Science

THERE ARE WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT:  

SEE THE "WORK-BASED LEARNING" TAB TO FIND INFORMATION ON THE LOCAL WORK-BASED EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS

• Careers in agriculture, food and natural resources involve the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing and development of agricultural commodities and resources. These include food, fuel, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture and other plant and animal products/resources.  

• Planning, managing and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development are all functions of health science careers.

• The fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics involve planning, managing and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (such as physical science, social science and engineering). These may include laboratory and testing services, as well as research and development.

80415/80416  Biology

1.0 credit - 2 semesters

Grades: 9

Biology is a year-long course that covers the basic principles of life - energy cycling (photosynthesis and respiration), genetic flow of information (DNA, proteins, mitosis, meiosis and genetics), change of organisms over time (evolution) and interactions of organisms (ecology). Students will participate in labs and evaluate scientific claims.  Course work, lab work, and examinations will prepare students for future BHS science courses.

Priority Standards:

Semester 1

• Standard 1. Plan, justify, and carry out an investigation.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 12. Analyze the relationship between structure and function.

Semester 2

• Standard 1. Plan, justify, and carry out an investigation.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 7. Develop and revise models to explain and/or predict scientific phenomena.

• Standard 9. Interpret cause and effect relationships.

• Standard 11. Interpret and analyze how changes in energy and matter results in dynamic phenomena. 

80410Y/80411Y  Integrated Chemistry Physics 

1.0 credit - 2 semesters

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Biology, Algebra 1

Integrated chemistry and physics is a class for those who would like to take chemistry and physics within a year time frame designed so that students see the interrelationship of chemistry and physics. It will include the topics of Structure and Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Forces and Interactions, Energy and Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation.  Students will have experience with science practices such as developing models and arguing from evidence.  Cross-cutting science concepts such as stability and change, patterns, and scientific modeling will be interwoven to help students understand the tie between the difference science ideas included in the course. Algebraic manipulation of data and basic equation skills are expected.

Priority Standards:

• Standard 2. Analyze and interpret data or information to construct a scientific explanation.

• Standard 3. Solve problems using logical and mathematical thinking to justify and draw conclusions from solutions.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 7. Develop and revise models to explain and/or predict scientific phenomena.

80525Y/80526Y  Chemistry 

1.0 credit - 2 semesters

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Biology, Algebra 1 (C or better in each course)

Chemistry is a phenomena based course where traditional topics are discussed through the lens of different phenomena like the Northern Lights, Batteries, Plastics, Diamonds and Ores and Mangroves.  Lab activities are performed and discussed throughout the course.  Students will develop and apply different models to different phenomena.  Students will collect, analyze and interpret data in different ways during the course.  All calculations performed during the course are algebra based.

Priority Standards:

• Standard 1. Plan, justify, and carry out an investigation.

• Standard 2. Analyze and interpret data or information to construct a scientific explanation.

• Standard 3. Solve problems using logical and mathematical thinking to justify and draw conclusions from solutions.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 7. Develop and revise models to explain and/or predict scientific phenomena.

80585Y/80586Y  Physics

** LAUDE COURSE **

1.0 credit - 2 semesters

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Biology and completed Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.

It is STRONGLY recommended to take Chemistry first to develop stronger logic and math reasoning skills which are highly needed in this course.

Laude Physics is an active full-year laboratory science course designed to provide students with a deep conceptual and mathematical understanding of the physical laws that govern the universe. Focusing primarily on Classical Mechanics, this course bridges the gap between abstract mathematical theory and observable real-world phenomena.  The curriculum is built around an inquiry-based approach; students will actively engage in hands-on laboratory experiments, collaborative activities, and complex thought experiments to uncover the "how" and "why" behind the motion of objects and the behavior of matter experiencing different forces. The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills necessary for scientific inquiry. Evaluation is not based solely on getting the "right answer," but on the ability to investigate, reason, and justify. 

Priority Standards:

• Standard 1. Plan, justify, and carry out an investigation.

• Standard 2. Analyze and interpret data or information to construct a scientific explanation.

• Standard 3. Solve problems using logical and mathematical thinking to justify and draw conclusions from solutions.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

 80538Y/80539Y  AP Environmental Science 

** LAUDE COURSE **

1.0 credit - 2 semesters

Grades: 11, 12 (10 with instructor consent)

Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra 1.  (All math and science courses should be a C or better.)

This course is designed as a hands-on field and lab investigation based course with a goal of actively exploring and problem solving, past and present environmental issues. Topics include structure and function of the ecosystem, natural and human made environmental problems; soil, water, and air quality; human and animal population; and alternative energy. Those enrolled in the class have the option of taking the AP Environmental exam for college credit.  If a student wishes to take the AP Environmental Science Exam, the cost per the College Board is $99.

