Science Course Descriptions

EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 9th grade)

This course focuses on the function of the earth’s systems. Emphasis is placed on matter, energy, crustal dynamics, environmental awareness, materials availability, and the cycles that circulate energy and material through the earth’s system. Oceanography, astronomy, meteorology and geology are included.

EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE HONORS (Fulfills Earth and Environmental Science Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 9th grade)

This course is designed to challenge students as they explore, in greater depth, the function of the earth’s systems. Emphasis is placed on matter, energy, crustal dynamics, environmental awareness, materials availability, and the cycles that circulate energy and material through the earth’s system. Oceanography, astronomy, meteorology and geology are included.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 10th grade)

Introductory course to the concepts of Physics and Chemistry. The study of metric measurements, differentiation between chemical and physical properties, change, and energy are covered. Mathematical calculations and laboratory experience applicable to science concepts are stressed throughout the course.  

CHEMISTRY HONORS (Fulfills Physical Science graduation requirement. Can also be taken as an elective)

This course is designed to challenge students as they explore, in greater depth the study of the properties and structure of matter and the relationship between energy and matter. Topics include atomic energy, chemical reactions, stoichiometry solutions, and nuclear chemistry. Students will perform lab activities and solve mathematical calculations. 

BIOLOGY (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 11th grade)

Biology involves the study of living organisms and their relationship to their environment. Laboratory work includes a study of a select group of plants, animals and microorganisms. The final exam for this course is the North Carolina End-of-Course Test.

BIOLOGY HONORS (Fulfills Biology Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 11th grade)

This course is designed to challenge students as they explore, in greater depth the living organisms and their relationship to their environment. Laboratory work includes a study of a select group of plants, animals and microorganisms. The final exam for this course is the North Carolina End-of-Course Test.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE* (Elective) Prerequisites: Biology or Physical Science.  The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

FORENSIC SCIENCE- HONORS* (Elective) Prerequisites: Biology or Chemistry
Forensic Science is a laboratory-based course in which students will apply their prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics to the popular field of crime scene investigation.  Students will use a structured and scientific approach to the investigation of crime of assault, abuse and neglect, domestic violence, accidental death, homicide, and the psychology of criminal behavior.  Students will learn terminology and investigate procedures related to crime scene, questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes.  Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence through case studies and simulated crime scenes such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis.  Students will learn the history, legal aspects, and career options for forensic science.

*In person course offerings are dependent upon student enrollment.

More Advanced Science Options are offered through the NCSSM Connect Program and the CCP/Dual Enrollment Program.