Science
Students must complete 6 semester credits in science. Beginning with the class of 2026, all students will need to complete Physical Earth Science prior to taking any other science courses. Those students taking Physical Earth Science in 8th Grade will have satisfied this requirement. Additional requirements include one year of Biology and one year of either Chemistry or Physics.
In the graphic below, you can see the recommended pathways toward meeting these science requirements. Most students would follow pathway 1 (Physical Earth → Chemistry → Biology → Physics and/or Electives).. Students who have already completed Physical Earth Science in grade 8 would generally follow Pathway 2.
How rigid is the sequence outlined above?
The vast majority of students will follow the recommended sequence. Occasionally, students may make specific changes in the sequence.
For example, some highly motivated students may accelerate to AP Biology or AP Chemistry after completing preparatory work determined by the EHS Science Department. To pursue either of these options, students must work with high school science teachers and counselors.
Additionally, students sometimes double-up in science classes, thus allowing them to take elective courses earlier than grade 12. The right-hand box below summarizes which courses are pre-requisite requirements for elective courses. This may be helpful for students who are eager to access a particular elective course.
Click here for the Science Department Curriculum Night Video
Physical Earth Science
SC4X06S1 and SC4X06S2 Physical Earth Science
PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Physical Earth ScienceOUT OF CLASS WORK: OftenFEE: None
This year-long course focuses on Earth Science standards. Students will engage in science practices as they learn about mechanisms and phenomena on Earth and in space. Space science topics include solar systems, laws of gravitation and planetary motion, the Big Bang Theory, and the composition of stars. The course explores Earth's atmosphere and water, including air compositions and circulations, the carbon cycle, the greenhouse effect, oceans, and wetlands. Students will also learn about geology topics, including rock formation, volcanic and tectonic activity, and wave propagation (earthquakes).
This year-long course focuses on Earth Science standards. Students will engage in science practices as they learn about mechanisms and phenomena on Earth and in space. Space science topics include solar systems, laws of gravitation and planetary motion, the Big Bang Theory, and the composition of stars. The course explores Earth's atmosphere and water, including air compositions and circulations, the carbon cycle, the greenhouse effect, oceans, and wetlands. Students will also learn about geology topics, including rock formation, volcanic and tectonic activity, and wave propagation (earthquakes).
Chemistry
SC4X12S1 and SC4X12S2Chemistry
PREREQUISITE: Physical Earth Science *GRADE: 9-12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: ChemistryOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None This year-long course is designed to meet the needs of those students who are college-bound, and whose interests generally lie in the social sciences and humanities. It is less mathematically oriented than Enriched Chemistry. Topics include the scientific method, properties of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, energy relationships to chemical reactions, formula writing and equations, mole concepts, acid-base chemistry and chemical bonding. Laboratory work is extensive and includes qualitative and quantitative analyses. Students will be expected to solve basic algebra problems. Credit achieved for this course meets state graduation requirements.
Enriched Chemistry
SC4X70S1 and SC4X70S2Enriched Chemistry
PREREQUISITE: Physical Earth Science *GRADE: 9-12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: ChemistryOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
This year-long course is designed for students with a strong interest in the natural sciences. It is the most mathematically intensive of the two first-year chemistry offerings. Topics include the scientific method, properties of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, energy relationships to chemical reactions, formula writing and equations, mole concepts, acid-base chemistry and chemical bonding. Laboratory work is extensive and includes qualitative and quantitative analyses. Students will be expected to work algebraic and numerical problems readily. This course lays the foundation for future study of biology, a graduation requirement, and meets state requirements for additional elective science course work.
Biology
SC4X11S1 and SC4X11S2Biology
PREREQUISITE: Physical Earth Science *GRADE: 9-12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: BiologyOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None This year-long course focuses on biological concepts, theories, and principles through investigation and analysis of cells, organisms and ecosystems. Course topics will include information about biodiversity, biological evolution, cells, ecology, genetics and living systems. Students will conduct experiments and investigations that may be instructor-designed or independently created by the students. Credit achieved for this course meets state Biology graduation requirements.
Enriched Biology
SC4X76S1 and SC4X76S2Enriched Biology
PREREQUISITE: Physical Earth Science *GRADE: 9-12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: BiologyOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
This year-long course is an accelerated biology course, which focuses on cellular biology, genetics, biological evolution, biodiversity, living systems and ecology. Laboratory investigation and written exercises will enhance students understanding of the subject matter. Both traditional and contemporary techniques in science will provide a strong foundation for students interested in further study of the life sciences. Credit achieved for this course meets state Biology graduation requirements.
Comparative Anatomy
SC4X24S1 or SC4X24S2Comparative Anatomy
PREREQUISITE: Biology, Enriched Biology or AP Biology *GRADE: 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
This semester long elective course will focus on the evolution of the animal kingdom. We will begin our studies with Invertebrates, such as, Mollusks and finish the semester with Vertebrates. Dissections include Earthworms, Sharks, Frogs, Turtles and Owl Pellets.
