Science

Integrated Science S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Students in Integrated Science S1-S2 will utilize an inquiry and literacy approach to focus on the skills of planning and conducting investigations, as well as analyzing and interpreting data. Students will obtain, evaluate, and communicate scientific information. This year-long course will allow students to read scientific texts, conduct numerous hands-on data collection opportunities, use mathematical practices, and communicate their scientific knowledge through writing and speaking. The Integrated Science course focuses on the topics of the Scientific Process, Physics, Astronomy, Earth’s Processes, Weather and Climate, and Sustainability. The Integrated Science course is aligned with the Arizona Science Standards as well as the Framework for K-12 Science Education. The Integrated Science course is an approved laboratory science credit for university admission.  

Honors Integrated Science S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

All except Online

Co-requisite: Concurrent enrollment in either Honors English or Honors Math 

The skills and concepts from the Integrated Science course (as noted above) will be covered in greater detail and depth. Additional content to be covered includes conceptual physics. Texts, data collection opportunities, and writing assignments will be reflective of an honors-level science course. The Honors Integrated Science course is an approved laboratory science credit for university admission. 

Biology S1-S2 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

This is an introductory course in biological sciences. The central theme of this course is scientific investigation and the concepts of change and diversity. Students will acquire a knowledge base in scientific processes, cell chemistry, homeostasis, genetics, evolution, ecology, and populations. The Biology curriculum is aligned with the Arizona State Standards and this course is approved as a laboratory course for university admission. 

Honors Biology S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

All except Online

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Integrated Science S1-S2 OR 

Co-requisite: Honors English Language Arts 1-2 & or Honors Algebra 1 or 2 or Geometry 

Honors Biology S1-S2 classes cover the same topics covered in regular Biology, but in greater depth. These students also have the opportunity for in-depth research and/or science fair projects. The Honors Biology curriculum is aligned with the Arizona State Standards and this course is an approved laboratory course for university admission. 

AP Biology S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

All except Online

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Biology, successful completion of Algebra 2. Chemistry recommended or taken concurrently. 

The chemistry and biochemical processes of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, membrane structure and functions, enzyme activity, biomedical genetics, reproductive processes, and embryogenesis are covered in depth. Other topics include: Cellular Transport; Anatomy and Physiology of plants and animals; Ecology and Organic Adaptation. This course is recommended for those students who are planning a career in medicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, or pre-dental. Success on this exam may grant credit or advancement placement at many colleges and universities. All students are required to take the College Board’s examination for this subject. Advanced Placement Biology is aligned to the College Board developed curriculum and this course is an approved laboratory course for university admission 

Bioscience S1-S2 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Sunnyslope and Online only

Students in the Bioscience course will apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of biologists and biotechnologists in research, industrial, and government settings. Students will be introduced to biosciences through existing hands-on projects and problems. Students investigate the human body systems and various health conditions while learning how structure and function contribute to information processing, medicine, and medical terminology, research processes, and bioinformatics. Additional key biological concepts taught during the course include homeostasis, metabolism, inheritance of traits, and defense against disease. The experimental design process is embedded throughout the course. This course is designed to provide an overview of all the courses in the Bioscience Program, provide an opportunity for students to develop a health-care-oriented resume, work on job application skills and practices, and lay the scientific foundation for subsequent courses. 

Chemistry S1-S2 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 S1& S2 

The central theme of this course is scientific investigation through hands-on laboratory experimentation and the use of conceptual models. A knowledge base will be acquired through units on properties and composition of substances, qualitative and quantitative relationships and measurements of energy, descriptions, and predictions of the products of chemical reactions and physical interactions of matter and energy. The Chemistry curriculum is aligned with the Arizona State Standards and this course is approved as a laboratory course for university admission. 

Honors Chemistry S1-S2 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit All

All except Online

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 S1-S2 

Honors ChemistryS1-S2 will cover a wider area of concepts than Chemistry. This class will be lab-oriented with open-ended experiments that will allow students to go beyond the basic principles. Students who need a strong background in Chemistry for their career needs should select this course. The Honors Chemistry curriculum is aligned with the Arizona State Standards and this course is an approved laboratory course for university admission. 

AP Chemistry Grades 11-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit All

Greenway and Sunnyslope only

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry and successful completion of Algebra 2  

AP Chemistry will cover the Advanced Placement curriculum including chemical elements as the fundamental building blocks of matter, that atoms have specific properties that can be used to predict the interactions between those atoms, how chemical reactions occur and how to effect those reactions, and the laws of thermodynamics and their application to changes in matter. The problem solving that is included in this course requires students to use analytical skills and apply knowledge from a broad range of formulas. Success on this exam may grant credit or advancement placement at many colleges and universities. All students are required to take the College Board’s examination for this subject. Advanced Placement Chemistry is aligned to the College Board-developed curriculum and this course is an approved laboratory course for university admission. 

