Science Course Descriptions
0306 Biology
Grade Level: 9-10
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
NCAA Approved
Description: Biology is a laboratory based course. In biology, students will study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. Students will independently design and carry out investigations, and communicate results.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Ecology
Matter and Energy
Homeostasis
Protein Synthesis
Cell Division and Reproduction
Evolution through Natural Selection
State Course: 03051A000, Biology
0303 Biology 9 Accelerated
Grade Level: 9
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
NCAA Approved
Description: AC Biology is an accelerated laboratory based course. In AC Biology, students will study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. Students will independently design and carry out investigations, and communicate results. Concepts are covered in more depth, at a faster pace, and students have more responsibility for their learning.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Ecology
Matter and Energy
Homeostasis
Protein Synthesis
Cell Division and Reproduction
Evolution through Natural Selection
State Course: 03051A000, Biology
0312 Integrated Science
Grade Level: 9-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
NCAA Approved
Description: Integrated Science Curriculum will explore scientific topics and their endless applications to everyday life. Over the two semesters of study, students will utilize the principles of scientific research to explore interactions between Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology, and Ecology.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
The Nature and Formation of the Universe
Newton’s Laws
Earth Systems
Co-evolution of Life and Earth
Species Diversity
Human Impact on the Environment
State Course: 03201A000, Integrated Science
0333 Anatomy and Physiology
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology
NCAA Approved
Description: Anatomy and Physiology is a rigorous course for students who desire a more detailed explanation of some of the functions and structures of the human body. This course will be similar in content to a college level Anatomy and Physiology course. Other laboratory investigations and patient case studies are also included.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Homeostasis
Engineering
Cellular Processes
Structures & Functions
Dissection
State Course: 03053A000, Anatomy and Physiology
0335 Environmental Science
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: One previous year of science.
NCAA Approved
Description: Environmental Science will lead students to a better understanding of the environmental issues facing our world today. Through participation in labs, group activities, and discussions, students will be able to analyze the impact humans have on the environment and develop environmental citizenry.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Earth’s spheres
Biodiversity & Natural Selection
Population Dynamics
Energy Flow
Fossil Fuels and Alternative Energy
State Course: 18504A001, Environmental Science
03400 Astronomy
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 0.5
Prerequisite: One previous year of science.
NCAA Approved
Description: Astronomy is the scientific study of the contents of the entire Universe. This course will provide the student with a study of the universe and the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. The course will provide opportunities for students to conduct experiments, to develop critical thinking and communication skills, and to get a feeling of being not only a student, but a scientist, and teacher at the same time.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Stellar classification and spectroscopy
Solar system and planetary motion
Stellar evolution and nuclear fusion
State Course: 03004A000, Astronomy
03500 Meteorology
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 0.5
Prerequisite: One previous year of science.
NCAA Approved
Description: Meteorology is a laboratory-based and technology-based course, which covers the causes of atmospheric changes and weather patterns, including global climate change and the impacts of weather and climate on society. This course will introduce students to basic concepts involved in the analysis of weather phenomena on a global and local scale. Students will develop scientific method skills, including inquiry, data analysis, and reasoning.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Parts of the Atmosphere
Weather Measurements
Weather Patterns and Seasons
Atmospheric Stability and Severe Weather
Local Weather Analysis and Forecasting
Climate History
State Course: 03006A000, Meteorolgy
0308 Chemistry
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I
NCAA Approved
Description: Chemistry is a laboratory based class that focuses on the atom, molecular structure, nuclear and chemical reactions, and the energy changes involved in chemical and physical processes.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Algebra, Dimensional Analysis, Modeling, Graphing & Data Analysis
Atomic Structure & Nuclear Reactions
Electrons & Periodic Trends
Bonding & Intermolecular Forces
Reactions & Energy
Moles & Stoichiometry
State Course: 03101A000, Chemistry
0310 Chemistry Accelerated
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology Accelerated and a “B” or higher in Algebra I
NCAA Approved
Description: Chemistry is an accelerated laboratory based class that focuses on the atom, molecular structure, nuclear and chemical reactions, and the energy changes involved in chemical and physical processes. Concepts are covered in more depth, at a faster pace, and students have more responsibility for their learning.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Algebra, Dimensional Analysis, Modeling, Graphing & Data Analysis
Atomic Structure & Nuclear Reactions
Electrons & Periodic Trends
Bonding & Intermolecular Forces
Reactions & Energy
Moles & Stoichiometry
State Course: 03101A000, Chemistry
0324 Physics
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: 1 credit in Science and Algebra 1
NCAA Approved
Description: This is an algebra-based course integrating concepts of trigonometry and geometry. Physics concepts will be taught through inquiry labs, problem solving, and projects.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Metric conversion
Kinematics: Newton’s Laws
Work energy and simple machines
Gravitational forces
Waves, optics, sound, and energy
Electricity, static electricity
State Course: 03151A000, Physics
0320 Advanced Placement Biology AP Class Weighted
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology or AC Biology
NCAA Approved
Description: Laboratory based course that is equivalent to a first year college biology course. It builds on concepts covered in first year biology. Students have the option to take the AP exam in the spring in order to earn college credit.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Scientific method and Biomolecules
Evolution
Genetics and Central Dogma
Homeostasis
Cellular Energy
Ecology
State Course: 03056A000, AP Biology
0330 Advanced Placement Chemistry AP Class Weighted
Grade Level: 11-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Chemistry
NCAA Approved
Description: Laboratory based course that is equivalent to a first year college chemistry course. It builds on concepts covered in first year chemistry, focusing on kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics. Students have the option to take the AP exam in the spring in order to earn college credit.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Data Analysis, Modeling & Graphing
