Science
The science curriculum provides learning experiences that stress understanding of the processes of science and its applications and limitations within society. Students will deal with the major concepts of science, the processes and skills associated with laboratory investigations, interpretation of scientific information, and the role of science in society. Students planning to attend four-year colleges should take four credits in science.
Principles of Biomedical Science
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Must have passing scores in previous science courses.
Graduation requirement: CTE and Lab Science (dual requirement)
Description: In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, you will examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce you to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing you to design your own experiments to solve problems. Enrich your learning and leadership through participation in HOSA, the student leadership organization for future health professionals. Interested students should check out this course flyer.
Approved by NCAA for lab science.
Biology
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: This is a year-long, laboratory science course. Students will explore authentic scenarios to understand various topics of the living world. Topics will include cell structure and function, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, biological systems, and ecology. This course aims to provide the biological knowledge needed to make informed decisions about health and environmental issues in everyday life. Next Generation Science Standards for student learning will be emphasized.
AP Environmental Science
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: CTE and Lab Science (dual requirement)
CTE dual college credit:
Orientation to Environmental Science Clover Park TC ENV 141 4 credits
Intro to Ecology Clover Park TC ENV 108 5 credits
Description: This is a year-long course designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science. It will prepare students to take the College Board Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam in May. This course combines the disciplines of geology, biology, environmental science, chemistry, geography, toxicology, and environmental economics. It provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems (both natural and human-made), and to examine the role science and technology can play in identifying alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Heavy emphasis is placed on scientific processes, lab, and fieldwork. Students have leadership and enrichment opportunities through participation in the after school environmental science club (GHECO).
Curious if the course is right for you? Watch this video or look over our course brochure!
Astronomy
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 0.5
Indicators of success: Successful completion of one year of high school science
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: Astronomy is one of the oldest, most universal, and dynamic areas of science. In this course students will use online simulations and resources to study our universe and investigate the methods astronomers use to study the cosmos. In Astronomy, students investigate the science endeavors of history, learn about the formation of the solar system, stars and the universe. Students will learn about different types of stars, how they form, the size of the solar system, exoplanets, and the chances of life on other planets.
Chemistry/Physics
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: This NGSS-based course is the recommended sophomore level course. It focuses on developing literacy in the underlying big ideas of the physical sciences and how those concepts relate to the earth, the environment, and students’ daily lives. Students will conduct laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Concepts in chemistry and physics that are applicable to daily life are addressed with basic Algebra 1 level math. Students will be well prepared for advanced study in the area of their choice following this class.
Honors Chemistry
Grades: 11-12 (10th grade students desiring to take this course need be concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 or higher)
Credit: 1.0
Indicators of Success: Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry with a B or better
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: This course is intended to be a challenging college prep, laboratory and academic science program. This course fulfills the Algebra-based science course that many universities require for STEM fields. Through this course, students will explore atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical formula writing and nomenclature, writing and balancing equations, identifying and predicting reactions, calculating yields of reactions, gas properties and laws, identification and reactions of acids and bases, physical states of matter, and thermodynamics. Students need to have a scientific calculator that has parentheses and exponential functions.
Human Body Systems
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: CTE and Lab Science (dual requirement)
CTE dual college credit:
Anatomy and Physiology for the Health and Fitness Professional
Pierce College KINS 155 4 credits
Description: In this second level biomedical PLTW course students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases. Enrich your learning and leadership through participation in HOSA, the student leadership organization for future health professionals. Interested students should check out this course flyer.
Approved by NCAA for lab science.
Medical Interventions
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: CTE and Lab Science (dual requirement)
Description: A medical intervention is a treatment, procedure, or other action taken to prevent or treat disease, or improve health in other ways. In this rigorous, lab based molecular biology course you will follow the life of a fictitious family as you investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Explore how to detect and fight infection (epidemiology), screen and evaluate the code in human DNA, evaluate cancer treatment options, and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real world cases, you will be exposed to a range of medical interventions related to vaccines, DNA sequencing, genetics and diagnostics, pharmacology and immunology. This course is open to all students who are passionate about the health sciences. Enrich your learning and leadership through participation in HOSA, the student leadership organization for future health professionals.
