Grade 9/10
2 Credits
Biology is an introductory science course that is the foundation for science at ETHS. Students in biology will develop an understanding of plant and animal structures, ecology and global climate change, life processes, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and relationships among living things. Students will also be instructed in basic scientific skills and scientific inquiry as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards that will be used in future science classes. Emphasis in this course is on biology content, skills, and applications to life. Students will have the opportunity to earn honors credit in this course.
*Students are placed into a particular biology course based on MAP/STAR reading scores and reading support course enrollment.
Grade 10,11,12
2 Credits
Prerequisite: Biology
Chemistry is a physical science course that focuses on a foundational understanding of the interaction of atoms and the impact it has on your life. It will include an introduction on the structure of atoms, the structure and properties of matter, the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, the behavior of gases, and additional topics. There is an emphasis on laboratory and problem-solving skills aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. Students are expected to have familiarity with algebraic skills. The pathway to honors assessments will build on the skills practiced in biology.
Grade 10
4 Credits
Blocks: 2 blocks (Class meets every day)
Prerequisite: B or better in Biology H; A-or better in Geometry H and concurrent enrollment in 2 Algebra higher
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in 2 Algebra or higher
This college preparatory course covers motion, forces, momentum, energy, mechanical waves(sound), light(optics), electricity and magnetism. The course is structured around interactive activities; this includes guided inquiry lab experiences, visual aids and group problem solving.
Since students in Physics study both concepts and how mathematics describes laws of physics, they must have a solid foundation in algebra 1 and experience in geometry.
Prerequisite: C+ or better in Physics OR Astronomy and a C+ or better in 2 Algebra or higher
Astrophysics is a course that will continue a student’s exploration from their previous coursework in astronomy and/or physics in the physical universe. This course will use a quantitative (numbers and data) approach to solve astronomy based problems by students writing computer models to solve problems and visualize data. The four main areas that will be explored in this course are orbital mechanics, exoplanet systems, cosmology, and light. Advanced algebra, trigonometry, and geometry will be the math used in astrophysics, but calculus principles will be introduced, explained, and implemented in certain units. Projects and space based competitions may also be included in the course experience.
Oakton Course BIO101
Prerequisites: Bio and Chem
VIDEO COMING SOON
This laboratory-based course introduces students to biology content at the college level. Content includes cell structure and function, cell division, nucleic acids and proteins, biodiversity and evolution, and selected human systems. This course is for juniors and seniors who have completed the Science graduation requirements.
This course is articulated as dual credit BIO 101 (biology for non science majors) with Oakton College.
Curriculum focuses on…
This honors course will involve reading texts and publications at or around the college level (with some scaffolding).
Course will be a survey of many biology topics.
Hoping to enroll students who don't "see themselves" in college-level science courses and may be intimidated by the stigma associated with AP courses.
This course is intended for students that do not intend to major in science at the post secondary level
Oakton Course BIO115
Prerequisites: Bio and Chem
The college level zoology course will include an introduction to zoology and evolution, the diversity of the animal kingdom, animal physiology and adaptations, animal behavior, the threat of climate change and conservation, animal welfare, and careers in animal-related fields. The elective course will be lab and experience-focused. Specimen dissection is an integral component of the course.
This course is articulated as dual credit BIO115 with Oakton College.
Grade 11, 12
2 Credits
Blocks: 2 blocks (Class meets every day)
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry or Biology and 2 Chem/Phys
AP Environmental Science provides an introductory college-level course experience. Students explore topics in the areas of energy resources, ecology, geology, meteorology, oceanography, toxicology, and human populations. Global warming, acid rain, and population growth are examples of large scale environmental concerns studied. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and field research investigations as well as to complete required quarterly projects and presentations. Basic proficiencies in biology, chemistry, and math are expected. Grading is based upon testing, project performance, laboratory work, homework, and class participation. Every student is expected to take the AP exam in May.
Grades 11
2 Credits
Blocks: 2 blocks (Class meets every day)
Prerequisite: 2 Chem/Phys H and concurrent enrollment in or completion of AP Precalculus
This is a two-year course sequence. Students are expected to enroll in 4 Chem/Phys as a senior. Students study college level chemistry and calculus-based physics, integrating the two topics throughout the year. Topics in chemistry are the same as those covered in an honors chemistry course, but with greater depth of concept, breadth of application, quality of laboratory work, and quantitative rigor. Topics in physics focus on the first two semesters of engineering physics at the college level, which include classical mechanics in 3 Chem/Phys and electricity and magnetism in 4 Chem/Phys. A number of other topics outside the AP curriculum are incorporated in this course, including: relativity, topics in quantum mechanics, and topics in cosmology. Every student is expected to take the AP Physics C:Mechanics exam in May.
Grading consists predominantly of unit exams every two weeks, laboratory work, projects, and homework. Students should expect to spend at least 5 hours per week outside of class on these topics. Successful students exhibit strong math and visualization skills.
While not required, most 3 and 4 Chem/Phys students participate in extracurricular activities and state/national contests, including independent research, TEAMS, WYSE, and Olympiads.
Grades 12
2 Credits
Blocks: 2 blocks (Class meets every day)
Prerequisite: 3 Chem/Phys and concurrent enrollment in or completion AP Calculus AB or BC
This course is a continuation of 3 Chem/Phys. 4 Chem/Phys students are expected to take 2 AP exams: Chemistry and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism in May.