Environmental Studies
SC4X22S1 or SC4X22S2Environmental Studies
PREREQUISITE: Biology or Enriched Biology *GRADE: 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
This semester-long elective course is designed to engage students, and increase awareness of critical issues facing the environment. Students will participate in several outdoor lessons involving water quality testing of Nine-Mile Creek, litter clean-up, and tree identification. The units of study include Water Quality and Issues, Forest Ecology, Fire Ecology, Biodiversity, Sources of Energy, and Dynamics of the Human Population. Students will be encouraged to take action on at least one issue facing our planet today.
Forensics
SC4X27S1 or SC4X27S2Forensics
PREREQUISITE: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry *GRADE: 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None This semester-long elective course is designed to educate students about Forensic Science and its applications to real crime. Students will participate in several units of study, such as Crime Scene Processing, Code Breaking, Handwriting Analysis, Psychological Profiling, Fingerprints, DNA, Shoe Prints, Ballistics, Death, Anthropology, Toxicology, Terrorism, Arson, Hair, Fiber, and Accident Investigation. The semester will conclude with a lab-based final that utilizes many of the topics covered during the semester.
Human Anatomy
SC4X23S1 or SC4X23S2Human Anatomy
PREREQUISITE: Biology or Enriched Biology *GRADE: 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
This semester-long elective science course is designed to provide a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing college majors in health, life sciences, and physical education. Through in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of human organ systems, students will gain an understanding of the human body and how each system integrated with the overall functioning of the body. Units will include nervous, sensory, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Heavy emphasis is placed on dissection in this course.
Organic Chemistry
SC4X25S1 or SC4X25S2Organic Chemistry
PREREQUISITE: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry *GRADE: 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
This semester-long elective science course will introduce students to the study of carbon-based compounds, which are found in all living things and can also be prepared synthetically. The course will focus on core concepts such as bonding, nomenclature, alkanes, alkenes and aromatics while studying topics such as fats and soaps, and fabrics and dyes. This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in organic chemistry for students interested in the fields of science, medicine, nursing, nutrition or veterinary medicine.
Physical Universe
SC4X26S1 or SC4X26S2Physical Universe
PREREQUISITE: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry *GRADE: 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
This semester-long elective science course is designed to introduce students to major concepts in science from the disciplines of astronomy and physics (particularly modern physics). This course explores the universe from the smallest particles to the largest structures in space including how stars live and die, black holes, and the Big Bang Theory. Students will be introduced to some of the dominant theories of modern physics, such as quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity – and these theories will be compared to classical Newtonian physics.
AP Biology
SC4X84S1 and SC4X84S2AP Biology
PREREQUISITE: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry; Summer work *GRADE: 12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Biology or Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: DailyFEE: None
This year-long course focuses on advanced biology topics, including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Each topic will include in-depth laboratory experimentation and project work. This course will provide a college-like experience and is intended for students wishing to pursue a science or medicine career. Strong reading and writing skills ae highly recommended. AP Biology is designed as a second-year course in biology, so successful completion of General Biology or Enriched Biology must complete summer preparation work. This course is intended to prepare students for taking the National Advanced Placement test in the spring.
AP Chemistry
SC4X86S1 and SC4X86S2AP Chemistry
PREREQUISITE: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry *GRADE: 11, 12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Chemistry or Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: DailyFEE: None This year-long course includes the advanced study of reaction types, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry atomic structure, bonding, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, and acids/bases. Each topic will include in-depth laboratory experimentation or project work with emphasis on procedure and method. This course is intended to prepare students for taking the national Advanced Placement test in the spring. Concurrent enrollment in or completion of a physics class is recommended.
AP Environmental Science
SC4X88S1 and SC4X88S2AP Environmental Science
PREREQUISITE: Biology or Enriched Biology *GRADE: 12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: DailyFEE: None This year-long course focuses on the natural systems of the world and the interrelationships between humans and the environment. In this class, students will study the different natural systems including environment and organisms, ecosystems and communities, and population principles. Students will also look at the human connections to these systems by studying sources of energy, environmental ethics, land, water and air quality issues, and environmental policy and decision making. This course is designed for motivated students interested in field biology and environmental studies. This course is intended to prepare students for taking the national Advanced Placement test in the spring.
AP Physics
SC4X87S1 and SC4X87S2AP Physics
PREREQUISITE: Physical Earth Science and concurrent enrollment or completion of Precalculus *GRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Physics Science ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: DailyFEE: None
This full-year course addresses advanced topics in physics, focusing primarily on the areas of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves. The course is intended for those science students whose abilities and interests will lead them to a college career in science and/or engineering. Each topic will include in-depth laboratory experimentation or project work with emphasis on procedure and method. This course will prepare students for taking the national Advanced Placement Physics 1 and/or Physics C: Mechanics test in the spring.