Science

Classes offered at various grade levels may require a prerequisite. Refer to the course catalog for detailed information. (*) Requires approval to take before recommended grade level. 

SC110 INTRODUCTION TO LIFE SCIENCES 

(Grade 9) 

Weight 1.0 Credit 1/year

This class gives students a clear and accessible introduction to life science, especially for those not planning on a four-year college right after high school. We cover major topics like biochemistry, the Big Bang, ecology, and biodiversity, with a focus on understanding big ideas and using key vocabulary and reading skills. Students who take this course will move on to Comprehensive Biology or College Prep Biology the following year.

SC120 COMPREHENSIVE BIOLOGY (Grade 10)

Weight 1.0 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation:  Successful completion of Introduction to Life Sciences

The material covered in this course will help students prepare for the Biology Keystone Exam and is similar to that in other first year biology courses.  Topics include the scientific method, biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell transport, mitosis/meiosis, photosynthesis, cell respiration, DNA/RNA and protein synthesis, genetics, evolution, ecology, viruses, and kingdoms of life.  Students completing this course will be prepared to pass the Biology Keystone Exam.  The state-mandated Keystone Biology Exam will be taken at the end of this course.

SC220 COLLEGE PREP BIOLOGY (Grade 9)

Weight 1.1 Credit 1/year

This course is designed for those students who will seek further education upon graduation but not necessarily in a scientific field.  Topics include the Scientific Method, Biochemistry, Cell Structure and Function, Cell Transport, Mitosis/Meiosis, Photosynthesis, Cell Respiration, DNA/RNA and Protein Synthesis, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, and Viruses.  The material covered in this course will help students prepare for the Biology Keystone Exam. The state-mandated Keystone Biology Exam will be taken at the end of this course. 

SC230 HONORS BIOLOGY 

(Grade 9) 

Weight 1.2 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

This course is designed for high ability students who will seek further education in a scientific field upon graduation. Topics include the Scientific Method, Biochemistry, Cell Structure and Function, Cell Transport, Mitosis/Meiosis, Photosynthesis, Cell Respiration, DNA/RNA and Protein Synthesis.The state-mandated Keystone Biology Exam will be taken at the end of this course.  Students will be required to complete a Science Fair Project.  

SC240 EXPLORING THE KINGDOMS OF LIFE 

(Grades 10-12) 

Weight 1.0 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation: Successful completion of Biology or with teacher permission. 

This course gives a broad overview of the different Kingdoms of Life, including fungi, plants, animals, protists, and bacteria. For each group, we’ll explore their main characteristics, how they evolved, where they live, and how their bodies work.

SC310 COMPREHENSIVE CHEMISTRY 

(Grades 10-12)

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation: Successful completion of Comprehensive Biology.

This course is meant for students who aren’t planning to study science in college but still want to understand how chemistry shows up in everyday life. We’ll cover the basic ideas of chemistry, including what matter is made of, how we measure things, states of matter (like solids, liquids, and gases), atoms, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and the mole concept. You’ll use simple math (nothing more than a scientific calculator) and practice critical thinking while working through real-world situations and hands-on lab activities.

 SC320 COLLEGE PREP CHEMISTRY 

(Grades 10-12) 

Weight 1.1    Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation: Students should have completed Biology.  Students should have also completed Algebra 1B.

This course is for students who plan to go to college, especially those interested in nursing or other healthcare careers. You’ll need solid algebra skills, since math will be an important part of the class. You’ll also take part in many hands-on labs where you’ll learn proper lab techniques and apply the chemistry ideas we cover in class.

SC330 HONORS CHEMISTRY (Grades 10-11)

Weight 1.2 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation:  Students should have completed Biology.  Students should have also completed Algebra 1B.

This course is for students who love science and math and are on the honors track. It’s mainly for students who have finished Honors Biology, but motivated students in college-prep classes with strong science and math skills can also join.

The course is great for students who plan to study chemistry in college, go into medical or engineering fields, or want to strengthen their college applications. Students who want to take AP Chemistry later are encouraged to take this class first.

 A science fair project is required for this course.

SC410 COLLEGE PREP PHYSICS (Grades 11-12)    

 Weight 1.1 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation:  Successful completion of Chemistry.

Taking concurrently, or have passed, Algebra 2.

In this course students will explore the foundations of physics.  Students will learn how objects move and why objects move. Topics include forces, momentum, and energy.  Students should have a strong math background knowledge.  A graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is expected.

SC400  COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICS 

(Grades 10-12)

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/Semester
Prerequisite recommendations: Successful completion of a Keystone Biology course (Comprehensive Biology or above).  Successful completion of Algebra 1B.

In this course, students will explore how things move and why things move.  The material covered in this course focuses mainly on conceptual understanding of the physical world.

