Science

41111 - Biology I

Biology I is required for graduation.

This laboratory course is designed to provide information regarding the fundamental concepts of life and life processes. Covered topics include, but are not restricted to, cell structure and function, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, evolution, taxonomy, and certain aspects of earth science. Reading, writing, and speaking strategies are integrated and developed in the course.

48010 - Health Education I

Semester-long course; .5 credit

Health Education I is a required course for graduation.

This course is backed with NM History

In this required course, the student studies all aspects of health and wellness through learning experiences that emphasize an increased awareness of the positive or negative impact of behaviors on health. Areas of study include, but are not limited to, health promotion, acquisition of health information, health behaviors, health factors, interpersonal communication skills, goal setting, and health advocacy. Literacy skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and researching) are integrated throughout the course. 

42111 - Chemistry I

Recommended Prerequisite: 

Strongly recommended that students

successfully complete Algebra I before 

enrolling in Chemistry.

Chemistry I is required for graduation.

This laboratory course is designed for the student to study chemistry and the impact of its applications on society. He/ she investigates substances and how they react with one another. Concepts of study include, but are not limited to, scientific measurement, properties and structure of matter, atomic theory, classification and periodic trends, ionic and covalent bonding, chemical reactions, energy, nuclear chemistry, acids and bases, and solutions. In addition, the student studies how chemistry and Earth and space science relate. Concepts include, but are not limited to, electromagnetic radiation, radioactivity, the structure of the Earth, and groundwater. Scientific thinking and practice (e.g., extensive laboratory activities, critical thinking, and problem solving), science and society, and literacy are integrated throughout the course.

43111 - Physics I

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I

Teacher signature required

Physics I is required for graduation.

This laboratory course is designed as a study of the relationships between matter and energy. The student investigates topics that include, but are not restricted to, the principles of motion, gravitation, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism; forces of

nature; plate tectonics; and cosmology. As appropriate, these topics are examined at scales ranging from atomic to astronomical. The focus is on conceptual understanding and practical application. Literacy strategies are integrated throughout the curriculum.

43171 - AP Physics I

Prerequisite: Students should have completed Geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course. Although the Physics 1 course includes basic use of trigonometric functions, this understanding can be gained either in the concurrent math course or in the AP Physics 1 course itself. No prior course work in physics in necessary.

Teacher signature required

The course prepares students for success on the national A.P Physics exam given in May. It is strongly recommended that the student take the exam. Depending on his or her score and the policies of the college or university the student chooses to attend, he or she may receive actual college credit. Cost of the exam is borne by the student. The student may be expected to complete some course assignments outside the school year (during the summer).

AP Physics I is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Twenty-five 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.

**AP Physics meets the standards of Physics I and may be taken in place of Physics I. Teacher signature required.

44115 – Anatomy and Physiology

Recommended Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Biology I and Chemistry I.

Grades 11-12

Teacher signature required

Anatomy and Physiology is a survey course of study examining the anatomical and physiological systems of humans. This laboratory course is designed for the student interested in health occupations and in how the body works. The student explores the structure and function of systems and how each contributes to the complete homeostasis of the body, including integument, skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, digestive, renal, respiratory, and reproductive systems. The student participates in the examination of cells, histology, and basic chemistry as this applies to the study of physiology. Dissection is required for the anatomy portion of the course.

43131 - Astronomy I

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra I or Concurrent Enrollment in Algebra I

Recommended prerequisite: Successful Completion of or Concurrent Enrollment in Chemistry and Geometry.

Grades 10-12

Teacher signature required

This laboratory course is designed to for the student to develop a clear understanding of the universe, Milky Way, stars, solar system, and the Earth’s position in these. The student studies the formation of the solar system, workings of the sun, comparison of planets, orientation and placement of the Earth in the Milky Way galaxy, formation of galaxies, theories about cosmology, the Big Bang, and the possibility of other life in the universe. The history and development of astronomy and the major tools used to study it are investigated intensely (e.g., ground-based and space-based telescopes, spectroscopy) Astronomy uses algebra and geometry to support a deeper understanding of celestial mechanics, Kepler’s and Newton’s laws, and methods of measuring stars. The student studies the life cycles of stars, including stellar evolution, supernova, neutron stars, and black holes. The student examines scientific thinking and practices and how science impacts individuals and society. Literacy strategies (e.g., reading, writing, speaking, research) are integrated throughout the curriculum. A variety of labs, projects, field trips, and the use of the Internet supplement class activities. 

44111 - Biology II

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology I and Chemistry I or Physics I with a grade of C or better.

Teacher signature required

This laboratory course is designed as a combination of acceleration and enrichment emphasizing in depth study of the fundamental principles, problems, and subfields of biology.  The student who selects this course has already met life science standards.  Topics covered vary but must include two different focuses that may include, but are not limited to, botany, environmental studies, genetics, microbiology, comparative anatomy, and cytology or other topics left to the teacher’s discretion.  A research paper and/or a science project may be required.  Literacy strategies (e.g., reading, writing, speaking) are integrated throughout 

43142 - Introduction to Forensics

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology I and Chemistry I.

Grades 11-12

Teacher signature required

The laboratory course is designed as a course for the student interested in forensic science.  The philosophical, rational, and practical framework that supports a forensic investigation is presented via an integrated curriculum.  This course presents the unifying principles of forensic science, discusses the foundation of forensic science in the basic sciences and mathematics, and introduces the technique of integrating these areas in the determination of the cause of death.  The student studies forensic anthropology, biochemistry, chemistry, botany, entomology, and physics as well as problem-solving techniques utilized in analyzing a crime scene.  Other topics include ballistics, autopsies, mass disasters, epidemiology of environmental disaster, biological weapons as well as toxicology, microbiology, and pathology.  The instructor utilizes a variety of techniques (e.g., demonstration, lecture, laboratory case studies) and literacy strategies (e.g., reading, writing, speaking, research) to deliver the curriculum.

