Science

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Career and Technical Education

Students enrolled in environmental science will learn about global climate change, environmental justice, pollution, and how our world is impacted by human institutions. Students will (1) apply science to understanding ecosystems and natural resources; (2) understand the policy and social implications of environmental issues; (3) gain knowledge and skills to understand the consequences of human actions on the world; (4) develop the writing, and speaking skills needed to communicate with the public and professionals concerning the environment; (5) and explore local environmental related college and career options. Students may earn a science or occupational education credit.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Career and Technical Education

A course that focuses on the studies and activities relating to the natural environment and its conservation, use, and improvement. Includes instruction in subjects such as climate, air, soil, water, land, fish and wildlife, and plant resources; in the basic principles of environmental science and natural resources management; and the recreational and economic uses of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources.

Prerequisites: Students accepted via paper application, and must demonstrate exceptional interest and self-motivation in STEM.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Career and Technical Education

Robotics is an after school class in which students will prepare for and participate in Foster's First Robotics Competition team. This course prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in developing and using industrial robotics. Students will need to be highly independent in designing, organizing, and building their projects and completing their responsibilities for the robotics team. The course will meet on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:45 to 4:30 most weeks, but will meet 5 days a week from January through mid-March. Students may opt for science or occupational education credit.

Prerequisites: Physics, A or B in Geometry with concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher math.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Career and Technical Education

Mechatronics will be a full year course teaching introductory mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and programming. We will learn how to design machines using 3D modeling, and create parts using 3D printing and CNC machining. Students will learn to program and control their machines using Arduino microcontrollers. Students may opt for science or occupational education credit.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Career and Technical Education

This will be a project-based course in which students will learn the basics of manufacturing using machines to safely cut, drill, shape, and join metal, plastic by hand, and with power metal working equipment for engineering and art projects. Students will learn design thinking, basic 2D and 3D drawing skills, tool skills, health and safety rules, manipulate materials, fabricate appropriate (physical or digital) parts, and measure and test parts for reliability. Students will learn the basic operations of digital manufacturing tools such as 3D printers, routers, and laser cutters. This course will also include supply chain management, and the ethics and social impact of manufacturing systems and processes.

Prerequisite: Manufacturing Fundamentals or Computer Aided Design A

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Career and Technical Education

This will be a project-based course in which students will learn the basics of manufacturing using machines to safely cut, drill, shape, and join metal, plastic by hand, and with power metal working equipment for engineering and art projects. Students will learn design thinking, basic 2D and 3D drawing skills, tool skills, health and safety rules, manipulate materials, fabricate appropriate (physical or digital) parts, and measure and test parts for reliability. Students will learn the basic operations of digital manufacturing tools such as 3D printers, routers, and laser cutters. This course will also include supply chain management, and the ethics and social impact of manufacturing systems and processes.

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent with Algebra 1

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

Physics is the study of the physical world with the goal of understanding and predicting how the physical world behaves. This class is designed for freshmen in Algebra 1, and students will be expected to apply their algebra skills. Physics is concerned with matter and its movement through space and time as well as related concepts such as force and energy. This is a group work and experience based course that introduces the topic through projects, group work, and problem solving that provides an introduction to the subject.

Prerequisites: Geometry, or concurrent with Geometry

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Career and Technical Education

Physics is the study of the physical world with the goal of understanding and predicting how the physical world behaves. In particular, physics is concerned with matter and its movement through space and time as well as related concepts such as force and energy. This is a group work and experience-based course that introduces the topic through projects, group work, and problem solving that provides an introduction to the subject. This will be an advanced class requiring significant independent work as well as algebra and geometry, and that prepares students for future advanced and AP science classes.

Prerequisite(s): “A” or “B” in Algebra 2 and an A or B in Physics or by teacher recommendation.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Dual Credit Option

This is a College Board approved course that is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester algebra-based college introductory Physics course usually taken by science majors during their first year. AP Physics includes topics regularly covered in a Physics course for majors: topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The class uses a college level textbook, includes college laboratory work, and requires the time and effort required of college students. AP Physics 1 is to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school Physics, or by teacher recommendation for students with a strong math background. AP Physics 1 will provide students with the skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of Physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Students are expected to take the AP Physics 1 Exam in the spring. In their freshman year of college, students demonstrating a high level of proficiency on the AP Exam may be able to take upper-level courses in Physics or register for courses which require Physics as a prerequisite. Other students may have fulfilled a basic requirement for a laboratory-science course and may be able to take other courses to pursue their majors.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

Physics is the study of the physical world to learn how the physical world behaves. In particular, physics is the study of matter and its movement through space and time as well as related concepts such as force and energy. This is an inquiry and experience based course that introduces the topic. This is a group work and experience based course that introduces the topic through projects, group work, and problem solving.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

Biology courses provide information regarding the fundamental concepts of life and life processes. This course may include topics such as cell structure and function, general plant and animal physiology, genetics, taxonomy and evolution.

Prerequisite(s): “A” or “B” in Biology or Pre-AP Honors Biology

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Dual Credit Options

This is a College Board approved course that is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. AP Biology includes topics regularly covered in a biology course for majors and uses a college textbook, college laboratory work, and requires the time and effort required of college students. AP Biology is to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology. AP Biology will provide students with the skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course includes lectures, lab work (including dissections), discussion activities and field work. Students are expected to take the AP Biology Exam in the spring. In their freshman year of college, students demonstrating a high level of proficiency on the AP Exam may be able to take upper-level courses in biology or register for courses which require biology is a prerequisite. Other students may have fulfilled a basic requirement for a laboratory-science course and may be able to take other courses to pursue their majors.