Kinetics
Equilibrium Reactions
Acid-Base Reactions
Electrochemistry
Thermodynamics
State Course: 03106A000, AP Chemistry
0338 Advanced Topics in Environmental Science
Grade Level: 11-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
NCAA Approved
Description: Advanced Topics in Environmental Science directly involves students in gathering, analyzing and reporting data from visits to a variety of natural ecosystems. Many of the lab experiences take place out of doors, in a variety of weather conditions. This is a unique and rigorous course. A personal connection to nature through environmental literature, projects, discussions and experiences help students develop understanding of and make connections between learning and real-world issues. major themes: Human Impact, global Challenges, Carrying Capacity, and Changing Ecosystems
State Course: 03003A000, Environmental Science
0326 Physics Accelerated
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: 1 credit in Science and Math (Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Concurrent)
NCAA Approved
Description: Accelerated physics concepts will be taught through inquiry labs, problem solving, and projects. Higher mathematical concepts in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry must be understood prior to taking this class.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Kinematics: Newton’s Laws
Work energy, simple machines, rotational motion
Contact and noncontact forces
Buoyancy and fluid pressure
Thermodynamics
Waves, optics, sound, and energy
State Course: 03151A000, Physics
0327 Advancement Placement Physics 1 AP Class Weighted
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Concurrent
NCAA Approved
Description: Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1 concepts will be taught through inquiry labs, problem solving, and projects. Higher mathematical concepts in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry must be understood prior to taking this class. Students have the option to take the AP exam in the spring in order to earn college credit.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Kinematics
Newton’s Laws
Work energy, simple machines, rotational motion
Contact and noncontact forces
Waves, Optics, Sound, and Energy
State Course: 03163A000, AP Physics1
0328 Advanced Placement Physics C AP Class Weighted
Grade Level: 11-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Physics and concurrent enrollment in either Pre-Calculus OR AP Calculus
NCAA Approved
Description: Concepts will be taught through inquiry labs, problem solving, and projects. Higher mathematical concepts in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry must be understood prior to taking this class. Basic calculus will be used. Students have the option to take the AP exam in the spring in order to earn college credit. The subjects of Electricity/Magnetism and Mechanics will be alternated yearly.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Electricity and Magnetism
Electric fields
Electric forces and laws
Capacitors and capacitance
Circuits
Magnets and magnetic fields
Electric forces and gravitational forces
Mechanics
Kinematics, Newtonian Laws
Work, Power, and Energy
Momentum and Collision
Circular Motion
Oscillation
Gravitational Forces
State Course: 03156A000, AP Physics
0336 Advanced Placement Environmental Science AP Class Weighted
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology (B or better) Biology Accelerated or Environmental Science and Algebra 1
NCAA Approved
Description: The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles regarding the natural world to identify, analyze and evaluate environmental problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. This is a rigorous lab-based course, which will include field data collection, student-driven experiments, and the ability to collaborate with other students. Students have the option to take the AP exam in the spring in order to earn college credit.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Earth Systems and Resources
The Living World
Population Dynamics
Land and Water Use
Energy Resources and Consumption
Pollution
Global Change
State Course: 03207A000, AP Environmental Science
0360 Applications of Advanced STEM
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: One previous year of science.
NCAA Approval applied for
Description: Advanced Applications of STEM will apply a wide variety of science disciplines and practices such as physics, biology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, environmental science, and engineering. The course will reflect the events of the current Science Olympiad season. Within the 23 events, there are several events that involve designing and conducting experiments, designing vehicles (i.e. planes, bridges, electrical sensors), designing and constructing musical instruments, and much more. Participation on the Science Olympiad team is strongly encouraged but not required for enrollment in this course. Students will have the opportunity to pursue the areas of science that they are most interested in from the list of major topics and themes listed below.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Physics
Biology
Technology & Engineering
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Earth & Space Science
State Course: 21007A000, Engineering Design and Development
DC3615 Botany Dual Credit (Highland CC) Weighted
Grade Level: 11-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology
NCAA Approved
Description: Students will gain knowledge on concepts of plant growth and reproduction. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in hand on labs, and projects within the greenhouse.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Grade Level: 11-12
Plant Anatomy & Physiology
Seed Germination Processes
Propagation Methods
State Course: 18051A002, Biological Science Applications in Agriculture (Plants)
DC3602 Animal Science (BSAA) Dual Credit (Highland CC) Weighted
Grade Level: 11-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology
NCAA Approved
Description: Students will gain knowledge on principles of animal anatomy and physiology with a focus on livestock production and management. Throughout the course of the year students are also give several opportunities to gain hands on experience with animals through projects within the class.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Poultry Production
Animal Anatomy & Physiology
Animal Nutrition
Animal Reproduction
State Course: 03999A000, Life and Physical Sciences Other
0334 Microbiology
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits Earned: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology
NCAA Approved
Description: This laboratory based course covers principles of microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms and human disease. Topics include an overview of microbiology and aspects of medical microbiology, identification and control of pathogens, disease transmission, host resistance, and immunity. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of microorganisms and the disease process as well as aseptic and sterile techniques.
Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
Disease & Epidemiology
Lab Techniques
Science & Society
Climate Change
Food Production
State Course: 03060A000, Microbiology