Science

The Science Department strongly recommends that prospective Science or Engineering majors enroll in as many upper level science classes as possible.

A lab fee is charged for science classes.

Impact chemical splash goggles with indirect vents are required for most science classes. Each student must have his/her own goggles. Students may use the goggles purchased in our junior high school. New ones are available at the cashier’s office.

Three science credits are required for graduation; one must be a biological science, and one must be a physical science.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Full year
Credit: 1.0 Physical Science
Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Fee: Yes

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Physical Science addresses the various aspects of physical, earth, and space sciences and the benchmarks for the Ohio Department of Education Standards. It is designed for those students with average interest in science that may plan to attend college after high school graduation. There is a large range of laboratory exercises related to the concepts presented.

HONORS PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Full year
Credit: 1.0 Physical Science
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Fee: Yes

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Honors Physical Science is designed for the highly ability, college bound student with a keen interest in science and a high ability in math.  Labs are in the nature of investigation and the student centered inquiry method is emphasized.  Students in Honors Physical/Earth Science are expected to use initiative and to be self-motivated. A final exam is given at the end of each semester.

BIOLOGY

Full year
Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
Grade: 9

Ohio State Tested Course: Competency
Fee: Yes

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Biology introduces the student to a systematic study of living things and life processes.  Topics include cell structure and function, cellular processes, ecology, genetics, and evolution.  A wide range of activities includes laboratory work, written reports, microscopic studies, and modeling of concepts. The nature trail may also be used as a land laboratory.  This course culminates with an End of Course Exam.

HONORS BIOLOGY

Full year
Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
Grade: 9
Prerequisite: Advanced Science 8 or Science 8
Highly Recommended: Advanced Science 8

Ohio State Tested Course: Competency
Fee: Yes

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This course is designed for the high ability, college bound student with a keen interest in the biological sciences. Areas of study include cell theory, process, and function; genetics; evolution; and ecology. Some areas of study incorporate chemical as well as biological aspects. Labs are in the nature of investigations and the student centered inquiry method is emphasized. Extended study projects will be incorporated into the course curriculum. Students in Honors Biology are expected to use initiative and to be self-motivated. This course culminates with an End of Course Exam.

AP BIOLOGY                                                                                                    

Full year
Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Chemistry and Biology
Highly Recommended:  "B" or better in Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology
Fee: Yes

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All students who take this Advanced Placement course will be required to take the AP exam, which is administered by the College Board in May. There is a fee associated with the exam, which will be included in the student fees.

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. Students will develop advanced reasoning and inquiry skills as they design experiments, collect and analyze data using mathematics and other methods, and interpret that data to draw conclusions.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Full Year
Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology
Fee: Yes

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Anatomy and Physiology is a course designed to investigate the structure and function of the human body. Students entering Anatomy and Physiology should have well-developed reading skills. The vocabulary in the text is advanced and technical. A large percentage of the laboratory work is dedicated to the dissection of the various organ systems of the cat.  Three practical examinations on the cat are given during the semester. Other laboratory exercises include microscopic studies of tissue slides, in depth studies of the skeleton and individual bones of the human body, blood typing, and blood smears, blood pressure determinations under varying conditions, heart monitoring, and urinalysis. Quarterly reports using current scientific literature are required.

HONORS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Full Year
Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology
Highly Recommended: Honors Biology
Fee: Yes

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Honors Anatomy and Physiology is designed for the self-motivated student having a keen interest in biological science and who plans to study biological science or a related field at an accredited university. Students will study the same topics as those in regular Anatomy and Physiology.  Additional details and extended times will be spent on the various organ systems.

GENERAL CHEMISTRY

Full Year
Credit: 1.0 Physical Science
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Biology
*Co-requisite: Algebra II
Fee: Yes

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This is a laboratory science course in which students investigate the composition of matter and the physical and chemical changes it undergoes. This course provides students with an understanding of fundamental chemical principles and skills that are needed for college, including but not limited to, data collection and analysis, atomic theories, periodic law, chemical bonding, nomenclature, reaction chemistry, and laboratory techniques.  Algebra is often used to quantify the concepts. Students going into any health related field, including 2 year nursing programs, should take this course.

HONORS CHEMISTRY

Full Year
Credit: 1.0 Physical Science
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra II
*Co-requisite (Grade: 10): Algebra II Honors
Highly Recommended:  Successfully complete and demonstrate academic success in previous honors science and math courses
Fee: Yes

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This is an advanced first year chemistry course designed for students who are highly motivated and have a keen interest in science. This course provides students with an understanding of fundamental chemical principles and skills that are needed for college, including but not limited to, data collection and analysis, atomic theories, periodic law, chemical bonding, nomenclature, reaction chemistry, and laboratory techniques.  Algebra is often used to quantify the concepts. This course is similar to general chemistry but the content is covered in more depth and at a faster pace.   Advanced labs will be performed that require the student to be able to utilize problem solving and critical thinking skills to make a quantitative analysis.  This course is required for students who are interested in taking AP Chemistry the following year.  

