Science

Biology I is a course based on the following core topics:  cell chemistry, structure and reproduction; matter cycles and energy transfer; interdependence of organisms; molecular basis of heredity; genetics and evolution. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures. 

• Recommended Grade Level:  9-10

• Credits: A two credit course

• Fulfills the life science requirement for the General diploma, Fulfills Biology credit for Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

• Honors Biology includes a 0.5 weight

Biology II is an advanced laboratory, field, and literature investigations-based course. Students enrolled in Biology II examine in greater depth the structures, functions, and processes of living organisms.  Students also analyze and describe the relationship of Earth’s living organisms to each other and to the environment in which they live.  In these courses, students refine their scientific inquiry skills as they collaboratively and independently apply their knowledge of the unifying themes of biology to biological questions and problems related to personal and community issues in the life sciences. 

• Recommended Grade Level:  10-12 

• Prerequisite:  Biology I

• Credits: 1 semester course, 1 credit per semester

Fulfills a Core 40 science elective credit for Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

GENETICS

Genetics is designed to focus on expanding student’s understanding of basic genetics through advanced laboratory techniques and application to forensics study.  

FORENSICS

Forensics is an inquiry-rich integrated science curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving through the use of real-world forensic science methodologies.  Students will investigate forensic scenes and use evidence to support their deductions.

ZOOLOGY

Zoology is the study of diverse vertebrate and invertebrate species focusing on structure, behavior, conservation, and classification.  Students will perform dissections of several species.

Anatomy & Physiology is a course in which students investigate concepts related to Health Science, with emphasis on interdependence of systems and contributions of each system to the maintenance of a healthy body. It introduces students to the cell, which is the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms, and covers tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems as an integrated unit. Through instruction, including laboratory activities, students apply concepts associated with Human Anatomy & Physiology. Students will understand the structure, organization and function of the various components of the healthy body in order to apply this knowledge in all health-related fields. 

● Recommended Grade: 10 - 12 

● Prerequisite: Biology 

● Credits: 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester 

● Counts as a directed elective or elective for all diplomas 

● Fulfills a science course requirement for all diplomas

ACP Biology is based on content from Indiana University including principles of biological organization, from molecules through cells and organisms to populations.  Emphasis on processes common to all organisms, with special reference to humans.  ( 5 ) Natural and Mathematical Science credits are awarded for successful completion of this dual enrollment course through Indiana University.

• Recommended Grade Level:  12

• Required Prerequisites:  Biology 1 and Chemistry; 2.7+ Cumulative GPA

• Credits:  A 2-semester course, 1 credit per semester

• Counts as a Science Course for the Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors diplomas

• Qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course 

• Dual college credit available through Indiana University Bloomington, Advance College Project (ACP

Biology, Advanced Placement is a course based on the content established by the College Board and ACP Biology through Indiana University. The major themes of the course include: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life, Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis, Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes, Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. ACP includes principles of biological organization, from molecules through cells and organisms to populations. Emphasis on processes common to all organisms, with special reference to humans.

• Recommended Grade Level:  11-12

• Recommended Prerequisite:  Biology I and Chemistry I

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Counts as a Science Course for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

• Qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course for the General, Core 40, AHD, and THD diplomas

IB Biology Standard Level focuses on six core topics: cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, and human physiology. It is based on the curriculum published by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Optional course topics include neurobiology and behavior, biotechnology and bioinformatics, ecology and conservations, and human physiology.

IB Biology Higher Level focuses on six core topics: cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution/biodiversity, and human physiology. It is based on the curriculum published by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Students must complete additional study in eight topics: nucleic acids, metabolism, cell respiration, photosynthesis, genetics and evolution, animal physiology, and plant biology. Optional course topics for students include neurobiology and behavior, biotechnology and bioinformatics, ecology and conservations, and human physiology

• Recommended Grade Level: Grades 11 or 12

• Recommended prerequisite: Biology 1 and Chemistry 

• Credits: 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester

• Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

• Fulfills the Biology I requirement for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, Core 40 with Technical Honors and International Baccalaureate diplomas or counts as an Elective for any diploma

SL  3034

HL  3032

IB Biology Standard Level focuses on unity and diversity, form and function, interaction and interdependency, and continuity and change.  It is based on the curriculum published by the International Baccalaureate Organization.  Course work also includes 40 hours of practical work and an independent scientific investigation.

IB Biology Higher Level focuses on the same topics at a greater depth with 20 additional hours of practical work.

• Recommended Grade Level: 11, 12 

• Required Prerequisites: Biology 1 

• Credits: 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester 

• Counts as an Elective for all diplomas 

• Fulfills a Science requirement for all diplomas

Chemistry I is a course based on the following core topics: properties and states of matter; atomic structure; bonding; chemical reactions; solution chemistry; behavior of gases, and organic chemistry. Students enrolled in Chemistry I compare, contrast, and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures. 

