Science Course Descriptions
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LIFE SCIENCE
Grade: 9
Length: Year
Prerequisite: None
Science is exciting! Understanding what is going on around us and in us, allows us to appreciate the physical world and the miracles that we are. In life science, students will study life and the functions that define life. Microscope skills will be honed as they look at cells and microorganism. The development of classification will be analyzed and will be used as students delve into Linnaeus‚s kingdoms. Labs will reinforce learned concepts and projects will be used to enhance students‚ interests and encourage them to question previous accepted statements.
BIOLOGY
Grade: 9
Length: Year
Prerequisite: None
Biology is the beginning science course for students planning on attending a 4-year college or attending a 2-year college in a science related field. Biology includes an in depth study of life vs. non-life, cells and cellular systems, plants, animals, microorganisms, environment, and heredity. The focus on this class is on science process skills. Activities and projects are designed so that students experience and practice these skills.
GENERAL SCIENCE
Grade: 10-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: None
Science is pervasive; there is nothing that exists in this universe that is not governed by the scientific principles. In general science, the student will learn of some of the principles in four specific areasΣ. earth science, physics, chemistry, and biology. Specific areas of study include the beginning and continuation of the solar system/earth, forces that affect the surface of the earth, environmental issues, forces, simple machines, electricity, periodic table/reactivity/reactions, acid/base/salt, solutions, organic chemistry, the human body and genetics.
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Grades: 10-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Those who have taken Intro to Ag are given first consideration. Limited to 16 students.
This course is designed to lead the student into mastery of performance within the animal industry to include the livestock industry, animal health, marketing of livestock and livestock products, livestock nutrition, livestock selection, waste management, small animal care and management.
NATURAL RESOURCES/PLANT & SOIL SCIENCE
Grades: 10-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Those who have taken Intro to Ag are given first consideration. Limited to 16 students.
The first semester will be Natural Resources. This will include range management, conservation, water quality, wildlife management, and other resources. The second semester will be Plant Science. This will include crop production, horticulture, and floriculture. Careers will be discussed in all areas both semesters.
APPLIED SCIENCE
Grades: 10-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: None
This is a general science class for non-college bound students or for students who are planning a field of study where science is not a prerequisite. In this class, students will be delving into some of the problems, solutions, and impacts that have resulted from the applications of scientific principles. Research projects on topics of interest to the students will alternate with traditional topics of power, flight, manufacturing, synthetics, and ecology.
CHEMISTRY
Grades: 10-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra I (>80% second semester) & Biology, or instructor's approval.
Chemistry is the study of the structure and properties of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Mathematical and measurement relationships, atomic structure and bonding, the periodic table, properties of elements and compounds, and chemical reactions are studied. This course is considered to be a high-level academic course. Several special projects are included. A scientific calculator is recommended.
ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY
Grades: 10-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry recommended.
The study of the structure and function of the body‚s systems and the interrelation of these systems is helpful to anyone who is curious about the human body or to anyone who has a desire to work in a health related field. In Anatomy & Physiology, these concepts will be reinforced through the use of the text, The Human Body, classroom discussions, activities and films. This course should be considered a college prep course because of the content and pace. In addition to the terminology referring to the human body and the knowledge of the structures of the human body, students will study the processes of the healthy body and diseases and disorders that upset homeostasis.
ADVANCED BIOLOGY
Grades: 11-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (> 80% second semester)
This class is designed for those students who are planning to attend a four-year college following high school. It is expected that students have mastered the main concepts taught in biology. The content and the pace of the course could be considered fairly rigorous. There is a great deal of independent reading, writing, and problem solving. It is designed for those students that are serious about their studies in high school. The laboratory situations call for independence and self-motivation. Therefore, maturity and self-discipline are required for successful completion of this course. The course will include a more in-depth study of a variety of biological areas. These may include but are not necessarily limited to: review of cells and cell functions, evolution and natural selection, taxonomy, microbiology, genetics, and ecology.
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY
Grades: 11-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (> 80% second semester)
This course is designed for the students that are planning to attend a four-year college following high school. It is expected that students have mastered the main concepts taught in chemistry. The content and the pace of the course can be considered fairly rigorous. There is a great deal of independent reading, writing, and problem solving. It is designed for those students that are serious about their studies in high school. The laboratory situations call for a great deal of independence and self-motivation. Therefore, a great deal of maturity and self-discipline are required for successful completion of this course. This class will consist of a study of the following: „general chemistry review‰, „water chemistry‰ including ˆ environmental chemistry, solutions, ions & precipitates, and qualitative analysis.
INDEPENDENT SCIENCE RESEARCH
Grades: 11-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: (80% each quarter) of Biology and Chemistry & instructor's approval
This course is designed for the students that are planning to attend a four-year college and majoring in a science-related field following high school. It is expected that students have mastered the main concepts taught in biology and chemistry. It would also be beneficial to be currently enrolled in or have taken Advanced Biology and/or Advanced Chemistry. The design of the course is as the title suggests ˆ an independent science research project. Students will choose an area of study with the help of their instructor. Students then will develop a research project in which they work on the solution to a scientific problem. It is designed for those students that are planning on pursuing a career in a science-related field. Due to the nature of this course, it is possible that students could enroll both their junior and senior years.
PHYSICS
Grades: 11-12
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra II (>80% second semester) Current enrollment in Pre-Calculus is recommended.
Physics is designed for those students that are planning to attend college following high school. The content and the pace of the course could be considered fairly rigorous. It is designed for those students who are serious about their studies in high school. Physics is the study of the physical world, the nature of and mathematical relationships involving matter, forces, and energy. Problem solving is an important aspect of the course. Lab activities and applications that relate to everyday life are included. Purchase of a scientific calculator is necessary.
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