Science Classes

Integrated Science                                                                                1.00 Credit                                                                                             2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 9

• PREREQUISITES: None

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: None

• DESCRIPTION: Integrated Science is an inquiry-based investigation into the physical, chemical, and Biological nature of the world around us. Students will be expected to master such topics as force, motion, matter and energy, along with biological Processes and the process of scientific investigation. The specific topics discussed include: reading and note taking skills; use of the scientific method; the vocabulary of science; measurements in the System of International Units; conversion between units; use of graphic and tabular data presentations; motion, speed and acceleration; force, mass and acceleration; inertia and momentum; gravity, mass and weight; linear motion; work and energy; temperature and heat; kinetic and potential energy; states of matter; substances and mixtures; chemical and physical properties; atomic structure and the Periodic Table of Elements; chemical bonds; photosynthesis; genetics. Each of these topics relates to each of the others in a structured approach to teach pattern recognition and relationships between seemingly diverse subjects.

CP Integrated Science                                                                        1.00 Credit                                                                                             2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 9

• PREREQUISITES:  Teacher Recommendation

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: One per semester 

• DESCRIPTION: CP Integrated Science is an advanced, inquiry-based investigation into the physical, chemical, and Biological nature of the world around us. Students will be expected to master such topics as force, motion, matter and energy, along with biological Processes and the process of scientific investigation. The specific topics discussed include: reading and note taking skills; use of the scientific method; the vocabulary of science; measurements in the System of International Units; conversion between units; use of graphic and tabular data presentations; motion, speed and acceleration; force, mass and acceleration; inertia and momentum; gravity, mass and weight; linear motion; work and energy; temperature and heat; kinetic and potential energy; states of matter; substances and mixtures; chemical and physical properties; atomic structure and the Periodic Table of Elements; chemical bonds; photosynthesis; genetics. One major semester project will be required from all students and late work will not be accepted for credit.

Biology                                                                                                         1.00 Credit                                                                                             2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 10

• PREREQUISITES: None

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: STUDENTS TAKING BIOLOGY MUST TAKE EARTH SCIENCE IN 11TH GRADE, PENDING TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FOR OTHER COURSE.

• DESCRIPTION: Biology is an activity-based course designed to improve the students understanding of science as it relates to the continuation of life on earth. Topics will include scientific investigations, organization, homeostasis and energy in living organisms, DNA, protein synthesis, reproduction, heredity, evolution, ecology, and the impacts of human activities on the earth.

CP Biology                                                                                                  1.00 Credit                                                                                             2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 10

• PREREQUISITES: None

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: One required project, comprehensive semester examination.

• DESCRIPTION: College Preparatory Biology is a course designed for college bound students that focuses on improving the students’ understanding of science as it relates to the continuation of life on earth. Topics will include scientific investigations, organization, homeostasis and energy in living organisms, DNA, protein synthesis, reproduction, heredity, evolution, ecology, and the impacts of human activities on the earth.  This is a weighted course that will require comprehensive finals and completion of a course project or research paper.

Earth Science                                                                                            1.00 Credit                                                                                             2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 11

• PREREQUISITES: Biology or CP Biology.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: None

• DESCRIPTION: In Earth Science principles of environmental and earth sciences will be explored, including plate tectonics, energy, biogeochemical cycles, the atmosphere, and Missouri geology. Ecology will also be studied and include topics of pollution, global warming, natural resource availability & explore methods that students can participate in to help improve conditions of our planet.

Advanced Biology                                                                                 1.00 Credit                                                                                             2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: Recommended C or better in CP Biology.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Comprehensive semester examinations and research paper/project and two books read and discussed.

• DESCRIPTION: Advanced Biology is designed to build on the fundamental concepts introduced in CP Biology. This is a weighted course that will require a comprehensive final and completion of a course project or research paper.

Chemistry                                                                                                   1.00 Credit                                                                                             2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: Recommend grade of C or better in Algebra I; may be taken concurrently with CP Biology.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Comprehensive exams, research project or paper.

• DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to educate students in the areas of chemistry that have not been fully developed in previous courses. Molecular structure and properties, stoichiometry, gas laws, acid/base, laboratory safety, nomenclature, solutions and Gas Laws are topics to be introduced. The course will include a variety of activities including laboratory, lecture, demonstration, and directed student discovery. This is a weighted course that will require comprehensive finals and completion of a course project or research paper.

Advanced Chemistry                                                                           0.50 Credit                                                                                               1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: Recommend grade of C or better in Chemistry. This does not require taking of Organic Chemistry and is a stand-alone course.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Independent study project; comprehensive semester exams.

• DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to educate the students in areas of chemistry that are not fully developed in general chemistry such as: Qualitative analysis, Solubility, Reaction Kinetics, intermolecular forces and redox chemistry. This is a weighted course that will require comprehensive finals and completion of a course project or research paper.

Organic Chemistry                                                                                0.50 Credit                                                                                               1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: Recommend grade of C or better in Chemistry. This course does not require taking of Advanced Chemistry and is a stand-alone course. This is designed to meet the needs of our many students interested in preparation for a medical career or interest in further study in the sciences.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Independent study project, comprehensive semester exams.

• DESCRIPTION: This class is designed with a focus on building skills that will be expanded on in future courses, specifically organic chemistry. A few major concepts and a major foundation in nomenclature are the key focus of this semester long class. Concepts include: Saturation of Molecules, Chirality, Isomerism, Hybridization, and IUPAC Naming conventions.  This is a weighted course that will require comprehensive finals and completion of a course project or research paper.

Anatomy & Physiology                                                                       1.00 Credit                                                                                             2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: Recommend B or better in CP Biology or Biology.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Labs by system, research project, focus on memorization.

• DESCRIPTION: Human Anatomy and Physiology is designed to educate the student on eleven major systems of the human body. Emphasis is placed on structure of the human body and the relationship to function. Topics that are to be studied include: anatomical terminology, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system, blood & immune system. This is a weighted course that will require comprehensive finals and completion of a course project or research paper.

Physics                                                                                                          1.00 Credit                                                                                             2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 12

• PREREQUISITES: Require a grade of C or better in Trigonometry, 

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Comprehensive exam, challenge questions & projects.

• DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to expand the knowledge of the mechanical world at a level similar to that of a college non-calculus based physics course. Course will include a mix of labs, lecture days, guided student practice, and in class problem workshop days for students to independently practice the material. Topics include kinematics, forces, work, and other topics as time permits. This challenging course is designed to prepare students for a future in any science-based field.  Students will be given the opportunity to attend a Six Flags field trip if available.  This is a weighted course that will require comprehensive finals and completion of a course project or research paper. 

Forensic Analysis                                                                                    0.50 Credit                                                                                               1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: Biology or CP Biology.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: None.

• DESCRIPTION: This semester-long, project-based course will allow students to practice basic techniques of crime scene investigation. Topics include fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, blood typing, hair and fiber analysis, and mock crime scenes.