Science Graduation Requirement: Three years of science are required for graduation. Students need to take: Biology AND Chemistry OR Physics AND one additional year of science.
Through a variety of courses, students will learn to apply scientific skills in problem solving as well as apply scientific principles to everyday life. Students will develop an inquiry approach to the study of science through laboratory experiences.
9th Grade Requirements: Biology 1 and Chemistry 1
Biology 1 | Semester Long | 9th Grade
This introductory biology course that focuses on the concepts of evolution and ecology. This course includes units on characteristics of life, population growth and change, ecology, evolution, and human health and reproduction.
Honors Biology 1 (Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation) | Semester Long | 9th Grade
This course will cover the same elements as Bio I, however, the students will work on further inquiry and reflection of these concepts as well as explore additional topics in preparation for AP Biology.
Chemistry 1 | Semester Long | 9th Grade
This introductory chemistry course focuses on particle-level ideas related to phase changes, chemical reactions, atomic structure, periodic trends, energy and intermolecular forces. Chemistry concepts are discovered and developed through lab investigations and student-driven modelling.
Honors Chemistry 1 (Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation) | Semester Long | 9th Grade
This introductory biology course that focuses on the concepts of evolution and ecology. This course includes units on characteristics of life, population growth and change, ecology, evolution, and human health and reproduction.
10th Grade Requirements: Biology 2 and Chemistry 2
Biology 2 | Semester Long | 10th Grade
This course explores the chemical nature of life. This course is a continuation of Biology I and includes units on biochemistry, cell structure & function, cell division, homeostasis, molecular genetics, heredity, and cellular energetics.
Honors Biology 2 (Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation) | Semester Long | 10th Grade
This course will cover the same elements as Bio II, however, the students will work on further inquiry and reflection of these concepts as well as explore additional topics in preparation for AP Biology.
Chemistry 2 | Semester Long | 10th Grade
This course builds on the ideas from Chem I. The course focuses on topics of nuclear chemistry, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, radiation, reaction rates, equilibrium and acid-base chemistry. Content is explored through a variety of lab investigations and Earth science contexts.
Honors Chemistry 2 (Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation) | Semester Long | 10th Grade
This course will cover the same elements as Chem II, however, the students will work on further inquiry and reflection of these concepts as well as explore additional topics in preparation for AP Chemistry.
11th Grade Requirements: Physics
Physics | Year Long | 11th Grade
This course investigates motion, forces, energy, electricity, magnetism and waves through experimental modeling and data analysis. Students apply mathematical reasoning and engineering design principles to solve physical problems.
Honors Physics (Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation and Algebra 2) | Year Long | 11th Grade
This course will cover the same elements as Physics, however, the students will work on further inquiry and reflection of these concepts as well as explore additional topics in preparation for AP Physics.
Science Electives
Human Biology (Prerequisite: Biology 1 and 2) | Year Long | 10th-12th Grade
The course includes a detailed study of human anatomy and physiology. The various systems of the human body are covered on the basis of their structures and functions. Work in the laboratory will be designed to correlate with each phase of the course.
AP Biology (Prerequisite: Honors Bio. 2 or Bio. 2 with Teacher Recommendation) | Year Long | 11th-12th Grade
A university level course designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Biology Exam. The course covers a full year of college introductory biology with laboratory. Topics include biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular energetics, cell communication, heredity, gene regulation and expression, evolution, and ecology. It is expected that students who take this course will take the Advanced Placement examination for up to one year of college credit.
AP Chemistry (Prerequisite: Honors Chem. 2 or Chem. 2 with Teacher Recommendation, Algebra 2) | Year Long | 11th-12th Grade
A university level chemistry course designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam. Topics include atomic structure, compound structure and properties, states of matter and their properties, chemical reactions, kinetics, equilibrium, thermochemistry and thermodynamics, acid-base and electrochemistry.
AP Environmental Science (Prerequisite: Bio. 1, Chem. 1, Algebra 1) | Year Long | 10th-12th Grade
This is a university level course focusing on the application of scientific concepts and principles to the understanding and solution of environmental problems and issues. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Envisioned as a broadly interdisciplinary course, it builds on scientific principles from chemistry, physics, biology, ecology, and earth science. The course includes a substantial laboratory and field component to help students learn about the environment through careful observation and experimentation, while developing their critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. Students will prepare to take the AP exam to earn college credit.
AP Physics C (Prerequisite: Honors Physics or Teacher Recommendation/Co-Requisite: AP Calculus) | Year Long | 11th-12th Grade
This is a university level, calculus-based physics course covering both Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. This course is the science or engineering student’s first semester of university level physics. The first part of the course covers, motion, vectors, energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation and oscillation. The second half of the course covers electrostatics, electric fields, circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Students who complete this course may take the Advanced Placement examination for college credit. The course is designed to prepare students to successfully take the Physics C, Part 1: Mechanics, and Part 2: Electromagnetism exams.
Emergency Medical Technician (Recommended: Humon Biology) | Year Long | 12th Grade
This is an elective science course that teaches the techniques of oxygen therapy, backboarding, CPR, emergency first aid and patient handling and care. Students who successfully complete the course will be eligible (at 18 years of age) to take the State Licensure Examination to become a certified EMT. Upon successful completion of the course and demonstrated competency on the State Licensure Examination, Davenport University has agreed to grant credit and/or advanced standing to students who enroll in Paramedic or EMT programs. Enrollment is limited.