Unified Science, a full year laboratory course, provides an introduction to many science topics. It is designed to provide a foundation for science courses that the student will take in grades 10-12. Many laboratory activities will be used to improve the student's skills and understanding.
Biology, a full year laboratory course, is the study of life. Students will investigate the complexities of the cell, the structure and function of organisms from viruses to humans, and how all of these organisms survive together. Laboratory investigations include microscopic work, hands-on and theoretical studies, dissections, and live animal studies. (Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing or Qualifying Freshmen (Those scoring Advanced or Proficient on 7th Grade Science MAP and earning a B or better in Science and Algebra I)
Astronomy and Meteorology, a semester course, is intended for any student having an interest in learning and applying knowledge regarding the earth's dynamic weather systems and the structure of the universe. Topics include history and observational techniques of astronomy, the solar system, galaxies and other universal objects, and space exploration. Meteorological topics include the earth's dynamic atmosphere, weather mapping and forecasting, climate, and weather phenomena. (Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing and Biology)
Geology, a semester course, is intended for any student interested in studying the earth's history, the dynamics of the earth and its oceans. Topics include rock and mineral identification, topography maps, plate tectonics, weathering and erosion. (Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing,1 Science Credit, and Algebra I)
Physics I, a full year laboratory course, is the study of force, motion, light, heat, sound, magnetism and electricity. A conceptual approach requiring less rigorous mathematics will be used. This course is recommended for students who do not plan a career in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering. This is not a college credit course. (Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing, 1 Science Credit, and Algebra I)
Chemistry, a full year laboratory course, is the study of the structure, properties, and composition of matter. It also includes the change that matter undergoes and the accompanying energy changes. Topics include matter and change, periodicity, chemical composition, phases of matter, solution chemistry and chemical reactions. Course work includes laboratory activities and problem solving. It is recommended the students take Chemistry at the same time as Algebra II. (Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing, 1 Science Credit, and Algebra I)
Applied Biology/Chemistry I, a full year laboratory course, introduces biological and chemical concepts, technology, and laboratory techniques useful in science related occupations. Students interested in careers related to the Health Services, Human Services, and Natural Resources will benefit from this class. Topics to be covered include continuity of life, genetics, disease and wellness, animal life processes, microorganisms, water and living systems, and natural resources. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing and 1 Science Credit)
Applied Biology and Chemistry II, a full year laboratory course, continues margining biological and chemical concepts, technical and laboratory techniques that are useful in science related occupations. Students interested in human services, natural resources and environmental management will benefit from this class. Topics to be covered include: community of life; nutrition; plant growth and reproduction; air and other gases; synthetic materials; and waste and waste management. (Prerequisite: Senior Standing, Applied Biology and Chemistry I)
Environmental Science I, a semester laboratory course, is the study of the interaction of organisms with the environment. Topics include basic ecological principles, population studies, and current environmental issues. Field work and proper research techniques will be integral part of the course. Successful completion of Chemistry is recommended. (Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra I and Junior Standing)
Environmental Science II, a semester laboratory course, is an extension of Environmental Science I. (Prerequisite: Environmental Science I)
Principles of Technology, a full year laboratory course, introduces physics concepts, technology and laboratory techniques useful in science related occupations. Students interested in careers related to Industrial and Engineering Technology will benefit from this class. Topics to be covered include force, work, rate, resistance, energy, and power. This course includes many hands-on activities in which students use technical equipment and learn how to apply physics principles in technical occupations. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing, Algebra II or currently enrolled)
Advanced Biology, a full year laboratory course, is intended for advanced science students who wish to increase their knowledge of the biological sciences. Topics include a review of the scientific method, basic chemistry, cells, a survey of the Kingdoms, genetics, a fetal pig dissection, plants and ecology. It is suggested that students have completed or are concurrently enrolled in Chemistry. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing and Biology)
Advanced Chemistry, a full year laboratory course, is an extension of Chemistry for students who are interested in science related careers. Topics include the electron structure of atoms, bonding, thermodynamics, solutes in water, reaction rates, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation- reduction, and introductory organic chemistry. (Prerequisites: Junior Standing, Chemistry, Algebra II or taking concurrently)
Human Anatomy and Physiology, a full year laboratory course, is intended for those students interested in the medical, physical education, and other human biology related fields. The major emphasis of this course is on body systems. Dissections will be utilized for comparative anatomy illustrations. (Prerequisites: Junior Standing and Biology)
Advanced Physics, a full year laboratory course, is the study of the development and use of classical mechanics, light heat, sound, electricity, and magnetism. The course includes laboratory activities and problem solving. Topics will be covered in greater depth than Physics I and more rigorous mathematics will be used. This course is recommended for students who plan a career in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering. A strong background in mathematics and completion of Chemistry prior to enrollment in Advanced Physics is suggested. Students may take Advanced Physics without taking Physics I. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing Pre-Calculus or concurrent enrollment)
Independent Study in Science, a semester course, is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to study an advanced topic in science that is not covered in the regular curriculum. A topic of study will be selected by the student and he/she will conduct the study under the guidance of a science instructor. A broad science background is required, and the student must have taken the most advanced course available in the area of the independent study. The student must have a sponsoring science instructor and permission from the science department. The course may be repeated for a second semester with a different topic or an extension of the original topic. (Prerequisite: Physics, Advanced Chemistry, or Advanced Biology, (may be take concurrently), Science Department Permission)