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 is an introductory course in which students will explore natural laws and scientific principles as they relate to the topics of physics and chemistry. Concepts include measurement, analyzing and graphing data, properties of matter, forms of energy, and the interaction of matter and energy. Concepts are reinforced by numerous laboratory demonstrations and investigations. This course is not recognized as a lab science by most colleges.

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.

Biology I

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. Students 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.

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

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.

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.

IB Sports Exercise and Health Science

Credit: 1 Elective

This course explores the science underpinning physical performance and provides the opportunity to apply these principles. The course incorporates the disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition. Students cover a range of core and option topics, and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. The course offers a deeper understanding of the issues related to sports, exercise and health in the 21st century and addresses the international dimension and ethics related to both the individual and global context.