Science
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Year-long course required for all 9th grade students.
Physical Science studies many aspects of science. Subjects covered will be earth systems, origin and evolution of earth system, origin and evolution of the universe, structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, and conservation of energy and increase in disorder. Energy, matter, force, and motion will also be covered.
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BIOLOGY
Year-long course required for all 10th grade students.
Biology is the study of living things and gives students a basic understanding of biological principles. The basic biological concepts covered are: Cell, Heredity (DNA and genes), Natural selection, Classification, Species change over time, Interdependence of Organisms, Matter, Energy, Organization in Living Systems, and Behavior and Adaptations. Labs and activities will be conducted to enhance the student’s basic understanding of concepts covered.
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ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY
Year-long course open to 11th and 12th grade students who have successfully completed 2 years of science and received a “C” or better in Biology.
Anatomy is the study of the major anatomical structures and physiological functions of body systems. The body systems covered are cytology, histology, integument, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and urinary. Additional concepts covered will be basic chemistry, and clinical applications. Lecture, class discussion, numerous labs and dissections will be included in this class.
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EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
Year-long class open to 11th and 12th grade students who have successfully completed two years of science. This course meets Next Generation Standards for Science and ACT Readiness Benchmark Standards.
This course will cover Physical Geology, Weather and Climate, our Oceans, and Space Science. Physical Geology covers maps, minerals and rocks, process that shape our Earth, and geologic history. Weather and Climate covers atmospheric properties as well as understanding factors used in weather forecasts; the climate unit covers how climate is changing and possible impacts on society. The unit on Oceans will cover physical oceanography, tides, currents, and waves. The space portion will cover our solar system, the Sun, and other celestial bodies in the Universe. Discussion, labs, and projects will be included. This course is designed for advanced students seeking enrichment beyond the basic standards.
Curriculum Map and Pacing Guide
CHEMISTRY
Year-long class open to 11th and 12th grade students who have successfully completed two years of science and at least one year of Algebra.
The purpose of first year chemistry is to allow students to study the mechanisms of matter and chemical reactions. Upon completion of the course, the student should have a clear understanding of the history of chemistry, explored the uses of chemistry in various careers, gain an ability to cope with chemical questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues, and an understanding of laboratory safety.
Chemistry is a course based on regular laboratory investigations of matter, chemical reactions. Students will compare, contrast and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions. In addition, students enrolled in this course are expected to: Gain an understanding of the history of chemistry, explore the uses of chemistry in various careers, investigate chemical questions and problems related to personal needs and societal issues, learn and practice laboratory safety.
Curriculum Map and Pacing Guide
PHYSICS
Year-long course open to 11th and 12th grade students who have successfully completed two years of science and have completed Algebra II.
Physics is a laboratory-based course in which students synthesize the fundamental concepts and principles related to matter and energy, including mechanics, wave motion, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, atomic and subatomic physics. Through regular laboratory study using such quantities as velocity, acceleration, force, energy, momentum, and charge students will: Examine the nature and scope of physics, including its relationship to other sciences and its ability to describe phenomena using physical laws; describe the history of physics and its role in the birth of technology; explore the uses of its models, theories, and laws in various careers; investigate physics questions and problems related to personal needs and societal issues.
Curriculum Map and Pacing Guide