12th Grade Science

CHEMISTRY

03101G1000

Grade Level: 10 -12 

Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I or completion of Accelerated Math 7 and Accelerated Math 8

Corequisite: Algebra II with Statistics (for 10th grade)

Recommendations: 

1. Algebra with a B or higher

2.  Successful completion of Physical Science 

The general Chemistry course is designed as a college-prep course to follow successful completion of Biology and Algebra I or an equivalent course sequence. This course introduces students to the theoretical principles behind inorganic chemical concepts. The course covers advanced chemical principles and mathematical problems that will fully prepare a student for further Chemistry study at the college level. Chemistry requires that students come to the course with the ability to independently perform algebraic operations and solve word problems as well as complete laboratory work. It is highly recommended that sophomores have at least a B average in previous math courses. 

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

03008G1000

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Physical Science

This course includes the subjects of Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography and Astronomy for the purpose of helping students understand how the surface of the Earth, the atmosphere, and the oceans work together, as well as the relationship between our Earth and the rest of the universe. This course requires laboratory and computer work.

This is a course that is offered virtually in addition to an in-person class. Students must complete the permission form and turn it in to their counselor. Teachers will communicate expectations regarding classwork and testing in the course syllabus. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

03003G1000

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology

This course extends the study of Biology to focus on the living and nonliving factors which affect our environment. We will consider the impact that humans have on the environment at the local, national, and global levels. Current local and world issues will be integrated into the curriculum. Students will work outside of the school building to collect and analyze phenomena in the Cahaba River Watershed that surrounds the school. In addition to class work, laboratory work, scientific inquiry, and fieldwork investigations, this course requires fieldwork in a variety of settings and weather conditions. We will investigate the fascinating natural world around HHS as a living laboratory and document the change over time that we (Hoover residents) are having on our local ecosystems. 

This is a course that is offered virtually in addition to an in-person class. Students must complete the permission form and turn it in to their counselor. Teachers will communicate expectations regarding classwork and testing in the course syllabus. 

PHYSICS

03151G1000

Grade Level: 11-12 Course Video

This course covers the principles of motion, matter, and energy as related in the Physics core curriculum of the state science course of study. In addition to this core, advanced Physics principles and mathematical problems are applied which will fully prepare students for further Physics study at the college level. The course employs mathematical analysis, laboratory experiments, and computer aided investigations to lead students to an understanding of the basic laws of nature as presently understood by science. This course requires laboratory work.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

03053G1000

Grade Level: 11-12 Course Video

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

Recommendation: A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

This course includes a study of the organization and functions of the systems of the human body, including how they respond to the external environment and work together to maintain homeostasis. Students will learn the anatomical components and basic physiological processes of each system of the body. This course incorporates cooperative lab experiences, anatomical dissections, and some technology-based investigative work. Reading and independent studying outside of class are required and necessary for each student.

FORENSIC SCIENCE

15055G1000

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

Be a CSI person, and figure out not only “who-done-it,” but also find out how it’s really done. This is one of the fastest growing areas of science opportunities out there with dozens of different directions in which to pursue a career. In this course you will use investigative techniques such as fingerprinting, DNA, toxicology, bones, trace evidence of hair and fiber, tool marks and others to analyze and solve crimes. You will be incorporating the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physics using many of the latest techniques and materials that are used in research facilities and by Crime Scene Investigators today. This course incorporates extensive laboratory work.

This is a course that is offered virtually in addition to an in-person class. Students must complete the permission form and turn it in to their counselor. Teachers will communicate expectations regarding classwork and testing in the course syllabus. 

SCIENCE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

03097G1000

Grade Level: 11-12 

Prerequisites: An AP or IB science course

Prerequisite/Corequisite: At least one credit in World Language, Career Tech, or Fine Arts

This course is for students that wish to apply scientific methods and skills to the analysis of HHS campus and surrounding areas using the techniques of applied field research. Students interested in science competitions will benefit from this class. Guided by the teacher, but focused on projects of student interest, this is a great opportunity to expand and apply all the knowledge and skills you have learned. In the past year we have begun projects on threatened freshwater mussels, invasive species, migrating birds, forest composition, and long term climate change plots. Projects are NOT limited to environmental topics. Students can also be matched with local scientists to complete more complicated projects. Many research projects are award winning (and scholarship winning).You will be required to compete in research competitions. The benefits of independent research before college are invaluable! It truly sets you apart from the crowd. Students will be required to attend school for laboratory, some field work, and conferences with the teacher.