AP CHEMISTRY

Full year
Credit 1.0 Physical Science
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry
Highly Recommended: Successfully complete and demonstrate academic success in Honors Chemistry and Algebra II
Fee: Yes

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All students who take this Advanced Placement course will be required to take the AP exam, which is administered by the College Board in May. There is a fee associated with the exam, which will be included in the student fees.

This course follows the AP Chemistry curriculum set forth by the College Board and includes review and advanced study of topics covered in honors chemistry as well as properties of solutions, thermodynamics, kinetics, solubility and acid-base equilibria, and electrochemistry.  The laboratory component to this course emphasizes data gathering techniques and in-depth analysis. In May students take the AP Examination with the possibility of earning college credit based on their scores and university of choice.

HONORS PHYSICS

Full year
Credit 1.0 Physical Science
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Highly Recommended: Honors Algebra II
Fee: Yes

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Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions. This Physics course is designed to teach students general Newtonian physics concepts and basic wave theory, develop the students’ analytical, problem solving, and laboratory skills and integrate math, science and technology. Students considering Engineering, Science, or Mathematics Majors in college will benefit from this class. Grades for the class are based on homework, labs, tests, quizzes and class participation. A calculator is required for this course. The course work will include algebra-based problems and topics.

AP PHYSICS 1

Full year
Credit 1 Physical Science
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Highly Recommended: Honors Algebra II
Fee: Yes

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All students who take this Advanced Placement course will be required to take the AP exam, which is administered by the College Board in May. There is a fee associated with the exam, which will be included in the student fees.

Advanced students not considering Engineering, Science, Medical or Mathematics Majors in college will benefit from this class. AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Grades for the class are based on homework, labs, tests, quizzes and class participation. A graphing calculator is required for this course. The coursework will include calculus-based problems and topics. 

AP PHYSICS C Mechanics

Full year

Credit: 1 Physical Science

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Honors Pre Calculus

Co-requisite: Honors or AP Calculus

Fee: Yes

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All students who take this Advanced Placement course will be required to take the AP exam, which is administered by the College Board in May. There is a fee associated with the exam, which will be included in the student fees.

Advanced students considering Engineering, Science, Medical or Mathematics Majors in college will benefit from this class.  Physics C: Mechanics course equivalent to a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course.  The course explores topics such as kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work; energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation.  Introductory differential calculus is used throughout the course.  Grades for the class are based on homework, labs, tests, quizzes and class participation. A graphing calculator is required for this course.

GEOLOGY

Full year
Credit: 1.0 Physical Science
Grade: 10-12
Fee: Yes

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Geology is a general science course with emphasis on the study of the earth and its environment. Topics to be studied include history of geology, identification of minerals, topographic maps, faults and earth movement, and pollution of the atmosphere and groundwater. The major objective of the course is to stimulate an awareness of the ever-changing character of the earth’s surroundings.

ZOOLOGY

Full Year
Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology

Highly Recommended: “B” or better in Biology
Fee: Yes
(Offered alternating years - will be offered in the 2026-2027 school year)

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Zoology offers students the opportunity to learn about animal species. This course will emphasize identification, classification, and ecology of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, concentrating on animals found in Northwest Ohio.  The study of invertebrates such as sponges, cnidarians, mollusks, worms and arthropods will also be included. Emphasis will also be placed on identification, classification, ecology, and developing a respect for the natural world and its inhabitants. Students will spend time in the classroom and the field learning how to identify local animals, learning how they are classified, and studying how they fit into ecosystems. A high level of self-motivation, strong work ethic, and interest in the natural world is expected of students.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Full Year
Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
Grade: 11 - 12
Prerequisite: Biology

Highly Recommended: “B” or better in Biology
Fee: Yes
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The Biotechnology course will lead to the BACE exam and credential. The BACE credential is an industry-recognized credential that documents mastery of the core skills and knowledge valued for entry-level technician positions in the bioscience industry (including, but not limited to: quality control technician, research technician, process technician, specimen collector, and more). The BACE is used as a hiring benchmark nationwide — credential earners require less training than their counterparts, which allows for nearly seamless onboarding.

Upon completion of training and certification, students can pursue post-secondary education opportunities and/or occupational experience, including trade school, community college, university, military, apprenticeships, internships, and traditional and entrepreneurial employment in a limitless range of industries. 

This course is a capstone course that reviews the core skills required for completing the Biosciences Assistant Credential Exam.

