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)

The study of matter – its properties, its structure, and the changes it undergoes. Includes atomic structure, chemical formulas, the Periodic Table, chemical equations, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, solids – liquids – gases, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and acid/base chemistry. Lab experiments, chemical demonstrations, class discussion. Designed as a college preparatory course. Working knowledge of algebra necessary for solving chemistry problems involving everything from the Gas Laws to the Mole.

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.

Electives

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.

This class is a full year Physics course and will cover the core concepts of mechanics.  Through hands-on laboratory experiments, activities, and thought experiments students will develop a conceptual and mathematical understanding of real-world phenomena.  Many of the conceptual pieces of physics tie directly into concepts from Algebra 2, Geometry, and some Trigonometry.  Through the course of the year topics that will be covered are Vectors, Kinematics, and Dynamics.  After that topics may include Relativity, Rotational Mechanics and Gravitation, Waves, Sound, Light, Optics, Energy and Momentum, and Electrostatics and Circuits.

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 $96.

FIND A COLLEGE'S AP CREDIT POLICY

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 $96. 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 6. Analyze and interpret scientific text.

• 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)

AP Chemistry is a rigorous course designed to provide the equivalent of introductory chemistry at the college level. Students should expect to spend at least 10 hours per week outside of class to be successful in meeting the extreme challenges of the course and to discover the exceptional reward of mastering the material. Students will build on the knowledge gained in first-year chemistry to attain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and a competence in dealing with chemical problems. Emphasis in the lectures will be problem solving; laboratory experiences will be based on a college format. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, thermochemistry and electrochemistry. Strong algebra skills are necessary. If a student wishes to take the AP Chemistry Exam, the cost per the College Board is $96.

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 $96.

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.

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 

Course will not be offered 2025-2026

0.5 credit - 1 semester 

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology

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 

Course offered 2025-2026

0.5 credit - 1 semester

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology

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  Biotech Applications

Course will not be offered 2025-2026

** LAUDE COURSE **

*Biotech Applications is NOT NCAA-approved. 

0.5 credit - 1 semester

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology

This lab-intensive 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 the central dogma DNA -> RNA -> proteins, and will be introduced to the biotechnology industry, with diverse areas such as health care, agriculture, and environmental science. 

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 lab-based course that studies both Anatomy (structure) and Physiology (function) of the muscular, digestive, excretory, immune, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine and nervous systems. Dissections include cow and pig organs, as well as a cat dissection. This year-long laude course is helpful for anyone interested in a healthcare career.

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 

Course is offered 2025-2026

Special Condition: This course will alternate being offered every other year

** 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 

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.