44132 – Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry with C or better and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II strongly recommended

Grades 11-12

Teacher signature required

This course fulfills the Chemistry I graduation requirement.

The course prepares students for success on the national A.P. Chemistry exam given in May. It is strongly recommended that

 he student take the exam. Depending on his or her score and the policies of the college or university the student chooses to attend,

he or she may receive actual college credit. Cost of the exam is borne by the student.

This laboratory course is designed to be the equivalent of a college level introductory general chemistry course. The student acquires a strong understanding of chemistry fundamentals and competence in dealing with chemical problems. The student develops the ability to think clearly and express his or her ideas orally and in writing with clarity and logic. The student examines the structure

of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibriums, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. At the completion of this course, the student is strongly encouraged to take the A.P. Chemistry exam. 

44135 –Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science

Recommended prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra I, Biology, and Chemistry is highly recommended.

Grades 10-12

Teacher signature required

The course prepares students for success on the national A.P Environmental Science exam given in May. It is strongly recommended that the student take the exam. Depending on his or her score and the policies of the college or university the student chooses to attend, he or she may receive actual college credit. Cost of the exam is borne by the student. The student may be expected to complete some course assignments outside the school year (during the summer).

This laboratory class is designed to provide the student with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand, identify, and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made: He or she then examines alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them. The course is interdisciplinary, covering topics in the fields of geology, biology, chemistry, geography, and physics. The student examines the following concepts: Science is a process; energy conversions underlie all ecological processes; the Earth itself is one interconnected system; humans alter natural systems; environmental problems have cultural and social contexts; and human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. The student is encouraged, but is not required, to take the A.P. exam at the end of the school year. 

44112-Chemistry II 

Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry I and Algebra I 

Grades 11-12 

Teacher signature required 

This laboratory course* is designed to provide an in-depth investigation of more specialized areas of chemistry and laboratory techniques including, but not limited to, acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction, chemical equilibrium, kinetics, ionic equilibrium, solubility products, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and nuclear chemistry. Topics:(e.g., stoichiometry, chemical equations, atomic structure, molecular bonding and geometry, periodic relationships, gases, liquids. solids, and solutions) studied in Chemistry I are further developed. Chemical analysis, physical and mathematical 80 models of matter and its interaction, organic biochemistry, and principles of technology are also studied. Literacy strategies are integrated throughout the curriculum.

44119 - Pre-Engineering Physics 

Teacher signature required 

Pre-Engineering physics exceeds state standards. This is a pre-engineering course that examines the fundamentals of electrical, mechanical and material science engineering. This course examines the fundamental relationship between matter and energy through integrated student designed and developed engineering projects. Students will explore the conversion of energy from nuclear, thermal, electrical, and hydro resources into usable mechanical energy. This course will also investigate energy on an astronomical scale. Students will develop a theoretical background in the classroom and apply this knowledge along with critical thinking skills to real-world engineering problems in a laboratory setting. Computerized data acquisition and analysis plays a key role in laboratory experimentation. Culminating each semester, students will collaborate to develop an integrated design project. Students will develop the strong problem-solving skills necessary for success in engineering and technical careers

 43171 - AP Physics I

Prerequisite: Students should have completed Geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course. Although the Physics 1 course includes basic use of trigonometric functions, this understanding can be gained either in the concurrent math course or in the AP Physics 1 course itself. No prior course work in physics in necessary.

Grades 11-12

Teacher signature required

The course prepares students for success on the national A.P Physics exam given in May. It is strongly recommended that the student take the exam. Depending on his or her score and the policies of the college or university the student chooses to attend, he or she may receive actual college credit. Cost of the exam is borne by the student. The student may be expected to complete some course assignments outside the school year (during the summer).

AP Physics I is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Twenty-five 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.

**AP Physics meets the standards of Physics I and may be taken in place of Physics I. Teacher signature required.

43181 - AP Physics II

Prerequisite: Students should have successfully completed AP Physics I and be concurrently taking Pre-Calculus or an equivalent course.

Grade 12

Teacher signature required

The course prepares students for success on the national A.P Physics II exam given in May. It is strongly recommended that the student take the exam. Depending on his or her score and the policies of the college or university the student chooses to attend, he or she may receive actual college credit. Cost of the exam is borne by the student. The student may be expected to complete some course assignments outside the school year (during the summer).

In this course, students will expand their understanding of physics as they explore topics such as fluids; thermodynamics; electric force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Students will do hands-on and inquiry-based in-class activities and laboratory work to investigate phenomena.

44131 – Advanced Placement (AP) Biology

Recommended Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Biology I and Chemistry I with a C or better in both courses.

Grades 11 & 12

Teacher signature required

Fee: $20.00/year

A.P. Biology fulfills the Biology I graduation requirement, but Biology I must be taken.

The course prepares students for success on the national A.P Biology exam given in May. It is strongly recommended that the student take the exam. Depending on his or her score and the policies of the college or university the student chooses to attend, he or she may receive actual college credit. Cost of the exam is borne by the student. The student is expected to complete some course assignments outside the school year (during the summer). This laboratory course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course taken by biology majors. It is an intense course of study requiring strong study skills, critical thinking skills, and time management skills. Topics of study include molecules, cells, heredity, evolution, organisms, populations, and ecology. Laboratory work is strongly emphasized, including DNA biotechnology, biochemistry, and population dynamics. At the completion of this course, the student is strongly encouraged to take the A.P. exam.