Science

Biology – 3010

Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed as a survey of the biological sciences. The emphasis is on developing inquiry skills and problem-solving techniques while developing an understanding of major biological concepts. The course also familiarizes students with the nature of science and technology. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one credit of the Nevada high school graduation requirement for science and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

Biology Honors – 30104 

Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed around introductory biological concepts designed for the academically-oriented student. Emphasis is placed on developing critical-thinking skills, research skills, and laboratory techniques. Independent study projects and inquiry- based learning experiences are integral parts of the course requirements. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one credit of the Nevada high school graduation requirement for science and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

AP Biology – 30602

Course Scope:

This is a one-year course with an emphasis on meeting the requirements of the College Board Advanced Placement Biology examination. Instructors should refer to the current Advanced Placement course description for examination specifics. This course is designed for those students desiring college level experience in the biological sciences. Emphasis will be placed on inquiry skills and problem solving. General themes of study will be: Science as a Process; Evolution; Energy Transfer; Continuity and Change; Relationship of Structure to Function; Regulation; Interdependence in Nature; Science, Technology and Society. Career opportunities in the biological sciences will also be explored. It is recommended that students successfully complete a first year biology course before enrolling in AP Biology. This course will fulfill one of the two science credits required for high school graduation, and will meet college entrance requirements for laboratory science.

Chemistry – 3100 

Course Scope:

This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Algebra I and exhibit an interest in science, especially chemistry. Topics included are mathematics of chemistry, safety, laboratory procedures, properties of matter, atomic theory and structure, mole concept, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, kinetic molecular theory, states of matter, acids-bases-salts, equilibrium, thermochemistry, polymer chemistry, nuclear chemistry, chemistry of the environment, and career opportunities. Science, Technology and Society (STS) issues will be an integral part of this course. Additional topics may include history of chemistry, biochemistry, qualitative chemistry, and research projects. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one science credit toward high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

Chemistry Honors – 31004

Course Scope:

This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Algebra I and exhibit an interest in science, especially chemistry. Topics include: mathematics of chemistry, safety, laboratory procedures, elements-compounds-mixtures, atomic theory and structure, structure and organization of the periodic table, mole concept, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, kinetic molecular theory, phases of matter, solutions, acids-bases theory, equilibrium, thermochemistry, organic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, chemistry of the environment, and career opportunities. Science, Technology, and Society (STS) issues will be an integral on-going part of this course. Additional topics may include history of chemistry, biochemistry, qualitative chemistry, and research projects. This course is distinguished from Chemistry I by the instructional pacing and the delivery of advanced content. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one science credit towards high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

Geoscience – 3080 

Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed to integrate scientific principles related to the Earth and its environment. Topics of this course include relationships between atmospheric processes and the water cycle, solar systems and the universe, and Earth’s composition and structure. The connections between Earth’s systems and everyday life are evaluated throughout this course. Demonstrations and lab experiences are an integral part of instruction. Scientific methodology and the metric system are integrated and modeled. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one of the science credits required for high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college admission.

Geoscience Honors – 30804 

Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed to integrate scientific principles related to the Earth and its environment. Topics of this course include relationships between atmospheric processes and the water cycle, solar systems and the universe, and Earth’s composition and structure. The connections between Earth’s systems and everyday life are evaluated throughout this course. Demonstrations and lab experiences are an integral part of instruction. Scientific methodology and the metric system are integrated and modeled. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one of the science credits required for high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college admission.

Physics – 3200 

Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Algebra I and who exhibit an interest in science. Topics included are the following: laboratory procedures, mathematics applications, laboratory safety, waves, optics, relativity, kinematics, dynamics, energy, heat, electricity and magnetism, and atomic structure. Physics is a course that informs students about the interconnectedness among different types of forces and energy transformations. Demonstrations and/or lab experiences are an integral part of this course. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one of the science credits toward high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

Physics Honors – 32004 

Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed for those students who are concurrently enrolled in or have completed Algebra II and who exhibit an interest in science. Topics included are the following: laboratory procedures, mathematics applications, safety, waves, optics, relativity, kinematics, dynamics, energy, heat, electricity and magnetism, and atomic structure. Physics is a course that uses mathematical relationships to guide students toward a greater conceptual understanding of physical concepts and processes. Demonstrations and/or lab experiences are an integral part of this course. This course is distinguished as honors level by the instructional pacing and the delivery of advanced content. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one science credit toward high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

AP Physics 1: Algebra Based – 32302 

Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed with an emphasis on meeting the requirements of the College Board Advanced Placement AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based examination. This college-level curriculum provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of physics. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one of the science credits required for high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

Principles of Anatomy/Physiology Honors – 34504 

Course Scope:

This one-year course is a survey of the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. This course is designated as honors level by the accelerated pacing and depth of content. Topics focus on the interrelationships of human body systems, using Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas of the science standards. Demonstrations and lab experiences that employ proper safety techniques are essential to this course. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. Prerequisites are successful completion of Biology/Biology Honors and Chemistry/ Chemistry Honors. This course fulfills one of the science credits required for high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

AP Environmental Science – 32702 

Course Scope:

This one-year advanced laboratory course is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them, and to examine environmental law and global economic impacts. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. It is designed to meet the requirements of the College Board AP Environmental Science Examination. This course fulfills one of the science credits required for high school graduation and meets college entrance requirements for laboratory science.