• Recommended Grade Level:  10-12

• Prerequisite: Algebra I (can be taken concurrently with Geometry or Algebra 2)

• Credits: A two credit course

• Fulfills the requirement for physical science for the General diploma. Fulfills Chemistry credit for Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

• Qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course for the General, Core 40, AHD, and THD diplomas

Chemistry I Honors-- This fast-paced course emphasizes the comprehension of basic chemistry concepts by introducing material within the context of how and why it was developed.  The lectures and discussion sections will focus on applications of basic chemical principles, and problem solving strategies via practical examples. The goal of this course is to help students make sense of chemistry by promoting comprehension and problem solving.  Concepts for this dual-credit college course include:  chemical transformations, algebraic manipulations of chemistry, atomic structure and theory, atomic structure and bonding, chemical bonding and naming, shapes of molecules, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, stoichiometry and the mole, electron transfer reactions, gas laws, reagents in solution, rates of reactions, chemical equilibrium, electrolytes, acids + bases 

• Recommended Grade Level:  10-12

• Prerequisite: Geometry, Algebra II (can be taken concurrently)

• Credits: A two credit course

• Fulfills the requirement for physical science for the General diploma. Fulfills Chemistry credit for Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

• Qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course for the General, Core 40, AHD, and THD diplomas

• Dual credit available through Indiana University’s Advanced College Project (ACP); ( 5 ) credits through C101-C121 and C102-C122 in IU Course Catalog

Chemistry, Advanced Placement is a course based on the content established by the College Board. The content includes: (1) structure of matter: atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, molecular models, nuclear chemistry; (2) states of matter: gases, liquids and solids, solutions; and (3) reactions: reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics.  

• Recommended Grade Level:  12

• Prerequisite: Chemistry I, Algebra II, Pre-calculus/Trigonometry 

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Counts as a Science Course for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

• Qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course for the General, Core 40, AHD, and THD diplomas

IB Chemistry Standard Level is designed to introduce students to the theories and practical techniques involved in the composition, characterization, and transformation of substances. It is based on the curriculum published by the International Baccalaureate Organization. As the central science, the chemical principles investigated underpin both the physical world in which we live and all biological systems. Students study eleven core topics: stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and organic chemistry. Optional course topics include medicines and drugs, human biochemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical industries, and fuels and energy. Higher physical organic chemistry is a further option. 

• Recommended Grade: 11, 12

• Required Prerequisites: ACP Chem 101/121 

• Credits: 2 or 4 semester course, 1 credit per semester 

• Counts as an elective for all diplomas 

• Fulfills a Chemistry I requirement for the Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, Core 40 with Technical Honors 

• Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course 

• The minimum prescribed number of hours is 150. 

Earth and Space Science Astronomy is a one-semester course focused on the structure and scale of the universe and the solar system. The Disciplinary Core Idea for this course is Earth's place in the universe. Instruction focuses on the observation of phenomena to develop an understanding of how scientific knowledge is acquired. 

• Recommended Grade Level: 9-12

• Credits: 1 semester course, 1 credit per semester

• Fulfills Core 40 science credit for Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

ESC  is a one semester fall course that integrates biology, earth science, chemistry, and other disciplines. Students enrolled in this course integrate Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts to conduct in-depth scientific studies of environmental systems, flow of matter and energy, natural disasters, environmental policies, and pollution. Students formulate, design, and carry out laboratory and field investigations as an essential course component. Students completing Environmental Science acquire the essential tools for understanding the complexities of national and global environmental systems.

• Recommended Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits: 1 semester course, 1 credit per semester

• Fulfills Core 40 science credit for Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

ESS is a one semester spring course that integrates biology, earth science, chemistry, and other disciplines. Students enrolled in this course integrate Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts to conduct in-depth scientific studies of environmental policies, biodiversity, population, pollution, and natural and anthropogenic resource cycles. Students formulate, design, and carry out laboratory and field investigations as an essential course component. Students completing Environmental Science acquire the essential tools for understanding the complexities of national and global environmental systems. 

● Recommended Grade Level: 10-12 

● Required Prerequisites: none 

● Credits: 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester

● Semester 1:  Climatology  3010F

● Semester 2:  Sustainability  3010S

● Counts as an Elective for all diplomas 

Environmental Science, Advanced Placement is a course based on content established by the College Board. Students enrolled in AP Environmental Science investigate 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 and/or preventing them. 

