Science


GHS SCIENCE COURSE SEQUENCE

Science pathway 9th 10th 11th 12th

College-bound *PAP Biology *PAP Chemistry AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Biology,

        AP Environmental Science,    AP Chemistry, AP Physics, or 

AP Physics Advanced Aquatic Science

 General Biology Chemistry Environmental Systems or Astronomy or 

Astronomy Physics

 Career Biology IPC Environmental Systems or Astronomy or

    Chemistry Environmental Science

* Pre-AP courses are available

This is a recommended sequence of courses for planning purposes. Students are encouraged to discuss options with their respective counselor to individualize plans to meet student needs.


Pre-AP Biology

BIOPAP

This course is designed for the academically bright science student. This course goes beyond the depth and scope of the regular Biology I course and is designed for the student who is interested in a college science major and/or health related career. In-depth laboratory studies will be conducted in the areas of molecular and cellular biology, genetics, comparative plant and animal anatomy and physiology, and animal behavior. Emphasis will be placed on independent primary and secondary research and on higher-level critical thinking skills.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Pre-AP

GRADE: 9-10



Biology

BIO

This is a laboratory oriented course which will include the central concepts, principles, and factual material of the following topics: molecular and cellular aspects of living organisms, structure and functions of organisms in each of the six kingdoms, genetics and human reproduction, diversity of organisms and principles of classification, ecological relationships, and animal behavior.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Standard

GRADE: 9-12



Integrated Physics and Chemistry

IPC

This course is a laboratory science that emphasizes the use of technology and concepts relevant to the student. Basic principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science are emphasized. Subjects explored include: scientific problem-solving techniques, kinetics, optics, acoustics, chemoreception, kinesthetic, transport mechanism, and scientific change. Theory and practical applications are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of students. Does not count towards DAP graduation requirements

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Standard

GRADE: 9-12

PREREQUISITE: Placed based on performance on tests and previous science classes



Anatomy and Physiology

ANATPH

This is an upper level course for the academically bright science students who are highly motivated. Emphasis will be placed on higher-level critical thinking skills and research as students investigate three unifying themes: interrelationships of body organ systems, homeostasis and complementarities of structure and function. This course counts as one credit for all graduation plans.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Standard

GRADE: 10-12



Chemistry

CHEM

This course is designed for the student who will be attending college or technical school after graduation. The course will teach the student the central concepts, principles, and basic factual material related to the following topics: states of matter, structure of matter, solutions, reactions of matter, stoichiometry, energy changes in chemical reactions, equilibrium, kinetics, and descriptive chemistry. The student will be given the opportunity to safely use chemical laboratory equipment and supplies.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Standard

GRADE: 10-12

PREREQUISITE: BIO - Biology or ALG1 - Algebra I or BIOPAP - Pre-AP Biology



Pre-AP Chemistry

CHEMPA

This course is an advanced level weighted course designed for the academically bright science and math students who are highly motivated. This course will go beyond the depth and scope of the regular Chemistry I course and is primarily for the student who is interested in a college science major, engineering major, and/or health related career. In addition to the requirements of Chemistry I, the course will present opportunities of students to develop skills relating to accuracy, precision, significant figures, and advanced calculator skills as they relate to measurement and data recording in the chemistry laboratory. The course will also provide the student valuable and qualitative laboratory experiences. In all activities, emphasis will be placed on independent research and higher-level critical analytical thinking skills.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Pre-AP

GRADE: 10-12

PREREQUISITE: Biology I or Integrated Physics & Chemistry, Algebra I & have completed or be concurrently



AP Chemistry

CHEMAP

Advanced Placement Chemistry is the equivalent of a first-year chemistry course. The academic objectives for this course comply with this level. Students will be taught to develop their analytical thinking skills with the eventual outcome that they will be prepared to take the AP Chemistry Examination in May. The course topics include stoichiometry, properties of gases, liquids, solids, and solutions; chemical equilibrium; chemical thermodynamics; atomic and molecular structure; chemical kinetics; periodic properties, nuclear chemistry and descriptive chemistry of the elements, including organic chemistry.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Advanced Placement

GRADE: 11-12

PREREQUISITE: Chemistry or Pre-AP Chemistry, Algebra II



AP Environmental Science

ENVIAP

AP Environmental Science course 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 and/or preventing them.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Advanced Placement

GRADE: 11-12

PREREQUISITE: ALG1 - Algebra I or BIO - Biology or BIOPAP - Pre-AP Biology or CHEMAP - AP Chemistry or CHEM - Chemistry or CHEMPA - Pre-AP Chemistry



AP Physics I

PHYSAP

This course is an advanced level weighted course designed for the academically bright science and math students who are highly motivated. This course will go beyond the depth and scope of regular physics course and is designed for the student who is interested in a college science major, engineering major, or health related career. Students will study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion, changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum, force, thermodynamics, characteristics of and behaviors of waves, and quantum physics. In all activities, emphasis will be placed on independent research and higher-level critical analytical thinking skills.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Advanced Placement

GRADE: 11-12

PREREQUISITE: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II



Astronomy

ASTRMY

In Astronomy, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study the following topics: astronomy in civilization, patterns and objects in the sky, our place in space, the moon, reasons for the seasons, planets, the sun, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and space exploration. Students who successfully complete Astronomy will acquire knowledge within a conceptual framework, conduct observations of the sky, work collaboratively, and develop critical-thinking skills.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Standard

GRADE: 11-12



Environmental Systems

ENVIRS

Environmental Systems is designed to give students an introduction to the major environmental problems facing the world and the scientific causes behind the problems. The course also teaches students how they are part of the problem & the solution.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Standard

GRADE: 11-12

PREREQUISITE: one unit high school life science and one unit of high school physical science



Physics

PHYSIC

In Physics, students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion, changes within physical systems, and conservation of energy and momentum, force, thermodynamics, characteristics of and behaviors of waves, and quantum physics. This course provides students with a conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical and scientific skills.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Standard

GRADE: 11-12

PREREQUISITE: Completion (highly recommended) or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II



Advanced Animal Science

ADANSC

Advanced Animal Science examines the interrelatedness of human, scientific, and technological dimensions of livestock production. Instruction is designed to allow for the application of scientific and technological aspects of animal science through field and laboratory experiences. To prepare for careers in the field of animal science, students must attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire knowledge and skills related to animal systems, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry standards. To prepare for success, students need opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge and skills in a variety of settings.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Standard

GRADE: 12

PREREQUISITE: Pre-requisite of Livestock Production.



Advanced Aquatic Science

AQUSCI

In Aquatic Science, students study the interactions of biotic and abiotic components in aquatic environments, including impacts on aquatic systems. Investigations and field work in this course may emphasize fresh water or marine aspects of aquatic science depending primarily upon the natural resources available for study near the school. Students who successfully complete Aquatic Science will acquire knowledge about a variety of aquatic systems, conduct investigations and observations of aquatic environments, work collaboratively with peers, and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Honors

GRADE: 12



Food Science

FOODSC

In Food Science students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Food Science is the study of the nature of foods, the causes of deterioration, the principles underlying food processing, and the improvement of foods for the consuming public. This course can count for the fourth year of science on the 4x4 if taken the senior year.

CREDIT: 1

TYPE: Standard

GRADE: 12