Approved by NCAA for lab science.
Physics
Grades: 11-12 (10th grade students desiring to take this course need be concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 or higher)
Credit: 1.0
Indicators of Success: Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry with a B or better
Graduation requirement: Lab Science or Math
Description: This course is intended to be a challenging college prep, laboratory and academic science program. This course fulfills the Algebra-based science course that many universities require for STEM fields. Students will learn trigonometry basics early on. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through examination of various physical phenomena. Additional units include introductions into astrophysics, geophysics, and waves. Students need to have a scientific calculator that has parentheses and exponential functions.
Field Ecology
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: This course will introduce students to the plant and animal species and their associated ecosystems at McCormick Forest Park. Students will travel during class to engage in water quality monitoring and benthic macroinvertebrate studies at the park to determine stream health. Other topics of study include Pacific salmon, stream restoration, dam removal and estuaries. This will be a great class to take for anyone interested in environmental studies and Ecology.
Marine Biology
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: We live in a perfect location to study Marine Biology. This semester class provides students an opportunity to study the living and nonliving factors that shape the life of the saltwater environment. The majority of the course will be spent studying planktonic organisms, marine plants and algae and the anatomy and physiology of marine organisms. Physical factors that influence these systems, such as water zones, currents and tides, water chemistry, and ocean topography along with the environmental issues concerning our oceans will also be studied. Dissections and field work are an integral part of the course, students should be prepared to walk on beaches and explore and learn about this unique habitat called Puget Sound!
Food Science
Located at GHHS and Henderson Bay campuses
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: CTE and Lab Science (dual requirement)
Description: The food science industry is the largest industry in the United States with many job opportunities from the farm to the table. In this course you will learn the knowledge, skills, and practices required for careers in food science, dietetics, and nutrition. The course focuses on the relationship between food consumption, health, and human development. Instruction includes risk management procedures, nutritional therapy, technology in food production, and diet and nutritional analysis and planning. Science is integrated throughout the course in such experiments such as the caramelization of sugars and starches, the production and growth of yeast, or the effects of temperature on chocolate. Study will include such topics as the effects of antioxidants on humans, the shelf life of food products, and the positive and negative effects of bacteria on food. During this course, you will work in teams to prepare and conduct food experiments, and then predict, interpret, and evaluate food laboratory results. This framework is based on the National Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS) industry standards and is aligned with the Washington State Science Standards. Enrich your learning and leadership through participation in the FCCLA student organization.
Not NCAA approved.
UWHS Physiology 118: Anatomy & Physiology
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Indicators of success: Geometry and willingness to spend at least 1 hour per day on homework and/or studying.
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
College in the High School dual credit:
Survey of Physiology Univ. of Washington BIOL 118 5 credits
Description: This is an honors class with an optional UW credit choice available (BIOL 118 - Survey of Physiology). This is an upper division course which demands high level critical and analytical thinking. The content covers the anatomy and physiology of the major systems of the human body and the relationships between the structure and function. This course involves laboratory activities, projects, dissections (bones, muscles, hearts, brains, eyes, spinal cords, and kidneys), textbook material, models, diagrams, and clinical case studies. Anyone interested in a medical related profession should take this class. Be prepared to be engaged in your learning!
AP Biology
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Indicators of success: Biology, Chemistry, and Geometry with a willingness to spend at least 1 hour per day on homework and/or studying
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: Advanced Placement biology is a college level, introductory biology course that prepares self-directed students for the College Board exam in the spring. AP Biology topics include: molecular biology, heredity, evolution, botany, organisms, and populations, and incorporates reading material from a college textbook. The main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process.
AP Biology and AP Chemistry courses will be offered on alternating years. Registration in PowerSchool will show the available for course for the upcoming school year.
AP Chemistry
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Indicators of success: Algebra 2 and willingness to spend at least 1 -1.5 hours per day on homework and/or studying.
