1 credit)
This course is a challenging, in-depth, fast-paced examination of the aspects of living things and the processes vital to their existence. It includes the study of structure, function and behavior of organisms, as well as the study of plants and animals, and the relationships to their respective environments. The course provides a background in biological principles that students need to evaluate the impact of biotechnology on their lives. Prerequisite: Composite of 90th percentile on EXPLORE or ITBS and A/B in 113, or A in 112
531 Chemistry - Fundamentals - Grades 11, 12 (1 credit)
This practical course in chemistry puts an emphasis on: Chemistry in everyday life, understanding the world around us and scientific problems and concerns in society (pollution, radiation, energy sources and uses, atomic energy). Laboratory exercises and experiments are used to explain the basic concepts of chemistry. The first semester includes the chemistry of water, the conservation of our chemical resources and petroleum’s relationship to our lives. The second semester discusses the chemistry of food resources, nuclear chemistry in our world and the chemical implications of personal choices. Placement dependent on math level and approval from current science teacher.
532 Chemistry – Grades 10, 11, 12 (1 credit)
In this course students study basic concepts of chemistry which include atomic structure, matter and its properties and changes, the periodic chart, chemical reactions, solutions, and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisites: Biology, Geometry, and Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment
533 Honors Chemistry - Grades 10, 11 (0.5 weight) (1 credit)
Students study concepts of chemistry which include atomic structure, matter and its properties and changes, the periodic chart, chemical reactions, solutions, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory exercises and experiments teach students the basic characteristics of matter and the world around us. Elements, compounds, and mixtures are either used by students or demonstrated by the instructor. Current scientific issues and problems such as pollution, atomic energy, radioactivity, and energy in society are also included in the course. Homework is intensive and integral to student success in this class. Prerequisites: A/B in Honors Biology; A/B in Honors Geometry, and/or Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry (or concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra 2/Trig).
536 Investigative Sciences – Grades 11, 12 (1 credit)
In this laboratory-based course the student assumes the role of laboratory researcher. Students will be taught investigative, laboratory techniques through training labs and then, working in “teams” through hands-on activities, solve science related problems. Students interested in this course must be self-disciplined, utilize problem-solving skills and work closely with members of your “research” team. The class is open to juniors and seniors only with approval of current science teacher.
540 Human Anatomy & Physiology - Grade 11, 12 (1 credit)
This rigorous course covers the general anatomy and physiology of the human body. The intent of this course is to foster a sense of awareness of the functions of the human body, from the level of the cell through the level of the whole organism. Homework is intensive and integral to student success in this class. Prerequisites: C’s or better in Biology 522/523 and Chemistry 532/533.
541*Honors Human Physiology - Grades 11, 12 (1.0 weight) (1 credit)
This is a demanding course which studies the activities that are characteristic of living matter within the human body. The course includes a detailed explanation of the physiology and anatomy of the systems of the body. The intent of this course is to foster self awareness of the functions of the human body, from the level of the cell through the level of the whole organism. The dissections of preserved animal organs are used throughout the course for the study of anatomy. This course is intended for those students who wish to pursue science as a career choice. Homework is very intensive and integral to student success in this class. Prerequisites: A/B in Honors Biology, A/B in Honors Chemistry.
542 Physics - Grade 11, 12 (1 credit)
This rigorous course provides students with the basic concepts and principles of physics. Topics to be covered include velocity, acceleration, energy, momentum, forces, sound, light, and electricity. Homework is intensive and integral to student success in this class. Prerequisites: A/B Chemistry and A/B in Honors Algebra 2/Trig or A in Algebra 2 along with concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or higher.
543 *Honors Physics - Grades 12 (1.0 weight) (1 credit)
This course is a demanding, math-based course that studies the laws of motion, energy, dynamics, machines, heat, hydraulics, electricity, waves, light, and optics. It is intended for those students interested in engineering or technical careers. Homework is very intensive and integral to student success in this class. Prerequisite: A/B in Honors Precalculus, or concurrent enrollment in Honor Precalculus or higher, A in Honors Chemistry.