Intended Audience: Grade 9
Credit: Two trimesters = 1.0 credit
Major Outcomes:
Apply Science and Engineering Practices to explain phenomena in Earth and Space Science
Knowledge of Earth systems and processes
Analyze human impacts on Earth systems and processes
Knowledge of astronomical structures and phenomena
Projects, Activities, etc.: Lab work
Instructional Focus: Small and large group lecture and lab activities and demonstrations
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Strong math and reading skills recommended
Intended Audience: Grade 9
Credit: Two trimesters = 1.0 credit
Major Outcomes:
Apply Science and Engineering Practices to explain phenomena in Earth and Space Science
Knowledge of Earth systems and processes
Analyze human impacts on Earth systems and processes
Knowledge of astronomical structures and phenomena
Projects, Activities, etc.: Honors research project
Instructional Focus: Designed for the more independent science learner. Small and large group lecture and lab activities.
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Earth Science or Honors Earth Science
Intended Audience: Grade 10
Credit: Two trimesters = 1.0 credit
Major Outcomes: Build understanding of:
Composition, structure, interactions between substances
Measurement
Compounds
Atoms
Chemical reactions
Kinetic theory
Projects, Activities, etc.: Lab work
Instructional Focus: Rigorous high school-level concepts through small and large group lecture and lab activities; high school text is used
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Earth Science or Honors Earth Science
Intended Audience: Grade 10
Credit: Two trimesters = 1.0 credit
Major Outcomes: Build understanding of:
Composition, structure, interactions between substances
Measurement
Compounds
Atoms
Chemical reactions
Kinetic theory
Projects, Activities, etc.: Lab work
Instructional Focus: College-level concepts through small and large group lecture and lab activities; college text is used
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Middle School Algebra
Intended Audience: Grade 10 students in the CRHS Engineering Program
Credit: Two trimesters = 1.0 credit, fulfills Chemistry/Physics graduation requirement
Major Outcomes:
Learn concepts related to motion, sound, light, electricity and magnetism
Develop analytical reading and study techniques related to science
In depth understanding of concepts related to mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, waves [sound and light], electricity and magnetism
Projects, Activities, etc.: Lab work and honors research project
Instructional Focus: To prepare for advanced science courses in grades 11 and 12, lab work and group activities
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Chemistry I or Honors Chemistry I or Honors Physics (Engineering)
Intended Audience: Grade 11
Credit: Two trimesters = 1.0 credit
Major Outcomes:
Describe cycles and interactions in the natural world
Understand structure and function of cells
Understand principles and applications of genetics
Knowledge of biological change over time
Understand life processes and diversity of life on Earth
Projects, Activities, etc.: Lab work
Instructional Focus: Small and large group lecture and lab activities
[AP exam is in May each year]
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Chemistry I or Honors Chemistry I or Honors Physics (Engineering)
Intended Audience: Grade 11
Credit: Three trimesters = 1.5 credits
Major Outcomes:
Science as a Process
Evolution
Energy Transfer
Continuity and Change
Relationship of Structure to Function
Regulation
Interdependence in Nature
Science, Technology, and Society
Approach the AP exam with confidence
Projects, Activities, etc.: Inquiry based activities and lab work
Instructional Focus: College-level concepts through small and large group lecture and lab activities; college text is used. College credit may be earned based on AP exam score and institution.
Composed of SCSU BIOL 102 [The Living World]
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Grade 11 students in the CRHS Biomedical Sciences Program
Intended Audience: Grade 11
Credit: Two trimesters = 1.0 credit, successful completion will earn 3 college credits.