SC910 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY 

(Grades 11-12) 

Weight 1.3 Credit 2.2/double period, full year

Prerequisite recommendation:  CP or Honors Chemistry with at least a “B” and completed CP or Honors Algebra 2 with a “B” or better or a Chemistry teacher recommendation.

AP Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to Chemistry I taken at a college or university.  A large amount of the course is dedicated to problem solving and laboratories.  The students spend the first three marking periods in the class and laboratory learning the course content.  The fourth marking period is designated to prepare for the AP Exam.  It is an expectation that students prepare for and take the AP Chemistry Exam.  

SC920 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY 

(Grades 10-12) 

Weight 1.3 Credit 2.2/double period, full year

College Prep or Honors Biology with at least a "B," AND College Prep or Honors Chemistry with at least a "B."

AP Biology is a rigorous and demanding course, which is the equivalent of an introductory college biology course.  Content will be covered in more depth and greater expectations will be placed on interpretation and analysis of information than previous biology courses.  In addition, statistical analysis of data and modeling of concepts will be expected.  A significant amount of studying must be completed at home to allow time for discussion, labs, and inquiry during class time.  Topics covered include: cellular signaling, biochemistry, cellular processes, genetics, information transfer, evolution and interactions. The students spend the first three marking periods learning the course content and spend the fourth marking period studying for the AP Exam. 

SC930 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1 

(Grades 11-12)
Weight 1.3 Credit 2.2/double period, full year
Prerequisite recommendation:  Taking concurrently, or have taken, Trigonometry.  A grade of “B” or higher in Honors Algebra 2 or an “A” in College Prep Algebra 2.  A “B” or higher in AP or CP Chemistry.

This course is designed for students who plan to pursue a science-related major in college.  This Algebra-based course covers the same material as a first semester college physics course.  Topics in this course include kinematics in one and two dimensions, force and Newton’s Laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, waves, sound and electricity.  This content is aligned to the College Board requirements for AP Physics 1 and students completing the course will be prepared for that AP Exam.  There is a strong emphasis on mathematical interpretations and graphical models.  A science fair type project is a requirement for this course. A graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is expected.  The students spend the first three marking periods learning the course content and spend the fourth marking period studying for the AP Exam . 

SC940 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 2 

(Grades 11-12) 

Weight 1.3 Credit 2.2/double period, full year

Prerequisite recommendation:  AP Physics 1 with a “B” or higher, or CP Physics with recommendation of Physics Teacher. A grade of “B” or higher in Trig/Pre-Calculus.

This course is designed to continue the work from AP Physics 1 and covers material from a second semester college Physics course. The topics in this course include fluids, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. This content is aligned to the College Board requirements for AP Physics 2 and students completing the course will be prepared for that AP Exam.  As in AP Physics 1, there is a strong emphasis on mathematical interpretations and graphical models.  A graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is expected. 

SC950 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

(Grades 10-12) 

Weight 1.3 Credit 2.2/double period, full year

Prerequisite recommendation: “C” or better in the following: AP/H/College Prep Chemistry, Honors or CP Biology, and Honors or CP Algebra.

This course is designed for juniors or seniors who plan on attending a four-year college and major in environmental studies or a related field. The goal of the course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students enrolled in the course will have the opportunity to take the AP Environmental Science exam to obtain college credits. 

SC960 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C 

(Grade 12)  

Weight 1.3 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation:  A “B” or higher in AP Physics 1. Taking concurrently, or have taken, AP Physics 2 and Calculus.

This course is a follow up to AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2.  The course is designed for students with an interest in physics, engineering or a related field.  The content is broken in two sections:  Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism.  Students will work to integrate calculus into their understanding of these topics.  Students completing the course will be prepared for the two separate AP exams on Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism.  Students can elect this course as an independent study. 

SC510 ZOOLOGY 

(Grades 10-12)  

Weight 1.1 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation:  Successful completion of biology

In this course, you will study the entire animal kingdom, from worms to insects to mammals and everything in between. We will learn about how animals are classified, how their body structures relate to their life functions, and how they interact with their environment and with humans. In order to learn about the physical differences of different animals, you will be required to perform various dissections, including jellyfish, squid, frogs, turtles, rats, etc.  This class is geared towards students who want to pursue a career in biology, veterinary medicine, zoology, or marine biology. 

SC520 NUCLEAR SCIENCE 

(Grades 11-12) 

Weight 1.1 Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation:  Completion of Chemistry.

This course represents a focused study into the area of nuclear chemistry and physics.  Students will study radioactivity, nuclear reactors, fission and fusion, and nuclear medicine.  This course is relevant for students who may wish to pursue a career in fields such as medicine (nursing, nuclear technician), armed forces (nuclear propulsion or power systems), or the energy sector (nuclear power plants).

SC530 INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 

(Grades 10-12) 

Weight 1.1   Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation:  Completion of CP Chemistry or higher.

