Science

1414 GENERAL EARTH AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 1 (CRP)

Grade 9

Pathway: All

Earth and Its Environment focuses on the function of Earth's systems. Emphasis is placed on the nature of science, plate tectonics, origin and evolution of the earth and solar system, environmental awareness, materials availability, and the cycles that circulate energy and material through the earth system. Through active learning, students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of earth & environmental science.

1416 COLLEGE PREP EARTH AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 3 (CP)

Grade 9

Pathway: All

1417 HONORS EARTH AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 4 (H)

Grade 9

Pathway: All

1424 GENERAL BIOLOGY

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 1 (CRP)

Grade 10

Pathway: All

Students in this course will develop general biological concepts dealing with the cell. This will include cell theory, cell structure and function, growth and division, cell specialization and cellular energy to include respiration and photosynthesis. Students will also study the history of biology, the scientific method and tools of the biologist. In addition, this course will also cover DNA/RNA and how proteins are made, genetics, human heredity, and the evolution of life. Student laboratories and projects are used to reinforce these topics. Students will take the Biology Keystone exam at the end of this course.

1426 COLLEGE PREP BIOLOGY

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 3 (CP)

Grade 10

Pathway: All

Major emphasis in this course centers on microscope usage, historical biology, life characteristics, the chemical basis of life to include organic compounds, cell structure and function, cellular energy, including photosynthesis, glycolysis, respiration, and fermentation as well as cellular division and growth. Additional topics will deal with nucleic acids and protein synthesis (DNA and RNA), genetics, human heredity, organic variation, and the evolution of life. Concepts dealing with genetic engineering and technology are also topics covered in this course. Student laboratory sessions and projects are used to reinforce these topics. Students will take the Biology Keystone exam at the end of this course.

1418 HONORS BIOLOGY

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 4 (H)

Grade 10

Pathway: All

This course is designed to stimulate reasoning and understanding of major biological topics and concepts. Students will develop basic biological concepts dealing with the chemical basis of life, cellular biology, energy systems, growth and division of cells, and special emphasis on nucleic acids and protein synthesis. Further topics will center on Mendelian genetics, human heredity, genetic engineering and recombinant DNA as well as organic variation and the evolution of life. Student laboratory sessions and projects are used to reinforce these topics. Students will take the Biology Keystone exam at the end of this course.

1420 KEYSTONE BIOLOGY PREP

Length of course: Semester

Credit: .5

Grade 10

Pathway: All

This course will give extra assistance to students in order to better prepare them for the Biology Keystone exam. Concepts learned in CP/General Biology will be reinforced through the use of on-line learning and other supplemental activities. Students may not schedule this course without approval by the administration.

1421 KEYSTONE BIOLOGY REMEDIATION

Length of course: Semester

Credit: .5

Grade 11

Pathway: All

This course will provide extra assistance to students in order to prepare them for retaking the Biology Keystone exam. Students who failed to achieve an advanced or proficient rating on the Keystone Biology exam will have this course scheduled for them by the administration.

1434 PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 1 (TP)

Grade 11

Pathway: All

Students who have passed either chemistry or physics may not schedule this class! The main objective of this course is to help make students aware of some of the ways in which chemistry and physics influence their daily lives. The first half of the year will be spent examining such topics as scientific skills, properties of matter, atomic structure, and chemical bonding and reactions, while the second half of the year will be devoted to the physics topics of motion and forces, energy, electricity and magnetism, and sound and light waves.

1435 COLLEGE PREP CHEMISTRY

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 3 (CP)

Grade 11

Pathway: All

PREREQUISITE: Algebra I

This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of chemical principles. Upon completion of this course students should have the skills and content necessary to succeed in college level science courses. Major topics covered are atomic structure, bonding, reactions, states of matter, and solutions. Since there is an emphasis on both the theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, students should expect an emphasis on problem solving and laboratory work. This course is designed to prepare students planning to attend college who must complete a lab-based science course.

1427 HONORS CHEMISTRY

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 4 (H)

Grade 11

Pathway: All

PREREQUISITE: Algebra I

This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of chemical principles. Upon completion of this course, students should have the skills and content necessary to succeed in college level science courses. Major topics covered are atomic structure, bonding, reactions, states of matter, and solutions. Since there is an emphasis on both the theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, students should expect an emphasis on problem solving and laboratory work. This course is designed for students planning to major in science at the college level.