This is a course that is offered virtually in addition to an in-person class. Students must complete the permission form and turn it in to their counselor. Teachers will communicate expectations regarding classwork and testing in the course syllabus. 

AP BIOLOGY (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT) 

03056E1000

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

Recommendation:

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. 85% course average in both Biology and Chemistry

3. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

This course covers the curriculum associated with a college level Biology program. The course involves extensive reading and study outside of normal class time. The overall expectations of the course are aimed at preparing students to take the Advanced Placement examination at the end of the year. This course requires extensive laboratory work with detailed formal lab reports. Summer reading assignment required. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

AP CHEMISTRY (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT) 

03106E1000

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology, Advanced Chemistry, and Algebra II with Statistics

Recommendations: 

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric,

2. 85% course average in Chemistry, Advanced Level Chemistry, or Physics

3. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

This course covers the curriculum associated with a college level Chemistry program. Students should be advised that this course involves complex material and is covered at a pace of at least one and a half times the normal pace of an Advanced Level course and involves extensive study and problem solving outside of normal class time. The overall expectations of the course are aimed at preparing students to take the Advanced Placement examination at the end of the year. This course requires extensive laboratory work, with detailed formal lab reports. Summer assignment required. This class requires one class period and two full lunch/study periods per week. It earns one (1) science credit. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT)

03207E1000

Grade Level: 10-12**

Prerequisites: Advanced Level Biology and Chemistry

Recommendations: 

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric 

2. Advanced Level Biology with a 85% course average 

3. Chemistry with a 85% course average

4.  Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

This course extends the study of Biological and Physical sciences. We will delve into the interconnectedness of science, ethics, history, politics, etc. as we develop a deeper understanding of the world around us and our human impacts. AP Environmental science is fun, challenging, and exciting. In this course you will investigate and discuss important current issues pertaining to science in the real world. It also integrates critical analysis and writing skills. APES focuses on the interrelationships of the natural world. It analyzes human induced environmental problems and changes. APES examines alternative solutions for those problems on an advanced level by requiring students to investigate international, state, and local policies that affect the environment. Long term investigations and projects require an additional investment of time beyond the class and will involve work in the field. Lab/fieldwork required. Summer assignment required. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

**Students may take this course as an elective while concurrently taking Chemistry or Advanced Chemistry.

The Hoover High School AP Program offers three physics courses:

1. Algebra based- AP Physics 1

2. Calculus based- AP Physics C: Mechanics

3. Calculus based- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

AP PHYSICS I   (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT)    

03165E1000

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

Corequisite: Precalculus or higher math course

Recommendation:

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. 85% course average in both Biology and Chemistry

3. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based introductory college-level physics course that explores Newton's laws, work, energy, and power. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Approximately 25% of the course will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with emphasis on inquiry based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. Investigations will require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design their own experiments, analyze data and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their own progress. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

AP PHYSICS C – MECHANICS (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT) (ENGINEERING PHYSICS 1)

03164E1000

Grade Level:  11-12 Course Video  

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry 

Math Prerequisite/Corequisite:  Algebra II with Statistics Advanced Level or Math Team, Precalculus or higher math course

Recommendations:  

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

AP Physics C – Mechanics (Engineering Physics 1) is a two-semester, calculus-based course. The course is consistent with the topics covered in the first undergraduate calculus-based physics course required for engineering and physics majors. It is appropriate as a first or second year course. The course involves laboratory work and extensive study and problem solving outside of class. First year students should be strong in math but do not have to be taking a Calculus course concurrently. Topics include One-Dimensional and Multi-Dimensional Kinematics; Newton’s Laws; Equilibrium; Work and Energy; Linear Momentum and Collisions; Rigid Body Rotation and Rolling; Angular Momentum; Universal Gravitation; and Simple Harmonic Motion. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.                                                                   