Physics S1-S2   Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 

Physics S1-S2 is a hands-on laboratory-based course. Mathematical concepts are applied to solving problems and deriving laws to help explain natural behavior. Topics covered include kinematics, forces, dynamics, energy, momentum, and waves. This course is needed by those students who plan on entering into a career involving: pre-medical, pre-dental, architecture, forestry, engineering, electronics, communication, chemistry, education, or law. The Physics curriculum is aligned with the Arizona State Standards, and this course is an approved laboratory course for university admission.

Honors Physics S1-S2 Grades 11-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry

In Honors Physics S1-S2, the skills and concepts from the Physics course (as noted above) will be covered in greater depth and will incorporate the Honors Physics standards. This course will emphasize student-designed investigations and critical thinking. This course is needed by those students who plan on entering into a career involving: pre-medical, pre-dental, architecture, forestry, engineering, electronics, communication, chemistry, education, or law. The Honors Physics curriculum is aligned with the Arizona State Standards and this course is an approved laboratory course for university admission. 

Honors Engineering  Physics S1-S2 Grades 11-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit All

Moon Valley 

Prerequisite: Geometry with a minimum grade of C, Algebra 2 concurrently, and teacher recommendation

In Engineering Physics S1-S2, physics and mathematical concepts are applied to solving problems and deriving laws to help explain natural behavior. Topics covered include: kinematics, forces, momentum and impulse, energy and power, electrical circuits, and thermodynamics. Each unit is designed around an engineering component where students will apply their physics knowledge and the engineering design process. Emphasis is given to integrating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The Engineering Physics course is divided into two semesters. Each semester is divided into three units, along with labs conducted during each unit. Students will complete a Capstone Project at the end of the year. In addition to the Science and CTE content standards being addressed within each unit, the Arizona Workplace Employability Skills Standards and Measurement Criteria were used to ensure students are applying complex communication, collaboration, and expert thinking skills, as well as demonstrating intergenerational and cross-cultural competence, professionalism, initiative and self-direction in all classroom activities. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in the CTSO Skills USA competition.

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Grades 11-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit All

All campuses except Cortez, Greenway, and Online 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 S1-S2 

Advanced Placement Physics will cover the Advanced Placement curriculum including modern theories such as quantum and relativity, and atomic and nuclear physics. The problem-solving that is included in this course requires students to use analytical skills and apply knowledge from a broad range of formulas. Success on this exam may grant credit or advancement placement at many colleges and universities. All students are required to take the College Board’s examination for this subject. Advanced Placement Physics is aligned to the College Board developed curriculum and this course is an approved laboratory course for university admission. 

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Grades 11-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit All

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Physics 1 or a comparable introductory course, Co-requisite: concurrent enrollment in Pre-calculus or equivalent course. 

AP Physics 2 Algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course.  Students cultivate their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations.  The problem-solving that is included in this course requires students to use analytical skills and apply knowledge from a broad range of formulas. Success on this exam may grant credit or advancement placement at many colleges and universities. All students are required to take the College Board’s examination for this subject. Advanced Placement Physics is aligned to the College Board developed curriculum and this course is an approved laboratory course for university admission. 

AP Physics C: Mechanics Grades 11-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit All

Apollo and Sunnyslope Only 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Algebra 2 S1-S2 or Precalculus or AP Calculus and Honors Physics or AP Physics 1 

Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based, college-level physics course. Students will explore kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation through the design and analysis of laboratory experiments.  All students are required to take the College Board’s examination for this subject. Advanced Placement Physics is aligned to the College Board-developed curriculum and this course is an approved laboratory course for university admission.

Environmental Science Grades 11-12 2 Semester 1 Credit

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of 2 years of high school science including Biology

Environmental Science offers an overview of how the various components of the Earth interact with each other. It also explores the role humans play in these interactions. The topics covered include human populations and needs, energy resources, effects of pollution, and sustainability practices to reduce human impact. Students will participate in hands-on activities and labs that utilize critical thinking skills and the scientific process. The Environmental Science curriculum is aligned with the Arizona State Standards and this course is approved as a laboratory course for university admission.  

Human Science Grades 11-12 1 Semester ½ Credit All

Human Sciences provides exploratory experiences, labs, and real-life applications to better understand the structure and function of human anatomy with an emphasis on homeostasis. There is a focus on disorders, diseases, behaviors, and chemicals that young adults will primarily be exposed to. Students will participate in hands-on activities and labs that utilize critical thinking skills and the scientific process. The Human Science curriculum is aligned with the Arizona State Standards and this course is approved as a laboratory course for university admission.