Connect Science

Earth/Environmental Science

This course will provide learning opportunities for students so that they will build an understanding of earth materials, processes, changes, and uses with concerns for good stewardship. Students will also develop an understanding of plate tectonics and their human impacts and the origin and evolution of the earth system. The course will provide experiences to investigate the hydrosphere and its influences on the lithosphere, the atmosphere, and its processes influencing climate and air quality. Students will also acquire an understanding of the earth in the solar system and its position in the universe and will consider alternate choices facing human societies in their stewardship of the earth.

• • COURSE #:  35012X0S 

  • CREDIT:  1

  • TYPE:  Standard

  • GRADE:  9-10

Earth/Environmental Science Honors

This course will provide learning opportunities for students to build an understanding of earth materials, processes, changes, and uses with concerns for good stewardship. Through a faster, more independently-focused pace, students will develop an understanding of plate tectonics, their human impacts, and the origin and evolution of the earth system. Students will explore the dynamics of the atmosphere and its processes influencing climate and air quality. A deep exploration of the earth in the solar system and its position in the universe will occur; students will consider alternative choices facing human societies in their stewardship of the earth using higher-order thinking and problem-solving strategies.

• • COURSE #:  35015X0S

  • CREDIT:  1

  • TYPE:  Honors

  • GRADE:  9-10

Physical Science

This course will provide students a foundation for the study of matter - properties and change; energy - conservation and transfer; forces and motion; and the interaction of energy and matter. Topics from the fields of chemistry and physics will be investigated.

• • COURSE #:  34102X0S

  • CREDIT:  1

  • TYPE:  Standard

  • GRADE:  10-12

  • Prerequisites: Earth and Environmental Science (Standard or Honors)

Chemistry Honors

This course is designed to engage highly motivated students in inquiry-based instruction and to develop a conceptual understanding of matter, energy, and their interaction. Students will integrate science content, scientific inquiry, experimentation and technological design to build science literacy. The course will emphasize creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration; communication, initiative, and accountability as students analyze the structure of atoms, form an understanding of the behavior of atoms and relationship among pressure, temperature, volume and phase, and analyze chemical reactions. The course will demonstrate a differentiated curriculum with enrichment and studies of reduction-oxidation and entropy.

• • COURSE #:  34205X0S, 34205X0Y

  • CREDIT:  1

  • TYPE:  Honors

  • GRADE:  10-12

  • PREREQUISITES:  Math III, Earth and Environmental Science (Standard or Honors)

Biology

This course provides learning experiences that will allow students to develop an appreciation for biological processes and to discover how life science is an integral part of other sciences and of society. Students will gain an understanding of the cell, molecular basis of heredity, and biological evolution. The course will direct students to investigate the interdependence of organisms as well as acquire an understanding of the matter, energy and organization in living systems, as well as their ability to demonstrate adaptive responses. This course does have an in-person, state required End of Course Exam. 

• • COURSE #:  33202X0S

  • CREDIT:  1

  • TYPE:  Standard

  • GRADE:  10-12

Biology Honors

This course will provide learning experiences to aid students in developing an appreciation for biological processes and discovering how life science is an integral part of other sciences and society. Students will gain a deep understanding of the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, and biological evolution. Students will investigate the interdependence of organisms. The course will challenge students to acquire a thorough understanding of matter, energy, and organization in living systems, as well as their adaptive responses. Students will be expected to demonstrate independence in learning and to produce quality work. This course does have an in-person, state required End of Course Exam. 

• • COURSE #:  33205X0S, 33205X0Y 

  • CREDIT:  1

  • TYPE:  Honors

  • GRADE:  9-10

AP Biology

This is a year-long course that requires a 90-minute daily class amount of time. Also, students need to spend time working at home a minimum of 30 minutes daily on the textbook readings, class discussions, assignments, and tests.  AP Biology is designed to be a rigorous course equivalent to a two semester college introductory biology course. All work is designed to be at the college level and students are expected to work accordingly. This course comes with mandatory AP Biology labs.  Instead of the school providing the lab materials and a lab facility, NCVPS has created some virtual labs that will be conducted in lieu of the required AP Biology wet-bench laboratories.  There are also several assignments that act as supplemental material to help the students better understand the labs. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning by spending the required time in class (60-90 minutes daily) and to also devote time out of class working on required assignments in order to achieve mastery in biology. This course does require an in-person AP Test on a nationally determined date by the College Board. 

This Course is offered through NCVPS.

• • COURSE #:  3A007X0S, 3A007X0Y

  • CREDIT:  1

  • TYPE:  Advanced Placement

  • GRADE:  11-12

  • PREREQUISITES:  Honors Biology or Honors Chemistry

Forensic Science: Honors (Science Elective)

Forensic Science is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math focused course that encourages students to apply forensic science techniques to real-world problems.  Students utilize 21st Century Learning Skills and technology, to focus on the Grand Challenge of Engineering and the Tools of Scientific Discovery.   Forensic science reviews and extends into application several fields of science such as; biology, chemistry, environmental science, anatomy, physiology and physics.  The course is rich in exploration and investigation, teaching students to apply the concepts of core science using criminalistics, scientific methodology and technology.  This course will focus on the collection and analysis of crime scene evidence (such as serology, toxicology, entomology, odontology and trace evidence), and explore lab analysis techniques (such as chromatography, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and hair and footprint analysis and facial reconstruction).  After successful course completion, students will be able to detect, collect, test, analyze and assess a variety of evidence and explain the significance and science of the evidence to a courtroom.

This Course is offered through NCVPS.

• • COURSE #:  30205X0

  • CREDIT:  1

  • TYPE: Honors

  • GRADE:  10-12

  • PREREQUISITES:  Biology and one physical science (chemistry or physical science may be taken concurrently)

Oceanography: Honors (Science Elective)

Oceanography is a scientific study that delves into the depths of the oceans, unites various branches of science, and unlocks vital insights into the workings of our interconnected world. Beneath the shimmering expanse of our planet's oceans lies a world of profound mystery and complexity—a world that has beckoned to explorers, scientists, and adventurers for centuries. Oceanography, the scientific study of the Earth's oceans, opens a gateway to this realm of wonder, offering a unique lens through which we can fathom the intricate systems and hidden wonders that define our blue planet. It is a discipline that unites various branches of science, from biology and chemistry to physics and geology, to decode the secrets of the seas and unlock vital insights into the workings of our interconnected world. (GAVS, 2024)

The module topics are: Oceanography as Science, Geological Oceanography, Physical, Oceanography, Weather & Climate, Waves & Tides, Chemical Oceanography, Origin of, Life & Primary Producers, Marine Ecosystems, The Ocean as a System, Using the Ocean

This Course is offered through NCVPS.

• • COURSE #:  35365X0

  • CREDIT:  1

  • TYPE: Honors

  • GRADE:  10-12