Science
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WHAT COURSES DO I TAKE & WHEN DO I TAKE THEM? (click each heading to go to that section)
In 9th Grade
Science 9 A, B
Course # 2505, 2506
Grade Offered: 9
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description: In science 9, you will learn to think like a scientist. You will learn how to design experiments and develop scientific models. Then, you will learn how scientists used these methods to learn about some very big ideas like energy and space and Earth and water and pollution and climate change.
Expect a challenging and rewarding lab-based curriculum that prepares you for future science courses at RAHS.
AP Environmental Studies A, B, C*
Course # 2226, 2227, 2228*
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2-3
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course is the equivalent of a one semester college course. It is designed to prepare you to succeed on the AP Environmental Science exam, which could earn you college credit! In AP Environmental Science you will identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate risks associated with these problems, and examine possible solutions to these problems. To be successful in this advanced course you need to be highly motivated, have an interest in science, and have strong writing and math skills. You should also be prepared for 1 hour of reading/homework nightly. If you would like additional preparation for the AP Environmental Science exam, you have the option of enrolling for the third trimester extension of this course (optional).
*The 3rd trimester course "C" is for students who have completed AP Environmental Science A/B and want to have time during their school day to prepare for the AP Exam in May. We will concentrate on a gaining a deeper understanding of environmental issues (labs will be included) while we review content and study for the AP exam.
In 10th Grade
Biology A, B
Course # 2103, 2104
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: [2506] Science 9 or [2227] AP Environmental Science
Description: In this course, students will study the essential knowledge of biology; the study of life. This course uses a wide variety of activities, including labs, projects, lecture, small group work and others. This is a course designed to foster appreciation and interest in science. Students interested in a more rigorous course should consider taking Accelerated Biology.
Accelerated Biology A, B
Course # 2125, 2126
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: [2506] Science 9 or [2227] AP Environmental Science
Description: In this course, students will study the essential knowledge of biology; the study of life. This course uses a wide variety of activities, including labs, projects, lecture, small group work and others. This is a course designed to foster appreciation and interest in science. This is a more rigourous course than Biology A.
In 11th or 12th Grade (choose one)
Chemistry A, B
Course # 2509, 2510
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: [2506] Science 9 or [2227] AP Environmental Science
Description: Chemistry is everywhere! What are different objects made of? How does matter create the things and processes around us? In this course, students have the opportunity to study the essential principles of chemistry and use knowledge gained in lab experiments to solve chemical problems. This is a college-prep course, designed for any college bound student. This course employs a wide variety of activities, including labs, projects, lecture, small group work, and others. Success will come from quality work and active involvement in class. Students interested in studying science-related fields (i.e. medicine, pharmacy, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, nursing, etc.) in college should consider taking Accelerated Chemistry.
Accelerated Chemistry A, B
Course # 2520, 2521
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: [2506] Science 9 or or [2227] AP Environmental Science, [3132], Advanced Algebra or concurrent enrollment.
Description: The big idea for this Chemistry class is to help students understand their world better at the atom and compound level and prepare them for high level science and math courses after high school. The goal of this course is to help students feel confident in defining matter, how matter changes and how we measure different forms of matter. We are living in times where understanding science is more important than ever— how do vaccines work, what is scientific evidence and what evidence can be trusted? This fast-paced course is designed to prepare students interested in pursuing science-related fields (i.e. medicine, pharmacy, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, nursing, etc.) in college. This is also the Chemistry course that will best prepare students for AP Biology and AP Chemistry.
Physics A, B
Course # 2301, 2302
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: [2506] Science 9 or AP Environmental Science
Description: This course is the same rigor level as Chemistry but you drop objects from dizzying heights, zap your friends with static electricity, or launch a rocket. General Physics is designed for students who are not planning further science courses in college. Goals include development of scientific reasoning and basic understanding of physics principles in everyday life. The use of mathematics will be less significant than in other physics courses, but will include some higher level mathematics concepts. There will be emphasis on critical thinking, written and oral communication, problem-solving, and laboratory techniques.
Accelerated Physics A, B
Course # 2313, 2314
Grade Offered: 11,12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: [2505][2506] Science 9 or [2226][2227] AP Environmental Science, [3132, 3147] Advanced Algebra
Description: Accelerated Physics can be used to better understand nearly anything…such as walking, car crashes, rockets, soccer, musical instruments, lightening, magnetohydrodynamics, etc and this makes it inherently interesting. In Accelerated Physics we will explore the physical laws governing these things and others in an active, minds-on learning environment where lectures are minimized. Throughout, the course will focus on developing the student’s use of models and representations as tools for thinking and to generate equations. Topics include motion, forces, energy, electricity, magnetism, and the way our brain misleads us about these things. Accelerated Physics is especially valuable for students who are considering engineering, physics or chemistry in college.
AP Physics A, B, C*
Course # 2315, 2316, 2317*
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 2-3
Prerequisites: [3081] Acclelerated Pre calculus
Description: P Physics 1 is designed to prepare students to take the AP Physics 1 exam (and the AP C: Mechanics exam) The course includes the study of motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, gravity, and simple harmonic motion.. The course will focus on developing the student’s use of models and representations as tools for thinking and to generate equations across various domains. Strong confidence and skill are required in algebra. The course will also give students an opportunity to increase their ability to ask scientific questions, design and carry out experiments, and analyze data. This work is done in an intensely informal classroom atmosphere. If you are interested in preparing for the AP exam in May please register for AP Physics 1 C (2317), the 3rd trimester of AP Physics 1.
