For Dual Enrollment (DE) opportunities, please visit the dual enrollment course page linked here.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of biology; chemistry - recommended but not required
Recommended Grade Level: 10-12th grade
Required Assessments: AP Exam (Fee Assistance Available - See a school counselor.)
Graduation Requirement: Students may use AP Biology as a third lab science only if they have completed Biology 1 and have taken the biology end-of-course exam.
Credit: 1
EPSO: This course could result in college credit based on the student's AP Exam score. Here is a link to more information about AP Exam Scoring. Students should research possible universities to understand their crediting procedures. (Example: A score of a 3 may result in credit for Biology 101 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville; a score of a 4 may result in credit for Biology 101-102 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville; a score of a 5 may result in credit for Biology 101-102 & Biology 160 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville; a score of a 3 may result in credit for Biology 1010 & 1011 at East Tennessee State University; a score of a 4 or higher may result in credit for Biology 1010-1011 & 1020-1021 at East Tennessee State University; a score of a 4 may result in credit for BIOL 110 and/or BIOL 110L at Tusculum University).
Course Description: Students will study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. Students will do hands-on laboratory work to investigate natural phenomena. Here is a link to the AP Biology Course and Exam Description Document from CollegeBoard.
Students will learn the following skills in this course:
Design experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory
Collect and analyze data
Interpret data to draw conclusions
Develop and support a scientific claim with evidence
Course Content: This course focuses on eight topics and is the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors:
Chemistry for Life
Cell Structure and Function
Cellular Energetics
Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
Heredity
Gene Expression and Regulation
Natural Selection
Ecology
AP Exam Overview: The AP Biology Exam will test your understanding of the biological concepts covered in the course units, as well as students' ability to utilize the scientific method and analyze data. Students are allowed to use a four function calculator (with square root), scientific or graphing functions throughout the exam.
AP Exam Duration: 3 hours
Click this link to view additional information about the AP Exam.
Click this link to view more information about this course on the CollegeBoard website.
Click this link to view more the AP Biology Course and Exam Description Manual.
Textbook: Campbell Biology eText AP Edition Pearson Education ISBN 9781323501467
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II
Recommended Grade Level: 11th or 12th grade
Required Assessments: AP Exam (Fee Assistance Available - See a school counselor.)
Graduation Requirement: 3rd lab science
Credit: 1
EPSO: This course could result in college credit based on the student's AP Exam score. Here is a link to more information about AP Exam Scoring. Students should research possible universities to understand their crediting procedures. (Example: A score of a 4 or higher may result in credit for Chemistry 122-123 & Chemistry 132-133 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville; a score of a 3 may result in credit for Chemistry 1110 & 1111 at East Tennessee State University; a score of a 4 or higher may result in credit for Chemistry 1110, 1111, 1120, & 1121 at East Tennessee State University; a credit of a 4 may result in CHEM 101 and/or 101L at Tusculum University).
Course Description: Students will learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. Students will do hands-on lab investigations and use chemical calculations to solve problems. Note: Students should save their lab notebooks and reports; college may ask to see them before granting college credit. Here is a link to AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description Document from CollegeBoard. This course is often paired with Chemistry II.
Students will learn the following skills in this course:
Design experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory
Explain how the microscopic structure of a substance determines its chemical properties
Make a scientific claim and support it with evidence
Create graphs, diagrams, and models that represent chemical phenomena
Balance a chemical equation
Students will learn about the following big ideas:
Scale, proportion, and quantity
Structure and properties of substances
Transformations
Energy
Course Content: This course focuses on nine topics and is the equivalent of a one-year, introductory college general chemistry course:
Atomic Structure and Properties
Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties
Intermolecular Forces and Properties
Chemical Reactions
Kinetics
Thermodynamics
Equilibrium
Acids and Bases
Applications of Thermodynamics
AP Exam Overview: The AP Chemistry Exam will test students' understanding of the scientific concepts covered in the course units, as well as students' ability to design and describe chemical experiments. A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended for use on Section 2 of the exam, and students will be provided with a periodic table and a formula sheet that lists specific and relevant formulas for use on the exam.
