Science Department
The Lakewood High School Science Department offers 16 courses. The path for a typical student is Physical Science for freshmen year, Biology for sophomore year, Chemistry for junior year, and then Physics for senior year. Two science courses per year may be taken starting in the sophomore year.
Students who are accelerated in math or identified as gifted in science, math, or cognitive ability may consider taking Biology or Advanced Biology as a freshman. This will allow them to take more advanced science courses throughout their high school career.
Lakewood High School Science Department offers
4 Advanced Placement courses for which college credit could be earned
1 CCP (College Credit Plus) course
2 advanced courses
7 electives
Physical science, Biology, and Advanced Biology are core classes that follow the state of Ohio’s curriculum and include hands-on experiences to enhance the learning of the students. In the chemistry lab, students will experience everything from small explosions to theoretical orbitals using state of the art technology. Anatomy and Physiology offers students the opportunity to learn from the dissection of a myriad of organisms including a cat. Horticulture is taught with the use of a very well-equipped greenhouse, and is a part of the beautification of the school grounds. AP Biology uses biotechnology to apply concepts at a cellular level. AP Environmental Science applies concepts learned in all of the other fields of science to critically examine the environment we live in. Physics is regularly on the local news when the students attempt to row across the LHS swimming pool in a cardboard boat, which they have designed and made according to physics calculations.
Physical Science
4140 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week
Grade 9 No prerequisite
Physical science is a high school level course which satisfies the Ohio Core science graduation requirements. The course introduces students to key concepts and theories that provide a foundation for further study in other sciences and advanced science disciplines. Physical Science comprises the systematic study of the physical world as it relates to fundamental concepts about matter, energy and motion. A unified understanding of phenomena in physical, living, Earth and space systems is the culmination of all previously learned concepts related to chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science, along with historical perspective and mathematical reasoning.
Introduction to Life Science
4630 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week
Grade 10
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation; one credit of physical science (may be taken concurrently)
Introduction to Life Science satisfies the Ohio Core biological science graduation requirement. The subject matter provides an introduction to the study of the fundamentals of living things: ecology, biochemistry, cells, genetics, evolution, and classification. Learning experiences include inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Applications to everyday life are emphasized throughout the course. Students are required to take the Biology Ohio End of Course exam.
Biology
4240 Full Year - 1 Credit 7 Periods per Week
Grades 9-10
Prerequisite: One credit of physical science OR recommendation from middle school teacher/counselor
Biology is a high school level biological science course which satisfies the Ohio Core science graduation requirements. The subject matter provides an introduction to the study of the fundamentals of living things: ecology, biochemistry, cells, genetics, evolution and classification. Learning experiences include inquiry, problem solving and critical thinking. Laboratory experiences, including moderate dissection are emphasized throughout the course. Attendance at and participation in lab activities is a required and integral part of the course. Students who are considering a career in the sciences and have demonstrated strong science and math skills may take Biology during their 9th grade year, with middle school teacher/counselor recommendation. Students are required to take the Biology Ohio End of Course Exam.
Advanced Biology
4290 Full Year - 1 Credit 7 Periods per Week
Grades 9-10
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; “A” in Physical Science, or recommendation from middle school teacher/counselor and completion of Algebra 1. See expectations for advanced science courses in this catalog.
Advanced Biology is an accelerated biological science course which satisfies the Ohio Core science graduation requirements. It provides the fundamentals of science content and process for subsequent advanced courses. The course uses a college text that includes accelerated and enriched content in the areas of ecology, biochemistry, cells, genetics, evolution and classification. Attendance and participation is a required and integral part of the course. Learning experiences include inquiry, problem-solving and critical thinking. Laboratory experiences, including considerable dissection are emphasized throughout the course. Extensive reading, writing of lab reports and science research papers are required. Students who are considering a career in the sciences and have demonstrated exceptional science and math skills may take Advanced Biology during their 9th grade year, with middle school teacher/counselor recommendation. Students are required to take the Biology Ohio End of Course Exam.
AP Biology
4230 Full Year - 1 Credit 7 Periods per Week
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: “B” or higher in previous science courses, including Chemistry; “C” or higher in Algebra 2 with Trigonometry
The AP Biology course is designed to enable the student to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. This AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course and has been endorsed by higher education officials. Because content, inquiry, and reasoning are equally important in AP Biology, each learning objective combines content with inquiry and reasoning skills described in the science practices. The science practices capture important aspects of the work that scientists engage in, at the level of competence expected of the student, an AP Biology student. AP Biology is organized around the following principles: evolution, cellular processes (energy & communication), genetics & information transfer and interactions among living things. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring.
Environmental Chemistry
4380 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: one credit of life science; “C” or lower in Algebra 1
Environmental chemistry is an elective physical science course which satisfies the Ohio Core Science graduation requirements. In this course students will cultivate an understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry in the context of global sustainability. Students will learn the basic principles of chemistry and apply this knowledge to environmental concepts and issues. They will understand the interconnections between different sectors of the environment (soil, water, atmosphere) and the effect of human activities on the natural chemical processes.
Chemistry
4340 Full Year - 1 Credit 7 Periods per Week
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: one credit of life science; “C” or higher in Algebra 1
Chemistry is an elective physical science laboratory course that fulfills the recommended core for college preparation. This course applies problem-solving and algebra skills to chemical concepts found in industry and society. Classroom experiences emphasize cooperation, collaboration and critical thinking to engage in the content. Daily review and practice is essential. Goggles, scientific calculator, 3-ring notebook and lab manual are required.
