Science

Students at Decatur High School are required to take and pass four science classes to graduate from high school.

9th Grade

Physics

Previous Course: 8th-Grade Science

Next Course: Chemistry or Advanced Chemistry

Students explore physics concepts using laboratory activities, videos, software, and web sites. The purpose of this course is to provide opportunities to study the concepts, theories, and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy, and forces, and their applications to the real world through exploratory investigations and activities. This course, using mainly virtual laboratory investigations, will focus on unifying concepts and processes of science; habits of the mind, energy, thermodynamics, conservation of energy, momentum, kinematics, force and motion, waves, electricity and magnetism, and interactions among science, technology, and society.

10th Grade

Chemistry

Previous Course: Physics

Next Course: IB Biology HL or IB Biology SL

Beginning with the structure of atoms and molecules, Chemistry students will study: Matter, Atomic Theory, Periodic Table, Bonding, Chemical Formulas & Equations, Mass Relationships in a Compound, Stoichiometry, Gas Laws, Solutions, Acids, Bases and Salts, Thermochemistry, Nuclear, Reaction Rates and Equilibrium. Along the way, they'll conduct chemical investigations, demonstrate the results, and develop a solid understanding of several universal scientific principles.

Advanced Chemistry

Previous Course: Physics

Next Course: IB Biology HL or IB Biology SL

Placement Criteria: One MAP Math score 90th percentile or higher and no MAP Math score below 85th percentile in the previous school year AND a combined math/physics grade of 11 or higher (10 or higher for accelerated math) with no math/physics grade below 5.

Advanced Chemistry covers more topics and emphasizes the chemical calculations and mathematical formulations of principles. Students engage in significant lab experiences. This class is particularly suited for students who are interested in the sciences or seek more rigorous preparation for advanced science classes.

11th Grade

IB Biology SL Year 1

Previous Course: Chemistry or Advanced Chemistry

Next Course: IB Biology SL Year 2

Biology is the study of life. The vast diversity of species makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge. Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels from the micro to the macro using many different approaches and techniques. Biology is still a young science and great progress is expected in the 21st century. This progress is important at a time of growing pressure on the human population and the environment. By studying biology in the DP students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes the sciences. Teachers provide students with opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings

IB Biology HL Year 1

Previous Course: Chemistry or Advanced Chemistry

Next Course: IB Biology HL Year 2

Placement Criteria:

  • Grade of 3 or higher in Advanced Chemistry
  • Combined grade of 8 or higher in Chemistry and AP US History with no grade of 3 or lower in Chemistry
  • Combined grade of 9 or higher in Chemistry and US History with no grade of 3 or lower in either

Biology is the study of life. The vast diversity of species makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge. Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels from the micro to the macro using many different approaches and techniques. Biology is still a young science and great progress is expected in the 21st century. This progress is important at a time of growing pressure on the human population and the environment. By studying biology in the DP students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes the sciences. Teachers provide students with opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings

11th-Grade Electives

IB Physics SL Year 1 or HL Year 1

SL Placement Criteria: 3 or higher in Advanced Chemistry OR 5 or higher in Chemistry and enrollment in accelerated math

HL Placement Criteria: 4 or higher in Advanced Chemistry OR 6 or higher in Chemistry and 6 or higher in accelerated math

Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. Despite the exciting and extraordinary development of ideas throughout the history of physics, observations remain essential to the very core of the subject. Models are developed to try to understand observations, and these themselves can become theories that attempt to explain the observations. Besides helping us better understand the natural world, physics gives us the ability to alter our environments. This raises the issue of the impact of physics on society, the moral and ethical dilemmas, and the social, economic and environmental implications of the work of physicists. By studying physics students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes the subject. Teachers provide students with opportunities to develop manipulative skills, design investigations, collect data, analyse results and evaluate and communicate their findings.

12th Grade

IB Biology SL Year 2

Previous Course: IB Biology SL Year 1

IB Biology HL Year 2

Previous Course: IB Biology HL Year 2

12th-Grade Electives

Forensic Science

A college preparatory study of different fields of Forensic Science available only to students who have already earned a credit of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Includes history of forensic science and background on law pertaining to evidence collection and use in court cases. Students will also learn about different types of evidence and how to process a crime scene. Units cover specific types of evidence such as fingerprints, hair and fiber evidence, drugs & toxicology, blood, DNA and human remains.

Note: Seniors must continue into the second year of IB Biology SL or HL and must have . Students interested in this class who transferred to DHS after their freshman and who cannot meet this requirement should contact their counselor.

IB Physics SL Year 2

Previous Course: IB Physics SL Year 1

IB Physics HL Year 2

Previous Course: IB Physics HL Year 1