Physical Science

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 10

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $10

• Prerequisite: None

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description: 

Physical science is designed to introduce students to the many wonders of the physical world through the following units of study: Nature of Science, Forces and Motion, Energy, Geology, Meteorology, Astronomy, The Periodic Table, and Chemical Reactions. Lab activities are required. 

Honors Physics

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12 

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $10

• Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra 1

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description; 

This lab-based course is a rigorous full-year physics course to prepare students for AP Physics C - Mechanics and/or college-level (concurrent enrollment) physics or engineering courses.  It is expected students enrolling in this course be highly motivated and have a strong interest in pursuing a physics or engineering-related field such as pre-med, engineering, astrophysics, geophysics, biomechanics, or other related physical sciences.  Physics is a hands-on study providing students with applied mathematical skills, laboratory techniques, and situational awareness skills for solving problems (learning the language of physics. The course surveys key areas in two dimensions including Newtonian mechanics, mechanical waves, and optics. These concepts are enhanced with challenging model problems, labs, and assessments.   Our goal is to teach students to be good problem-solvers and to apply their knowledge of physics to their everyday lives. 

Chemistry

Course Information:

Grade Level: 10-12

Length: YEAR

Class Fee: $15

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra 1 or taking concurrently; or C or better in Applied Algebra 2

NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

Chemistry is a math-based science dealing with the composition and behavior of matter. Emphasis is on modern theory and applications of chemistry through laboratory work and problem-solving exercises. This course provides the fundamentals necessary to pursue any science-related career. Lab activities are required.

Honors Chemistry

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $15

• Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra 1 or concurrently enrolled in Algebra 1

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

This lab-based course is a rigorous first-year chemistry course to prepare students for AP Chemistry and/or a college-level chemistry (concurrent enrollment) course.  The course gives students a solid basis in the following key areas fo chemistry: atomic structure, chemical bonding and chemical kinetics, equilibrium solutions, stoichiometry, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry.  These concepts are enhanced with challenging model problems, labs, and assessments.  Our goal is to teach students to be good problem-solvers and to apply their knowledge of chemistry to their everyday lives.

Astrophysics 

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $10

• Prerequisite: Physics preferred - physical science acceptable; C or better in Algebra 1

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

This course goes beyond the semester-long astronomy course and has an emphasis on physics and chemistry and introduces students to the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, interstellar gas, galaxies, quasars, plus structure and origins of the universe. It covers the Big Bang: the age, size, and structure of the universe; and the origin of the elements and of stars, galaxies, the solar system, and life. 

Astronomy 

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: SEMESTER

• Class Fee: $5

• Prerequisite: None

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

This is a semester-long course offering students the opportunity to study the solar system, stats, galaxies, and interstellar bodies. Students will be introduced to astronomic instruments and explore theories regarding the origin and evolution of the universe, space, and time. If you want more than this semester course can offer...look at taking Astrophysics.

Earth Science

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $15

• Prerequisite:  Biology & Chemistry (or Physical Science)

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

Earth Science is the study of the Earth's structure, properties, processes, and change over time.  Topics include plate tectonics, natural hazards, geology, water, and human impacts on the environment.  Lab activities are a large part of this class.

AP Chemistry 

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $120 (Includes AP Exam Fee)

• Prerequisite: Earn a C or higher in Honors Chemistry or a B or higher in Chemistry and earn a C or higher in Algebra II (students can be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II, but must have approval from the instructor).

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

AP Chemistry builds students' understanding of the nature and reactivity of matter.  After studying structure, students move on to solve complex quantitative chemical problems, examine molecular composition, and learn to predictably transform substances through chemical reactions.  The equivalent of an introductory college-level chemistry course, AP Chemistry prepares students for the AP Exam and for further study in science, health sciences, or engineering.  A special emphasis is placed on the seven science practices, which capture important aspects of the work scientists engage in with learning objectives combining content with inquiry and reasoning skills.  Students in such a course should attain an in-depth understanding of matter and its changes and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. This course will contribute to the development of the students' abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic.  

Students should be prepared to spend anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour each night after school on just their chemistry homework to keep up with the pace of this class. 

Biology

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 9

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $10

• Prerequisite: None

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

This is a core science class.  Biology is the study of life.  During this course we will study organisms and their interaction with others as well as their surrounding environment.  On a cellular level, we will analyze the transfer and use of energy among all life.  We will take a look into the foods we eat and the role specific molecules play in our body.  During genetics, you will learn the structure of DNA, the code of life, and the process that creates proteins and the variety of characteristics in living organisms. Continuing with genetic concepts,  we will discover the driving force in changes in populations over time.  Scientific thinking skills and laboratory experiences are an integrated part of this course.

Honors Biology 

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 9 

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $15

• Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra I (or concurrently enrolled in Algebra I)

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:  

This lab-based course is a rigorous first-year biology course to prepare students for AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and/or a college-level biology course.  This advanced biology course will require students to complete a more rigorous curriculum, move at a faster pace, and perform at a higher level than they would in a regular biology course.  This course surveys all key areas of biology, including biochemistry, cells and cell division, cellular energetics, inheritance, DNA and protein synthesis, evolution, and ecology.  These concepts are enhanced with challenging model problems, labs, and assessments.  The goal of the course is to enable students to think critically and analytically and to apply their biological knowledge to both environmental and social concerns.

Honors Anatomy and Physiology 

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $30

• Prerequisite: C or better in Biology; C or better in Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry) is recommended.

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

This is a college preparatory class requiring a great deal of effort on the part of the student.  This course includes an in-depth study of the structures and functions of the human body.  Content focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the 11 organ systems found in the human body.  It also includes a review of biology and the study of histology. Major dissections are required (including a mink, heart, brain, and eye.)

