Science

Three units of natural science are required for a SC High School Diploma; however, for college entrance, a student must take three units of laboratory science beyond Physical Science. An EOC Test in Biology is required for graduation; therefore, college bound students must take a total of four units of Science.

Physical Science

Credit: 1 Science

This course explores the fundamental principles of physical science through real-world phenomena, emphasizing forces, motion, energy transfer, and interactions between objects. Students investigate how gravity governs planetary motion, model asteroid impacts, and analyze Earth’s geologic history to assess potential future collisions. They also explore electromagnetic waves, static electricity, and radiation, applying scientific models to explain natural events like lightning and everyday technologies like microwaves. Through hands-on experiments, mathematical reasoning, and data analysis, students develop a deep understanding of physical science concepts and their impact on the world.

Physical Science Honors

Credit: 1 Science

Physical Science is an introductory science class composed of content from physics and chemistry curricula. Physical Science stresses the application of mathematics as the language of science. It serves as a strong foundation for other high school science courses. This course emphasizes inquiry-based learning, process skills, higher-order thinking skills, and interactive group classroom and laboratory skills. Because experimentation is the basis of science, laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. Investigative, hands-on lab activities that address the high school inquiry standards are central to effective instruction in this course. Each unit will be explored at a depth deeper than College Prep, CP.

Honors courses extend and enrich the South Carolina College Preparatory (CP) curriculum by adding rigor, complexity, and creativity aligned with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Instruction includes differentiated strategies to challenge advanced learners and promote critical skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Assessment practices incorporate pre-assessments, ongoing formative checks, and summative evaluations that align with the honors-level curriculum and support student growth.

Students are required to create and maintain a digital portfolio showcasing samples of their honors-level work, reflecting their progress and mastery throughout the course.

Biology I

Credit: 1 Lab Science / EOC

Biology is an introductory laboratory-based science course designed to familiarize the college-bound student with the major concepts of biological science. The Biology units of study will include: (1) Sustainability, (2) Ecology, (3) Cells, (4) Genetics, (5) Evolution. This course provides numerous opportunities for students to develop science process skills, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the nature of science through inquiry-based learning experiences. Investigative, hands-on lab activities aligned with the state biology standards and the science and engineering practices are an integral part of this course. Students will be making observations, collecting data, and doing science each day through lab experiences and activities. This course also allows students to take ownership of their own learning where they will learn through discovery, collaboration, and discussion between peers. The course is directly aligned with the SC NGSS and College and Career Ready State Standards. Students will take the SC End-Of-Course Exam for Biology 1 at the end of this course.

Biology I Honors

Credit: 1 Lab Science / EOC

This course is an introduction to the life sciences. This includes an intensive study of ecosystems, biomes, cellular organization, heredity, classification of organisms, and human systems. Students are expected to utilize higher-order thinking skills when analyzing information both in and outside of the classroom. The components include Sustainability, Ecology, Cells, Genetics, and Evolution. This course is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, which were developed by states to improve science education for all students. The goals of these standards are to develop a thorough understanding of content as well as improve key skills like communication, collaboration, inquiry, problem solving, and critical thinking. At the honors-level, this also requires students to participate in more in-depth study and analysis of scientific concepts and laboratory data. Students take the SC End-of-Course Exam for Biology 1 at the end of this course.

Assessment practices incorporate pre-assessments, ongoing formative checks, and summative evaluations that align with the honors-level curriculum and support student growth.

Students are required to create and maintain a digital portfolio showcasing samples of their honors-level work, reflecting their progress and mastery throughout the course.

IB Biology Seminar

Credit: 1 Lab Science

IB Biology Seminar Honors is a higher-level course which is the introduction to IB Biology HL. This is a pre-requisite for students, specifically Juniors, intending to continue to IB Biology HL in their Senior year. This course offers IB diploma candidates a chance to study life through a thematic approach. There are 4 unifying themes that will be introduced in this course: Form and function, Unity and diversity, Continuity and change, and Interaction and interdependence.