• Perform biotechnology laboratory skills including aseptic technique, culturing of microorganisms, preparation of solutions / buffers/ growth media, serial dilutions, measurements of mass, pH, and liquids.

• Use biotechnology laboratory equipment, such as pipets (transfer, serological, and micropipets), pH meter, balance, spectrophotometer, centrifuge, and electrophoresis and titration equipment.

• Apply mathematics in the biotechnology laboratory, performing calculations for serial dilutions and solution preparations, conversions within the metric system, and preparation of graphs using collected data and appropriate scientific notation, significant digits, and decimals.

• Exhibit appropriate workplace safety and behavior including identification of safety symbols and information from safety data sheets, proper handling of biological and hazardous waste, use of personal protective equipment, and proper labeling and documentation practices.

Immunosuppressed students should consider NOT enrolling in this class.

BOTANY 

Full Year
Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
Grade: 11 - 12
Prerequisite: “B” in Biology
Fee: Yes
(Offered alternating years - will be offered in the 2026-2027 school year)

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Botany will offer the students the opportunity to learn about the plant life around them. Through identification, classification, and the study of plant physiology and anatomy the student will learn the intricacies of plant life. This course will also emphasize developing a respect for the natural world and its inhabitants. Students will spend time in the classroom, conducting experiments, and in the field examining plant ecology, plant communities, and environmental responses. A high level of self-motivation and interest in the natural world is expected of students. The students will be expected to collect and catalog different species of plants as part of the requirements for this course.

APPLICATION FOR THE FIELD EXPERIENCE 

Prerequisite for the field experience: "B" oin Biology; Application, handwritten essay and three-teacher recommendations required.  Students must attend a meeting in January 2023 to learn about the application process.  Applications are due in February.  The trip is limited to the number of students Pigeon Key can accommodate the week we travel.

(Offered alternating years - will be offered in the 2023-2024 school year)

MARINE MISSION 

(Classes combined with CCP Life in the Sea)

Block Schedule
Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology

Highly Recommended: “B” or better in Biology
Fee: Yes

(Offered alternating years - will be offered in the 2025-2026 school year)

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Marine Mission is a course that focuses on various aspects of our seas such as the geology of sea floors, the chemical and physical properties of ocean water, flora and fauna of the seas, and the relations between humans and the sea. Emphasis will be placed on developing a respectful, caring attitude for the oceans and their inhabitants. The course is designed for those with a  strong interest in science. Students are expected to be mature, independent, use initiative and be self-motivated. A wide range of learning activities will be encountered-from dissections to projects to lectures and discussions. 

LIFE IN THE SEA - COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS 

(Classes combined with Marine Mission)

1 Semester/Blocked Schedule
HS Credit: 1.0 Biological Science
CCP Credit: 3 College Hours – BGSU BIOL1080
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite for class: Recommended “B” in Biology, meet College Credit Plus requirements and be admitted to BGSU
Fee: No
Method of Delivery: At AWHS Campus
(Offered alternating years - Will be offered in the 2025-2026 school year)

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Life in the Sea is a course that focuses on various aspects of our seas such as the geology of sea floors, the chemical and physical properties of ocean water, flora and fauna of the seas and the relations between humans and the sea. Emphasis will be placed on developing a respectful, caring attitude for the oceans and their inhabitants. The course is designed for those with a strong interest in science. Students are expected to be mature, independent, use initiative and be self-motivated. A wide range of learning activities will be encountered-from dissections to projects to lectures and discussions. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Full year
Credit: 1.0 Physical Science
Grade: 11-12
Fee: Yes
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Biology

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The term conservation implies “The wise use of our natural resources in order to prevent their depletion in future generations.” The Environmental Science course attempts to make students more aware of his/her environment and of man's role in the natural world. Environmental issues such as over-population, resource use, renewable and non-renewable resources, air and water pollution, and endangered species are explored and possible solutions are discussed. The major objectives of the course are to understand the science of ecology and develop a respect for nature. Outdoor activities are an important aspect of the course. Prospective students should possess an interest in nature and the outdoors and share in a concern for the environment. 

ENVIRONMENT OF LIFE - COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS

1 semester - 1 period per day

HS Credit: 1.0 Life Science

Credit: 3 College Hours – BGSU BIOL 1010

Prerequisite for class: Highly recommend B in Biology, Meet College Credit Plus Requirements and be admitted to BGSU

Method of Delivery: at AWHS campus

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Topics covered include historical issues related to environmental health, current environmental problems of air, water, and soil pollution, human population dynamics, energy resources, and managing waste. Not accepted toward a Biology major or minor. Applicable to the BG Perspective (general education) natural sciences requirement.