Course descriptions:

All of Mr. Motts classes are managed using Google Classrooms. If you, the parent, would like to be linked to your child's account send me an email to do so. (rmottershead@k12pacs.org)

AP Biology: A comprehensive study of fundamental concepts of living organisms, emphasizing the molecular and cellular organization of life. Primary emphasis is given to basic unit of life, the cell.  Topics include basic biochemistry, cell structure and function including reproduction, energy in biological systems, genetics and gene expression.  The scientific method and evolution are introduced.  Biology 101 introduces the student to major concepts dealing with cellular biology, including cell chemistry, cell reproduction, and genetics.

AP Environmental Science: is a rigorous full year course that examines a variety of natural science and social science disciplines. The class meets Monday through Friday for a 54-minute period. This courses purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to gain an understanding of a wide variety of topics that are part of the environmental science field. The laboratory components help them to display their understanding of and apply major concepts to situations in everyday life and to prepare them for the future so that they will become informed citizens who will value and protect the environment. Students in this class are required to complete the College Board exam each May. The main goal is to promote proficiency in the subject so that each student will score a passing grade in the Advanced Placement College Board exam.

Biology 10: Is the follow-up course to Bio 9 that 9th graders will take. This course focuses on building on what the students learned through 9th grade. The students will move away from the cellular focus and learn about ecology, evolution, and the classification of plants and animals. The scientific process and laboratory skills are emphasized along with biology’s connection to other scientific disciplines. Students learn scientific writing skills and also examine current biological issues.

Ecology: Eco will be based around a strong teacher-led lecture class housed in school for 4 out of 5 days.  During the time spent in class, we will be learning and be discussing the ecological issues of today with the use of iPads on a regular basis.  The students in this class will regularly use the Biotech class portion, work outside in the school meadow project, and go on several trips. The course will be graded on an array of different assignments both in the class and out of it.  In class the students will use their text to learn and research various aspects of Ecology; this information will be assessed with tests, quizzes, critical thinking assignments, research papers, and in-house labs.  The outdoor aspect will introduce the kids to an entirely new array of field-based assessments including; service learning projects, personal projects, and a year-long eco-log that will be observation based and use of cutting-edge field equipment along with traditional techniques.

Take a look at any posted resources for study help.

Future science electives are in the works for 25/26: Astronomy & Marine Science...