Science
Physical Earth Science
SC4V06S1 and SC4V06S2 PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Physical Earth SciencePhysical Earth Science
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
SC4V12S1 and SC4V12S2PREREQUISITE: Physical Earth ScienceGRADE: 10LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Chemistry 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.Chemistry
Biology
SC4V11S1 and SC4V11S2PREREQUISITE: Physical Earth Science or Chemistry GRADE: 10, 11LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Biology 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.Biology
Forensics
SC4V27S1PREREQUISITE: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry GRADE: 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 onlyMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveForensics
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.
Organic Chemistry
SC4V25S1PREREQUISITE: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry GRADE: 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveOrganic Chemistry
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.
Science or Myth?
SC4V07S2PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: One semester, S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Science ElectiveScience or Myth?
Science or Myth is a semester-long course that looks at how we distinguish fact from Myth in our current reality of Deepfakes and fake news. Science or Myth looks at how Science was applied and reported, reflecting on current and historical events relating to their cultural and historical impact. Students will problem-solve and try to prove or bust conspiracy theories making us informed citizens and able to apply scientific logic in our future endeavors.
