Course Description
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Credit: 1 unit
CA: 9th Grade
An integration of topics from physics and chemistry with an emphasis on energy and motion, electricity and magnetism waves, sound and light, the structure and properties of matter, and chemical reactions.
EARTH/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Credit: 1 unit
CA: 10th Grade
This inquiry-based course emphasizes the scientific method, environmental awareness, the use of natural resources, and conservation practices.
HONORS EARTH/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite:
For rising 9th Grade Students: Level 4 or 5 on 8th Grade Science EOG OR 90 or > in 8th Grade Science.
For rising 10th Grade Students: A on Physical Science Final Exam OR 90 or > in Physical Science.
Previous Course:
Rising 9th: 8th grade Science
Rising 10th: Physical Science
CA: 9th Grade or 10th Grade
The Honors Earth/Environmental Science student should have a good understanding in water quality, general chemistry and the interconnected relationships of the hydrosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere. In addition to being good stewards, the class will expand the knowledge of the student in current environmental issues and the problems that the modern world is facing. Students will be required to complete hands on activities using a variety of sophisticated data collection devices and also be able to interpret the data that is gained from those devices and apply them to real world situations.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
*This is a semester-long class at Pisgah
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite:
For rising 9th Graders: Level 4 or 5 on 8th Grade Science EOG and A on English I Final Exam OR 90 or > in 8th Grade Science and English I.
For rising 11th and 12th Graders: A on Chemistry or higher level science Final Exam OR 85 or > in Honors Chemistry or higher level Science or 90 or > in Chemistry.
Previous Courses:
For 9th Graders: 8th grade science
For 11th/12th graders: Chemistry or higher level science
CA: 9th, 11th or 12th Grade
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
BIOLOGY
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth/Environmental and Physical Science
CA: 11th Grade
This course is a study of the cellular, genetic, evolutionary, and ecological levels of the living world. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take and pass the state End of Course test in Biology.
HONORS BIOLOGY
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: A on Earth Environmental Science Final Exam OR 85 or > in Honors Earth Environmental Science or 90 or > in Earth Environmental Science.
Previous Course: Earth/Environmental Science
CA: 10th Grade or 11th Grade
Honors Biology is a college preparatory science course designed to teach students the concepts of biology, such as scientific processes, molecules and cells, cellular reproduction, genetics, evolution and ecology. In addition to these concepts, students will be expected to carry out several independent investigations. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take and pass the state End of Course test in Biology.
AP BIOLOGY
*This class is offered in the Spring semester and is part of AP Collaboration with THS at Haywood Community College. Students must provide their own transportation.
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Level 4 or 5 on Biology EOC or A on Chemistry Final Exam OR 85 or > in Honors Biology or Honors Chemistry or 90 or > in Biology or Chemistry.
Previous Courses: Biology
CA: 10th - 12th Grade
AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes-energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions.
CHEMISTRY
(Satisfies the physical science graduation requirement. For students planning to pursue a career in science or health care.)
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and successful completion of or concurrently enrolled in Math 3
CA: 11th Grade
A study of the basic principles of chemistry including matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical reactions, the mathematics of chemistry, and laboratory practices. Students should be strongly committed to working and learning in a fast-paced, rigorous classroom. The content and pace of the class is college preparatory in nature.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Level 4 or 5 on Biology EOC and Math 3 EOC OR 85 or > in Honors Biology and Honors Math 3 or 90 or > in Biology and Math 3
Previous Courses: Biology and Math 3 (may be taken concurrently)
CA: 11th Grade
A more in-depth study of the basic principles of chemistry including matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical reactions, the mathematics of chemistry, and laboratory practices.
AP CHEMISTRY
*This class is offered in the Spring semester and is part of AP Collaboration with THS at Haywood Community College. Students must provide their own transportation.
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: A on Chemistry Final Exam and Level 4 or 5 on Math 3 EOC OR 85 or > in Honors Chemistry and Honors Math 3 or 90 or > in Chemistry and Math 3
Previous Courses: Chemistry and Math 3
CA: 11th or 12th Grade
The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium.
HONORS PHYSICS
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: A on Chemistry Final Exam OR 85 or > in Honors Chemistry or 90 or > in Chemistry.
Previous Courses: Chemistry or higher level Science
CA: 11th or 12th Grade
Honors Physics includes all of the topics in the N.C. Standard Course of Study and includes measurement, linear and circular motion, mechanics, forces and Newton’s laws, waves, light and optics, and electricity and magnetism. The honors course is enriched with mathematical problem solving, inquiry experiments, mathematical modeling, and computer data acquisition and analysis.