Science
Biology
Biology
Course #: 4001
Grade: 9
GPA Tier II Course
Prerequisite: None
In Biology, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Biology study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth and development of organisms; cells, tissues, and organs; nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; and ecosystems and the environment.
Credit: 1
Biology Honors
Course #: 4002
Grade: 9
GPA Tier I Course
Prerequisite: Meets Grade Level on last state assessment in Science or successful completion of a district assessment (in one attempt)
In Biology, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Biology study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth and development of organisms; cells, tissues, and organs; nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; and ecosystems and the environment. This course is similar in scope and sequence to biology; however, the depth and complexity of the topics covered will be at a higher level with the addition of special projects to be accomplished by students.
Credit: 1
Chemistry
Chemistry
Course #: 4101
Grade: 10-11
GPA Tier II Course
Prerequisite: One unit of high school science and Algebra I
In Chemistry, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include characteristics of matter, use of the Periodic Table, development of atomic theory and chemical bonding, chemical stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives.
Credit: 1
Chemistry Honors
Course #: 4102
Grade: 10-11
GPA Tier I Course
Prerequisite: One unit of high school science and Algebra I; Meets Grade Level on last state assessment in Science or successful completion of a district assessment (in one attempt)
In Chemistry, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include characteristics of matter, use of the Periodic Table, development of atomic theory and chemical bonding, chemical stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives. This course is similar in scope and sequence to Chemistry; however, the depth and complexity of the topics covered will be at a higher level.
Credit: 1
Physics
Physics
Course #: 4209
Grade: 11
GPA Tier II Course
Prerequisite: Algebra I Concurrently
In Physics, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion; changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum; forces; thermodynamics; characteristics and behavior of waves; and atomic, nuclear, and quantum physics. Students who successfully complete Physics will acquire factual knowledge within a conceptual framework, practice experimental design and interpretation, work collaboratively with colleagues, and develop critical thinking skills.
Credit: 1
Physics Honors
Course #: 4211
Grade: 11
GPA Tier I Course
Prerequisite: Meets Grade Level on last state assessment in Science or successful completion of a district assessment (in one attempt); Algebra I Concurrently
In Physics, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion; changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum; forces; thermodynamics; characteristics and behavior of waves; and atomic, nuclear, and quantum physics. Students who successfully complete Physics will acquire factual knowledge within a conceptual framework, practice experimental design and interpretation, work collaboratively with colleagues, and develop critical thinking skills. This course is similar in scope and sequence to Physics; however, the depth and complexity of the topics covered will be at a higher level.
Credit: 1
Science Electives
Anatomy and Physiology
Course #: 4401
Grade: 11-12
GPA Tier II Course
Prerequisite: Biology and 2nd Science
In Anatomy and Physiology, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Anatomy and Physiology study a variety of topics, including the structure and function of the human body and the interaction of body systems for maintaining homeostasis.
Credit: 1
Anatomy & Physiology Honors
Course #: 4302
Grade: 11-12
GPA Tier I Course
Prerequisite: Biology and 2nd Science; Meets Grade Level on last state assessment in Science or successful completion of a district assessment (in one attempt)
In Anatomy and Physiology, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Anatomy and Physiology study a variety of topics, including the structure and function of the human body and the interaction of body systems for maintaining homeostasis. This course is similar in scope and sequence to Anatomy and Physiology; however, the depth and complexity of the topics covered will be at a higher level.
