Science
The science department provides all students with a background in the earth, biological and physical sciences. Students interested in pursuing a career in the field of science will be given the opportunity to explore in greater depth scientific concepts in specialized areas. 3.0 credits of science are required for graduation. It is recommended that college bound students take four years of science.
The typical sequence of courses that Owen J. Roberts High School students select is presented in the chart below. The chart is divided into instructional levels and is intended to give an overview of the required courses from which students can choose. It is only a guide to assist students and families in the registration process. A student’s course selections are not limited to the sequences shown. Each student should consult his/her teachers, school counselor, and families to determine the appropriate courses and sequence that best supports his/her academic and career goals. The academic levels – Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate (AP/IB), Honors (H), College Prep (CP) and Standard (ST) - indicate the general level of instruction of the courses.
Key to Symbols:
^ Hybrid course only.
# Offered as Hybrid and Traditional course.
* Offered as Online and Traditional course.
COLLEGE PREP EARTH SCIENCE
Grade(s): 9 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: None
Traditional: 04222C Periods/cycle: 5
This co-taught course is the introductory 9th grade, general science course designed to give students learning experiences within the physical, life and earth and space sciences and an opportunity to acquire knowledge, appreciation and understanding of the earth, its atmosphere, biologic processes and the natural universe. It is an interdisciplinary course with content that focuses on: the nature of science, astronomy, meteorology, major earth and biologic processes within the natural world. Emphasis is placed on using problem solving techniques to explore the human relationship with the physical and biologic nature of the earth and the environment in which we live through observation, experimentation, performance, and study. This course is the first step in preparing students for the Biology Keystone Exam through the chemistry and ecology unit. Students will work in teams to design and construct models to either represent or test scientific concepts. Students will apply the concepts they learn to real-life situations and solve problems. Finally, students will study several life science topics, including ecology and the environment, in preparation for the Biology Keystone Exam.
COLLEGE PREP EARTH SCIENCE
Grade(s): 9 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: 74 in 8th grade Physical Science or Honors Science
Traditional: 04222 Periods/cycle: 5
The Earth Science course is designed to give students an opportunity to acquire knowledge, appreciation and understanding of the Earth and the greater universe. Earth Science is an interdisciplinary course with content that focuses on the nature of science, astronomy, meteorology, geology, and ecology. Emphasis is placed on using problem solving techniques to explore our relationship with the earth and the environment in which we live through observation, experimentation, performance, and study. This course is the first step in preparing students for the Biology Keystone Exam through the chemistry and ecology unit.
HONORS EARTH SCIENCE
Grade(s): 9 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: A 78 in 8th grade Honors Physical Science or an 85 in 8th grade Physical Science
Traditional: 04211 Periods/cycle: 5
This is an honors level course designed to be a rigorous form of the college prep course. It is geared for students interested in an intellectual challenge and who possess a willingness to perform quality work. The earth science topics are studied in greater depth. This class would be useful for those interested in pursuing a science career. This course is the first step in preparing students for the Biology Keystone Exam through chemistry and ecology units.
COLLEGE PREP BIOLOGY
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: 9th grade science and one year of high school math
Traditional: 04332C Periods/cycle: 5
This co-taught course focuses on building a foundational understanding of biological concepts and examines practical implications in life sciences. Major areas of study include the cell and cellular activity, basic and organic chemistry, bioenergetics, genetics, molecular biology, and evolution. A “hands-on” approach with laboratory activities serve to reinforce learning experiences.
COLLEGE PREP BIOLOGY
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite:
Current 9th graders: 92 in CP Earth Science 1 and teacher recommendation or a 74 in CP Earth Science or Honors Earth Science.
Current 8th graders: Concurrent enrollment in Earth Science or an 88 in summer course, “Topics in Earth Science” or an 88 in a pre-approved online course in Earth Science or a passing grade in Geometry, with a test average of 92 in 8th grade science, and either Science teacher recommendation or Advanced Performance on Grade 8 Science PSSA.
Traditional: 04332 Periods/cycle: 5
This biology course focuses on building a foundational understanding of biological concepts and examines practical implication in life sciences. Major fields of study include the cell and cellular activities, organic chemistry, bioenergetics, evolution, genetics and molecular biology. An integrated approach with laboratory activities serves to reinforce learning experiences.
HONORS BIOLOGY
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: H
Length: Year
Prerequisite:
Current 9th graders: 85 in Honors Earth Science or 92 in College Prep Earth Science.