AP Exam Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Click this link to view additional information about the AP Exam.
Click this link to view more information about this course on the CollegeBoard website.
Click this link to view the AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description.
Textbook: AP Chemistry Molecular Approach ISBN 9781323151846
Prerequisites: Two years of high school lab science, including life science and physical science, along with at least one year of algebra
Recommended Grade Level: 10-12th grade
Required Assessments: AP Exam (Fee Assistance Available - See a school counselor.)
Graduation Requirement: 3rd lab science
Credit: 1
EPSO: This course could result in college credit based on the student's AP Exam score. Here is a link to more information about AP Exam Scoring. Students should research possible universities to understand their crediting procedures. (Example: A score of a 3 may result in credit for Geology 201 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville; a score of a 4 or higher may result in credit for Geology 201-202 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville; a score of a 3 or higher may result in credit for ENHV 3010 at East Tennessee State University; a score of a 4 may result in a credit for EVSC 111 and/or EVSC 111L at Tusculum University).
Course Description: Students will explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. Students will take part in laboratory investigations and field work. Here is a link to the AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description Document from CollegeBoard.
Students will learn the following skills in this course:
Explain environmental concepts and processes
Apply quantitative methods in solving problems
Analyze a research study to identify hypothesis
Analyze data, visual representations, and writings
Propose a solution for an environmental problem and support ideas with evidence
Course Content: This course focuses on nine topics and is the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science:
The Living World: Ecosystems
The Living World: Biodiversity
Populations
Earth Systems and Resources
Land and Water Use
Energy Resources and Consumption
Atmospheric Pollution
Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution
Global Change
AP Exam Overview: The AP Environmental Science Exam will test students' understanding of the environmental concepts covered in the course units, as well as students' ability to design research studies to solve environmental problems. Calculators are permitted for use in all sections of the exam.
AP Exam Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Click this link to view additional information about the AP Exam.
Click this link to view more information about this course on the CollegeBoard website.
Click this link to view the AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description Manual.
Textbook: TBD for 2022-2023 School Year
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Grade Level: 9th grade
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Third Lab Science Credit
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: Agriscience is an introductory laboratory science course that prepares students for biology, subsequent science and agriculture courses, and postsecondary study. This course helps students understand the important role that agricultural science and technology plays in the twenty-first century. In addition, it serves as the first course for all programs of study in the Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources cluster. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for success in more advanced agriculture and science coursework. This course counts as a lab science credit toward graduation requirements.
Course Content: Students will learn about the following topics in this course:
Agriscience Safety and Careers
Agriscience Investigation and Overview
Fundamentals of Environment Systems
Fundamentals of Cell Structures and Processes
Fundamentals of Genetics, Genomics, and Heredity
Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology
Fundamentals of the BioChemistry of Animal Digestion
Fundamentals of Plant and Soil Science
Fundamentals of Animal Reproductive Systems
Fundamentals of Power and Energy Systems
Fundamentals of Engines
Scope & Sequence: Armentrout (DBHS), Ford & Conger (DCHS)
Textbook: None
Aligned Student Organization: Future Farmers of America (FFA)
*This course is a career and technical education course (CTE) and is the level 1 course for the following programs of study:
Environmental and Natural Resource Management
Horticulture Science (DCHS Only)
Veterinary and Animal Science (DBHS Only)
Prerequisites: Recommended Health Science Education and Biology I
Corequisite: Recommended Biology I
Recommended Grade Level: 10th-12th grade
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Third Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: This course is designed to develop an understanding of the structures and functions of the human body, while relating those to knowledge and skills associated with pathophysiology.
Course Content: Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to (1) apply the gross anatomy from earlier courses to a deeper understanding of all body systems, (2) identify the organs and structures of the support and movement systems, (3) relate the structure and function of the communication, control, and integration system, and (4) demonstrate a professional, working understanding of the transportation, respiration, excretory, and reproduction systems.
