Science

1 Unit – Grade Level 8

Text:  Earth Science, Holt Rinehart, and Winston

Course Description:  This course examines effective scientific investigative procedures through laboratory experiences. Its topics include:  the origin of the universe, evolution of our solar system, Earth’s geologic history, interactions among Earth’s spheres (geo, hydro, atmo, and bio), global climate effects and processes, and geochemical cycles.  A science project or paper may be required.

1 Unit – Grade Level 8&9
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in honors mathematics course

Text:  Science Spectrum, Holt-McDougal

Course Description:  This course integrates scientific fundamentals and concepts that emphasize scientific inquiry of physics and chemistry preparing students for future intensive studies in science.  Specific topics include fundamentals correlated to the scientific method, measurement, matter, energy, mechanics, and principles in chemical processes and composition of matter.  Students will develop skills relative to quantitative and qualitative analysis of data, graphs and scientific models.  Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental scientific laws related to energy, matter, and motion.  Furthermore, students will be instructed in introductory and intermediate laboratory techniques.  A science project or paper is required at the discretion of the department.

1 Unit – Grade Level 10

Text:  Biology, Holt-McDougal

Course Description:  The course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts of biology and the methods of biological inquiry.  Emphasis is placed on the principles and features common to all life forms and helping the student understand his total environment and the interactions that occur within that environment.  It also provides information about the diversity of processes and structures from the simplest organisms to the most complex.  Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.  A science project may be required.

1 Unit – Grade Level 9&10
Prerequisite: Departmental approval/concurrent enrollment in honors mathematics course

Text:  Biology, Holt-McDougal

Course Description:  This biological survey course is designed for the above-average student.  Students will be stimulated to discover the major aspects of biology through research and laboratory work, with stress placed on developing the student’s investigative approach and critical reasoning ability.  Included concepts will be the cell theory, genetic continuity of life, evolution, diversity of life forms, classification schemes and comparative animal anatomy, and physiology, with emphasis on the human species.  A science project or paper is required at the discretion of the department.

1 Unit – Grade Level 11
Prerequisite: Completion/concurrent enrollment in Algebra II

Text:  Mastering Chemistry, Pearson; Chemistry: Atoms First 2e, OpenStax & University of Connecticut

Course Description: This course is designed to present modern chemical principles and their practical application. Laboratory work is incorporated; which will enable the student to use the investigative approach to learn and understand such concepts as: the nature of matter, the language of chemistry, atomic theory, periodicity of elements, the mole, chemical bonding, properties of molecules, matter-energy relationships, mathematical applications to chemistry problems, and environmental issues relating to chemistry.  A research project may be required. 

1 Unit – Grade Level 10&11
Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II Honors or Advanced Mathematics I; Departmental approval

Text:  Mastering Chemistry, Pearson; Chemistry: Atoms First 2e, OpenStax & University of Connecticut

Course Description: This honors course offers an accelerated study of various topics usually associated with college chemistry with emphasis on problem solving.  Laboratory work will be an integral part of the course.  A science project or paper is required at the discretion of the department.

1 Unit – Grade Level 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II and concurrent enrollment in Advanced Mathematics; Departmental approval

Text:  The Physics Classroom (physicsclassroom.com)

Course Description:  This course will investigate the fundamental laws and principles of physics that will include vectors, mechanics, thermodynamics, motion, periodic motion to waves, optics, and electromagnetism. Furthermore, this course will be supplemented by a coordinated series of lab experiences and activities.  Students will learn quantitative data acquisition and analysis via equations, graph interpolation, and scientific models. A working knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required.  A research project or paper may be required.

1 Unit – Grade Level 11&12
Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, and concurrent enrollment in an honors math course; Departmental approval

Text:  The Physics Classroom (physicsclassroom.com)

Course Description:  This course will investigate the fundamental laws and principles of physics that will include vectors, mechanics, thermodynamics, motion, heat, optics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and atomic physics. This course will also prove for a systematic study of the fundamental principles of physics and problem-solving ability.  Furthermore, this course will be supplemented by a coordinated series of lab experiences and activities. Students will learn quantitative data acquisition and analysis via equations, graph interpolation, and scientific models.  A working knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required. A science project or paper is required at the discretion of the department.