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: This is a beginning of college level course taught to meet the requirements for taking the College Board exam in the spring. This course is designed to provide a stimulating introduction to college level chemistry; to provide a systematic approach to the study of matter, developing from the structure of the atom to include applications in everyday life; to learn facts, formulas and principles and develop a good understanding of the underlying principles of the fundamental laws of chemistry; to extend students' knowledge of practical techniques and their ability to work safely and efficiently in the laboratory. This will include the use of computer probes and analysis of the data collected. The primary system for delivery of information will be lecture. Students will be expected to put in extra study time and will be responsible for independently learning many topics.
AP Biology and AP Chemistry courses will be offered on alternating years. Registration in PowerSchool will show the available for course for the upcoming school year.
AP Physics
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Indicators of success: Algebra 2 and willingness to spend at least 1 - 1.5 hours per day on homework and/or studying.
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course for the AP Physics 1 and 2 pathway. It is designed for students who do not anticipate majoring in engineering, physics, or chemistry in college. However, this class will give those students an exceptionally strong conceptual understanding of the topics they will study in their college science courses. Students will explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics; rotational motion; work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; electrostatics; and simple circuits. These topics represent the 1st semester of a typical college physics course. Through inquiry-based learning and experimentation, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. The main goal of AP Physics 1 is to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. Due to the intense mathematical nature of the class, it is strongly recommended that students have a solid math background. Students registering for AP Physics 1 should be self-directed, independent learners capable of synthesizing college-level science concepts. This course will help prepare students to take the College Board exam, which may help students earn one semester of college credit.
As time allows, we will explore selected topics from the AP Physics 2 curriculum – the 2nd semester of a typical college physics course. Those topics may include fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Students may independently complete the exploration of all AP Physics 2 topics and take an additional College Board exam to potentially earn credit for the 2nd semester of college physics.
AP Physics C: Mechanics and Electricity/Magnetism
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Indicators of success: Pre-calculus and willingness to spend at least 1 - 1.5 hours per day on homework and/or studying.
Graduation requirement: Lab Science
Description: This course is a year-long calculus-based, college introductory physics course for self-directed students who plan on pursuing degrees in physics, chemistry or engineering. Mechanics topics include motion, forces, momentum, energy, rotational motion/dynamics, angular momentum, simple harmonic motion and Kepler’s Laws. E & M (2nd semester) covers electric charge/fields, Gauss’ Law, electric potential, conductors/capacitors, DC circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetism and (if we have time), Maxwell’s Equations. Students should be aware that the pace of this course can best be described as 'punishing' and provides students the opportunity to take 2 AP Physics C exams: Mechanics & Electromagnetism. Interested students can see a video about the course.
Biomedical Innovations and Health Careers
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of one of the following: Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, Anatomy & Physiology, or AP Biology
Graduation requirement: CTE and Lab Science (dual requirement)
Description: In Biomedical Innovations and Health Careers, you will apply your knowledge and skills to answer questions and solve problems related to biomedical sciences. Design innovative solutions for health care challenges of the 21st century as you work through progressively challenging, open-ended problems such as clinical medicine, physiology, biomedical engineering, and public health. It is critical to your success that you can work independently and are able to work with mentors from the healthcare industry. Throughout the course, you will present your innovations to an audience that may include representatives from education, business, and the health care community. Enrich your learning and leadership through participation in HOSA, the student leadership organization for future health professionals. Interested students should check out this course flyer.
Approved by NCAA for lab science.
Lab Science Tech
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Teacher permission
Graduation requirement: Elective
Description: Students will assist student(s) of differing abilities in Science, learn about themselves and grow as learners and leaders. This experience matches up students who want to help others with those that need help. Students in the program must demonstrate reliability, initiation, and ability to get along with all kinds of people, as well as have strong academic and communications skills. The student might be expected to keep a reflective journal as they track their own progress and goals. Along with ongoing formative assessments and guidance, the teacher will provide a rubric to lend clarity and timely grad-checks throughout the semester.
AP Computer Science Principles
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Intro to Computer Science 1 and 2 recommended
Graduation requirement: CTE and Science (dual requirement)
Description: AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce you to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. This course will broaden and foster continued participation in computer science. Enrich your leadership, design, and innovation skills by actively participating in the student leadership organization TSA (Technology Student Association). Interested students should check out this course video.
NCAA approved for math.