SCIENCE

Required Courses

Biology (2000310 Annual – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 9

Course Description:

This course examines the structure and function of living things and their interaction with the environment. Topics covered include cellular and molecular biology, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, evolution/creation, microbiology, plants, animals, and human systems. Students also develop critical thinking skills, interpret graphs, and expand their scientific reasoning skills. Prerequisite: None.

Biology Honors (2000320 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 9

Course Description:

This course examines the structure and function of living things and their interaction with the environment with an emphasis on the applications of biological concepts and independent research experience. Honors provides a more rigorous, in-depth, and faster-paced study of the topics and concepts in Biology. All students taking this course are required to complete a science fair project. Prerequisite: Students must have earned a B- or better in grade 8 science.

Pre-Advanced Placement Biology (2000335 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 9

Course Description:

In Pre-AP Biology, students engage in real-world data analysis and problem solving that spark critical thinking about our living world. As students engage in grade-level content, they utilize the kind of scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world-and to succeed in future science and social science courses in high school and college. Prerequisite: Students must have earned an A- or better in grade 8 science.

Chemistry (2003340 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 10-11

Course Description:

This course examines the composition, properties, and changes associated with matter, and their applications. Studies include problem-solving, critical thinking, the interpretation of data, and independent research experience. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology. Co-requisite: Algebra 2.

Chemistry Honors (2003350 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 10-11

Course Description:

This course examines the composition, properties, and changes associated with matter, and their applications through exploratory investigations and activities. Content is specifically designed to target student misconceptions and to develop skills in mathematical problem solving, critical thinking, and interpretation of data. Chemistry Honors provides a more rigorous, in-depth, and faster-paced study of the topics in Chemistry. All students in the Honors course are required to complete a science fair project. Prerequisite: Students must have earned a B- or better in Biology Honors and must be enrolled in or completed Algebra 2 Honors.

Pre-Advanced Placement Chemistry (2003365 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 10-11

Course description:

In this course students develop a deep conceptual understanding of matter and energy at the molecular level as they learn to explain their macroscopic observations using particulate-level reasoning. As students engage in grade-level content, they utilize scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world—and to succeed in future science and social science courses in high school and college. Prerequisite: Students must have earned a B- or better in Pre-AP Biology or an A- or better in Biology Honors and must be enrolled or completed Algebra 2 Honors.

Physics (2003380 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 11-12

Course Description:

This course emphasizes the concepts, theories, and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy, and forces, and their applications through exploratory investigations and activities. Content is specifically designed to target student misconceptions and to develop skills in mathematical problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpretation of data. Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry and Algebra 2.

Physics Honors (2003390 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 11-12

Course Description:

This course emphasizes the concepts, theories, and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy, and forces, and their applications through exploratory investigations and activities. Content is specifically designed to target student misconceptions and to develop skills in mathematical problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpretation of data. Honors provides a more rigorous, in-depth, and faster-paced study of the topics and concepts in Physics. All students taking this course are required to complete a science fair project. Prerequisite: Students must have earned a B- or better in Chemistry Honors.

Science Electives

Astronomy Solar/Galactic (2001350 – 0.5 credit)

Grade Level: 10-12

Course Description:

Astronomy will include a survey of all we can see in the sky. Students will learn how to use a telescope and navigate the sky. Theories on the creation of the universe will be discussed. You will gain an understanding of what we believe about the universe, and why we believe it. Prerequisite: None.

Marine Science (2002500 – 0.5 credit)

Grade Level: 10-12

Course Description:

This course includes the study of physical, chemical, geological, and biological oceanography with an emphasis on life in the oceans and how certain factors affect oceanic life. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology.

Marine Science Honors (2002510 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 10-12

Course Description:

This course includes the study of physical, chemical, geological, and biological oceanography with an emphasis on life in the oceans and how certain factors affect oceanic life. Studies are more rigorous, in-depth, and faster-paced. Prerequisite: Students must have earned a B+ or better in Biology and teacher recommendation.

Anatomy (2000350 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 10-12

Course Description:

This course explores the relationship between structure and function of the human body. Emphasis is placed on practical applications and correlations to health and fitness. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology.

Forensic Science Honors (2002480 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 10-12

Course Description:

In this course, students will study the application of scientific principles and techniques to matters of criminal justice especially as related to the collection, examination, and analysis of physical evidence. Prerequisite: Students must have earned an A- or better in Biology.

Dual Enrollment Forensic Science Survey/Lab (CHS3501/CHS3501L – 0.5 credits each)

Grade Level: 11-12

Course Description:

In partnership with FIU CHS 3501 and 3501L will accompany survey of forensic science lecture with emphasis on biological evidence. Topics include CSI, DNA, toxicology, and serology. Although divided into two semesters, these courses must be taken consecutively. There is an additional $100 registration fee for partnership with the university. Prerequisite: Have a 3.0 unweighted GPA. Meet minimum score on a common placement test indicating that the student is ready for college-level work.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science (2001380 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 9-12

Course Description:

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to develop an understanding of the relationships in our natural world. Students identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made and examine measures for resolving and/or preventing these problems. Content is specified by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Students are expected to take the national AP Exam. Prerequisite: Biology.

Advanced Placement Physics C:

Mechanics/Electricity and Magnetism (2003430 / 2003425 – 0.5 credits each)

Grade Level: 12

Course Description:

AP Physics C is equivalent to a two-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course. The first semester covers mechanics, exploring topics such as kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, power, linear momentum, circular motion, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. The second semester covers electricity and magnetism, exploring topics such as electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. The course utilizes guided inquiry and student-centered learning to foster the development of critical thinking skills. Introductory differential and integral calculus are used throughout the course. Content is specified by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Students are expected to take the national AP exam. Prerequisite: Students must have earned a A- or better in Physics Honors. Co-requisite: Calculus Honors.

Advanced Placement Biology (2000340 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 11-12

Course Description:

This course is an in-depth study of the principles and processes of biological systems and emphasizes the process of science through a hands-on laboratory experience. Students may be required to participate in laboratories outside of the regular class time. Content is specified by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Students are expected to take the national AP exam. Prerequisite: Students must have earned an A- or better in Biology Honors or B- or better in Pre-AP Biology and have completed Chemistry Honors; recommendation from previous Biology teacher.

Advanced Placement Chemistry (2003370 – 1.0 credit)

Grade Level: 11-12

Course Description:

This course emphasizes the principles and applications of chemistry through math-based problem solving and a hands-on laboratory experience. Students may be required to participate in laboratories outside of the regular class time. Content is specified by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Students are expected to take the national AP exam. Prerequisite: Students must have earned an A- or better in Chemistry Honors and Algebra 2 Honors; recommendation from previous Chemistry teacher.