BIOLOGY (601000)

Length: Year Available for: 9 - 12

Students study animals, plants, microscopic life, reproductions, heredity, evolution, ecology, and biochemistry. Laboratory work is an important part of the program. This course fills the requirement for biological science.

BIOLOGY HONORS (601100)

Length: Year Available for: 9 - 12

This is a college prep course. Students will develop knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a college level biology course, including AP Biology. Labs will emphasize skills of observations, logical thinking, mathematical calculation and written communication. Homework and projects will be required. Students are expected to be independent workers. Students registering for this course should have an average or higher standardized test scores or be concurrently enrolled in the AVID program.

AP BIOLOGY (601200)

Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Primary emphasis will be on developing an understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are the following: a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.

EARTH SCIENCE (600800)

Length: Year Available for: 9 - 12

In this class students will study the Earth, its development and position in the solar system and universe, and it's processes which include plate tectonics, the atmosphere, weather, the hydrosphere, and the impacts of humans upon these processes. This lab-based science course emphasizes concepts and inquiry skills needed to understand how Earth came into existence, has changed over time, and how it functions today.

CHEMISTRY (601500)

Length: Year Available for: 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Secondary Math 1

This course is designed to help students understand basic chemistry concepts like basic atomic theory, equations, and the nature of chemical reactions. Laboratory techniques and experiences are a part of the course. Basic mathematical skills are needed. This class fulfills the graduation requirement for physical science.

CHEMISTRY HONORS (601600)

Length: Year Available for: 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Secondary Math 1

This is a college prep course. This is an essential, basic course for students who will pursue vocations in the sciences, engineering, medicine, nursing, and related fields. Principles, concepts, and quantitative thinking are emphasized. The course covers atomic theory, chemical reactions, and other principles. This course fills the graduation requirement for physics science.

AP CHEMISTRY (601700)

Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Chemistry and Secondary Math 2

This course is equivalent to the first-year chemistry course offered at a university, with the work load and difficulty level matching those standards. Topics covered include atomic theory, stoichiometry, solutions, equilibrium, reactions, bonding, acid-base theory, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. With satisfactory completion for this course and the advanced placement exam students may earn up to 8 college credits.

PHYSICS (602000)

Length: Year Available for: 9-12

This course is for students needing a basic Physics background and who intend to pursue a career in a technical field. It is a prerequisite for AP Physics. The course provides a basic understanding of physics principles as they relate to present technology. These principles are basic mechanics, fluids, thermal and electrical heat, light, and sounds.

PHYSICS HONORS (602100)

Length: Year Available for: 10-12

Prerequisites: Secondary Math 1

This course is an introduction to first year college level physics. Students who are interested in such careers as engineering, electronics, medicine, and space technology are encouraged to take this class. Topics covered include mechanics, heat energy, matter, sound, light, magnetism, electricity, and radiation. Completion of this course is strongly recommended for those who plan to take AP Physics the following year.

AP PHYSICS 1 (602140)

Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Secondary Math 3 (may be taken concurrently)

Learn about the foundational principles of physics as you explore Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. You’ll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate phenomena. This course is equivalent to a freshman physics course at a university. With satisfactory completion of this course and the advanced placement (AP) exam, students may earn college credit at most colleges and universities.

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (603100)

Length: Year Available for: 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Biology. Chemistry is also recommended

The focus of this course is the study of the human body. Topics studied are biochemistry, cell physiology, structure and function of organ systems, and genetics. This advanced class is packed with useful information about our own bodies. This course provides excellent preparation for those interested in medical and health related careers. Students who sign up should have at least average standardized test scores.

WILDLIFE BIOLOGY (602850)

Length: Year Available for: 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Biology

This class focuses on native animals of Utah. We will examine problems, management solutions, and human impacts on local wildlife. We will also be focusing on how to identify certain animals on sight or using a reference guide. This class is a benefit to those that love Utah's local wildlife or are concerned with our environment.

ZOOLOGY (602900)

Length: Year Available for: 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Biology

Zoology is the study of animals. The course focuses on animals of all types and their variations. Both marine, land and freshwater animals will be included, and will involve access to the marine biology lab. Students preparing for a career in animal science, medicine, or other life sciences will benefit from this class.

GEOLOGY (602751)

Length: Semester Available for: 11 & 12

This is an introductory college course in Geology. It focuses on the processes and form and change of the Earth. This includes Plate Tectonics, rocks, and minerals, Earth's history, surficial and sub-surficial processes, climate change, and Earth's resources. This course will be split between lab activities and lecture.

ASTRONOMY (603001)

Length: Semester Available for: 10 - 12

This class covers the study of the stars, planets, galaxies, solar systems, and the universe. Earth's volcanoes, earthquakes, weather, and climate will be used to better understand the planets in our solar system and the dozens of new planets found outside of our solar system. The life and death of stars will also be covered. Also, quasars and their opposites, black holes, as well as space travel and UFO's will be explored/debated. Historical astronomy, the solar system, comets, constellations, extraterrestrial life, and the evolution of stars are the major topics of study. Observational astronomy skills and critical thinking are fostered using laboratory and field activities.