Science

Biology is the study of living organisms, the processes they undergo, and the relationships they share with each other in order to survive. The course will cover the following topics: scientific methodology, ecology, cellular biology, bioenergetics, genetics, natural selection, and environmental and ethical issues relating to life and the impact man has on Earth. The course will be inquiry-based and require extensive work in writing and data analysis. 

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 9
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Honors Biology is a rigorous and engaging course designed for 9th grade students seeking to build a strong foundation in biological concepts while preparing for advanced coursework in the sciences. This course emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and real-world application of biological principles covering a wide range of topics including bioenergetics, cellular structure and function, genetics, evolution, ecology, and the interdependence of organisms with each other and the natural world. Laboratory experiments, hands-on activities, and case studies will foster analytical and problem-solving skills, while preparing students for additional college preparation and AP-level courses.
NOTE: Students should also be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively at a faster pace than General Biology. Honors Biology is ideal for students with a strong interest in the sciences who wish to challenge themselves academically and gain a head start in their STEM education.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 9
• Prerequisite: Must sit for self-assessment exam at CVHS on January 20th or 21st from 3:45-4:45
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Chemistry is a quantitative laboratory-based course covering the broad concepts upon which modern chemistry is based. These concepts include measurement, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, states of matter, atomic theory, chemical bonding, and periodicity. This course is designed to prepare students for post-secondary education.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-11
• Prerequisite: Completed Algebra I
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Honors Chemistry is the study of the properties, changes and interactions of matter. Topics covered include principles of chemical change, chemical formulas, equations and their (stoichiometry/limiting and excess reactants) application, atomic theory, the Periodic Table, acids and bases, phases of matter, solutions, and thermodynamics. Additionally, the topics of equilibrium, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry are also covered. There is a significant laboratory component to this course and emphasis is placed on problem solving, analytical lab techniques, and scientific writing. Applications in this course are designed to strengthen abstract reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Notes: This course is designed for students who have a keen interest in and strong aptitude for science and math. This class covers more material, moves at a faster pace, and involves more math applications than the general first-year chemistry class. Students will be prepared for success in AP chemistry or college chemistry.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-11
• Prerequisite: Algebra II or Math IV completed or concurrent
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): APPLIED PHYSICS; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE; LIFE SCIENCE; MEDICAL SCIENCE

Physical Science is the study of matter and energy and includes basic concepts of chemistry and physics, intertwined with earth science principles. It will provide a basis for the further study of chemistry and physics. Labs or investigations are used to give students hands on learning and practical applications as well as to teach the material. 

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10
• Prerequisite: By Teacher Placement Only
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

This laboratory-based, college prep course focuses on the concepts that govern the structure and behavior of the physical world. Emphasis is on understanding the mathematical relationships that characterize the behavior of objects acted on by forces. Based on time and student interest, additional topics in modern physics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and optics may be explored.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Geometry
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Algebra II or Math IV
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is intended to immerse students in the environment of a laboratory-based, college-level introductory Biology class. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetic information transfer, ecology, and interactions. AP Biology follows the scope and sequence prescribed by the College Board and prepares students for the Advanced Placement Biology Exam.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is designed to be equivalent to the general chemistry science course taken during the first year of college. The class will emphasize chemical calculations, mathematical formulation of chemical principles, and in-depth lab experiments and analysis. AP Chemistry follows the scope and content prescribed by the College Board and prepares students for the Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Chemistry & Math IV/Algebra II
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles necessary to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Through inquiry-based laboratory and field investigations, students will analyze environmental problems. The interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates topics from biology, geology, chemistry, physics and geography, focusing on key themes such as sustainability, energy transfer, earth systems, human impact, and pollution. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand the complexity of both natural and human-made environmental issues. This course follows the College Board curriculum and is designed to prepare students for the AP Environmental Science Exam.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry (enrolled or completed)
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook
• Students must be able to provide own transportation to off-campus field studies

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is designed to be equivalent to the first semester college physics course offered to science majors. The class will emphasize the motion of particles, forces, work, energy, collisions, rotation, rolling, torque, angular momentum, gravitation, and oscillations. AP Physics C follows the scope and sequence prescribed by the College Board and prepares students for the Advanced Placement Physics C Exam in Mechanics.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB and Physics
• Fees: $198 AP Exams; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Aquatic Biology is an advanced biology course designed to introduce students to freshwater and marine ecosystems. Students will survey local aquatic environments, such as ponds and rivers, and study the ecological, chemical and physical importance of these ecosystems. This is a laboratory-based field course. Students will participate in physically demanding field studies that support the classroom content. $20.00 field trip fees.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Biology + 1.0 other science credit
• Fees: $10 Lab Fee + $20 field trip fees
• Students must be able to provide own transportation to off-campus field studies

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Astronomy studies the matter of outer space. Topics include the history of the solar system, the forces of motion, physics of light, measurement of astronomical distances, planetary geology, and stellar life. Students learn to identify constellations by their patterns and the mythology that accompanies them. This course teaches chemical and physical processes using the cosmos for their application. Concepts are explored through planetarium visits, and night observations.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: 2.0 Science Credits
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): APPLIED PHYSICS

This laboratory-based course investigates the field of biotechnology by exploring foundational and current methods of DNA, protein, and cell engineering. The course is designed around biotechnical innovation and its application and impact on society. Topics include DNA engineering, bacterial and human cell culture, genome editing, protein manipulation, and other fundamental laboratory skills and concepts necessary for work in the biological, biochemical, molecular, and health sciences.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 12
• Prerequisite: AP Biology
• Fees: $20

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Students will learn how forensic scientists process evidence and analyze their findings in the context of crime scene investigation. Topics include fingerprinting analysis, Crime Scene processing and analysis, forensic anthropology, hair and fiber analysis, toxicology, and blood spatter analysis. This is a laboratory-based science class.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: 2.0 Science Credits
• Fees: $10 Lab Fee

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the form and function of our bodies. As a topic it is so rich that a lifetime of study would be rewarded with unending discoveries and wonder. This course will provide a rigorous introduction to the major systems of our body, with emphasis on the Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, skeletal, muscular, Immune systems and more. Students will be engaged in learning about these systems in a variety of ways, not limited to classroom discussion, coloring and drawing, group activities and experiments, and a detailed dissection. This course will provide a strong foundation for students thinking about careers in biological research, nursing, medicine, or any related field. It is also appropriate for any student who is simply interested in learning more about how our bodies work.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Biology + 1.0 other science credit
• Fees: $20 Lab Fee

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Zoology is designed to investigate all the major vertebrate groups, their comparative anatomy, evolutionary record, ecology, and behavior. It is an inquiry-based science class that includes dissections.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Biology + 1.0 other science credit
• Fees: $25 lab fee

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.