1 Unit – as a 5th Science course ONLY.

Text:  Environmental Science, Holt-McDougal

Course Description:  This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts in the global environment. Students will learn how to analyze the interactions that take place between humans and the environment.  Attention will be placed on the need and use of energy and mineral resources.  This course also covers the ecosystem and the basic laws that govern energy/resources use.  Students will be given an opportunity to strengthen lab skills.  A science project or paper may be required.

1 Unit – Grade Level(s) 11&12.
Prerequisite(s): Biology and Chemistry

Text(s):  Anatomy and Physiology, OpenStax & Rice University

Course Description: The course is designed to provide an opportunity to investigate the human body, its structure, function and how the human body reacts to external stimuli throughout everyday life. An emphasis will be placed on the systems of the body (skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, and reproductive). Through dissections of various vertebrates, students will learn the structure and function of the parts of the human body. Students will be expected to engage in investigations, analyze data, incorporate scientific reasoning and communicate results. This course is intended for 11th and 12th grade students looking to possibly pursue a medical career. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. A science project may be required. An 11th grade student who has completed both biology and chemistry may choose to take this course as a junior and physics as a senior or vice versa. A 12th grade student who has completed both biology and chemistry may choose to take this course instead of physics or environmental science.

1/2 Unit – Grade Level(s) 10, 11, & 12.
Prerequisite(s): Biology and Chemistry

Text(s):  Anatomy and Physiology, OpenStax & Rice University

Course Description: Introduction to Sports Medicine is designed for students interested in fields such as athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, fitness, exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and other sports medicine related fields. This class includes both classroom work, as well as, hands-on application in order to provide students with an avenue to explore these fields. Students will study basic human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and common injuries that occur during a variety of sports. Through these connections, students will understand the importance exercise, nutrition, treatment and rehabilitation play in athletic health. 

1/2 Unit – Grade Level(s) 11, & 12.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Chemistry 

Course Description: Forensic Science is a project based, student driven course that seeks to incorporate 21st century learning into a rigorous science curriculum containing elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  The course will be divided into a series of modules in which students will take on the role of a forensic scientist in one of 3 ways.  Initially, students are presented with a crime scene, collect evidence and then using the evidence, identify a subject, using things like fingerprint analysis, ballistics, footprint analysis, fiber analysis, handwriting analysis and witness statements.  As the course progresses there is a shift from evidence collection to data analysis, with less actual collection from simulated crime scenes and more evaluation of evidence collected by detectives, things like DNA analysis, protein identification and blood typing where they are provided with suspects and possible means.  The final module relies on student driven data evaluation to identify abnormalities in samples and put together a rationale for why they exist( for example using samples from a discovered body to determine whether they died of natural causes or were murdered and determine the cause of death).  The course is designed to emulate as much as possible actual forensic methodology, using gel electrophoresis for DNA and protein identification, ELISA tests for toxicology, and protein assays. 

Requirements: Class size is limited to 24 students, requires the signature of the instructor and is open to 10th-12th grader students who have previously taken Biology. Students must have access at home to a device with a camera or scanner for submission of documents electronically.  By participating in the class, students are agreeing to allow certain data to be collected for research purposes and students and their guardians will have to sign a waiver to that effect.

1/2 Unit – Grade Level(s) 10, 11, & 12.
Prerequisite: Completion of Physical Science, Algebra I, ACT math and science scores of 18 or equivalent; Department approval

Text(s): my.pltw.org Online Course Management System

Course Description: In PLTW Engineering, students engage in open-ended problem solving, learn and apply the engineering design process, and use the same industry-leading technology and software as are used in the world’s top companies. Students are immersed in design as they investigate topics such as sustainability, mechatronics, forces, structures, aerodynamics, digital electronics and circuit design, manufacturing, and the environment, which gives them an opportunity to learn about different engineering disciplines before beginning postsecondary education or careers.

Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.