AP PHYSICS C – ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT) (ENGINEERING PHYSICS 2)

03163E1000

Grade Level: 12 Course Video

Prerequisite: AP Physics C: Mechanics

Math Prerequisite/Corequisite: Calculus or higher

Recommendations:  

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

AP Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism (Engineering Physics 2) is a two-semester, calculus-based course. The course is consistent with the topics covered in the second undergraduate calculus-based physics course required for engineering and physics majors. It is taught as a second year course. The course involves laboratory work and extensive study and problem solving outside of class. Students should be strong in math. Topics include:  Electrostatics; Conductors, Capacitors, and Dielectrics; Purely Resistive, RL, RC, and RLC DC Circuits; Steady-state AC Circuits; Magnetic Fields; Electromagnetism. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

IB BIOLOGY 12 HL (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT)

03057E10HL

Prerequisites: 

1. IB Biology 11

2. See criteria under IB Program including IB Program Fees

Corequisite: One or more additional IB courses      

HL Biology 12 is a continuation of a two-year course where students will engage with the content via extensive laboratory experiences and discussions around how major biological themes are connected to one another across a range of topics and levels of biological organization (from individual molecules to entire ecosystems). In year 2 of this course, students will design and carry out an individual scientific investigation on a research question of their own choosing. By engaging in this course, students will develop understandings, skills and techniques which can be applied across their studies and beyond.  Students will take the official IB exams in May. 

IB ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS AND SOCIETY SL/HL (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT)

03208E10SL

Prerequisites: 

1. Chemistry

2. See criteria under IB Program including IB Program Fees

Corequisite: One or more additional IB course

IBESS SL: 1-year course that does not fulfill the Higher Level requirements for the IB Diploma. Counts as an elective course. 

IBESS HL: 2-year course that does fulfill the Higher Level requirements for the IB Diploma Science requirement.

IB Environmental Systems and Societies is an interdisciplinary course that combines experimental sciences and individuals and societies. Pulling from both IB Group 4 and Group 3, this course uses a systems approach to develop knowledge on how societies are both reliant on and impact the natural world. The goals for the course are met through a combination of field, laboratory, and classroom activities. 

In the SL/HL 11 year of the course, students will cover a variety of topics including how the natural world works and how human societies impact these natural systems. All students will complete the collaborative sciences project as part of this course as well, in which a project is completed that is related to a real-world issue, pursued through the lens of the scientific method.  IB SL/HL 11 will also have the option of taking the APES exam at the end of the year, as the course will be co-taught with AP Environmental Science. Students must be enrolled in an IB CREW for purposes of Collaborative Sciences Project and Internal Assessment.

The HL 12 course will be a continuation of the topics covered in year 11 while adding on the Higher Level topics of Environmental Law, Environmental Ethics, and Environmental Economics.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT) 

10019E1000

Grade Level: 10-12   Course Video

Recommendations: 

1. A score of 25 or higher on self-assessment rubric

2. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

3. Students should have completed Algebra I or Accelerated Math 7 & Accelerated Math 8

AP Computer Science Principles can earn a CTE, Math, or Science credit.

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the central ideas of computer science, instilling the ideas and practices of computational thinking and inviting students to understand how computing changes the world. The rigorous course promotes deep learning of computational content, develops computational thinking skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field. The course is unique in its focus on fostering students to be creative. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using simulations to explore questions that interest them. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A  (+1.00 GRADE WEIGHT) 

10157E1000

Grade Level:  11-12 Course Video

Prerequisite:  Algebra II with Statistics 

Recommendations: 

1. A score of 25 or higher on self-assessment rubric

2. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

3. Students should have completed Algebra I or Accelerated Math 7 & Accelerated Math 8

AP Computer Science Principles can earn a CTE, Math, or Science credit.

AP Computer Science (APCS) emphasizes the development of computer programs that correctly solve a given problem using the Java programming language.  Students will learn to design and implement solutions to problems by writing, running and debugging computer programs using algorithms and data structures.  Additionally, students will learn to read and understand large programs and recognize the ethical and social implications of computer use. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.