Science

Credit: .50 Science

In Astronomy/Meteorology, students will:

● study astronomy through the explanation of orbits, optics, constellations, and galaxies

● investigate theories of origin of the universe

● understand fronts and weather systems ● utilize weather maps for weather prediction

Credit: 1.0 Science

In Biology, students will:

● meet selected state standards through the study of scientific method, cell biology, classification, genetics, ecology, and science and technology

Credit: 1.0 Science

In Biology IB MYP / Honors, students will:

● use an inquiry-based approach and the scientific method to learn about living things and their makeup

● explore the principles of Biochemistry, Cytology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, Classification and Anatomy/Physiology

● Use the scientific method in laboratory experiences

Credit: 1.0 Science

Fee: Student pays for textbook and AP Exam

Recommended: Biology and Chemistry

Pathway: Agricultural Science - Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Dual college credit may be available – see your school counselor for more information

In AP Biology, students will:

● explore topics that include cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, comparative anatomy, botany, ecology and spectrophotometric analysis

● explore related careers through projects and classroom discussion

● have the opportunity to prepare for the AP Biology test and receive college credit

Credit: 1.0

Science Recommended: Algebra 1 In Chemistry,

students will:

● use small scale and traditional labs and classroom discussion to learn about elements, atoms, bonding and formulas, reactions, solutions, acids and bases

Credit: 1.0 Science

Recommended: Geophysical Science Honors and Algebra II

Fee: Student pays for textbook.

In Chemistry Honors, students will:

● explore an in-depth, comprehensive approach to Chemistry

● cover topics such as atomic theory, periodicity, gases, solution chemistry, thermochemistry, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, and intermolecular forces as well as applied calculations

Credit: 1.0

Science Fee: Student pays for textbook and AP Exam Recommended: Pre-AP or Honors Chemistry and Algebra II

In AP Chemistry, students will:

• study the equivalent, in both class work and lab work, of a first year college Chemistry course • have the opportunity to prepare for the AP Chemistry test and receive college credit

Credit: 1.0 Science

Recommended: Biology

In Environmental Science, students will:

● explore aspects of land, water, wildlife, and human dimensions as related to the science of ecology and natural resources

● evaluate the relationships between science, technology, and human activity and how they can affect the world

Credit: 1.0 Science

Fee: Student pays for textbook and AP Exam

Recommended: Biology and/or Chemistry

In AP Environmental Science, students will:

● study the equivalent, in both class work and labs, of a one semester introductory college level Environmental Science class

● have the opportunity to prepare for the AP Environmental Science test and receive credit

Credit: .25 Science 

In Forensic Science, students will:

● meet selected state standards through the study of scientific method, cell biology, genetics, and science and technology

● use small scale and traditional labs and classroom discussion to learn about reactions

● learn about motion

● study structures and functions of human anatomy

● explore career relevance for those interested in health-related careers

Credit: .50 Science

Recommended: Biology

In Genetics, students will:

● use laboratories and projects to understand the areas of classical and applied genetics through the topics of inheritance patterns/probabilities, biotechnology, chromosomal inheritance, and human genetics

● explore related careers through projects and classroom discussion

Credit: 1.0 Science

In Geophysical Lab, students will:

● investigate astronomy, meteorology, hydrology, geology, paleontology, chemistry, physics 

● quantitatively analyze the above subjects with introductory concepts and tools from chemistry and physics, to increase critical skills

Credit: 1.0 Science

In Geophysical Lab Science IB MYP, students will:

● use an inquiry-based approach to explore the earth and the universe around it

● use scientific investigation to explore experimental design, matter and minerals, rocks, geologic processes, Earth History, Astronomy, Oceanography, Hydrology and Meteorology ● participate and reflect on lab experiences

Credit: .50 

Science Recommended: Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

In Human Anatomy and Physiology 2, students will:

● study those systems not covered in Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

● be required to complete a cat dissection

● study structures and functions of human anatomy through a hands-on lab-oriented approach

Credit: 1.0 Science for each course

This two-year course will emphasize the experimental nature of science and the scientific method as well as the content of a typical introductory college biology course.

In IB DP Biology, students will:

● spend time planning experiments, conducting experiments and learning various lab techniques, organizing and analyzing data, and making valid conclusions based upon these data

● become familiar with the growing field of biochemistry as they learn about the molecules of life, enzyme activity, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, DNA replication, and protein synthesis

● explore the relationship between structure and function as they learn parts of cells and functions of plant and animal systems

● know the unity of life, and its diversity, as they study mitosis, genetics, and taxonomy

● study equilibrium in relation to physiology of animal, especially human, systems

● understand the interdependence of organisms the world over will be emphasized in the ecology topics

● have the opportunity to design, conduct, evaluate, and communicate about a scientific investigation

● provide a body of knowledge for biology, including unifying concepts, themes of structure and function, equilibrium, universality, diversity, and evolution

● identify the connections among the various branches of science and between science and other fields

● emphasize global contexts for biology, such as the greenhouse effect, pollution, immunology, or the Human Genome Project

Credit: 1.0 Science per year

This two-year course introduces students to concepts required for solving problems both qualitative and quantitative in chemistry for understanding chemical reactivity.

In IB DP Chemistry, students will:

● develop analytical thinking skills

● design and conduct chemical investigations and then analyze and interpret their data, develop relevant equations from graphs of data and communicate their findings via formal laboratory reports

● data and communicate their findings via formal laboratory reports

● provide a body of knowledge of chemistry including unifying themes

● develop correlations between chemical bonding, oxidation-reduction and the Kreb cycle, etc.

● apply their chemical knowledge to large global problems ● develop interpersonal coop

Credit: 1.0 Science

Recommended: Algebra 2

Recommend: Algebra 1

In Physics, students will:

● learn about motion, energy, relativity, light, sound, heat, optics, electricity, or aerodynamics without the rigorous mathematics of AP Physics

● apply learning through objects like catapults, lasers, black holes, and machines

● receive a good introduction to Physics in preparation for technical, humanities, and fine arts fields

● advanced math students should consider registering for AP Physics

Credit: 1.0 Science per year

Environmental Systems and Societies is a one-year standard level course firmly grounded in both a scientific exploration of environmental systems in their structure and function, and in the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, political and social interactions of societies with the environment.

In IB DP Environmental Systems and Societies, students will:

● acquire and apply the knowledge and methodologies of environmental systems and issues at a variety of scales

● appreciate the dynamic interconnectedness between environmental systems and societies value the combination of personal, local and global perspectives and engage in making informed decisions and taking responsible actions on a variety of environmental issues

● be critically aware that resources are finite, that these could be inequitably distributed and exploited, and that the management of these inequities is the key to sustainability

● develop critical awareness that environmental problems are caused and solved by decisions made by individuals and societies that are based on different environmental value systems

Credit: 1.0 Science Fee:

Student pays for textbook and AP Exam Recommended: AP Calculus, can be taken concurrently

In AP Physics C: Mechanics, students will:

● study mechanics with Calculus applications including gravitation and rotation

● follow a course outline that prepares students for the AP Physics C exam, mechanics portion

● master problem-solving skills and content equivalent to freshman engineering Physics 1at a 4-year college