This is a half-year course that gets students ready for college-level organic chemistry. You’ll take a closer look at carbon-based chemistry and learn about the tools and instruments that organic chemists use.

This course is recommended for students planning to major in Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, or Nursing.

SC570 HONORS ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (Grades 11-12) 

Weight 1.2 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation:  Chemistry and Biology.

This course is for students who plan to study human anatomy and physiology in college. It is a good choice for anyone interested in careers like physical therapy, nursing, athletic training, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or sports medicine.

In this class, you will learn about how the human body is built and how it works. We will study many body systems, including the skin, bones, muscles, nerves, hormones, heart and blood vessels, digestive system, lungs, and kidneys.

You will learn by using diagrams, 3-D models, real animal samples like a cat and pig heart, and the human skeleton.

SC560 INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY 

(GRADES 11-12)   

Weight  1.0 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation:

Successful completion of Biology.

This course is designed for students considering allied health or medically related careers. The content includes a general overview of human anatomy and physiology (structure and function). This course covers the following body systems: skin and integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and urinary. 

SC580 ECOLOGY (Grades 10-12) 

Weight 1.05 Credit 1/year

Prerequisite recommendation:  Successful completion of Biology.

This course is a hands-on, diversified project-based approach to study and apply the interactions of living and nonliving things in the environment.  The curriculum will focus on novel individual and group unit projects that will include identification and natural history studies of local plants and animals as they apply to ecological concepts such as ecosystems, biological diversity, and natural resources.  Students will investigate past and present environmental issues, and analyze humans’ influence on the environment.

SC590 BIOCHEMISTRY

(Grades 11-12) 

Weight 1.1 Credits 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation:  Completion of CP Chemistry.

This half-year course prepares students for college level courses in chemistry and biochemistry. This course also focuses on lab techniques used in biochemistry. This course is recommended for students who plan to major in Chemistry, Biology, or medicine in college.  It can be taken in conjunction with AP Chemistry, but does not replace AP Chemistry.

SC610 FORENSIC SCIENCE

(Grades 11-12) 

Weight 1.1 Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation:  successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

This half-year course takes a scientific approach to crime scene investigation.  Students will draw on knowledge of chemistry, biology and physical science to explore how evidence is collected and evaluated.  Students will learn about Crime Scene Investigation Methods, Fingerprinting, DNA Profiling, Blood and Blood Spatter and Toxicology.  Students will have an opportunity to study cases  and learn a variety of laboratory techniques as they relate to Forensic Science.

SC620 GENETICS (Grades 11-12) 

Weight 1.1 Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation:  Completion of Honors or CP Biology.

This half-year course covers molecular biology, heredity, and genetics. It builds on what you already learned about DNA and goes deeper into how genes work and are passed on. The first part focuses on molecular biology and basic (Mendelian) genetics, and the second part explores more complex genetics, heredity, and modern genetic technologies.

SC190 EXPLORING ELECTRONICS (Grades 9-12)   

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

Exploring Electronics, a half-year  course, serves as a hands-on approach to electronic basics, safety, energy concepts, basic components, circuits and measuring techniques.  The lab environment emphasizes workplace skills such as:  time management, practical problem solving, craftsmanship, and working with others.  Concepts covered include series and parallel circuits, schematic symbols and diagrams, circuit boards, transistors, resistors, Light emitting diodes (LEDs) and capacitors.  Students will build and troubleshoot a variety of circuits throughout this course.

SC290 ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY 2 

(Grades 9-12)   

Weight 1.05 Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation:  Successful completion of Exploring Electronics

Electronics Technology 2, a half-year course, serves as a hands-on approach to electronics basics, semiconductor operation, photonic devices and integrated circuits. This course includes lab exercises and theoretical backgrounds on concepts such as: resistors, capacitors, diodes, inductors, transistors, and various applied circuits. Related technology and equipment, including meters and power supplies will be used to develop circuits and solve problems. The lab environment emphasizes workplace skills such as: time management, practical problem-solving, craftsmanship, and working with others. A student project is required in which the student chooses from given circuit diagrams and builds a professional-looking, functional electronic device.

SC600 REMOTE DRONE PILOT CERTIFICATION

(Grades 11-12)   

Weight 1.3 Credit 0.5/semester

Course Description:  

This half-year course focuses on preparing for the FAA Knowledge Exam for Part 107 (Remote Pilot Certification). You must be at least 16 years old to take this course. Course content covers FAA regulations, airspace classifications, weather, loading and performance of drones, and planning drone operations. In addition to certification knowledge, students will also investigate the principles of physics that apply to drone flight and be introduced to aspects of starting a drone business, as well as careers in aviation and airport operations. The cost of the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification exam is $175 and is administered at FAA testing sites only.

Partnership with Harrisburg University: Students will have the (optional) opportunity to earn college credit for this course through Harrisburg University.