Core

These courses will focus on the core concepts of that particular science and the development of the ideas that constitute the nature of science. These courses are designed for students planning to enter directly into the workforce with no further secondary education.

Academic

The requirements of these courses will be the same as that of core courses. In addition, the students will branch out into more detailed investigations of the basic concepts of science and the nature of science.  Students in these courses will be required to provide more in-depth explanations of the concepts discussed in class.  As well as the more in-depth approach to the content, the pace of the course will be quicker and require more independent work. They are designed for students planning on furthering their education in two or four year programs of any discipline.

Honors

The requirements of these courses will be the same as that of academic courses. The difference between this level and academic being that students will be asked to delve even deeper into the core concepts and the nature of science, as well as, broaden their explanations of the happenings of science.  Students at this level will be asked to perform additional independent work throughout the course and move at a quicker pace. They are designed for students planning on furthering their education in a four or more-year program at the college level especially in STEM/Agricultural fields.

Required Courses (3.0 credits):

●     9th Grade – Environmental Science (Academic and Honors)

●     10^th Grade – Biology (Core, Academic, Honors)

●     11^th/12^th Grade – Physical Science (Core-1.0 credit), Chemistry(Academic/Honors) or

       Physics (Academic/Honors/AP Physics C)

Choosing a level:

Students should follow the guidelines below when choosing between the three level of the course:

●     To enter/remain at the academic level, the student must have obtained a minimum of a B  in a previous core course or a C in a previous academic course.

●     To enter/remain at the honors level, the student must have obtained a minimum of a B in a previous academic course or a C in a previous honors course.

256431 Environmental Science (Weight - 1.1) (Grade 9)                                                             1.0 credit 

256131 Academic Environmental Science (Weight – 1.1) (Grade 9)                                                         

256231 Honors Academic Environmental Science (Weight – 1.2) (Grade 9)

The environmental science curriculum focuses on water issues, air pollution, soil ecology, and population dynamics. Environmental problems are studied as an aspect of our social way of life. Emphasis will be placed on concern for and care for the environment through methods of conservation and recycling. A credit of environmental science is required for graduation.

253141 Biology I (Weight – 1.1) (Grade 10)                                                                                 1.0 credit

A hands-on laboratory approach will be used to study biological concepts and principles that students will encounter in their personal life and their careers. Some of the topics that will be covered include the scientific method, the cell, genetics, and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving and writing skills, as they relate to biology. A biology credit is required for graduation and is a Keystone assessed course.

253131 Academic Biology I (Weight – 1.1) (Grade 10)                        

253121 Honors Biology I (Weight – 1.2) (Grade 10)

** Students enrolled in all levels of biology will be required to participate in the Biology Keystone Exam during the semester they are enrolled in the course. 

254131 Academic Chemistry I (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 11, 12)                                                   1.0 credit

254121 Honors Chemistry I (Weight – 1.2) (Grades 11, 12)

This course will focus on the core concepts and theory of chemistry, with an emphasis on the comprehension and application of these principles. Areas of study include: atomic theory and structure, chemical compounds and chemical reactions. Emphasis is placed on experimentation and problem solving.  Students taking honors chemistry are recommended to have completed Algebra I with an 85% or higher.  A credit of physical science, chemistry, or physics is required for graduation. 

257141 Physical Science (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 11, 12)                                                              1.0 credit

Physical science is designed to provide students with a broad overview of basic physical concepts in chemistry and physics. Students will use experimentation, data collection, graphing, and mathematics to study matter, motion and energy as they pertain to our physical environment.  The focus of this course is on thinking, problem solving and the application of those processes. Students will be required to produce finished products and present their findings from those products. This course is geared towards students who do not plan to pursue secondary degrees or careers in STEM fields. A credit of physical science, chemistry, or physics is required for graduation.

257131 Academic Physics (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 11, 12)                                                               1.0 credit

Physics is designed to provide students with a broad overview of basic physical concepts. Students will use experimentation, data collection, graphing, and mathematics to study motion and energy as they pertain to our physical environment.  Academic physics is geared towards students planning on furthering their education at the college level or pursuing a career in STEM. A credit of physical science, chemistry, or physics is required for graduation.

257121 Honors Physics (Weight – 1.2) (Grades 11, 12)                                                             1.0 credit

(This course is a prerequisite for AP Physics Mechanic C and will take place in the first semester of the school year.)

Honors Physics is designed to provide students with a comprehensive study of Newtonian mechanics. Students will use experimentation, data collection, graphing, and mathematics to study and model motion and energy as they pertain to our physical environment.  Honors Physics is geared towards students planning on furthering their education at the college level or pursuing a career in STEM.  A credit of physical science, chemistry, or physics is required for graduation.