Textbook: None
Aligned Student Organization: HOSA - Future Health Professionals
*This course is a career and technical education course (CTE) and is the level 2 course for the following programs of study:
Nursing Services
Therapeutic Services
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Grade Level: 9th grade
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: No
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: Astronomy introduces the science of modern astronomy with a concentration on the solar system during the Fall semester and on the sun, stars, galaxies, and the larger universe, including cosmology during the Spring semester.
Course Content: Emphasis is placed on the history and physics of astronomy and an introduction to the solar system, including the plants, comets, and meteors. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a general understanding of the solar system, the larger Universe, and be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of astronomy.
Scope & Sequence:
Textbook: None
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Grade Level: 9th-10th grade
Required Assessments: TCAP End-of-Course (EOC) Exam
Here is a link to the TCAP Biology End-of-Course Assessment Fact Sheet.
Here is a link to the assessment blueprint for the required Biology EOC Exam.
Here is a link to the parent resources for EOC exams provided by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Assessment Overview & Duration:
Subpart 1: 75 minutes
Total Duration: 75 minutes
Total Questions: 52-56 items
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: The course provides students with a wealth of experiences for both science practices and content knowledge needed in an ever changing world. The academic standards for Biology I are research-based, supported by the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education, and establish the core ideas and practices of science and engineering that will prepare students to use scientific thinking to examine and evaluate knowledge encountered throughout their lives.
Course Content: This is a laboratory science course that investigates the relationship among the structure and function of molecules, organisms, and systems using a problem-solving and application approach. Students study cellular processes, inheritance and genetics, ecology, energy, and evolution.
TN State Standards Pages 58-62 in PDF
Digital Textbook: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) - Biology Tennessee Online Student Edition (2019) - ISBN: 9781328833518
Prerequisites:
Demonstrated above grade level reading and math skills on progress monitoring assessments (STAR/CASE)
Scored on-track or mastery level on the previous TCAP science assessments
50th percentile or higher on TVAAS Projected State Percentile
Earned an A or B the previous school year in science
Recommended Grade Level: 9th-10th grade; opportunity for 8th grade students with appropriate prerequisite data
Required Assessments: TCAP End-of-Course (EOC) Exam
Here is a link to the TCAP Biology End-of-Course Assessment Fact Sheet.
Here is a link to the assessment blueprint for the required Biology EOC Exam.
Here is a link to the parent resources for EOC exams provided by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Assessment Overview & Duration:
Subpart 1: 75 minutes
Total Duration: 75 minutes
Total Questions: 52-56 items
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: The course provides students with a wealth of experiences for both science practices and content knowledge needed in an ever changing world. The academic standards for Biology I are research-based, supported by the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education, and establish the core ideas and practices of science and engineering that will prepare students to use scientific thinking to examine and evaluate knowledge encountered throughout their lives.
Course Content: This is a laboratory science course that investigates the relationship among the structure and function of molecules, organisms, and systems using a problem-solving and application approach. Students study cellular processes, inheritance and genetics, ecology, energy, and evolution.
TN State Standards Pages 58-62 in PDF
Textbook: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) - Biology Tennessee Online Student Edition (2019) - ISBN: 9781328833518
Prerequisites: Biology credit, Chemistry recommended
Recommended Grade Level: 10th-12th grade
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: This course provides students with the opportunity to focus on a particular aspect of life science in more detail while continuing to provide knowledge that is rooted in the same crosscutting concepts and practices utilized throughout all of the sciences. This course is open to students who have met the prerequisite requirements and is required for all students who are enrolling in AP Biology at DBHS.
Course Content: The academic standards for Biology II focus on organism classification and evolution with in-depth analysis of plants and animals. This course will meet the Tennessee State Standards for Biology II as well as those related to topics in AP Biology.
Scope & Sequence:
TN State Standards Pages 63-67 in PDF
Textbook: None
Prerequisites: Algebra I & Biology I credits
Recommended Grade Level: 10th-12th grade
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: This lab-based course is designed to engage students in problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and applied learning. Students will participate in a minimum of 30% hands-on investigation.
Course Content: Students will explore four core ideas (matter and its interactions, motion and stability, energy, and waves and their applications in technologies for information transfer) as well as seven core concepts (patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and, stability and change) through laboratory techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities, and problem-solving practices.
