A minimum of three (3) credits in science will be required for graduation. Among these credits, each student must successfully complete Biology and 2 electives. Also, while only three (3) credits are required, students are encouraged to take science all four years. Furthermore, the science department recommends that students interested in pursuing science as a career take two (2) credits in science their junior and senior years.
Biology I (410/411)
1 credit - year long course
03051A000
Biology I is an entry-level science class. Topics include ecology, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. Grades will be based upon tests, quizzes, labs, homework, and participation.
Earth Science (414)
1/2 credit -semester
03001A000
This course covers material in the Earth Science strand of the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will investigate and study the interactions between the four major Earth spheres including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere to explain Earth’s formation, processes, history, landscapes, and how and why Earth changes over time. The course will also explore how current actions of man are interacting with and affecting Earth’s spheres leading to local and global changes. Topics addressed will include science practices, nature of science, measurement, mapping Earth’s surface, minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, geologic time, and meteorology. Students will participate in laboratory exercises, small group activities, web-based investigations and simulations, class discussions, and projects along with the normal worksheets, quizzes, and tests.
Ecology (415)
1/2 credit -semester
03009A000
This course will transmit the principles, methods, and vocabulary of ecology. The class will examine the concepts of the ecosystem, populations, communities, the flows of energy, material cycles, and biotic diversity. Students will analyze ecological concepts including the unity of organisms and inseparable interactions with the physical environment. Students will critically analyze and discuss issues concerning population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystem ecology. Students will relate concepts of ecology to their personal and professional interests in environmental issues. Class discussions include topics such as the formation, distribution, and organization of ecological communities, plant succession, and nutrient cycling. Students will also evaluate aspects of evolutionary trends within plant and animal communities as they relate to ecological principles.
Physical Science (416/417)
1 credit - year long course
03159A000
Prerequisite: IPS1 and Biology
The course will cover the core concepts of chemistry first semester and conceptual physics second semester. Earth science topics will be covered where appropriate. Students will be involved in lab activities and problem solving that require them to apply their knowledge. Grades are based on homework, quizzes, tests, and lab work.
CP Chemistry (425/426)
1 credit - year long course
03101A000
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Biology I
College Prep Chemistry is intended to meet the needs of college-bound students seeking a possible career in a science field. Students completing CP Chemistry will be prepared to move onto Advanced Placement Chemistry. CP Chemistry is a rigorous, lab based introductory-level science course. This course covers general chemistry topics and then examines each topic more thoroughly. Due to this course’s heavy math component, students are expected to excel in algebra and mathematical solving. Topics include: the metric system, energy & matter, atomic structure, chemical formulas & equations, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, redox chemistry, acid-base chemistry, solution chemistry, and organic chemistry. This is a lab class. Grading will be based on homework, lab work, group work, projects & assessments.
Zoology (427)
1/2 credit - semester course
03061A00
Prerequisite: Biology
Zoology is the study of animal life. Zoology is a science elective that allows students to explore the scientific study of the animal kingdom. This course will introduce the nine major phyla of the kingdom Animalia. We will gradually progress through the animal kingdom phylum-by-phylum according to evolutionary relationships from the most ancient animals (e.g., protozoa and sea sponges) to the most recently evolved animals (e.g., birds and mammals). Therefore, students will be studying both invertebrates and vertebrates, and we will be studying their evolution, classification, anatomy, physiology, behavior, development, and ecology. Students will participate in laboratory exercises, small group activities, web-based investigations, class discussions, and projects along with the normal worksheets, quizzes, and tests. Laboratory exercises will be both microscopic and macroscopic. Lab dissections will be a required component to the course. This course is well suited for individuals interested in health or animal science careers.
Astronomy (428)
1/2 credit - semester course
03004A000
Prerequisite: Biology
This introductory Astronomy course will introduce beginners to the expansive field of astronomy. This course covers the essential concepts and theories that form the foundation of studying the universe. Students will get the opportunity to explore the basics of celestial bodies and phenomena, such as planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets. This course includes career exploration in Astronomy, in addition to presenting current topics in this quickly changing field. Additional enhancement topics covered include Space Travel, The Hubble Telescope, and The International Space Station.