Advanced Chemistry
4350 Full Year - 1 Credit 7 Periods per Week
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; one credit of life science; “B” or higher in Algebra 1.
See expectations for advanced science courses in this catalog. Advanced Chemistry is an elective physical science laboratory course that fulfills the recommended core for college preparation. This course applies problem-solving and algebra skills to chemical concepts found in industry and society. Classroom experiences emphasize cooperation, collaboration and critical thinking to engage in the content. Daily review and practice is essential. Goggles, scientific calculator, 3-ring notebook and lab manual are required. Advanced Chemistry will challenge students with accelerated pace and depth. This is NOT an AP course.
AP Chemistry
4390 Full Year - 1 Credit 10 Periods per Week
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: "B” or higher in previous science and math courses. Must be enrolled in Advanced Algebra 2 with trigonometry or higher math course.
AP Chemistry is an elective physical science course which satisfies the recommended core for selective colleges. Two periods per day allows for extensive laboratory and academic experiences. AP Chemistry includes the following accelerated and enriched topics: stoichiometry, spectroscopy, quantum theory, quantitative and qualitative analysis, bonding and molecular geometry, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry. One year of high school chemistry prior to enrollment is recommended but not required. Goggles and a scientific calculator are required; an AP Chemistry review book is recommended; and students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. Reliable attendance necessary for success in this lab-heavy course.
Horticulture & Plant Science
4570 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: One credit of life science (may be enrolled concurrently)
Horticulture is an elective biological science course which satisfies the Ohio Core science graduation requirements. Course content includes plant physiology, propagation, classification, and identification, genetics, soil and nutrition studies, gardening and home landscape maintenance. Exploratory experiences utilizing the LHS greenhouse and school grounds are included. A notebook and participation in outdoor projects are required.
AP Environmental Science
4530 Full Year - 1 Credit 7 Periods per Week
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: One credit of a laboratory physical science and one credit of a laboratory life science; one credit of Algebra 2 with trigonometry
Students will cultivate their understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world though inquiry-based lab investigations and fieldwork as they explore essential concepts and ideas such as energy transfer, interactions between earth systems, interactions between different species and their environment, and sustainability. The AP Environmental Science course analyzes environmental concepts and processes to achieve understanding in order to propose and justify solutions to environmental problems. The course will teach students how to apply science to solutions to important social problems. It will also provide opportunities to practice applying scientific methods to real-life problems. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring.
Anatomy and Physiology
4590 Full Year - 1 Credit 7 Periods per Week
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: one credit of a laboratory physical science and one credit of a laboratory life science; (chemistry can be taken concurrently as the laboratory physical science). “C” or higher in Biology
Anatomy and Physiology is an elective biological laboratory science course that uses a college-level pacing and textbook. This course emphasizes a comprehensive study of the human body including structure, function, development, care and disease. Learning experiences include inquiry, problem-solving and critical thinking. Students participate in extensive dissection and collaborative and individual projects. Purchase of lab and classroom supplies is required. College credit can be obtained by applying in advance for CCP credit (see Anatomy and Physiology - CCP).
CCP Anatomy and Physiology
4600 Full Year - 2 Credits 7 Periods per Week
Prerequisite: Lorain County Community College requirements
Anatomy and Physiology is an elective biological laboratory science course that uses a college-level pacing and textbook. This course emphasizes a comprehensive study of the human body including structure, function, development, care and disease. Learning experiences include inquiry, problem-solving and critical thinking. Students participate in extensive dissection and collaborative and individual projects. Purchase of lab and classroom supplies is required.
Fundamental Physics
4430 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: one credit of physical science and one credit of life science; One credit of Algebra 2. Seniors may be enrolled in Algebra 2 concurrently. Students who earned a “C” or lower in Algebra 2 with trigonometry may enroll in this course.
FUN Physics is an elective physical science course which satisfies the Ohio Core science graduation requirements. In this course, students explore how the universe works. Inquiry-based activities utilize moderate math skills, problem-solving and manipulation of variables to understand motion, forces, energy, fluids, waves and optics, and electricity. Students participate in events such as rubber band vehicles, the Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Roller-coaster Open House and Physics Day at Cedar Point. The purchase of a scientific calculator, notebook and project supplies is required.
Physics
4450 Full Year - 1 Credit 7 Periods per Week
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: One credit of physical science and one credit of life science; “C” or higher in Algebra 2 with trigonometry
Physics is an elective physical laboratory science course that fulfills the recommended core for college preparation. Mathematical analysis is used to study motion, forces, vectors, projectile motion, fluids, waves and optics, electricity, and nuclear physics. Projects may include construction of rubber band vehicles, cardboard boats and roller coasters. Students participate in Physics Day at Cedar Point. A scientific calculator, notebook and project materials are required.
AP Physics
4910 Full Year - 1 Credit 7 Periods per Week
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: AP Calculus (AB or BC); may be enrolled concurrently
AP Physics is an elective physical laboratory science course that fulfills the recommended core for selective colleges. This course is recommended for advanced math students interested in engineering or other science-related careers. Calculus is used to analyze topics including: kinematics, Newton’s laws, work, energy, power, momentum, rotation, oscillation, static equilibrium and gravity. Students participate in Physics Day at Cedar Point. A graphing calculator, ruler, protractor and a spiral-bound graph paper notebook are required. Students are expected to take the AP exam (C - Mechanics) in the spring.