Current 8th graders: Concurrent enrollment in Earth Science or an 88 in summer course, “Topics in Earth Science” or an 88 in a pre-approved online course in Earth Science or a passing grade in Geometry, with a test average of 92 in 8th grade science, and either Science teacher recommendation or Advanced Performance on Grade 8 Science PSSA.
Traditional: 04321 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is designed for students who plan to pursue a science career. Activities are of a more demanding nature than those of College Prep Biology. General biological principles are addressed with the expectation of independent study on topics covered in class. Fields of study include cell biology, cell chemistry, bioenergetics, molecular biology, adaptation and change, and genetics.
AP BIOLOGY
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.2 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: A 78 in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry or an 85 in both College Prep Chemistry and College Prep Biology.
Traditional: 04310 Periods/cycle: 6
This Advanced Placement course is designed for college bound students. It will represent a college freshman course, emphasizing laboratory and study skills required in college. Topics of study will include anatomy, botany, cell biology, ecology, evolution and development, DNA, genetics and physiology. Students in this course are expected to take the AP Biology exam.
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Grade(s): 12 Credit(s): 1 Weight: H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: H Chemistry or CP Chemistry and H or CP Biology
Traditional: 04841 Periods/cycle: 5
This rigorous course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the field of biology, nursing, physical therapy, medicine, med-tech and other related fields. The course uses an integrated approach that includes dissections that serve to compare the structure and function of the human body. Labs complement subject areas covered in class.
ACADEMIC CHEMISTRY
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: 74 in Algebra 1 and 74 in Geometry
Traditional: 04452 Periods/cycle: 5
Students will study the basic structures and properties of matter in this course. Although some algebra is used, the heaviest emphasis is placed on a conceptual understanding. Regular lab activities will reinforce the concepts covered in class. Whenever possible, chemistry is related to students’ everyday lives. This course will not adequately prepare students for future careers in math, engineering or medicine.
COLLEGE PREP CHEMISTRY
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: 83 in Algebra 2 or Algebra 3 and 78 in CP Biology or completion of Physical Science
Traditional: 04442 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is primarily intended for students who are college-bound in non-science majors. A laboratory approach is used to study the composition and properties of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. Additional topics include elements, compounds, the structure of the atom, chemical formulas, chemical reactions and equations, the mole, energy and other basic concepts of chemistry. Students must be willing to make a daily commitment of study outside of class.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: A 90 in H Biology or 95 in CP Biology and an 78 or higher in H Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Calculus.
Traditional: 04431 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is designed for the college-bound student who is currently interested in pursuing a career in science, engineering or math. The course is rigorous, dealing with an in-depth, theoretical approach to the field of chemistry utilizing complex problem solving. The course utilizes laboratory activities to complement course material and is designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement Chemistry. Students must be willing to make a daily commitment of intense study outside of class.
AP CHEMISTRY
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.2 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: A 78 in H Chemistry or an 85 in CP Chemistry and completion/concurrent enrollment in Precalculus.
Traditional: 04410 Periods/cycle: 6
This is a rigorous Advanced Placement course designed to represent a freshman college chemistry course that would be taken by science, premedicine or engineering majors. The student is expected to spend several hours each cycle outside of class studying chemistry. Topics covered include quantitative analysis, complex stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, aqueous equilibria, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and solutions. Students in this course are expected to take the AP Chemistry exam.
COLLEGE PREP PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Two years of high school math
Traditional: 04612C Periods/cycle: 5
This co-taught course is designed to meet the needs of students who will be entering the work force immediately upon graduation. Its approach will be taught as an interdisciplinary study between chemistry, and physics. The curriculum is delivered through a thematic approach to science, technology, and society. During the first semester students will focus on basic chemistry concepts. The second semester will focus on physics concepts.
COLLEGE PREP PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and completion/concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Geometry and an 85 in Algebra 1
Traditional: 04612 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is designed for college prep students who wish to prepare for study in chemistry or physics during their senior year, or desiring a less theoretical science class than chemistry. The first semester students will focus on introductory chemistry including the study of elements, compounds and their interactions. In the second semester, students will study introductory physics including mechanics, light, and electricity. It is not available to students who have successfully completed Chemistry or Physics.
COLLEGE PREP PHYSICS
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.2 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion/concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or completion of CP Physical Science.