Prerequisite: ELPA Level 2 and 3

Graduation Requirement: Lab Science

Life Science Foundations is an introductory course in life sciences. The course provides a basic understanding of living things. Topics covered will include cell biology, biochemistry, current biological issues, genetics, reproduction, evolution, taxonomy and ecology.

Prerequisite(s): Pre-Algebra; concurrently enrolled in Algebra I

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

Chemistry foundations is the study of the characteristics and behavior of matter at the atomic level. Emphasis is placed on developing a mental model of matter through the observation of chemical phenomena as well as the collection and analysis of data. Students will be using mathematical calculations and logic to explain chemical behavior and discover the scientific laws describing particle behavior and reactions under various conditions. Topics include kinetic theory, energy, measurement, modern atomic theory, chemical and nuclear reactions, and chemistry in earth and space systems. It is designed to be taken at the sophomore level.

Prerequisite(s): Algebra

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

Chemistry is the study of the characteristics and behavior of matter at the atomic level. Emphasis is placed on developing a mental model of matter through the observation of chemical phenomena and the collection and analysis of data. Students will be using mathematical calculations and logic to explain chemical behavior and discover the scientific laws describing particle behavior and reactions under various conditions. This course will provide a foundation for entry into college level chemistry. Topics include kinetic theory, energy, measurement and calculations, modern atomic theory, chemical and nuclear reactions, nomenclature, bonding, stoichiometry and chemistry in Earth and space systems. It is designed to be taken at the junior and senior level.

Prerequisite(s): Geometry

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

Pre-AP Honors Chemistry is the study of the characteristics and behavior of matter at the atomic level. Emphasis is placed on developing a mental model of matter through the observation of chemical phenomena and the collection and analysis of data. Students will be using mathematical calculations and logic to explain chemical behavior and discover the scientific laws describing particle behavior and reactions under various conditions. Pre-AP Honors chemistry will cover chemical properties and scientific laws in more detail and is designed to prepare students to take AP Chemistry. Topics include kinetic theory, energy, measurement and calculations, modern atomic theory, chemical and nuclear reactions, nomenclature, bonding, and chemistry in earth and space systems and stoichiometry.

Prerequisite(s): Algebra and Chemistry or Pre-AP Honors Chemistry

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Dual Credit Option (Based on Exam Performance)

This is a College Board approved course that is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory chemistry course usually taken by science majors during their first year. AP Chemistry includes topics regularly covered in a chemistry course for majors and uses a college textbook, college laboratory work, and requires the time and effort required of college students. AP Chemistry is to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school chemistry. AP Chemistry will provide students with the skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of chemistry. The course includes lectures, lab work, discussion activities and field work. Students are expected to take the AP Chemistry Exam in the spring. In their freshman year of college, students demonstrating a high level of proficiency on the AP Exam may be able to take upper-level courses in chemistry or register for courses which require chemistry as a prerequisite. Other students may have fulfilled a basic requirement for a laboratory-science course and may be able to take other courses to pursue their majors.

Prerequisite(s): “A” or “B” in Biology or teacher recommendation

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

The course is designed as a college preparatory class. This course is a comprehensive investigation of the structure and function of the human body. Human Anatomy is designed to aid those students who anticipate careers in health occupations, medicine, and biological sciences, and is a lab-oriented dissection heavy course.

Prerequisite(s): “B” or better in Human Anatomy and/or teacher recommendation.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

The course content includes subject matter beyond the scope of advanced biology. This course includes in-depth look at comparative vertebrate anatomy and physiology, indicating evidence of the path of evolution. Accompanying dissections include the frog, mud puppy salamander, dogfish shark, the fetal pig, snake, pigeon, turtle, fetal calf, fetal horse, and other various animal parts. The dog dissection during the independent research portion of the course is a possibility. In the past, this class has been offered as an Independent Study Opportunity.

Prerequisites(s): Algebra

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Career and Technical Education

A general program that focuses on the integrative scientific study of biological issues related to health and medicine. Instruction encompasses a variety of biological disciplines.

Prerequisite(s): “A” or “B” in Biology or teacher recommendation, Intro to BioTech

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science; Career and Technical Education

In Advanced Biotech, students will apply advanced academic knowledge and skills to the emerging fields of biotechnology such as agricultural, medical, regulatory, and forensics. Students will have the opportunity to use sophisticated laboratory equipment, perform statistical analysis, and practice quality-control techniques. Students will conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Biomedical Sciences study a variety of topics that include structures and functions of cells, nucleic acids, proteins, and genetics.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

This multidisciplinary science course is designed to examine the mutual relationships between organisms and their environment. In studying the interrelationships among plants, animals, and humans, this course will typically cover the following subjects: photosynthesis, recycling and regeneration, ecosystems, population and growth studies, pollution, and conservation of natural resources.

Graduation Requirement: Algebra Based Lab Science

Science and Society courses integrate biology and chemistry and other branches of science into a unified domain of study and present the resulting body of knowledge in the context of work, home, society, and the environment, emphasizing field and laboratory activities. Topics may include natural resources, forensics, bioethics, water, air and other gases, nutrition, disease and wellness, plant growth and reproduction, life processes, microorganisms, synthetic materials, waste and waste management, and the community of life.