Science

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Grade Level: 9 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1-Science

Prerequisite: None

Emphasizes basic application and science skills needed to understand the physical world we live in. This course is one semester of physics and one semester of chemistry. Students will learn the basic concepts of Newton’s laws, energy, light, structure of matter, chemical equations, etc. Students must pass Physical Science to take any other science course. Required for graduation.

BIOLOGY I

Grade Level: 10-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1-Science

Prerequisite: None, May be taken in 9th grade upon recommendation by 8th grade math or science teacher.

Topics include cellular function, genetics, ecology, and classification schemes. There is extensive laboratory work in this class. Required for graduation. Students will take the EOC exam.

BIOLOGY II

Grade Level: 11-12 No. Semesters: 1

Fee: None Credit: .5-Science

Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Physical Science

This course is the second course of the two-term sequence in general biology. This course serves as an introduction to the basic principles of biology, primarily in the domain of microbial, plant, and animal biology.

ECOLOGY

Grade Level: 11-12 No. Semesters: 1

Fee: None Credit: .5-Science

Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Physical Science

This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts, theoretical principles, and practical applications of modern ecology: the study of the interactions of organisms with each other and their environment.

ZOOLOGY

Grade Level: 11-12 No. Semesters: 1

Credit: .5-Science

Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Physical Science

This course surveys the major taxa of the animal kingdom and provides an introduction to animal anatomy, physiology, ecology and evolution.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Grade Level: 11-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1-Science

Prerequisite: Biology I and Physical Science

This course is an introduction to concepts and techniques related to human anatomy, physiology, genetics, cellular and molecular biology. It is recommended for students interested in pre-professional programs and Allied Health careers.

CHEMISTRY I

Grade Level: 10-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Science

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Physical Science

This course is an introduction to matter and its interactions, including formal scientific processes, atomic structure, bonding, molecules and their structures, chemical reactions, thermochemistry and bond energies, and stoichiometry.

CHEMISTRY II

Grade Level: 11-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Science

Prerequisite: Chemistry II

This class builds on Chemistry I and covers intermolecular forces, the structural causes for the behavior of gases, solids, and liquids; molarity, normality, pH, and concentrations of solutions; electrochemistry and oxidation-reduction reactions; radioactivity and nuclear energy; and organic and biochemical compounds.

EARTH SCIENCE

Grade Level:11-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Science

Prerequisite: Physical Science or recommendation from a teacher.

This class covers the following concepts: mineral identification, rock identification, fossil identification and formation, and the geologic cycle; plate tectonics, mountain formation, earthquakes, and volcanoes; the hydrologic cycle, weather and climate, the role of liquid water as a chemical and physical force in geologic change, and the role of ice as both a weathering and eroding agent and as a temperature moderator for the atmosphere; geologic and topographic maps, gps, and the way geologic features are identified, recorded, and communicated in writing.

PHYSICS

Grade Level: 11-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Science

Prerequisite: College algebra and chemistry 1

Physics covers advanced topics in the physical sciences. Physics is heavily Algebraic and Trigonometry based and will cover the following: Motion, Mechanics, Heat, Light, Electricity, Optics, Sound, Particles, and Introduction to Relativistic Physics.