Hybrid: 04732 Periods/cycle: 5*
This course is designed for college bound students. The course stresses the use of mathematics in physical situations presented in the fields of mechanics, magnetism, light, sound, electricity, and atomic and nuclear physics. A laboratory session is used to enrich the topics covered in class. This course may use computerized assessments.
*This course formerly met 6 times/cycle, but it will now meet 5 times/cycle. An additional hybrid period per cycle of coursework is required.
HONORS PHYSICS
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.2 Weight: H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: 75 in Honors Chemistry or 85 in College Prep Chemistry and completion of Precalculus
Hybrid: 04741 Periods/cycle: 5*
This is a fast-paced course designed to introduce students to algebra based, college level physics. Topics of study include mechanics, electricity & magnetism, thermodynamics, waves and nuclear physics. A laboratory component will complement the course for students to develop their conceptual and analytical thinking skills.
*This course formerly met 6 times/cycle, but it will now meet 5 times/cycle. An additional hybrid period per cycle of coursework is required.
AP PHYSICS 1
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.2 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: A 78 in H Chemistry or 85 in CP Chemistry and completion of Precalculus
Traditional: 04730 Periods/cycle: 6
This is a rigorous, in-depth Advanced Placement course that is designed to represent one semester of algebra-based college level physics. A laboratory session will bring hands-on activities to a number of subjects covered. Topics of study include kinematics (motion), dynamics (forces), circular motion, simple harmonic motion, momentum, work/energy, rotational motion, electrostatics, DC circuits, mechanical waves and sound. This course may use computerized assessments.
AP PHYSICS C
Grade(s): 12 Credit(s): 1.2 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: 78 in H Chemistry or an 85 in CP Chemistry and concurrent enrollment in AP or Honors Calculus.
Traditional: 04710 Periods/cycle: 6
This is a rigorous and demanding Advanced Placement class, with a large amount of individual work. It is intended for seniors who have taken AP Physics (formerly AP Physics B), or are excelling in calculus and have done extremely well in AP Calculus AB during their junior year. Topics of study are mechanics, electricity and magnetism. The topics will be studied in detail using Calculus. Students who are interested in the class should contact the teacher prior to registration. Students in this course are expected to take the AP Physics C exam. This course may use computerized assessments.
IB ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS & SOCIETIES SL
Grade(s): 11 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP/IB
Length: Year Fee: IB Exam fee
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 and completion of two prior lab sciences (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science)
Traditional: 04910 Periods/cycle: 5
Environmental Systems & Societies SL combines the techniques and knowledge associated with the experimental sciences and individuals and societies. This course provides students with a coherent perspective of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies; one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response to the wide range of pressing environmental issues that they will inevitably come to face. Students’ attention can be constantly drawn to their own relationship with their environment and the significance of choices and decisions that they make in their own lives. Specific topics to be studied include: Systems and Models, Ecosystems structure, function and change, Ecosystem Biodiversity, Biomes, Human Population, Natural Resources, Energy Resources, Food Resources, Water Resources, Pollution, Solid and Domestic Waste, Atmospheric Studies, Global Warming, and Environmental Value Systems.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.2 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam Fee
Prerequisite: H Chemistry or an 80 in CP Chemistry or CP/H Earth Science and CP/H Biology
Hybrid: 04850 Periods/cycle: 5*
Dual Enrollment: 3 credits via Montgomery County Community College contingent upon yearly instructor approval.
*Summer assignment required*
The AP Environmental Science Course is the equivalent of a 3-credit college course in environmental science. This course will provide students with the scientific concepts and principles to understand the relationships between the natural and human made world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, to understand and analyze risks associated with these problems and to examine and develop solutions to these problems. Topics of AP Environmental Science include: earth systems and resources, the living world, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution and global environmental issues. Upon completion of the AP Environmental Science course, a student should be prepared to do well on the AP Environmental Science exam potentially earning college credits.
*This course formerly met 6 times/cycle, but it will now meet 5 times/cycle. An additional hybrid period per cycle of coursework is required outside of class.
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
Science electives may be taken concurrently with another science but may not be substituted for one of the three science credits which are required for graduation.
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP/H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: CP or H Biology
Traditional Periods/cycle: 5
Course numbers:
College Prep (04352)
Honors (04351)
Biotechnology is a course designed to provide students with a basic understanding of knowledge, concepts, and scientific techniques associated with development and improvement of using living organisms and their by-products for commercial development. In one semester students will study agricultural applications of biotechnology linked to plants, animals and food production. Topics in this semester will include genetically modified crops, integrated pest management, selective breeding and production, plant and livestock breeding techniques, and food safety, processing and regulations. In the other semester students will study medical and research applications of biotechnology. Topics in this semester will include recombinant DNA technology and genomics, forensic biology, biomedical engineering, antibiotics, natural products chemistry and environmental applications.
