Life and Physical Sciences
Biology
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 9
Biology is a year long introductory course for students to learn fundamental concepts of life and life processes. The course covers topics such as the scientific method, biochemistry, cell structure and function, taxonomy and classification of living things, general plant and animal physiology and ecology, and genetics. All topics of this course will be covered through lectures, discussions, hands - on activities and labs, and assessments. After the completion of Biology, students will move on to take Chemistry or Physical Science.
Honors Biology
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 5/4
Open to: Grade 9
Prerequisite: math placement scores, science scores and assessments, and teacher recommendation
Curriculum Map
In Honors Biology, students engage in real-world data analysis and problem-solving that sparks critical thinking about our living world. As students engage in grade-level content, they utilize the kind of scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world—and to succeed in future science and social science courses in high school and college.
The honors science areas of focus are vertically aligned to the science practices embedded in high school and college courses, including AP. This gives students multiple opportunities to think and work like scientists as they develop and strengthen these disciplinary reasoning skills throughout their education in the sciences:
Emphasis on analytical reading and writing: Students engage in analytical reading and writing to gain, retain, and apply scientific knowledge and to carry out scientific argumentation.
Strategic use of mathematics: Students use mathematics strategically in order to understand and express quantitative aspects of biology, to record and interpret experimental data, and to solve problems.
Attention to modeling: Students go beyond labeling diagrams to creating, revising, and using models to explain key patterns, interactions, and relationships in biological systems.
Physical Science
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 10
Prerequisite: Algebra I, or concurrent enrollment
Physical Science is a year long introductory course for students to study topics including earth/space science, physics, and chemistry. Earth/space science topics include the study of the solar system in regard to planets, rocks in space, the formation of the solar system, its place in the universe, and Earth’s place in the solar system. Physics topics include law of motion, work and energy, waves, light, and electricity. Chemistry topics include the atom, matter and its phases, compounds, mixtures, and reactions. All topics of this course will be covered through lectures, discussions, hands - on activities and labs, and assessments. If a student takes Physical Science, he or she may continue to take Chemistry or Physics. However, if the student first takes Chemistry or Physics, he or she cannot take Physical Science.
Chemistry
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 5/4
Open To: Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of C average in Biology and Algebra II, or concurrent enrollment
Chemistry is the study of the structure and composition of matter that makes up living things and their environment. Chemistry also deals with the study of the changes of matter and the mechanisms by which changes occur. Topics of study include scientific measurements and lab safety, atomic origins, atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic bonding and ionic compounds, molecular bonding and molecular compounds, intermolecular forces, mole calculations, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, thermochemistry, equilibrium, kinetics, and acids and bases. Students will spend approximately 20% of their class time on laboratory activities, including an introduction to formal lab reports. Recommended for students considering college/university, especially those in science, engineering, or biological sciences.
Human Anatomy/Physiology
Credits: One unit per year
Weight: 5/4
Open To: Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of B average in Biology, or with permission of instructor
Human Anatomy/Physiology is a one-year course designed for students interested in pursuing further studies in the life sciences, health, or medical-related fields. The course presents the human body and biological systems in more detail. In order to understand the structure of the human body and its functions, students learn anatomical terminology, study cells and tissues, and explore functional systems (skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, nervous, and excretory). Lab work and dissections are an integral part of this course. The course will test students over classroom and lab material. A vertebrate animal dissection project is a course requirement.
Zoology
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of C average in Biology, or with permission of instructor
Zoology provides students with an understanding of animals, their niche in their environment or habitat, their life cycles, and their evolutionary relationships to other organisms. This course is a high school level course for the advanced student of biology. The course is designed for students who are planning to continue in the field of science. The course involves a detailed study of Arthropods, cells and cell division, protein synthesis, and vertebrates. There will be projects such as the cell model project and collections such as the invertebrate collection. Dissections may include the following: rats, dogfish, cats, snakes, pigeons, perch, frogs, turtles, minks, rabbits, and stingrays. Partnerships with Wild Times Exotic Animals and Henson Robinson Zoo are nurtured for real-world experience with animals. An arrangement of classroom pets is kept and cared for as a part of this course.
Environmental Science
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology and Physical Science, or concurrent enrollment in Physical Science
This course stresses the principles of ecology. Students will receive a foundation in the solar system, the planet earth, scientific method, and the biosphere. Students will study ecological interactions and balance in the ecosystem. The major biome types will be covered. Students will be exposed to a unit on energy resources, natural resources, and pollution. The final unit of this course deals with the human impact on the planet. Students will have the opportunity to utilize the Prairie Creek Habitat Outdoor Classroom and Jim Edgar Panther Creek Conservation Area for off-site investigations.
Horticulture/Plant and Greenhouse
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of C average in Biology, or with permission of instructor
Horticulture/Plant and Greenhouse Science is a high school level course for the student that has a strong interest in the biological or agricultural sciences and would like to possibly continue study in the respective fields. The course involves an introduction to agriculture and its importance to society, soil science, aquaculture, plant physiology, and taxonomy. Students will learn many practical skills that will serve them well throughout their lives whether or not they pursue a career in the biological, botanical, or agricultural sciences. Gardening, landscaping, plant care, and propagation skills will be learned in a hands-on greenhouse environment. Projects, lab and greenhouse work, and activities are key components of this course.
Physics
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 5/4
Open To: Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of C average in Biology and Pre-Calculus, or concurrent enrollment
Physics courses involve the study of the forces and laws of nature affecting matter. Topics include one dimensional kinematics, one dimensional dynamics, two dimensional mechanics, uniform circular motion, gravitation, electric potential and electric fields, electric current, electromagnetism, simple harmonic motion and waves, electromagnetic waves, and modern physics. Students spend approximately 20% of their time in lab activities. The course makes use of advanced mathematics, including trigonometry, and graphing utilities. Recommended for students considering college work in science, engineering, or pre-medicine.
AP Biology
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 5/4
Open to: Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and Human Anatomy / Physiology
AP Biology adheres to the curricula recommended by the College Board and is designed to parallel college-level introductory biology courses, AP Biology courses stress basic facts and their synthesis into major biological concepts and themes. These courses cover three general areas: molecules and cells (including biological chemistry and energy transformation); genetics and evolution; and organisms and populations (i.e., taxonomy, plants, animals, and ecology). AP Biology courses include college-level laboratory experiments. Topics covered in this course include molecules, cells, heredity, evolution, organisms, and populations.
AP Chemistry
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 5/4
Open To: Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of C average in Chemistry, with pre-calculus recommended or concurrent enrollment
This course is designed by the College Board to parallel the first two courses in introductory college-level chemistry. AP Chemistry is an advanced study course in chemistry for those wanting to learn more than the basics of chemistry, or who are planning on entering college programs that stress knowledge of chemistry (most medical studies, some biological studies, and various other sciences and engineering programs). Competent lab skills are required, as about 25% of class time is spent in lab work (up to 16 labs during the year) and includes some formal lab reports. Topics include atomic structure and properties, molecular and ionic structures and properties, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics and thermodynamics applications, equilibrium, and acids and bases. Class time is extended to include PACE one day a week for labs.
AP Physics/C Mechanics
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 5/4
Open To: Grade 12
Prerequisite: Minimum B average in Physics and concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus, or with permission of instructor
Designed by the College Board to parallel college-level physics courses that serve as a partial foundation for science or engineering majors, AP Physics C: Mechanics courses focus on classical mechanics, including topics in kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. AP Physics C courses require the use of calculus to solve the problems posed and AP Calculus a required prerequisite or co-requisite. Students will have approximately twelve lab activities that mirror college-level laboratory work, including formal lab reports.