• Recommended Grade Level:  11-12

• Recommended Prerequisite:  Biology and Chemistry

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Counts as a Science Course for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

• Qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course for the General, Core 40, AHD, and THD diplomas

Environmental Systems and Societies–through studying environmental systems and societies, students will be provided 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.  It is based  on the curriculum published by the International Baccalaureate Organization. 

• Recommended Grade Level:  11-12

• Recommended Prerequisite:  Biology and Chemistry

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Counts as a Science Course for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

• Qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course for the General, Core 40, AHD, and THD diplomas

Integrated Chemistry-Physics is a course focused on the following core topics: motion and energy of macroscopic objects; chemical, electrical, mechanical and nuclear energy; properties of matter; transport of energy; magnetism; energy production and its relationship to the environment and economy. Instruction focuses on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures

• Recommended Grade Level:  10-12

• Recommended Prerequisite: Algebra I (may be taken concurrently with this course)

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Fulfills the physical science requirement for the General diploma. Fulfills the 2 credit requirement for Chemistry I, Physics I, or Integrated Chemistry and Physics towards the Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

• Recommended Grade Level:  9

• Required Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry and successful completion of Biology

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Fulfills the physical science requirement for the General diploma. Fulfills the 2 credit requirement for Chemistry I, Physics I, or Integrated Chemistry and Physics towards the Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

Physics I is a course focused on the following core topics: constant velocity; constant acceleration; forces; energy; linear momentum in one dimension; simple harmonic oscillating systems; mechanical waves and sound; simple circuit analysis. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation, by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory, and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures. 

•  Recommended Grade: 10-12 

•  Recommended Prerequisites: Algebra I and Algebra II 

•  Credits: 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester 

•  Counts as a Science Course for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

•  Qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course

Physics 1: Algebra-based, Advanced Placement is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. A comprehensive

description of this course can be found on the College Board AP Central Course Description web page at:

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html 

• Recommended Grade Level: 10-12

• Prerequisite: Algebra I & II; Precalculus/Trigonometry can be taken concurrently

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Counts as a Science Course for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas

• Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Physics C, Advanced Placement is a course based on the content established by the College Board.  AP Physics C: Mechanics provides instruction in each of the following six content areas: kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation.  A comprehensive description of this course can be found on the College Board AP Central Course Description web page at:

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.htm 

• Recommended Grade Level: 12

• Prerequisite: Physics I, Calculus (can be taken concurrently)

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Counts as a Science Course and a Quantitative Reasoning Course for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors 

IB Physics Standard Level is designed to introduce students to the laws of physics, the experimental skills required in physics, and the social and historical aspects of physics as an evolving body of human knowledge about nature. It is based on the curriculum published by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Students study six topics: physics and physical measurement, mechanics, thermal 111 Indiana Department of Education High School Course Titles and Descriptions: 2024-2025 physics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. Students must complete additional study in six topics: measurement and uncertainties, mechanics, thermal physics, wave phenomena, electromagnetism, and quantum and nuclear physics. Optional course topics from which the student may only choose two include biomedical physics, the history and development of physics, astrophysics, relativity, and optics. Further options would be mechanics extension, quantum physics, nuclear physics, and further energy. 

• Recommended Grade Level: 11, 12

• Prerequisite: Physics I, Calculus or IB Math A&A (can be taken concurrently)

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Counts as a Science Course and a Quantitative Reasoning Course for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors

ACP Physics is the first semester of a 3-semester calculus based course sequence for science majors.  Newtonian mechanics, oscillations and waves, heat and thermodynamics will be covered in the course.  Students have the opportunity to earn (5) credits in Physics through Indiana University Bloomington Advance College Project

• Recommended Grade Level: 12

• Prerequisite: Physics I, Calculus (can be taken concurrently)

• Credits: A two credit course, 1 credit per semester

• Counts as a Science Course and a Quantitative Reasoning Course for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors 

• Dual college credit available through Indiana University Bloomington Advance College Project PHYS P221

Potential Medical Majors:

• 8th grade:  Biology Honors

• 9th grade:  ICP Honors and/or Anatomy Physiology

• 10th grade:  ACP Chemistry and/or AP Physics

• 11th grade:  AP Chemistry or AP Environmental Sci or AP Physics

• 12th grade:  AP Biology or Anatomy Physiology or AP Physics

Potential Engineering Majors:

• 8th grade:  Biology Honors

• 9th grade:  ICP Honors

• 10th grade:  ACP Chemistry

• 11th grade:  AP Physics or AP Environmental Science

• 12th grade:  ACP Biology and/or ACP Physics

Non-Science Majors:

• 8th grade:  Biology Honors

• 9th grade:  ICP Honors

• 10th grade:  ACP Chemistry

• 11th grade:  AP Environmental Science

• 12th grade:  AP Biology or AP Physics or ACP Biology