SCIENCE

52 PHYSICAL SCIENCE

GRADE LEVEL: 9

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 3

Physical Science will provide an overview of Chemistry and Physics while ensuring a mastery of the basics of each discipline.

The course introduces the students to basic topics in science. The Chemistry topics covered include: properties and states of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonds and reactions, and solutions (Acids & Bases). The Physics topics covered include: motion, forces, work, power, machines, energy, heat, waves, sound, and the electromagnetic spectrum. The course will help enhance the students’ background of science especially for those who want to pursue all four years of science in high school as well as prepare those students who wish to pursue careers in technology training at a community college or technical school.

44 *BIOLOGY

GRADE LEVEL: 9-10

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 3

RECOMMENDED: Physical Science

Biology has all the same topics of coverage and goals as Applied Biology, but is designed to benefit those going on to a four-year college to pursue careers in biology related fields, such as health, laboratory research, criminology, etc. We will be going into a little more depth on the topics covered.

45 ADVANCED BIOLOGY

GRADE LEVEL: 10

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 3

RECOMMENDED: Physical Science

Applied Biology is a general course that covers the physical structures and natural processes that are exhibited by organisms. Students taking biology are expected to have a general background in math, graphing, physical science, atomic structure, and the basic chemistry processes necessary to understand the carbon chemistry of life.

The general sequence of biology includes evolution, carbon chemistry, the cell, homeostasis and transport across cell membranes, cell reproduction, and the biology of the human body.

43 ASTRONOMY

GRADE LEVEL: 9+

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 1

OFFERED: Tri 1 or Tri 3

This course is recommended for students interested in the stars, planets, and moon. The course will cover a basic study of constellations, planets, galaxies, solar systems, the earth, sun, & moon, electromagnetic spectrum, telescopes, comets, meteors, asteroids, and satellite planets (including a debate about Pluto). Included in this course will be some night observations where students learn how to use the telescope and find and observe the constellations, planets, & deep space objects. The night observations will be required.

47 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

GRADE LEVEL: 10+

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 1

OFFERED: Tri 1

RECOMMENDED: Biology

This course will explore all areas of environmental science from wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and nuclear energy sources to biomass fuels, organic farming, and conservation techniques, as well as air, water, and soil quality control. Current events, such as global warming, melting polar ice sheets, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, rain forest depletion, hydrogen powered cars, and the debate on whether to allow U.S. forest fires to burn will also be addressed.

Student should exhibit the maturity necessary for safe field studies to local creeks, natural preserves and farms for practical study (doing chemical tests at these sites or moving brush to build turkey nesting sites, etc.), performing civic contributions such as collecting recyclables, as well as self-motivated for researching topics to bring back to the classroom.

48 GENETICS

GRADE LEVEL: 10+

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 1

OFFERED: Tri 3

RECOMMENDED: Biology

This course will cover fundamentals of genetics, gene expression, inheritance patterns and DNA technology, including gene therapy, cloning, and stem cell research. During the progression of studies, we will be raising animals or plants to study the F1 and F2 generation offspring to see what characteristics are passed on and at what odds certain characteristics have of being inherited. Students may be using information from local farms to do studies of genetic traits of livestock or crops. Studies of mutation probabilities may also be done for different species. There will be extensive work in studying Punnett Squares with modifying genes, specifically animal coat colors.

This could be an exciting course for you if you are thinking of going into the healthcare profession, criminology, horticulture, breeding animals, agriculture sciences, or farming. Labs include DNA fingerprinting electrophoresis.

49 MICROBIOLOGY

GRADE LEVEL: 10+

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 1

OFFERED: Tri 2

RECOMMENDED: Biology

This course is designed for students planning on furthering studies in the sciences, such as health care providers or researchers working on finding cures for diseases. Students will be studying such things as the spread of disease, bioterrorism and world epidemics. Examples of labs might include culturing bacteria from washed hands, from vegetables and hot dogs at different number of days sitting in refrigerator, or testing sites around the school building including doorknobs and chair backs. We will also test what techniques, chemicals, or medicines work best on controlling various cultures. Specific microorganisms covered are bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae and fungus like protists and fungi, as well as how they either harm us or help us. There will be microscope work as well as online research involved.

46 CHEMISTRY

GRADE LEVEL: 10+

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 3

RECOMMENDED: Physical Science, Algebra I

Chemistry is designed for the average or above average student. It is offered to sophomores who have had Biology and Algebra I their freshmen year and to juniors and seniors who have had Algebra I. Basic chemical principles & topics are taught. Topics covered include: energy & matter, atomic structure, periodic table & elements, chemical formulas & bonding, molecular shapes, chemical reactions & equations, the mole, gases, liquids & solids. There are many simple chemical experiments, which are done in the lab. It helps to prepare the students for a basic Chemistry or General Science course at a college or tech school. Most colleges require at least one year of college science in order to graduate.

40 ADVANCED CHEMISTRY LAB

GRADE LEVEL: 11+

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 3

1 credit per year

AP Chemistry Laboratory meets one day per week from 7-8 a.m. The lab class is the equivalent of a freshmen college general Chemistry lab class.

41 ADVANCED CHEMISTRY (AP)

GRADE LEVEL: 11+

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 3

RECOMMENDED: Chemistry

REQUIREMENT: Scientific Calculator

(Knowledge of how to use a Graphing Calculator would be helpful.)

This course will explore more advanced chemical principles & topics with an emphasis on analyzing data & problem solving. Students should have successfully completed all 3 trimesters of high school Chemistry prior to taking this course. Students wanting to take this course should also have a strong will to achieve, a good ability to solve problems and excel in math. They should also have a good attitude and work ethic.

This is a full year course designed to be the equivalent to a college level General Chemistry course. Areas of study will include: atomic theory, chemical bonding, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, solutions, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics.

50 PLANT SCIENCE

GRADE LEVEL: 11+

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 1

OFFERED: Tri 3

RECOMMENDED: Applied Biology or Biology

Plant science will continue on in the biology books on the chapters dealing with plants, and will cover cellular levels, tissue levels, and organ levels, as well as the process of photosynthesis. Using the knowledge about plant classification, structure, and physiology learned from the texts, students will then progress to do projects in landscaping, windbreaks, garden schemes, ecology, plant collections/identifications and conservation.

42 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

GRADE LEVEL: 11+

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 3

RECOMMENDED: Biology

Anatomy and physiology is the study of structure and function of the human body. This course is designed for individuals who anticipate careers in health related fields, teaching of biology or physical education, sports sciences, criminology, or those who have an interest in the human body. Sequence of the course work includes indepth studies of the chemical basis of life, cells, tissue, skeletal and muscular systems, nervous system, digestive systems, blood, cardiovascular, urinary and reproductive systems.

There will be dissecting of mammals and other individual organs, parisitology, microbiology work and internet research projects. A good work ethic and positive attitude is the secret to success in this course.

53 PHYSICS

GRADE LEVEL: 12

NUMBER OF TRIMESTERS: 3

RECOMMENDED: Algebra I

The physics program is intended to help the student achieve the objective of learning "science" - how to solve problems. There is a good deal of mathematics, but this should not deter the interested student from participating if willing to put forth some effort. The course is concentrated on the study of mechanics and energy forms. There are many labs and the student should learn to observe and record data in a meaningful manner such as graphs or charts. Emphasis is placed on participation and self-involvement. Basic material covered in a year course may include the following: graphs and measurement, force and motion, thermodynamics, wave energy, atomic and nuclear physics, and electricity and magnetism.