TN State Standards Pages 68-72 in PDF
Digital Textbook: Prentice Hall Pearson Education - Chemistry Student Edition (2017) - ISBN: 9781323212301
Prerequisites: Chemistry and Algebra II credits
Recommended Grade Level: 10th-12th grade
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Third Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: This course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. This class is required for all students who enroll in AP Chemistry.
Course Content: The Chemistry II standards build on topics that were introduced in Chemistry I with increased rigor. Students should explore these advanced chemistry concepts and the seven core concepts (patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and, stability and change) through laboratory techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities, and advanced problem-solving practices. Within the Chemistry II standards, scientific and engineering practices are embedded as a means to learn about specific topics identified for the course. Engaging in these practices with current applications will help students become scientifically literate and astute consumers of scientific information.
Scope & Sequence: Carr (DBHS), Chandley (DCHS)
TN State Standards pages 73-77 in PDF
Textbook: None
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Grade Level: 9th grade
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Third Lab Course
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: The Earth and Space Science course examines the role of Earth's place in the universe, the interplay of Earth's systems, and the interrelationships between Earth's systems and human activity.
Course Content: Inherent in this course is a look at how Earth has changed over time and the dynamics that continue to affect it. As events have impacts on the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere, there are also sphere-to-sphere dynamics taking place in the short, medium, and long-term. This is a lab course, with an emphasis on important 21st century critical thinking skills.
TN State Standards Pages 78-83
Textbook: None
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Grade Level: 9th grade; 8th grade with middle school principal recommendation
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Third Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: This course is a laboratory science course that examines the fundamental principles that determine the variety and distribution of plant and animal life on earth and the interrelationships within ecosystems.
Course Content: This course focuses on three core ideas: life science; earth and space science; and engineering, technology, and applications of science.
TN State Standards Pages 84-88 in PDF
Textbook: None
Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation Required
Recommended Grade Level: 11-12th grade
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Third Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: This course examines Earth's history and changes over time, Earth's surface features and interior, and the processes that affect life on Earth. Students will also explore the tools used to study the Earth, rocks, minerals, and natural resources. This is a lab-course with an emphasis on 21st century critical thinking skills.
Course Content: Students will explore the following topics:
Earth's Place in the Universe
Earth's Systems
Earth and Human Activity
Links among Engineering, Technology, Science, and Society
Scope & Sequence
Textbook: None
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Grade Level: 9th grade; 8th grade with middle school principal recommendation
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Third Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: The goal of Physical World Concepts is to provide a strong foundation for all students taking higher level science courses. This course ensures that students understand how the physical world functions.
Course Content: Physical World Concepts uses science, engineering practices, and inquiry to challenge students to work though scientific endeavors. The course provides the skills that accomplish the goals of critical thinking, group dynamics, curiosity, and the ability to generate high ordered questions.
TN State Standards Pages 111-115
Textbook: None
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 required; Geometry and Algebra II recommended
Recommended Grade Level: 11th-12th grade
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Third Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: This is a laboratory course that stresses the study of energy and the way it interacts with matter.
Course Content: Topics include motion in two dimensions, gravity, mechanical energy, heat, light, sound, magnetism, electricity, wave theory, atomic theory, and nuclear physics.
Scope & Sequence:
TN State Standards Pages 116-121
Textbook: McDougal Houghton Mifflin - Physics Online Student Edition (2019) - ISBN:9781328833754
Prerequisites: Biology I
Recommended Grade Level: 10th-12th grades
Required Assessments: None
Graduation Requirement: Third Lab Science
Credit: 1
EPSO: No
Course Description: This is a lab course that will survey the nine major phyla of the kingdom Animalia. Zoology is the study of animal life, researching animals, including their anatomy and interrelationships, their physiology and genetics, and their distributions and habitats.
Course Content: Students learn through project-based learning and hands-on labs including animal behavior and dissection.
Scope & Sequence:
Textbook: Prentice Hall Biology, Miller and Levine, ISBN0132013495, 2007