Marine Science

Credit: 1 Lab Science

This course offers a comprehensive study of the world ocean including the science of biology, geology, chemistry, and physics. The major topics of study include: history of ocean exploration, origins of the ocean and plate tectonics, seafloor topography, sediments and water structure, hurricanes and currents, waves and tides, coasts, plankton/algae/plants, marine animals, marine communities, marine resources, and environmental concerns. Students will explore the ocean concepts through numerous laboratory and internet-based activities. There will be a major emphasis on local beach and salt marsh ecosystems, including animal identification.

Biology IB HL I & II

Credit 1 Lab Science unit each / IB Exam

IB biology is a higher-level course that offers IB diploma candidates a chance to study life through a thematic approach. There are 4 unifying themes that will be explored: Form and function, Unity and diversity, Continuity and change, and Interaction and interdependence. This course seeks to develop in students affective, cognitive and metacognitive skills that will support their learning processes during and beyond their IB experience. To help develop these skills, the students will have 60 hours of required laboratory work as well as an individual research paper in which the candidate explores any biological topic of their choosing.

Chemistry

Credit: 1 Lab Science unit

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the study of chemical science. Major topics include a study of the structure and organization of matter, chemical bonding, chemical equilibrium, chemical reactions, and environmental effects.

Chemistry Honors

Credit: 1 Lab Science unit

Assessment practices incorporate pre-assessments, ongoing formative checks, and summative evaluations that align with the honors-level curriculum and support student growth.

Students are required to create and maintain a digital portfolio showcasing samples of their honors-level work, reflecting their progress and mastery throughout the course.

AP Environmental Science

Credit: 1 Lab Science / AP Exam

The goal of AP Environmental Science is to provide 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, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students take the AP Environmental Science examination in May.

Environmental Science

Credit: 1 Science (not a lab)

This introductory high school science class is designed to prepare students for success in future coursework. Students will focus on interactions in ecosystems found locally and apply this knowledge to understanding environmental systems around the globe. Students will learn field study techniques, sampling procedures, and species identification. They will see how science can be applied to business and industry through topics such as environmental impact, wetland delineation, and ecotourism.

Forensics Science

Credit: 1 Lab Science

This course focuses on the fundamentals of Forensics Science such as procedures and criminal psychology. Topics include Introduction to Forensics, Biological & Physical Evidence, Impression Evidence, Science of Homicide, Other Crimes, Forensic Psychology, as well a Capstone project. Students will learn about evidence and how to collect it as well as about scientific lab techniques used to test the evidence. Students will also investigate true crime models and report on them using multimedia presentations that they create. Community outreach will also be a component and students will research career pathways in which they may be interested.

Anatomy and Physiology Honors

Credit: 1 Lab Science

Anatomy and physiology is a course that will enable students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. The curriculum provides a basis for students to develop a strong conceptual understanding of the following human body systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. Students have the opportunity to integrate that knowledge through inquiry-based activities and laboratory investigations. This course is designed for college preparation, especially for biology and health career majors.

Assessment practices incorporate pre-assessments, ongoing formative checks, and summative evaluations that align with the honors-level curriculum and support student growth.

Students are required to create and maintain a digital portfolio showcasing samples of their honors-level work, reflecting their progress and mastery throughout the course.

Principles of Biomedical Science Honors (PLTW)

Credit: 1 Elective / EOC

In this course, students explore concepts of biology and medicine as they take on roles of different medical professionals to solve real-world problems. Over the course of the year, students are challenged in various scenarios including investigating a crime scene to solve a mystery, diagnosing and proposing treatments to patients in family medical practice, to tracking down and containing a medical outbreak at a local hospital, stabilizing a patient during an emergency, and collaborating with others to design solutions to local and global medical problems.

Assessment practices incorporate pre-assessments, ongoing formative checks, and summative evaluations that align with the honors-level curriculum and support student growth.

Students are required to create and maintain a digital portfolio showcasing samples of their honors-level work, reflecting their progress and mastery throughout the course.