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Priority Standards:

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 5. Analyze scientific issues and applications impacting society.

• Standard 9. Interpret cause and effect relationships.

• Standard 11. Interpret and analyze how changes in energy and matter result in dynamic phenomena. 

80418Y/80419Y  AP Biology 

** LAUDE COURSE **

1.0 credit - 2 semesters

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry (B or better), or instructor approval

Advanced Placement Biology is a course that is equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The college course in biology differs significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the type of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students. A summer assignment and 10 hours of homework per week are required to be successful in this college level course. Science as a process is one of the main goals, therefore students will be asking their own research questions and designing and conducting their own experiments for 8-10 college-level labs. AP Biology will follow specific guidelines implemented by the College Board regarding materials and topics to be covered. If a student wishes to take the AP Biology Exam, the cost per the College Board is $99. Topics are as follows:

• Molecules and Cells - Biochemistry, Cells & Cellular Energetics

• Heredity and Evolution - Heredity & Molecular Genetics, Evolutionary Biology

• Organisms and Populations - Diversity of Organisms, Structure and Function of Plants and Animals, Ecolog

FIND A COLLEGE'S AP CREDIT POLICY

Priority Standards:

• Standard 1. Plan, justify, and carry out an investigation.

• Standard 2. Analyze and interpret data or information to construct a scientific explanation.

• Standard 3. Solve problems using logical and mathematical thinking to justify and draw conclusions from solutions.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 7. Develop and revise models to explain and/or predict scientific phenomena.

80527Y/80528Y  AP Chemistry

** LAUDE COURSE **

1.0 credit - 2 semesters

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisites:  Chemistry, Algebra 2  (co-enrollment)

The course is structured around nine units established by the College Board, guiding students from the microscopic world of atoms to the macroscopic behavior of complex chemical systems which have been segmented into 4 different topic areas: Structure of Matter, Chemical and Physical Reactions, Advanced Equilibrium Dynamics, and Analyses of Complex Topics. In accordance with College Board requirements, 25% of instructional time is dedicated to hands-on laboratory work. Students are expected to ask questions, plan and execute experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments. The lab program includes open-ended, guided-inquiry investigations where students must determine their own procedures to solve a chemical problem. The last 4 weeks of the course are rigorous activities designed to maximize student performance on the AP Chemistry Test.  If a student wishes to take the AP Chemistry Exam, the cost per the College Board is $99.

FIND A COLLEGE'S AP CREDIT POLICY

Priority Standards:

• Standard 1. Plan, justify, and carry out an investigation.

• Standard 2. Analyze and interpret data or information to construct a scientific explanation.

• Standard 3. Solve problems using logical and mathematical thinking to justify and draw conclusions from solutions.

• Standard 6. Analyze and interpret scientific text.

• Standard 7. Develop and revise models to explain and/or predict scientific phenomena.

80575Y/80576Y  AP Physics

** LAUDE COURSE **

1.0 credit - 2 semesters

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisites: Algebra 2, or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2, or instructor approval

This is a college course designed for students who may be interested in studying Physics as a basis for more advanced work in life sciences, medicine, and other technical areas, or as a component in a non-science college program that has a science requirement. AP Physics 1 is equivalent to a non-calculus college course in Physics which covers the following topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, fluid dynamics, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion. If a student wishes to take the AP Physics Exam, the cost per the College Board is $99.

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Priority Standards:

• Standard 1. Plan, justify, and carry out an investigation.

• Standard 2. Analyze and interpret data or information to construct a scientific explanation.

• Standard 3. Solve problems using logical and mathematical thinking to justify and draw conclusions from solutions.

80535  Astronomy

0.5 credit - 1 semester

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology

This course focuses on gravity, planetary motion, the moon, the sun, stellar evolution, the reasons for the seasons, mapping the night sky, and the search for life in the universe. Class may include a field trip. When the weather permits we will also use a telescope to view the night sky.

Priority Standards:

• Standard 1. Plan, justify, and carry out an investigation.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 5. Analyze scientific issues and applications impacting society.

• Standard 6. Analyze and interpret scientific text.

• Standard 7. Develop and revise models to explain and/or predict scientific phenomena.

80530  Environmental Science 

0.5 credit - 1 semester 

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology

Special Condition: This course will alternate being offered every other year - Course is offered 2026-2027

This course will teach students that within their lifetime, our global society must chart a promising course for a sustainable future. The path that we take will depend largely on how we choose to interact with our environment. During the semester, students will explore global perspectives to better understand questions related to sustainable practices, restoration ecology, air and water pollution, sustainable and conventional energy, urbanization, and sustainable cities. It includes a semester project of the student’s choice and several mandatory walking field trips to local ecosystems.

