Science

Integrated Science

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 1

Integrated Science is an introduction to the fundamental behavior of matter and energy in living and nonliving systems.  It is intended to serve non-science majors.  It presents the foundations of chemistry, biology, physics and earth science, where students learn the big ideas in life science and physical science through experimental learning, project based units, and scientific inquiry.

Biology

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 1

Biology topics will include biochemistry, cell biology, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, mitosis, meiosis and  genetics; all at an introductory level. Classification of living organisms and a brief overview of evolution will be covered. Vocabulary and reading comprehension will be highly emphasized.  A variety of labs will be used to reinforce biological concepts. Exposure to live animals in the lab setting is probable. 

Chemistry I

Grade: 10-12

Length: 1 year

Level: Honors

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Biology and Geometry (or concurrent enrollment in Geometry)

This course examines the characteristics of the elements, the changes that take place when they combine to form other substances, and the laws of their combination and behavior under various conditions. Calculator is required. Both wet lab and virtual activities will be conducted to reinforce concepts taught. This course will involve both learning new concepts and applying those concepts to solve mathematical problems. Students may need to seek additional help from the teacher, outside of General classroom sessions, to ensure understanding and mastery of the material taught.

Chemistry II

Grade: 11-12

Length: 1 year

Level: Honors

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Chemistry I

After a brief review of stoichiometry, students will continue to explore various areas of Chemistry. This will include Solutions, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Acids and Bases, and Reduction-Oxidation (Redox) reactions, and Organic Chemistry. Laboratory and analytical skills learned in general chemistry will be refined. Both wet lab and virtual lab activities will be conducted to reinforce concepts taught. This course will involve both learning new concepts and applying those concepts to solve mathematical problems. Students may need to seek additional help from the teacher, outside of General classroom sessions, to ensure understanding and mastery of the material taught.

Anthropology & Archaeology

Grade: 10-12

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 1

This course will provide an exploration of the field of archaeology: what it is, who does it, and why we should care about it. The course addresses archaeological methods and theory, ethical issues, dating methods, reconstructing past environments through flora and fauna. It also covers what we can learn from human skeletal remains, how we can recreate past social and political systems, as well as looks at gender, kinship, and social hierarchies. Students also examine the growing fields of historical and maritime archaeology. This course will be offered on a rotational basis as the instructor’s schedule allows.

Forensic Science

Grade: 10-12

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 1

Forensic Science is the application of science (chemistry, physics, and biology) to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. It includes the investigation of fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, arson, trace evidence analysis, poisons, drugs, blood spatters, and blood samples. Students are taught the proper collection, preservation, and laboratory analysis of various samples. True crime stories and a course long murder mystery augment the labs. This course will be offered on a rotational basis as the instructor’s schedule allows.

Health Occupations

Grade: 10-12

Length: 1 semester

Level: General

Credit: 0.5

This is a survey course of the varied careers in the health related fields. Strong emphasis will be placed on the skills needed to excel in the medical field, including ethics, education, compassion and attention to detail. Hands-on activities, field trips and speakers will be part of the curriculum and students will be expected to maintain a mature decorum when in these settings. Examples of topics covered will be CNA, lab technician, phlebotomy, LPN, RN, Nurse practitioner, Doctor, radiology tech, PT, OT and sports medicine.  This course will be offered on a rotational basis as the instructor’s schedule allows.

Zoology

Grade: 10-12

Length: 1 semester

Level: General

Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: Biology preferred

This course discusses the branch of biology that deals with animals and animal life, including the study of the structure, physiology, development, and classification of animals. Some of the topics discussed include the classification of animals, invertebrates, including sponges, flatworms, mollusks, insects, arthropods, and echinoderms, and vertebrates, including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.  With multiple projects, labs, and dissections such as earthworms, grasshoppers, and crayfish. This course will be offered on a rotational basis as the instructor’s schedule allows.

Advanced Agricultural Science

Grade: 10-12

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 1

This course will cover several areas. The areas will consist of forestry, surveying, soil science, meat id, electrical and animal science. This is a hands-on vocational skills class. Students will learn about careers, safety and all other necessary skills to complete each section. This course meets the science requirement for graduation.