| Science | ||||||||||||||||
| Course:
Number Grade Level Prerequisites: Credit: |
Physical Science
4110 8 none 0 (Required Course, but does not count toward credits) |
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| Physical Science is a course which allows students to continue building skills of systematic investigation with a clear focus on variables and repeated trials. Validating conclusions using evidence and data becomes increasingly important at this level. Students will plan and conduct research involving both classroom experimentation and literature reviews from written and electronic resources. Research methods and skills highlight practical problems and questions. A more-in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on the technological application of physical science principles. Major areas covered are the periodic table; physical and chemical changes; nuclear reactions; temperature and heat; sound; light; electricity and magnetism; and work, force, and motion. | ||||||||||||||||
| Course:
Number Grade Level Prerequisites: Credit: |
Earth Science
4210 9 Eighth Grade Physical Science 1 |
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| Earth Science connects the study of the Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, fresh water, and ocean; and its place in the universe. This course emphasizes contributions to the development of scientific thought concerning earth and space. Major topics of study include astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography. |
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| Course:
Number Grade Level Prerequisites: Credit: |
Biology I
4310 10,11, 12 Earth Science 1 |
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| Biology is the study of life and the organization of living systems. Biology begins with the study of the simplest forms of living things and continues to more complex living systems. Major concepts studied are the chemistry of life; cell parts and functions; mitosis; meiosis; genetics; classification systems; and a survey of the plant, animal, fungi, monera, and protist kingdoms. |
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| Course:
Number Grade Level Prerequisites: Credit: |
Biology II
4320 11,12 A grade of C or better in Biology I |
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| Biology II is offered to highly motivated students. The course explores fundamental characteristics of living matter from the molecular level to the ecological community with emphasis on general biological principles. There is also an introduction to the diversity of living organisms, their structures, functions, and evolution. | ||||||||||||||||
| Course:
Number Grade Level Prerequisites: Credit: |
Chemistry
4410 11,12 Algebra I 1 |
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| Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the interaction of matter and energy. The characteristics of elements and compounds and how they interact are studied. Problem solving, the practical use of calculators, use of technology (including computers), and chemical reactions are practiced in laboratory activities. Emphasis in laboratory activities is placed on safety, use of the laboratory skills, application of learned material to practical usage, and development of proper use of the scientific method. Techniques for writing technical papers are also emphasized. | ||||||||||||||||
| Course:
Number Grade Level Prerequisites: Credit: |
Physics
11,12 Algebra II 1 |
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| Physics is a course offered to students who have successfully completed earth science, biology, and chemistry, as well as algebra and geometry. The math background is an important prerequisite because the study of physics requires proficient application of mathematical calculations. The course includes Newtonian physics, heat, light, electricity, and magnetism, and is intended to prepare students for higher education. Physics requires frequent demonstrations and laboratory sessions to supplement and clarify the academic presentations. | ||||||||||||||||