Environmental Science

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: SEMESTER

• Class Fee: $15

• Prerequisite:  Biology or Chemistry or Physical Science

Course Description:

This course will develop students' understanding of and appreciation for the problems that exist in the environment and the complexities each problem presents. The course will use current events to explore a variety of human impacts on the air, water, land, and living organisms of Earth.  

Forensic Science

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $20

• Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra I and Biology; and passed Chemistry or Physical Science

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

This course is strongly recommended for students in the biomedical program along with those interested in the criminal justice field.  This year-long, lab-based course is designed to create an awareness of the branch of health science relating to forensics.  This course focuses on introductory skills and assessment in order to develop the ability to identify, analyze, and process logically using deductive reasoning and problem-solving.  Forensic science involves many aspects of health science instruction including laboratory skills and safety, microscopy, toxicology, measurement, physical evidence identification, pathology, anthropology, entomology, psychology, blood spatter analysis, and career exploration.   This is a lab-based class that requires a lot of effort on the part of the student.

Zoology

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $30

• Prerequisite: C or better in Biology (or Honors Biology); and passed Chemistry or Physical Science

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

This is a rigorous year-long lab-based course introducing students to the diverse animal kingdom. During this course we will study the origin of animal life; animal development and reproduction; classifications of major animal phyla; and the basics of ecological niche. Laboratory-based experiences provide a survey of invertebrates and vertebrates as well as animal taxonomy. Dissections are required.

AP Biology

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $125 (Includes AP Exam Fee)

• Prerequisite: Biology/H Biology with a C or better; and Chemistry with a C or better

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course.  This course conforms to the standards instituted by the College Board and, therefore; holds students to the same high expectations, academic rigors, and mature responsibilities of those placed on college freshmen.  The two main goals of AP Biology are to enable students to develop a conceptual understanding of biology and to allow students to experience science as a process. Students will be encouraged to think critically and analytically and to apply their biological knowledge to both environmental and social concerns.  The AP Biology exam will emphasize the themes and concepts of biology over individual facts.  

The amount of work outside of class depends upon individual students' background knowledge, study skill set, and personal goals.  However, it is assumed students will spend five (5) hours a week studying for just this course. 

AP Environmental Science

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $115 (Includes AP Exam Fee)

• Prerequisite: Earn a B or higher in Biology or Chemistry, and earn a C or higher in Algebra. 

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester college environmental science course.  The AP Environmental Science course will develop an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships within the natural world (living organisms, oceans, land, atmosphere) and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made.  Students will evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is challenging.  It is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study such as: chemistry, biology, microbiology, geology, atmospheric, and oceanic sciences.  

Students should expect to spend 5-8+ hours per week on work outside of this class.   There will be homework assigned every class period.  The instructor will review the transcripts of interested students to evaluate correct placement.

The Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences program is designed for those students considering a career in the medical field.  It is designed as a four-year program.  Contingent on approval, college credit may be earned for each class with concurrent enrollment in UCCS.  Additionally, these are yearlong courses.   Students are expected to be in the class for the entire year.

Principles of Biomedical Science I

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 9-10

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $25

• Prerequisite: None

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description; Click here to watch the course video

Students investigate various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sick-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases.  They determine the factors leading to the death of a fictional person, and investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the person's life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, medicine, and research processes.  This course provides an overview of all the courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and lays the scientific foundation for subsequent courses.  This course is designed for 9th and 10th-grade students.

Human Body Systems

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 9-10

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $20

• Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Science I

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description; Click here to watch the course video

Students examine the interactions of body systems as they explore identity, communication, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis.  Students design experiments, investigate the structures and functions of the human body, and use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration.  Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal manikin, work through interesting real-world cases and often play the role of biomedical professional to solve medical mysteries.

Medical Interventions

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $20

• Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Science 1 & Human Body Systems OR successful completion of Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description; Click here to watch the course video

Students will investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family.  A "How-To" manual for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body, the course will explore how to prevent and fight infection; how to screen and evaluate the code in our DNA; how to prevent, diagnose, and prevent cancer; and how to prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail.  Through these scenarios, students will be exposed to a wide range of interventions related to Immunology, Surgery, Genetics, Pharmacology, Medical Devices, and Diagnostics.

Biomedical Innovations

Course Information:

• Grade Level: 12

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $20

• Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Science 1, Human Body Systems and Medical Interventions OR successful completion of Anatomy & Physiology AND Chemistry AND Principles of Biomedical Science 3

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description; (Video is currently unavailable)

n this capstone course, students apply their knowledge and skills to answer questions or solve problems related to the biomedical sciences.  Students design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century as they work through progressively challenging open-ended problems, addressing topics such as clinical medicines physiology, biomedical engineering, and public health.  They have the opportunity to work on an independent project and may work with a mentor or advisor from a university, hospital, physician' office, or industry.

Course Information:

• Grade Level:1

• Length: YEAR

• Class Fee: $30

• Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in/or have completed one or more science courses, including Chemistry and Biology, achieved a B or higher standing in all of their highest level science and math courses; Instructor approval required.

• NCAA, HEAR

Course Description:

NOTE: THIS IS NOT TO BE A TEACHER'S AID in the Science Department

This course is intended for senior students with a strong science background. It is intended to benefit those who intend to pursue post-secondary studies in science-based fields. This is a laboratory course that will expand upon, or be done in conjunction with, some of the basic laboratory work that was done in previous lab-based courses. Students are involved in the preparation of laboratory material, including solutions, chemical supplies, and equipment. In addition, they will be trained in the working procedures of laboratory preparations. Finally, a teaching aspect is added to the laboratory technician course as the student will assist in the classroom, during labs to ensure proper technique.