This course is often only offered every other year due to enrollment.
Science Electives
AP Biology A, B, C*
Course # 2117, 2118, 2119*
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 2-3
Prerequisites: [2108 & 2109] Accelerated Biology A & B [2103 & 2104] Biology A & B; and [2509 or 2511] Chemistry or Accelerated Chemistry or concurrent enrollment or with teacher approval .
Description: A fun in depth look at LIFE, AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course and helps prepare students for the AP exam offered in May. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of biochemistry, cells, bioenergetics, evolution, genetics, molecular biology and ecological systems. Students should be prepared for at most 1 hour of homework nightly.
Students who take Accelerated Chemistry/Accelerated Biology will be best prepared for this course. 10th graders must have instructor permission to register.
Optional - Third trimester is strongly recommended (but not required) to best prepare students for the exam in May.
**The 3rd trimester course "C" is for students who have completed AP Biology A/B and want to have time during their school day to prepare for the AP Exam in May. We will concentrate on connecting all of the concepts learned in class (labs will be included) while we review content and study for the AP exam.
AP Chemistry A, B, C*
Course # 2215, 2216, 2223*
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 2-3
Prerequisites: [2512] Accelerated Chemistry or [2510] Chemistry
Description: The importance of the theoretical aspects of chemistry has brought about an increasing emphasis on structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. AP Chemistry students will study these topics in considerable depth. Course objectives will meet standards of college level chemistry. This course will help prepare students for the optional AP exam offered each May. Accelerated Chemistry [2512] is the best preparation for AP Chemistry. Students should be prepared for one hour of homework nightly. For success on the AP Chemistry Exam, AP Chemistry Optional 3rd trimester is highly recommended (see course description which follows).
*This course is highly recommended for students who have completed Accelerated Chemistry and want to prepare themselves for the optional Advanced Placement Examination offered each May. This practical course will help students understand all the expectations of the AP exam. In addition, students will further their understanding of chemical concepts, specifically laboratory concepts.
Marine Biology
Course # 2115
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: [2109] Accelerated Biology, [2104] Biology or [61375] Biology EL
Description: Interested in studying the diversity of life found in the oceans? This elective course will introduce you to the field of marine biology. Students will learn about the physical ocean and the diversity of ocean life. Students will be challenged in a variety of ways including learning the identification and classification of common marine species. Students will learn increasing complexity of anatomy through dissection or projects including clam, squid, sea star, crab and shark.
Forensic Biology
Course # 2007
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: [2109] Accelerated Biology, [2104] Biology or [61375] Biology EL
Description: Analyze blood splatters, make and develop fingerprints, test crime scene DNA and evaluate urine and blood for drugs! These are a few of the techniques that await you as we explore the methodologies used by criminologists, forensics investigators and pathologists to uncover information relating to crimes, deaths and medical problems. We will examine the science behind the techniques and the development of forensics over the last 100 years. Students taking this course should have an interest in science and enjoy activity/lab-based classes.
Medical Terminology A, B
Course # 2018, 2019
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: [2104] Bio, 2109 Accelerated Bio or [61374/61375] Bio EL
Description: Are you interested in the medical field? You may choose to take this introductory class to learn the language of medicine. Medical Terminology is a place for students to begin to build a foundation in terminology and basic concepts of the human body. Medical Terminology will help build skills and vocabulary for students who need preparation before taking the faster paced Anatomy Physiology course at RAHS. Medical Terminology is not required to take the Anatomy Physiology course at RAHS. If you are unsure which class you should take to start your medical career path please talk to your Biology teacher for a recommendation.
Anatomy and Physiology
Course # 2222
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: [2109] Accelerated Biology or [2104] Biology
Description: Are you interested in the Medical Field? Human Anatomy and Physiology is a rigorous, in-depth course pertaining to the structure and function of the systems within the human body. Lab exercises involve tissue examination, bone observation, blood cell count, work with senses, heart and brain model observations, and pig dissection. This is a challenging course designed to best prepare students who are interested in pursuing health and medical related fields in college. Students should be prepared to study and complete work outside of the classroom. Medical Terminology is not required to take Anatomy Physiology. If you are unsure which class you should take to start your medical career path please talk to your Biology teacher for a recommendation.
Astronomy
Course # 2219
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: Are you ready to blast off into the world of Astronomy? Your mission will include a non-mathematical exploration of the motion of the night sky, phases of the moon, formation of stars, solar systems, galaxies and black holes. We will trace our steps in space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life. If you have ever looked up into the night sky and wondered what all that is and what is going on out there, you can find the answers in Astronomy.
AP Environmental Studies A, B, C*
Course # 2226, 2227, 2228*
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2-3
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course is the equivalent of a one semester college course. It is designed to prepare you to succeed on the AP Environmental Science exam, which could earn you college credit! In AP Environmental Science you will identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate risks associated with these problems, and examine possible solutions to these problems. To be successful in this advanced course you need to be highly motivated, have an interest in science, and have strong writing and math skills. You should also be prepared for 1 hour of homework nightly. If you would like additional preparation for the AP Environmental Science exam, you have the option of enrolling for the third trimester extension of this course (optional).
*The 3rd trimester course "C" is for students who have completed AP Environmental Science A/B and want to have time during their school day to prepare for the AP Exam in May. We will concentrate on a gaining a deeper understanding of environmental issues (labs will be included) while we review content and study for the AP exam.