1436 COLLEGE PREP PHYSICS

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 3 (CP)

Grade 12

Pathway: All

The main purpose of this class is to look at the principles of physics. It is designed to prepare students to live in a world in which science and technology are becoming increasingly essential for all of us and to help make students aware of some of the ways in which physics influences their daily lives. Topics in this course include scientific methods, Newton’s Laws of motion, fluid mechanics, gravity, heat, electricity and magnetism, sound and light waves, and quantum mechanics. This course is designed for students planning to attend a four-year college, but not major in science or math.

1438 HONORS PHYSICS

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 4 (H)

Grade 12

Pathway: All

PREREQUISITE: Minimum grade of 85% in Honors Algebra II or 90% in CP Algebra II

This course is designed for all students planning to attend a four-year college and who will be majoring in science, engineering, or math. It provides a systematic introduction to the major principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem-solving ability. While just a basic understanding of trigonometry skills (sine, cosine, tangent, etc.) will be sufficient, in order to do well in this class, you should be very proficient in algebra. Major units of emphasis include: Newtonian mechanics, sound and wave motion, optics and electricity. The scientific method and inquiry-based learning are integrated throughout this course. Students should expect to spend at least 30 minutes per night on homework for this class.

1445 AP PHYSICS

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.5

Weight: 5 (AP)

Grade 11-12

Pathway: All

PREREQUISITE: Minimum grade of 95% in Honors Algebra II, 85% in Honors Analysis or 90% in Pre-calculus

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based introductory physics course designed to provide the essentials necessary for a thorough understanding of introductory physics concepts. A very strong algebra and geometry background is presumed, and basic trigonometry will be necessary in this course. The AP Physics 1 course is conducted using inquiry-based instructional strategies that focus on experimentation to develop students’ conceptual understanding of physics principles. The approach to this course is highly quantitative and emphasizes problem solving and laboratory investigations with detailed graphical analysis. Throughout the course, the students construct and use multiple representations of physical processes, solve multi-step problems, design investigations, and reflect on knowledge through the use of scientific journals. Topics to be covered in this class include Newtonian Mechanics, Rotational motion, Mechanical Wave Theory, Sound, Electrostatics, and DC Circuits. Students should expect to spend at least one hour per night on homework for this class.

SCIENCE ELECTIVE COURSES

1447 CP ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 3 (CP)

Grade 11-12

Pathway: Science & Health (SH)

PREREQUISITE: Grade of 80% in Biology CP, Biology H, Chemistry CP, or Chemistry H, or a Grade of 90% in Biology G or Physical Science.

This course is intended for those students desiring a detailed, comprehensive coverage of human structure and function. Much of this course is laboratory oriented with emphasis on the human skeleton, human histology, and human physiology. Cat dissection is an integral part of the course. Each major concept will deal with both normal and abnormal conditions (disease). Only students intending a career in nursing, medicine, dentistry, veterinary, osteopathy, chiropractic, pharmacy, medical technology, or related sciences should take this class.

1446 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 5 (AP)

Grade 11-12

Pathway: Science & Health (SH); Human Services (HS)

PREREQUISITE: Grade of 80% in Biology (CP or Honors) and have taken, are currently enrolled in chemistry, or instructor permission.

Students enrolling in this course also have the option of receiving general education credits through Harrisburg University at a cost of $100/credit

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The class is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science.

The course covers the following topics: Earth Systems and Resources, The Living World, Population, Land and Water Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution, and, Global Change. Laboratory and field experiences make up a portion of this class. At the completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to take the AP exam. A satisfactory score on the multiple choice and free-response portions of this exam may result in college credit from cooperating colleges and universities.

Field studies included in this course are: Chincoteague Bay Field Station (3 days/2 nights in May), Swatara Creek stream study (2 half-days), Hershey waste treatment tour (2 hours), and the Ashland Coal Mine and Centralia (1 day). The Chincoteague Bay Field Station costs students approximately $250. That includes all transportation, labs, lodging, and food.

1448 AP CHEMISTRY

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.5

Weight: 5 (AP)

Grade 11-12

Pathway: All

PREREQUISITE: Honors or CP Chemistry recommended but not required. Completion or current enrollment in Algebra II. See Mr. Hanninen if taking as a first-year chemistry course.

Students enrolling in this course also have the option of receiving general education credits through Harrisburg University at a cost of $100/credit

This course is designed for the student who is interested in further study of chemistry. The advanced Placement course is meant to be the equivalent of a one-year, college- level chemistry course. It is recommended that AP Chemistry be taken after the successful completion of a first-year course in high school chemistry. However, if a student wishes to take AP chemistry as a first year chemistry course he/she may with a teacher recommendation. In addition, the recommended math prerequisite is the successful completion or current enrollment in a second-year algebra course. The goal of AP Chemistry is to prepare the student for the AP Chemistry exam in May.