ECOLOGY: TEMPERATE & TROPICAL SYSTEMS
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP/H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: 85 in CP Biology or 80 in Honors Biology
Hybrid Periods/cycle: *0
Course numbers:
College Prep (04362H)
Honors (04361H)
This course aims to provide students with an opportunity to examine and compare temperate and tropical ecosystems gaining an appreciation for the ecology in their own backyard as well as tropical environments throughout the world. The content will be delivered through a unique hybrid design allowing for asynchronous online content as well as the opportunity to travel to several locations, such as Crow's Nest, Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Welkinweir and The Wetlands Institute. Some of these trips may occur on a Saturday or after school. Students will also be given the opportunity to spend eight days travelling in Costa Rica in June, or travel to Chesapeake Bay Research Station for 4 days and take part in various research projects.
*Students should plan for 3-4 hours of work per cycle online and 1 day per month field based labs.
GENETICS
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP/H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: 85 in CP Biology or 80 in Honors Biology
Traditional Periods/cycle: 5
Course numbers:
College Prep (04372)
Honors (04371)
Dual Enrollment: 4 credits via Delaware Valley University contingent upon yearly instructor approval (Honors only).
This course examines the three main branches of genetics: molecular biology, transmission genetics and population genetics. We begin by examining the structure and function of DNA. We will perform a PCR amplification and sequencing of your own mitochondrial DNA and examine your regional ancestry using bioinformatics. We will also look at the structure and function of chromosomes, not just learning mitosis and meiosis, but by applying these concepts through in vitro fertilization using sea urchins. We will learn about the history of the human genome and examine a region of your own DNA that can link you to common ancestors from 50,000 years ago. In our unit on genetic engineering, we will investigate and report our findings on the impact of GMO’s and make our own genetically engineered bacteria for our living art project. This course is designed to cover rigorous college level content with age appropriate lessons and reinforcement laboratory and classroom activities.
ASTRONOMY
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Traditional: 04812 Periods/cycle: 5
Astronomy is a one semester course designed to provide students with knowledge about the universe and our place in it. Topics to be covered include our solar system including the earth-moon system, the sun and planets, galaxies, neutron stars, black holes and theories on the formation of the planet and the universe.
ADVANCED ASTRONOMY
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Completion/concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2
Traditional: 04863 Periods/cycle: 5
This course is an advanced astronomy course in which students will investigate our wider universe. Using the fundamental physical laws of science, this course will involve both a quantitative and qualitative approach towards a variety of astronomical topics. Some of the topics to be explored are: the laws of gravity, planetary motion, stellar evolution (supernovae, pulsars, black holes), the origin and evolution of the universe, Einstein’s theories of Relativity and Special Relativity, exoplanet research, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
OCEANOGRAPHY
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Traditional: 04842 Periods/cycle: 5
Because 71% of the Earth’s surface is beneath the oceans, this course examines the Earth’s dynamic oceans and the interactions that occur at various depths. This course will focus on many of the processes found within the oceans to help the student develop a better understanding of how our oceans work. A few topics that students will explore are the formation of the oceans, plate tectonics and the ocean floor, marine provinces, waves and water dynamics, and Beaches and shoreline processes.
FORENSICS
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Completion/concurrent enrollment in Biology and completion/concurrent enrollment in Geometry
Traditional: 04873 Periods/cycle: 5
Forensic Science is the application of science (basics within chemistry, physics, and biology) to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. It includes the investigation of fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, trace evidence analysis, blood spatters, and blood samples. Students are taught the proper collection, preservation, and laboratory analysis of various samples.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Online: 04883O Periods/cycle: 0
Natural Disasters deals with the analysis of violent catastrophic phenomena that constantly occur in different parts of our planet Earth; special attention is given to understand how they affect human activities. It is designed to give an overview of the fundamental Earth Science processes triggering natural disasters; including, internal and external processes involved in producing these natural hazards. Current environmental issues such as threats to the world's human population and biodiversity and the cyclic recurrence of some of these disasters will be discussed. Natural disasters include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, climate change, and impacts of extraterrestrial objects.