Priority Standards:

• Standard 2. Analyze and interpret data or information to construct a scientific explanation.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 5. Analyze scientific issues and applications impacting society.

80531  Geology and Earth's Processes 

0.5 credit - 1 semester

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology

Special Condition: This course will alternate being offered every other year - Course is NOT offered 2026-2027

Geology and the Earth’s Processes is a course concentrating on how the terrain of the earth was created and how it is ever changing. Local, national and worldwide geology will be studied and discussed. We will study natural processes like Geologic time, the rock record, fossils, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and karst/cave formations. The rock cycle and erosion in addition to the human impact on the Earth’s terrain will also be studied. A field trip may be included in this class.

Priority Standards:

• Standard 2. Analyze and interpret data or information to construct a scientific explanation.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 5. Analyze scientific issues and applications impacting society.

• Standard 6. Analyze and interpret scientific text.

• Standard 7. Develop and revise models to explain and/or predict scientific phenomena.

80532  Weather and Climate

0.5 credit - 1 semester

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology

Weather and Climate is a study of basic meteorology and how weather affects the earth. The course will include the study of the atmosphere, meteorology, how storms are formed and severe weather, the Earth’s climate and how sea and land affect weather and climate. Students are expected to  go outdoors for weather observations during this class.

Priority Standards:

• Standard 2. Analyze and interpret data or information to construct a scientific explanation.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 5. Analyze scientific issues and applications impacting society.

• Standard 7. Develop and revise models to explain and/or predict scientific phenomena.

80543  Biotechnology Applications

** LAUDE COURSE **

0.5 credit - 1 semester

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology

Special Condition: This course will alternate being offered every other year - Course is offered 2026-2027 

*Biotech Applications is NOT NCAA-approved. 

This lab-based course is ideal for students interested in science careers at a variety of levels. Students will learn the laboratory techniques that allow researchers to interact with biology concepts (DNA and Genetics), including micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and bacterial transformation. Students will be introduced to the development of new products within the biotechnology industry, with diverse areas such as health care, genetics, agriculture, forensics, and environmental science. Students will learn about the ethical, legal, and social implications of these new technologies, preparing them for further study and careers in the rapidly evolving life sciences industry.

Priority Standards:

• Standard 1. Plan, justify, and carry out an investigation.

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 9. Interpret cause and effect relationships.

80559Y/80556Y  Human Anatomy and Physiology

** LAUDE COURSE **

1.0 credit - 2 semesters

Grades: 11-12 (10 - with instructor approval) 

Prerequisite: Biology

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a year-long laude course that studies both the anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of the human body, from the microscopic cell and tissue levels to the 11 major body systems. Students learn how the body systems – integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive, excretory, immune, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine nervous, and immune systems – work to maintain homeostasis and how this balance can be disrupted by injury, disease, or disorders. Through hands-on experiences and specimen dissections, students learn the complex language of anatomy and gain a foundational understanding of human health, preparing them for careers in the healthcare and medical field. 

Priority Standards:

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 6: Analyze and interpret scientific text and media.

• Standard 12. Analyze the relationship between structure and function.

80561  Wildlife Ecology

0.5 credit - 1 semester

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology

Wildlife Ecology is a course designed for students to explore the different aspects of ecology and introduce career possibilities as an ecologist. This course will expand upon the ecological principles introduced in Biology. During the semester long course students will learn about ecological principles, types of ecosystems, population management, animal behaviors, habitat restoration, management strategies and techniques, human impacts of ecosystem, endangered species and conservation of biodiversity. It includes several mandatory walking field trips to local ecosystems.

Priority Standards:

• Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.

• Standard 5. Analyze scientific issues and applications impacting society.

• Standard 6. Analyze and interpret scientific text.

• Standard 9. Interpret cause and effect relationships.

95478/95480   Project Lead The Way: Principles of Engineering 

** LAUDE COURSE **

1.0 credit - 2 semesters 

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: PLTW: Introduction to Engineering Design and Biology and completion or concurrent enrollment in Geometry 

Special Condition: This course may alternate being offered every other year - Course is offered 2026-2027

PLTW: Principles of Engineering is a year long, project based course. Students will be engaged and challenged through a broad range of engineering topics including: energy and systems, machine control systems, material and structure testing, and automation.  Through hands-on activities and experiments students will develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.  Students will also explore career options in the various fields of engineering.

Priority Standards:

• Standard 3. Solve problems using logical and mathematical thinking to justify and draw conclusions from solutions.

• Standard 5. Analyze scientific issues and applications impacting society.

• Standard 7. Develop and revise models to explain and/or predict scientific phenomena.