Science

Topics in Physics

Grade: 9             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: Topics in Physics is a basic physics course that covers various topics over the natural world.  This includes learning about motion, forces, waves, and energy.  This class requires basic math computation skills (multiplication, division, addition, subtraction) and basic inference skills (drawing conclusions from data). 

Honors Topics in Physics

Grade: 9             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: A "C" or better in Algebra 1 and a teacher recommendation

Course Description: Honors Topics in Physics is an Algebra based, accelerated, in depth version on Topics in Physics.  This course takes an in-depth look at how matter and energy are related.  Topics to be covered include motion, energy, heat, magnetism, and electricity.  Students will use problem solving strategies to complete hands-on activities.

Earth Science

Grade: 10-12             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: Earth Science introduces students to the Earth and the intricate workings of our Earth’s systems.  Students will study basic principles of Earth Science, which may include Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Astronomy.  Students will be given opportunities to analyze and evaluate these topics and how they relate to one another and the network of systems that make up our planet.  Diverse learning opportunities include videos, interactive presentations, projects, discussions, and laboratory experiments.  Students will refine basic laboratory and study skills while developing and honing their understanding of the scientific process.

Chemistry

Grade: 10             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Topics in Physics

Course Description: Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes matter undergoes from a molecular point of view.  Through practical application and laboratory experiments, students will explore topics including atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, reactions, energy, and experimental design.  Chemistry is a rigorous course that incorporates a significant amount of math.  Basic algebra and science skills are highly recommended for this course.  Future health care workers, scientists, and engineers should strongly consider taking this course.

Honors Chemistry

Grade: 10             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Geometry (highly recommended) or Geometry with a "C" or higher grade. Successful completion of Honors Topics in Physics is also recommended

Course Description: Honors Chemistry is a faster pace, more in depth version of chemistry.  It is a mathematical and rigorous study of matter and the changes matter undergoes from a molecular point of view.  Through practical application and laboratory experiments, students will explore in-depth chemistry topics including atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, intermolecular forces, solutions, reactions, energy, and experimental design.  It is geared towards sophomores with appropriate math skills as well as a drive and willingness to be successful in a rigorous course.

Biology

Grade: 11             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of science courses

Course Description: Biology is the study of life.  In this course students will progress through a storyline curriculum where they will learn about cells, cellular processes, DNA & protein synthesis, cellular reproduction, evolution, and ecology.  Learning activities will include laboratory experiments, written exercises, and discussion of these topics.

Honors Biology

Grade: 11             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: A "C" or better in Honors Topics in Physics and Honors Chemistry or a teacher recommendation

Course Description: Honors Biology students will undertake an in-depth study of life including concepts in biochemistry, cells and cellular processes, heredity and DNA technology, evolution, ecology, and conservation biology.  The course will allow students to explore these concepts with an emphasis on research, data collection and analysis, inquiry, and designing and performing experiments.

AP/ACP Biology

Grade: 11-12             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: A "B" or better in Honors Biology or a teacher recommendation

Course Description: Honors AP/ACP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course.  Students may enroll through UMSL to receive dual credit.  Students will engage in an intensive study of the four Big Ideas as outlined by the College Board and make connections across these Big Ideas while studying molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, ecology, and biodiversity.  Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the process of science by participating in laboratory activities that use the Seven Science Practices as outlined by the College Board.

Forensic Science

Grade: 12             Credit: .05 Science         Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology

Course Description: Forensic Science introduces the scientific principles and field methods used by forensic experts to solve forensics problems. This student-centered, project-based course will focus on the practice and analysis of physical and biological evidence found at crime scenes. Students will take on the various roles of crime scene investigators and lab analysts in order to collect and evaluate evidence in a problem-solving environment.

Zoology

Grade: 12             Credit: 0.5 Science         Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology

Course Description: Zoology extends upon ecological concepts from biology and applies them to the Animal Kingdom. Student safety and responsibility are required as you learn about animal conservation, diversity, evolutionary relationships, and anatomy through notes, diagrams, videos, in-class activities, hands-on projects, and animal dissections.

Honors/ACP Human Anatomy and Physiology

Grade: 12             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: A "B" or better in Biology or Honors Biology

Course Description: Honors/ACP Human Anatomy and Physiology is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester college introductory anatomy and physiology course for students interested in pursuing healthcare careers.  Students may enroll through UMSL to receive dual credit. Students will engage in an intensive study of anatomical structures and physiological systems including the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system and special senses.  The majority of the course will be taught through the use of an online platform where students will listen to lectures, participate in discussions, and submit  assignments.  The class will meet after hours in the second semester in order to participate in dissections.

AP Physics 1

Grade: 12             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: A "C" or better in Honors Topics in Physics and a "B" or better in AP Pre-Calculus or an "A" in College Algebra

Course Description: AP Physics is intended to prepare you for the Algebra based AP Physics 1 exam.  It is an Algebra-based college level physics course.  It covers such topics as kinematics(motion), vectors, forces, momentum, energy, rotation, gravitation, and fluids.  Students will use critical thinking skills to complete inquiry based activities.

AP/ACP Environmental Science

Grade: 12             Credit: 1.0 Science         Length: Year

Prerequisite: A "B" or better in Biology

Course Description: AP/ACP Environmental Science is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester college introductory environmental science course.  Students may enroll through UMSL to receive dual credit.  Environmental science is an interdisciplinary course where students will investigate the interconnection of the natural world, identify and analyze current global environmental problems, and explore alternative solutions and strategies for problem resolution.  Major topics include: earth systems and resources, the living world, population, water and land use, energy resource and consumption, pollution, and global change.