PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Grade 9
1 unit

Physical Science is a course dealing with the relationship between matter, energy and the physical world. This course will examine physical properties related to natural resources, air and other gases, and water. Other areas of emphasis include, but are not limited to, motion, light, dynamics, and kinematics.

Expectations: The course involves a number of hands-on activities using simple laboratory equipment in order to develop each student's lab skills. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating different scientific principles, which occur, in the student's everyday life and developing of common scientific process skills. Current events in various areas of science are also studied and related to the overall study of physical science.



BIOLOGY I

Grades 10-12
1 unit

Biology is a course devoted to a survey of topics in biology. Topics include cellular structure and activity, heredity and genetics, natural selection and the diversity of life, protein synthesis, specific classification and phylogenic, human biology, ecology, and brief coverage of related topics in chemistry and biochemistry. Lab activities range from theoretical inquiries, to simulations, to actual investigations of biological specimens. Lab work does include dissection and examination of preserved animal tissues and specimens.

Expectations: Students acquire, understand and use the technical vocabulary required for a study of biology. They develop an understanding of the principles of continuity, diversity, and ecology as applied to biological systems. They also develop an ability to read and interpret scientific information in a critical manner. Engaging in critical analyses enables them to draw conclusions from scientific information and make valid generalizations. Laboratory exercises provide opportunities to develop and enhance a variety of manipulative skills associated with science and technology.



SCIENCE I

Grades 9-10
1 unit

The specific content of Integrated Science courses varies, but emanates from suggestions made by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This multi-year program of study, draw from the principles of several scientific specialties – earth science, physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics and organize material around thematic units. Common themes include systems, models, energy, patterns, change, and constancy.



SCIENCE II

Grades 10-12
1 unit

The second year of this science program draws from the principles of several scientific specialties – earth science, physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics and organize material around thematic units. Common themes include systems, models, energy, patterns, change, and constancy.



ADVANCED BIOLOGY

Prerequisites: Biology I
Grades 11-12
.5 unit

This course is structured for the college bound science student. Scientific principles introduced in Biology I are further developed and applied. It is a more in-depth investigation of the following areas: cell biology, developmental biology, basic anatomy and physiology, and biological issues and problems.

Expectations: Students are expected to read the textbook and other outside readings, become involved in classroom discussions, do all daily assignments, write a term paper and other short reports, successfully complete tests and quizzes, and participate in hands on lab experiments including a dissection of the pig, rat or mouse.



ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Prerequisites: Biology
Grades 11-12
.5 unit

Environmental science is designed to be a course in basic ecology and outdoor science. The topics to be covered include, but are not limited to; population dynamics, food pyramids, local ecosystems, survey of local flora and fauna, and human impact on the environment. Some of the ecological topics introduced in Biology 1 will be expanded.

Expectations: Students are expected to read the textbook and other outside readings, be involved in class discussion, and actively participate in class activities. (many of the activities will be out doors). There will be tests over the readings and labs that are to expected to be successfully completed.



INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Prerequisites: Adv. Bio
Grade 12
1 unit (4 credits HCC)

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology is a class designed for students entering allied health fields as well as others who have a minimal background in the biological and physical sciences. The course will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of human and anatomy and physiology beginning at the cellular level of organization and progressing through a comprehensive overview of the organ systems and with an emphasis on homeostasis. The lab component of the course will involve dissection of cats to view the similarities in the muscular systems of humans and felines.



CHEMISTRY

Prerequisites: Algebra I
Grades 11-12
1 unit

Chemistry is recommended for any student planning on attending college. The course includes classroom and lab work on the structure, properties, and reactions of atoms, molecules, and complex chemicals. Writing and balancing chemical equations, stoichiometry problems, work with acids and bases, the gas laws, and organic chemistry are also explored.

Expectations: Laboratory exercises provide opportunities to develop and enhance a variety of manipulative skills and thinking strategies associated with chemistry.



TECHNICAL PHYSICS

Prerequisites: Algebra II or FST
Grades 11-12
1 unit (4 credits HCC)

This is the first trimester of a two- term sequence. The course is designed to provide science students and technology students, not requiring calculus-based physics course with the fundamental concepts in the area of kinematics, static’s, dynamics, mechanical properties of materials, sound, fluid mechanics and heat. It is a mathematically rigorous class that assumes the entering student has a strong background in algebra and finite mathematics.



PHYSICS

Prerequisites: Algebra II or FST
Grades 11-12
1 unit

Physics is a math and science related course designed mainly for the college-bound science student. Included in the course are units on force, motion, energy, waves, sound, light, and some magnetism and electricity.

Expectations: Laboratory exercises provide opportunities to develop and enhance a variety of manipulative skills and thinking strategies associated with physics.

Back to Course Offerings