Major Outcomes: Students will understand:
The nature of science, its methods, scope, and limitations
Cell function
The genetic basis of life
Major concepts and theories of diversity, evolution, and ecology
Plant form and function
Organization and general function of the human body
Significant biological issues facing society
Projects, Activities, etc.: Lab investigations and write-ups, research, presentations and college campus visit
Instructional Focus: Small and large group lecture, field and lab activities and use of college text
Prerequisite/Selection Process: None
Intended Audience: Grades 10, 11, 12
Credit: One Trimester = 0.5 credit
Major Outcomes:
Learn to navigate the night sky
Understand how astronomers uncover the mysteries of stars, supernovae, galaxies, and black holes
Investigate the possibility of life outside of Earth, the expansion of the universe, General Relativity, dark matter, and dark energy
Develop skills to understand and communicate about new astronomy research
Projects, activities, etc: Create a star wheel to help view the night sky, stargaze with telescopes, develop a model showing the life cycle of stars, analyze curved space-time with a gravity table, use real data from space telescopes to look for exoplanets, complete personalized research project
Instructional Focus: Collaborative and hands-on lab activities, discussion, and lecture through the context of current astronomy research and data
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Earth Science or Honors Earth Science
Intended Audience: Grades 10, 11, and 12
Credit: One trimester = 0.5 credit
Major Outcomes:
Describe and locate local and regional geologic features
Describe and locate natural and mineral resources
Knowledge of geological history
Projects, Activities, etc.: Collections
Instructional Focus: Hands-on experiential learning
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Chemistry I with permission of teacher or Honors Chemistry I
Intended Audience: Grades 11 and 12 interested in pursuing science, medicine or engineering
Credit: One trimester = 0.5 credit
Major Outcomes:
Further development of advanced chemistry concepts
Projects, Activities, etc.: Lab work
Instructional Focus: College-level concepts through small and large group lecture and lab activities; college text is used
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Earth Science or Honors Earth Science
Intended Audience: Grades 10, 11, and 12
Credit: One trimester = 0.5 credit
Major Outcomes:
Knowledge of weather basics
Weather forecasting
Projects, Activities, etc.: Weather data collecting and interpretation
Instructional Focus: Small and large group lecture and lab activities
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Biology I, Coll Honors Biology, or AP Biology
Intended Audience: Grade 12 students interested in ecology and outdoor activities.
Credit: One trimester = 0.5 credit
Major Outcomes:
Understand natural systems
Develop stewardship for the environment
Experience outdoor activities with science
Projects, Activities, etc.: Wild edibles, taxonomy [plants and birds], exploration of seasonal Influences on outdoor activities through camping, fall ecology
Units of study: The living world, population and global change
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Biology I Coll Honors Biology, or AP Biology
Intended Audience: Grade 12 students interested in ecology and outdoor activities.
Credit: One trimester = 0.5 credit
Major Outcomes:
Understand natural systems
Develop stewardship for the environment
Experience outdoor activities with science
Projects, Activities, etc.: Independent project, orienteering, winter ichthyology through ice fishing, winter survival, exploration of seasonal influences on outdoor activities through winter camping, astronomy, winter ecology
Units of study: Energy resources and consumption, pollution and global change
Prerequisite/Selection Process: Biology I, Coll Honors Biology, or AP Biology
Intended Audience: Grade 12 students interested in ecology and outdoor activities.
Credit: One trimester = 0.5 credit
Major Outcomes:
Understand natural systems
Develop stewardship for the environment
Experience outdoor activities with science
Projects, Activities, etc.: Meteorology, applied open water ecology through fishing, river morphology through canoeing/ kayaking, geology, applied geology through rock climbing, exploration of seasonal influences on outdoor activities, spring ecology
Units of study: Land and water use, earth systems and global change
Prerequisite/Selection Process: None
Intended Audience: Grades 10, 11, and 12
Credit: Two trimesters = 1.0 credit
Major Outcomes:
Explore the Physics of Sports/Motion, Energy, Electricity, Music/Waves
Investigate real-world physics phenomena related to cars & driving, sports, roller coasters, instruments, motors, electronic devices, and beyond.
Construct solutions to engaging and relevant problems.
Uncover the fundamental laws that govern the universe.
Projects, Activities, etc.: Voice-over (broadcast) physics of a sporting event, calculating the safety of car collisions, developing musical instruments, creating and using circuits and motors to solve an engineering challenge.
Instructional Focus: Problem-based, collaborative, and hands-on laboratory investigations with conceptual and mathematical foundations.
[AP exam is in May each year]
Prerequisite/Selection Process: HS Algebra II
Intended Audience: Grades 11 and 12 students planning to take college courses
Credit: Two trimesters = 1.5 credits
Major Outcomes:
Learn in depth concepts related to Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, power; mechanical waves, sound and electric circuits.
Develop deep understanding of the content and focus on applying their knowledge through labs that include inquiry.
Approach the AP exam with confidence
Projects, Activities, etc.: College credit may be earned based on AP exam score and institution
Instructional Focus: Computer-enhanced small and large group lecture and lab activities using higher-level mathematics