Science

Physical Science – CP (not considered a lab science)  (321101CW)

Grades: 10,11,12

Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations and Intermediate Algebra

This course is designed to provide a background for enrollment in Chemistry and Physics.  Students will spend nine weeks studying basic chemistry: the composition of matter, how elements behave, and how elements combine to form new substances.  The second nine weeks introduces topics in basic physics including the laws of motion, work and machines, and some of the different forms of energy.  This course develops laboratory skills and problem-solving skills.   

Biology 1 - CP   (322100CW)

Grade: 9

Prerequisite: Completion of 8th grade Science

In this course, the student explores areas of cellular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution.   The course may include dissections as well as other laboratory exercises. Projects are required.  Students are required to take an End-of-Course exam provided by the SC State Department of Education. This exam counts 20 percent of the student’s final grade.

Biology 1 - Honors   (322100HW)

Grade: 9

Prerequisite: “A’ in 8th grade Science

This course is a rigorous college preparatory biology class for highly motivated students who have demonstrated excellent study skills and high aptitude in science, math and/or English.  The course will cover basic chemistry, cellular biology, genetics, evolution, classification, and inquiry skills in greater depth than Biology CP.  The course will emphasize critical thinking and writing skills, laboratory skills, calculating data, graphing and essay exam questions.  Students planning on enrolling in AP Biology or AP Chemistry should take this course. Students are required to take an End-of-Course exam provided by the SC State Department of Education. This exam counts 20 percent of the student’s final grade.

Chemistry 1 - CP     (323100CW)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1 CP and Algebra 1 CP 

Chemistry 1 is a college preparatory course designed to provide the college-bound student with a well-rounded background in chemistry.  The course seeks to help the student develop fundamental problem-solving skills and provides the student with knowledge of chemistry and its effects on their daily lives.  The student will be exposed to basic chemistry concepts, will learn how to use standard chemistry lab equipment, and will develop skills needed to enter a first-year college chemistry course.

Chemistry 1 - H    (323100HW) 

Grades: 10, 11

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra 1 H; or an A in the Algebra 1 CP

And a C or better in Biology 1 H; or an A in Biology 1 CP

Chemistry 1 Honors is an accelerated college preparatory chemistry course.  This course is designed for highly motivated students who have demonstrated excellent study skills and high aptitude in math and science. Chemistry topics are the same as in Chemistry 1 CP, but they are covered in much more theoretical depth and more strenuous mathematical expectations.  Students planning on enrolling in AP Biology or AP Chemistry should take this course.

Chemistry 2 - H       (323200HW) 

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: C or better in Chemistry 1 H and Algebra 2 H

Chemistry 2 is an advanced course designed for students who have an interest in science or who have career interests which require a strong chemistry background:  medicine, engineering, or science majors.  Emphasis is placed on developing good laboratory and problem-solving skills especially in the areas of environmental chemistry, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, chemical analysis, solution chemistry, and organic.  Chemistry in the "real" world is introduced on a continuing basis.  Chemistry 2 provides students with the additional skills needed for chemistry courses required of science and engineering majors. Chemistry 2 Honors is the prerequisite for AP Chemistry. 

Chemistry - AP (327300AW)

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Chemistry 2 H must be taken in consecutive semesters

This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year in college. In this course, students will pursue a more in-depth study of topics covered in Chemistry 2 as well as other topics covered in the AP Chemistry course from The College Board.  These topics include structural isomerism, organic chemistry, kinetics and thermodynamics as well as a review of topics from Chemistry CP such as gas laws and reactions.  Accompanying lab work will give the students additional practice with data analysis, and expressing themselves with clarity and logic. The required AP Exam at the end of the course may lead to college credit.

Physics - CP (324100CW)

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: C average in Intermediate Algebra or Algebra 1, Physical Science CP, or Biology CP

Physics CP is designed to provide students with a clear and logical understanding of the concepts and principles of Physics and prepare them to use Physics in their lives.  To meet this objective, emphasis is placed on applications of Physics concepts and principles through hands-on learning experiences in the laboratory.  The course also provides students with problem-solving methodology on a continuous basis to re-emphasize concepts. Major topics covered include:  forces, motion, energy, momentum, waves and electricity.  CP Physics is a science elective intended for students going to either a four year or two-year institution of higher education, but Physics Honors is more appropriate for students seeking further education in an engineering or STEM major. 

