Course Descriptions

  • All students must complete Biology I, Chemistry or Physics and a third lab science.

    End-of-course Exams

    An End-of-course examination will be given in Biology. The yearly grade will be calculated by counting the teacher assigned grades for the course and the end-of course test.

    Agriscience

    Grade Level: 9        Credit:1

    Prerequisite:  None

    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.



    Biology

    Grade Level: 9-10   Credit:1

    Prerequisite:   Biology for 9th grade is determined by test scores in 8th grade.

    Biology 1 is a course that introduces students to the world of living things. The students explore the following: basic life processes at the molecular, cellular, systemic, and ecological levels of organization within the biosphere; interdependence and interactions within the environment to include relationships, behavior, and population dynamics; cultural  and historical scientific  contributions of  men and women; evidence that supports biological  evolution;  and current and emerging technology applications. It is the expectation that students will experience the content of Biology 1 through an inquiry approach. Using available technology, students will investigate the world around them. Biology I will provide the student with knowledge, prerequisite skills, habits of mind needed for daily living and ethical decision­ making. This course provides a foundation for advanced biological studies and personal career choices. The yearly grade will be calculated by counting the teacher assigned grades and counting the end-of course test.

     

    Biology II

    Grade Level: 11-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:   Biology I and Chemistry

    Biology II is a second year biology class taken after the student has successfully completed BOTH Chemistry I and Biology I.  The class may be taken by any student meeting the required prerequisite as their third science.  This course is required for ALL students taking AP Biology.  Biology II is a challenging course that requires students to keep an interactive notebook and lab notebook. The course encompasses material such as biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, and evolution. This course covers much of the necessary curriculum items for the 1st half of AP Biology. A college textbook and materials are used with students being required to read a much as three hours a week.  After successful completion of Biology II and AP Biology, students will be encouraged to take the AP Biology examination.   Most colleges will award 4-8 credit hours for scores of 3, 4, and 5.

    Biology (Advanced Placement)

    Grade Level: 11-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:   Biology II

    This course is for students who are planning a career in biology, chemistry, bio-chemistry, or a related field.  Since it is a part of the Advanced Placement Program, the course includes the material presented in an up-to-date first year biology course in college. A college textbook and laboratory materials are used. Students must take the AP Biology exam to receive AP credit in this course. After successful completion of Biology II students will be encouraged to take the AP Biology examination. Most colleges will award 4-8 credit hours for scores of 3, 4, and 5.



    Chemistry

    Grade Level: 10-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:   Biology and Algebra II

    Chemistry deals with the composition, structure and properties of all kinds of matter, and of the changes which take place during interaction. The course includes the following subjects: matter and energy; atomic theory and atomic structure; chemical calculations, acids, bases, and salts. The ability to read and understand written problems is essential. Laboratory investigations are a part of this course. The yearly grade will be calculated by counting the teacher assigned grades and counting the end-of course test.

     

    Chemistry II

    Grade Level: 10-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:   Biology, Chemistry and Algebra II (or Algebra II 1st semester)

    Chemistry II  required for ALL students taking AP Chemistry. The course also requires skills in proportional reasoning and algebra.  Chemistry concepts to be covered include more detailed investigation into chemical reactions incorporating Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Equilibrium and Acid/Base chemistry. Students are introduced to curriculum content at the AP chemistry level as well.   A college textbook and materials are used.  Students are expected to spend an average of 5 hours a week on class content outside of class. After successful completion of Chemistry II and AP Chemistry, students will be encouraged to take the AP Chemistry examination.   Most colleges will award 4-8 credit hours for scores of 3, 4, and 5.

     

    AP Chemistry (Advanced Placement)

    Grade Level: 10-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:   Chemistry II.

    This course includes material covered in most first year college chemistry courses and prepares students for the AP Chemistry exam. Any student interested in any field of science should consider taking this course. Students enrolled in the course should be highly motivated and self-directed. Students are expected to spend an average of 5 hours a week on class content outside of class. Students must take the AP Chemistry exam in order to receive AP Credit in this course. After successful completion of Pre-AP Chemistry 2 and AP Chemistry, students will be encouraged to take the AP Chemistry examination. Most colleges will award 4-8 credit hours for scores of 3, 4, and 5.

     

    AP Environmental Science (Advanced Placement)

    Grade Level: 10-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation and two years of lab science (one of which needs to be Biology)

    The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with 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 or preventing them.

     

    Geology

    Grade Level: 11-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation

    Geology provides students with scientific principles, concepts, and methods required to understand physical and historical geology. Physical geology examines the materials that comprise the Earth and processes that operate beneath and upon its surface. Historical geology deals with the origin of the Earth and its development through time. Major topics include mineral identification, plate tectonics, geologic structures such as faults and folds, properties of minerals and rocks, rock classification and identification, weathering and soil, mountain building, fossils, and geologic time.

     

    Physical Science

    Grade Level: 9        Credit:1

    Prerequisite:   None.

    Physical Science is a course that explores the relationship between matter and energy.  Students will investigate force and motion, structure and properties of matter, and interactions of matter and energy through inquiry learning, hands-on laboratory investigations, individual studies, group activities, and direct instruction.  This course provides knowledge, prerequisite skills, and habits of mind needed for problem solving and ethical decision-making about matters of scientific and technological concern, as well as, a basic foundation for advanced studies in chemistry and physics

     

    Physics

    Grade Level: 11-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:   Algebra II: Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus Concurrent

    Physics is an essential class for those students entering fields relating to science, engineering, graphic design, computer science, medical, health, and mathematics. The course gives students an understanding of the physical laws of nature that govern our universe. Areas of study are mechanics(kinematics and dynamics), vectors, electricity, waves, and modern physics. Physics is a mathematical course, and use of algebra and trigonometry is widespread. This course is designed to provide students who are still developing their mathematical skills with a challenging, but manageable, context to learn physics concepts.

     

    AP Physics I  (Advanced Placement)

    Grade Level: 11-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:  Algebra II: Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus Concurrent

    The Physics I AP course is designed to be representative of physics courses commonly offered in colleges and universities. It is designed to be taken by students who are planning on majoring in a science or science-related field such as: biology, nursing, pre-med, and other medical related fields. It will develop student's abilities to read, understand, and interpret information and data; describe and explain the sequence of steps in the analysis of a problem or phenomenon, use mathematical reasoning, and perform experiments. It is usually taken at the same time or after a pre-calculus course in mathematics. Students who take the Physics I AP exam may fulfill the first semester requirements for physics at some colleges and universities. Students should expect reading assignments and homework on a regular basis. Most colleges will award 3-4 credit hours for scores of 3, 4, or 5. Students must take the AP Physics exam in order to receive AP credit in this course.

     

    AP Physics II  (Advanced Placement)

    Grade Level: 11-12 Credit:1

    Prerequisite:  Physics I