Botany (429)
1/2 credit - semester course
03004A000
Botany is the scientific study of plants and their relationship to the environment. In this course, students will investigate the growth, reproduction, anatomy, morphology, physiology, biochemistry, taxonomy, genetics, and ecology of plants. The course will begin with a study of the structure and function of each aspect of plants and will also cover the various environmental factors that impact plant growth. This course is for students expecting daily homework as well as projects, quizzes, tests, and laboratory write-ups. Laboratory and outdoor experiences complement classroom activities. A high level of understanding in problem solving and the scientific methods is necessary for success in this course.
Environmental Science (430/431)
1 credit - year long course
03003A000
Environmental Science emphasizes the relationships between living things and the environment. Fall semester covers the principles of ecology and the study of specific ecosystems. Spring semester addresses human impact on the environment. Grades are based on homework, tests, quizzes, and lab work. Students may take either or both semesters. Both semesters must be completed in order to be considered for dual credit.
Physics (440/441)
1 credit - year long course
03151A000
Prerequisite: Geometry
Physics is a math based science course designed to provide a basis of knowledge for students likely to encounter physics in college or for those students who will routinely face real-world problem solving situations. The course will focus on mathematical and observational knowledge of the physical world and how it works. Laboratory work, group projects, and problem solving will be used to explore mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves (including optics and basic acoustics). As time permits, nuclear
physics may be covered. Grades are based on homework, quizzes, tests, lab work and projects.
Physiology and Anatomy (450/451)
1 credit - year long course
03053A000
Prerequisite: CP Chemistry
This class is a rigorous study of the body systems and is designed for the college bound/health career student. The class will focus on the anatomy and physiology of the major body systems of humans. Lab work is a major part of the course and dissection of the pig and sheep organs is required. First semester will focus on tissues, sense organs, integumentary, skeletal, and nervous systems. Second semester studies the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, reproductive, and excretory systems. A student may take either or both semesters. Grading is based on tests, quizzes, homework, and labs.
Advanced Placement Biology Lab (461)
1/2 credit - semester
03056A000
Prerequisite: Enrollment in Advanced Placement Biology
Students who are taking Advanced Placement Biology should enroll for this course during the fall semester. The AP Biology curriculum has twelve lab exercises. The twelve labs will be performed in preparation for the test in the spring. Other lab exercises will also be used to reinforce concepts covered during the semester. Grading will be based on formal lab reports, lab quizzes, pre-lab exercises, and lab questions.
*Advanced Placement Biology (462/463)
1 credit - year long course
03056A000
Prerequisite: Biology I, CP Chemistry & Consent of Instructor
The Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a representative introductory biology course taken by biology majors during their first year of college. The course will follow the syllabus provided by the Advanced Placement Program so that students will be prepared to take the Biology AP test in the spring. Lab work is an integral part of the curriculum. It is expected that students who take this course will seek college credit and/or placement from the college or university they attend. Appropriate credit and placement are granted by each institution in accordance with its own policies. Grading will be based on tests, homework, quizzes, and labs. Students must pass first semester in order to enroll in second semester.
*Advanced Placement Chemistry (468/469)
1 credit - year long course
03106A000
Prerequisite: CP Chemistry
Students who plan to take chemistry at college are strongly urged to take this class. The course work will follow the curriculum established by the College Board for Advanced Placement Chemistry. This curriculum is the equivalent of first year chemistry for chemistry majors at most colleges and universities. Laboratory work is a major component of the class and students should enroll in the lab class during the second semester. Grading for the course will be based on tests, quizzes, labs, and homework. It is expected that students who take the course will seek college credit and/or placement from the college or university they attend. Appropriate credit and placement are granted by each institution in accordance with its own policies. Students must pass first semester in order to enroll in second semester. To earn Lewis & Clark dual credit, student must have passed Algebra III or be concurrently enrolled in the course.
*Advanced Placement Chemistry Lab (471)
1/2 credit -semester
03106A000
Prerequisite: Enrollment in Advanced Placement Chemistry
Students who are taking Advanced Placement Chemistry should enroll for this course in the spring. Lab work is a major part of the Advanced Placement curriculum. The curriculum has twenty-two required labs to be performed during the year. This class will perform most of these labs during the spring semester. Students will learn to manipulate chemicals and advanced chemical apparatuses in this course. Grading will be based on formal lab reports, pre-lab exercises, lab questions, and lab quizzes.