Physics - H   (324100HW)       

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra 2 H, Biology H and/or Chemistry H or an A in the CP levels of these same courses 

Honors Physics is designed to provide students with a clear and logical understanding of the concepts and principles of physics. Secondly, the course is designed to strengthen students’ understanding through applications to the real world. To meet these objectives, the emphasis is on sound reasoning capabilities and problem-solving methodology. The mathematical techniques include Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. The laboratory experience is essential to learning and understanding physics and will play an important role. Major topics covered include forces, motion, energy, momentum, waves, optics, and electricity.

Physics 1 – AP             (328200AW)

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: C or better in Algebra 2 H, Biology H and/or Chemistry H or an A in the CP levels of these same courses

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound (from the College Board).

Physics C: Mechanics - AP    (327500AW)

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Calculus (or concurrently enrolled)

This challenging, calculus-based course focuses on the principles of mechanics, making it ideal for students interested in physics, engineering, or mathematics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and gravitation. Through problem-solving, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analysis, students develop a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts of motion and forces. This course prepares students to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam. 

Biology 2 - H         (322200HW)

Grade: 11, 12

Prerequisite: C or better in Biology 1 H and C or better in Chemistry 1 H; or B in the CP levels of these same courses

This course is designed for the student with an interest in biology, particularly in the medical field. It will prepare students for a college level biology course.  Biology 2 includes an extensive study of molecular biology and genetics. Laboratory work and projects are an integral part of the course.

Biology - Pre-AP Honors/AP (329910HW, 327220AW)  

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: B in Biology 1 H and Chemistry 1 H or an A in the CP levels of these same courses and teacher recommendation 

Pre AP and AP must be taken in consecutive semesters.

This course is modeled after a college-level biology course.  This course includes an in-depth study of cell biology, genetics, animal physiology, botany, and ecology.  Journal readings and extensive laboratories are incorporated within the curriculum.  The required AP Exam at the end of the course may lead to college credit.  The course is recommended for science majors and other students very interested in life science.

Environmental Science - CP (326100CW, 326133CW)

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 1 CP 

This course combines concepts from biology and chemistry to learn about the interaction between humans and the environment.  Students explore and apply ecological concepts to environmental issues.  This class consists of lab work, field studies, and school environmental projects.  Students research current environmental issues so that they can form educated opinions in order to debate with their peers.

Environmental Science - AP (327700AW)

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Biology 1 CP, Chemistry 1 CP, Algebra 2 CP

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science. It is an interdisciplinary course that encompasses biology, chemistry, geology, earth science, and geography. Students will be expected to master much of the content outside of class, so ample class time is allowed for labs. Students will study the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to understand the complex relationships of the natural world, identification and analysis of environmental problems, evaluation of the relative risks associated with these problems and the examination of alternate solutions for resolving or preventing these problems. 

Earth Science - CP (326500CW)

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Biology 1, Chemistry 1

This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the natural world that will serve as the foundation for more advanced secondary and postsecondary courses and will also give them the science skills necessary for earth science-oriented science careers.  All Earth Science courses are laboratory courses (30% lab).

Marine Science - CP (322500CW)

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Biology 1 CP

Through laboratory activities and simulations, exciting field experiences, and integrated graphic lectures students will be exposed to the wide range of topics that are related to the marine environment.  Such topics that will be covered include:  marine geology; sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics:  chemistry of oceans; tides, waves, oceanic circulation and currents; the ecology of pelagic and benthic organisms, including those from rocky coasts, unconsolidated shores, and coral reefs:  island biology; benthic plants and phytoplankton; zooplankton and nekton;  marine invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals;  marine productivity and fisheries;  marine pollution and conservation. Laboratory and field work focus on the diverse marine ecosystem of the South Carolina coastline.

Forensic Science – CP              (324500CW)

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Biology 1

Forensic Science is a multidisciplinary course that includes concepts of chemistry, anatomy, genetics, physics, medicine, mathematics, psychology, communications and law, in order to help solve crimes.  This class will involve labs, case studies and projects.  Students enrolled in this course will learn to utilize complex problem-solving skills using numerical data, evidence, uncertainty and logical reasoning. This course will cover the topics of search and seizure, processing crime scenes, fingerprints, hair and fiber analysis, impressions, serology and DNA, blood spatter, toxicology, firearms and explosives, osteology and autopsy, and photography.

Astronomy - H           (325100HW)

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 or Physical Science 

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the universe, its structure, and the physical laws governing celestial bodies. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of astronomy, including the formation and evolution of stars, planetary systems, galaxies, and the nature of the universe itself. Through a combination of theoretical study, hands-on activities, and observational experiences, students will learn how astronomers use modern technology and scientific methods to study the cosmos.