1449 AP BIOLOGY

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.5

Weight: 5 (AP)

Grade 11-12

Pathway: All

PREREQUISITE: Grade of 80% in Biology (CP or Honors) and have taken or are taking Chemistry concurrently

This course is designed to meet the needs of those students planning a science-based study in college including areas such as biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, ecology, medicine, nursing, neuroscience and veterinary sciences. The course topics include biochemistry, bioenergetics, cell reproduction, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, botany, animal physiology and ecology. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry through the use of labs. The AP Biology course is the equivalent of a one-year college-level course in Biology and is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Biology Test in May. Students enrolling in this course should expect to receive an assignment to complete over the summer.

1441 STEM CLASS

Length of course: Semester

Credit: .5

Weight: 3 (CP)

Grade 9-12

Pathway: Engineering & Industrial Technology (EIT); Science & Health (SH)

The STEM class provides the opportunity for students to explore engineering design and its principles, gain scientific and technological knowledge, and develop skills that can help make a difference in the world. Students will work collaboratively to solve real-world engineering challenges, applying math and science skills in practical, creative ways. Students are expected to showcase worthy projects into various STEM related competitions and Science fairs. The curriculum content will change each year based on the themes of the various competitions and the interest of the students in the course.

1440 CP ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Length of course: Full Year

Credit: 1.0

Weight: 3 (CP)

Grade 11-12

Pathway: Science & Health (SH)

PREREQUISITE: Grade of 85% in CP Chemistry or H Chemistry.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental overview of organic chemistry to students interested in pursuing a career in the sciences. Upon successful completion of this class, students will understand the relationship between structure and function of molecules, the major classes of reactions, reaction energetics and mechanisms, synthesis of organic compounds, and how to determine structure via various spectroscopic techniques. Several themes are prevalent in each unit of study: nomenclature, chemical and physical properties, structures, mechanisms, common molecules, and the diversity of organic molecules in plants, bacteria, and animals. This course will have an extensive focus on laboratory experience and application of these concepts. Students will be challenged to consider how these concepts are related to the broader applications of science and think critically about how they could apply these applications in the laboratory setting. Only students intending a career in chemistry, nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, medical technology, science laboratory work or related sciences should take this class.

1442 DISEASE DETECTIVES

Length of course: Semester

Credit: .5

Weight: 3 (CP)

Grade 10-12

Pathway: Engineering & Industrial Technology (EIT); Science & Health (SH)

This course is designed to explore a branch of science, Epidemiology, which combines medicine, public health, international relations, and other disciplines to save lives worldwide. In this course, students will learn about current approaches to promoting health, preventing disease, and delivering services to communities in need. Students will conduct epidemiologic research (identify health problems, develop hypotheses, design studies, analyze data, draw conclusions and present findings). The course will engage students in collaborative learning through group discussion, case studies, in-class activities, and a team project.

1443 ASTRONOMY

Length of course: Semester

Credit: .5

Weight: 3 (CP)

Grade 10-12

Pathway: Engineering & Industrial Technology (EIT); Science & Health (SH)

To provide a broad introduction to Astronomy with qualitative descriptions of the Universe including planets, the Sun, stars and other objects. Students will learn how our relative place, orientation, and motion in space dictate our changing view of the sky and conditions on Earth. The goals of this course are for students to understand the principles, theories, and methods of modern science, the relationship between science and technology, the implications of scientific discoveries, and the potential of science and technology to address problems of the contemporary world.

1419 INDEPENDENT STUDY – SCIENCE

This course, done independently, gives the student the opportunity to participate in personally designed “science” projects. In order to obtain a grade and credit, a worthwhile science project is required. Grading will be based on a contract developed with the Science Department. In many cases, a technically correct typed science research paper of adequate length and depth will be submitted. Each student enrolling in this course will select an “advisor” from the Lower Dauphin Science staff. The student will have access to any science teacher for any needed assistance. If the project is deemed suitable, the student may want to exhibit this project in the Capital Area Science Fair sponsored by the Patriot- News, Harrisburg, PA. Independent Study is offered to provide individual students with the opportunity to explore special talents or interests. Students will work with a classroom teacher to set personal learning goals and to determine the type of project or learning experience they would like to pursue. The classroom teacher and student will agree upon and determine the credit value (.5, 1.0) and how a grade will be determined (percentage grade or Pass/Fail). Independent study is designed to supplement a student’s educational pathway but cannot exempt a student from Board approved core graduation requirements. Students must complete Independent Study paperwork and be approved for the course by a building administrator.

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