Credit: 1
Aquatic Science **New Course Offering**
Course #: 4705
Grade: 11-12
GPA Tier II Course
Prerequisite: Biology; Suggested prerequisite: Chemistry or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry
In Aquatic Science, students study the interactions of biotic and abiotic components in aquatic environments, including impacts on aquatic systems. Investigations and field work in this course may emphasize fresh water or marine aspects of aquatic science depending primarily upon the natural resources available for study near the school. Students who successfully complete Aquatic Science will acquire knowledge about a variety of aquatic systems, conduct investigations and observations of aquatic environments, work collaboratively with peers, and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Credit: 1
Forensic Science
Course #: 4403
Grade: 11-12
GPA Tier II Course
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Forensic Science is a course that uses a structured and scientific approach to the investigation of crimes of assault, abuse and neglect, domestic violence, accidental death, homicide, and the psychology of criminal behavior. Students will learn terminology and investigative procedures related to crime scene, questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes. Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence through case studies and simulated crime scenes such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis. Students will learn the history, legal aspects, and career options for forensic science.
Credit: 1
Advanced Science Courses
AP Environmental Science
Course #: 4501
Grade: 11-12
GPA Tier I Course
Prerequisite: Algebra I, two years of sciences including one year of life science and one year of physical science; Meets Grade Level on last state assessment in Science or successful completion of a district assessment (in one attempt)
Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course Description: Environmental Science, published by The College Board. 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. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP Environmental Science course. Science is a process. Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes. The Earth itself is one interconnected system. Humans alter natural systems. Environmental problems have a cultural and social context. Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. This course is also designed to prepare the student for the rigors of the AP Environmental Science Exam. Students must complete the AP exam in the month of May or a n final exam, which is modeled after an AP exam in rigor and length. Students must complete the AP exam in the month of May or a final, which is modeled after an AP exam in rigor and length.
Credit: 1
AP Physics
Course #: 4701
Grade: 12
GPA Tier I Course
Recommended Prerequisites: Students should have completed a geometry course and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, DC circuits, and mechanical waves and sound.
Laboratory Requirement and Lab Notebooks
This course requires that 25% of the instructional time be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply the science practices. Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for laboratory, so students are encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials.
Credit: 1
Biology Dual Credit
Course #: 4011
Grade: 11-12
GPA Tier I Course
Prerequisite: College entrance criteria
This course consists of two college classes each semester-a 3 credit hour lecture class and a 1 credit hour lab class. In the fall, students will take BIOL 1106/1306. Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included. BIOL 1306 includes the scientific method, the chemical basis of life, the organization and function of the cell, cellular reproduction, energy transformations, and genetics. In the spring, students will take BIOL 1107/1307. The diversity and classification of life will be studied, including animals, plants, protists, fungi, and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants and animals.
Credits: 2, 8 College Hours
Chemistry Dual Credit
Course #: 4111
Grade: 11-12
GPA Tier I Course
Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors or ACT Science 25 – 27, Algebra II (or concurrently); College entrance criteria
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college general chemistry course. Topics will be covered that include those regularly taught in a session for science majors. It will review the topics from chemistry I, expand on them, and cover new concepts. The course will differ from chemistry I with the extent of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, and the types of labs. Laboratory work will be highly emphasized and students will be required to keep a thoroughly detailed lab notebook.
Credits: 2, 8 College Hours
Engineering Science Technology
Engineering Design & Problem Solving
Course #: 4406
Grade: 11-12
GPA Tier II Course
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry and at least one credit in a Level 2 or higher course in STEM career cluster.
This course is for students who want to expand and deepen their engineering design skills and habits of mind through the purposeful integration and application of computer science (CS) principles and practices. Developed by University of Texas Engineering and Computer Engineering faculty, experienced secondary teachers and curriculum developers, and engineers with decades of industry experience, this hands-on course engages students in authentic, integrated engineering and CS practices in a project-based environment.
Credit: 1
Engineering Design & Presentation
Course #: 8760
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Physics and Algebra
Students enrolled in this course will demonstrate knowledge and skills of the design process as it applies to engineering fields using multiple software applications and tools necessary to produce and present working drawings, solid model renderings, and prototypes. The software used in this course will be AutoDesk AutoCAD and AutoDesk Inventor. Note: This class does not count as a science credit but is an excellent course for those students interested in pursuing engineering.
Credit: 1
Course Offering Availability Subject to Student Enrollment and Staffing Levels.