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Successful
completion of Earth Science, Biology I, Chemistry, and Physics
will meet all of the science content standards. Any student
with a question regarding the appropriate sequence of classes
should speak with a science teacher.
Earth Science
Prerequisite: None
Grade(s): 9, 10
Class length: Full year
Ninth grade students are enrolled in Earth Science. First semester topics include mapping, introduction to chemistry, geologic history, plate tectonics, weathering and erosion, rocks and minerals, geologic hazards, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Second semester topics will be chosen from meteorology (weather), oceanography, solar system astronomy, energy resources, oil and gas exploration, nuclear, coal, and solar, natural resources and the environment, timber, mineral, rangelands, and water, and radon and radioactivity.
Biology I
Prerequisite: 9th grade science
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Class length: Full year
Biology 1 is a
laboratory oriented course designed to provide an experience
with and understanding of living organisms. Laboratory work,
videos, and other instructional media are used extensively
to supplement the textbook. Some of the areas of study are
the diversity and distribution of living organisms, ecology,
microscopic organisms, animal and plant physiology and anatomy,
genetics, drug and alcohol education, and plant and animal
reproduction. More important than any topic is the development
of an inquiring approach to problems related to living things.
Biology II Honors/AP
Prerequisite:
Biology I, physics or chemistry, and teacher approval
Grade(s): 11, 12
Class length: Full year
Fees: $10.00
Biology II is
designed for students who have demonstrated ability and
interest in biology, and who desire to pursue their study
in greater depth. The course is intended to show biology
as an experimental science, to illustrate the design and
the execution of experiments, the acquisition and analysis
of data, and the formation of tentative conclusions. These
processes are illustrated with laboratory investigations
of specific aspects of cytology, physiology, comparative
anatomy, genetics, animal growth and development, and microbiology.
This course, along with additional study and lab work, may
be used to prepare for the AP exam in biology.
Chemistry
Prerequisite:
Algebra I and/or teacher approval
Grade(s): 11, 12
Class length: Full year
Fees: $10.00
Chemistry is taught
using laboratory work, lecture notes, and problem-solving
activities. This course emphasizes a mathematical and logical
approach to central concepts in chemistry, reinforced by
observations in the laboratory. Topics studied include the
structure of the periodic table and chemical nomenclature,
chemical reactions and their equations, the structure of
the atom, chemical bonding, kinetics, equilibrium, and acid/base
chemistry. Chemistry is an accumulative subject, with each
unit building upon previous knowledge. Math-based homework
is assigned after most classes. The contributions of chemists
and chemistry to modern society are interwoven throughout
the course.
Chemistry in the Community
Prerequisite:
Teacher approval
Grade(s): 11, 12
Class length: Full year
Fees: $10.00
Chemistry in the
Community (ChemCom) is an interdisciplinary chemistry course
developed by the American Chemical Society to serve as an
alternative to Chemistry. Students acquire a knowledge of
chemistry and how it affects their everyday lives by studying
modules covering issues such as water quality, nonrenewable
resources, food, nuclear chemistry, air and climate, health,
and the chemical industry. Chemistry concepts are introduced
using decision-making activities requiring the collection
of laboratory data, group decision making, and the application
of chemical principles. This is a good course for students
interested in medical technology. It is also appropriate
for college-abound students who do not necessarily plan
to major in science.
Physics I
Prerequisite:
Algebra I
Grade(s): 11, 12
Class length: Full year
Fees: $5.00
Physics helps
students understand the concepts and laws that describe
the universe. The course is designed to meet the needs of
students who are interested in science and may wish to major
in physical science, mathematics, or engineering. It also
prepares students who wish to pursue technical jobs in the
trades, such as computer or instrument technician, electrician,
or communications. Physics is required for studies in medicine,
oceanography, biological sciences, and space sciences. Topics
include velocity, acceleration, forces, vectors, Newton's
laws, projectiles, periodic and harmonic motion, gravity,
momentum, kinetic and potential energy, electrostatics,
electric current, electromagnetic radiation, light, reflection,
refraction, diffraction, waves, atomic theory, and quantum
effects and relativity. Click
here for more information.
Physics II
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Physics I,
Algebra II/Trig is helpful
Grade(s): 11, 12
Class length: Full year
Fees: $5.00
The student could
earn 5 hours of college credit
Physics II is
a full-year, algebra-based, math-intensive, laboratory science
dealing with the fundamental properties, changes and interactions
of matter and energy. Topics included are: motion
and forces in one- and two-dimensional systems, momentum,
energy, thermodynamics, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism,
relativity and nuclear physics. For topics that were
covered in Physics I, a brief overview will be provided
and then we will delve more deeply into the material and
provide more interesting applications of those basics.
A heavy emphasis is given to technology in the science education
process. Click
here for more information.
Marine Biology and Oceanography
Prerequisite:
Earth Science, Biology I, and teacher approval
Grade(s): 11, 12
Class length: One semester
Fees: $10.00
Students explore the ocean world and the life of the marine ecosystem and investigate the properties of saltwater that enable it to support some of the largest biotic communities in the biosphere. Throughout the semester, students will be involved in numerous labs and other activities that will further an understanding and appreciation of the marine world. Students build and maintain saltwater aquaria at school as part of the course.
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