251911 Advanced Placement Physics C Mechanics (Weight – 1.3) (Grades 11, 12)                     1.0 credit 

(THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED DURING THE 24-25 SCHOOL YEAR)

The AP physics course is designed to follow the AP physics “C” syllabus. The course will concentrate on the topics of mechanics, motion and energy. A calculus based course – tests, problems, and labs will make up the bulk of the grade along with outside required reading. Students must be either taking or successfully completed AP calculus or calculus and have successfully completed Honors Physics.  Teacher approval required.  Students enrolling in an AP course will be required to take the AP exam

Prerequisite: Students must be either taking or successfully completed AP Calculus or Calculus with a grade of ‘C’ or higher AND have successfully completed Honors Physics with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.

253721 Honors Human Biology (Weight – 1.2) (Grades 11, 12)                                                  1.0 credit

Human biology is offered for those students who plan further study or a career in the health-related fields. This anatomy and physiology course will provide students with a basic understanding of the structure and functions of the human body.  Students will be involved in several dissection experiences. Students enrolled in advanced biology classes, specifically human biology, and study and dissect preserved specimens including various organs, tissues and fetal pigs.  It has long been the policy of our science department to offer alternate laboratory activities and experiences to students who have serious objections to participation in dissection study. In such cases, student study of anatomical features will be provided exclusively from charts, diagrams, videotapes, etc., but the student is still responsible for the anatomical knowledge.  Please inform your student’s biology teacher in writing at least two weeks in advance of any objections you have to laboratory dissection of preserved specimens. The teacher will then plan alternate learning experiences in lieu of dissection.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Academic Biology I with a grade of ‘B’ or higher OR Honors Biology I with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.

252131 Astronomy (Weight – 1.1) (Grades 11, 12)                                                                      1.0 credit

This course is offered for all students planning to continue their education after high school and for those who seek more information about space. The course will focus on basic astronomical areas such as the life cycle of the sun and other stars, planetary characteristics, the moon, stars, and methods of studying space.  Proficiency in basic algebra is highly recommended.  A part of the course will be the completion of laboratory exercises that will need to be conducted during evening sessions.

253521 Honors Biology II (Weight – 1.2) (Grades 11, 12)                                                         1.0 credit

(This course will be scheduled to meet every other day for the full year and must be taken with AP Biology)

This course is offered for those students who plan further study or a career in biology oriented fields as well as those who wish to expand their knowledge of living things.  This program will stress Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics and Ecology.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Academic Biology I with a grade of ‘B’ or higher OR Honors Biology I with a grade of ‘C’ or higher. Chemistry should be taken prior to or concurrently with Honors Biology II

251711 Advanced Placement Biology (Weight – 1.3) (Grades 11, 12)                                         1.0 credit    

(This course will be scheduled to meet every other day for the full year)

The AP biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. Students, who qualify on the advanced placement examination, as college freshmen, may be permitted to take upper level courses in biology or register for other courses in which biology is a prerequisite. Students who elect this class must have successfully completed a first course in biology and in chemistry. AP Biology differs from the usual biology course in respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, and the time and effort required of students. Teacher approval required.  Students enrolling in an AP course will be required to take the AP exam.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Biology II with a grade of ‘C’ or higher. Successful completion of Academic Chemistry I with a grade of ‘B; or higher OR Honors Chemistry I with a ‘C’ or higher.

254421 Honors Chemistry II (Weight – 1.2) (Grades 11, 12)                                                       1.0 credit

(This course is a prerequisite for AP Chemistry and will take place in the first semester of the school year.)

This second level chemistry course is designed to give the student interested in pursuing a professional career in STEM/Agricultural fields an extended view of the concepts of chemistry. This course will build on the core ideas of chemistry I and continue the discussion of the mathematical nature of chemistry. Areas to be explored include aqueous stoichiometry, quantum models, periodicity, and thermodynamics. Emphasis is placed on experimentation and problem solving. As it is a prerequisite for taking AP Chemistry advanced topics will be included that are required for AP success.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Academic Chemistry I with a grade of ‘B’ or higher OR Honors Chemistry I with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.

251811 Advanced Placement Chemistry (Weight – 1.3) (Grades 11, 12)                                     1.0 credit

The AP chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course usually taken by science and medical majors during their freshman year. Students, who qualify on the advanced placement examination as college freshmen, may be permitted to take upper level courses in chemistry or register for other courses in which chemistry is a prerequisite. Students who elect this class should have successfully completed a first course according to the requirements for entering honors level courses and the Honors Chemistry II course as stated above. Being a third level chemistry course students should expect in-depth mathematics within the course. AP chemistry will focus on the topics of equilibrium, thermodynamics and acid/base chemistry. Teacher approval required.  Students enrolling in an AP course will be required to take the AP exam.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry II with a grade of ‘C’ or higher. 

256211 Advanced Placement Environmental Science (Weight - 1.3) (Grades 11, 12)              1.0 credit

(This course will be scheduled to meet every other day for the full year)

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college Environmental Science course. The course of study will include a review of Earth’s chemical and physical cycles, an introduction to biodiversity and population ecology, an examination of resource use and pollution, as well as an analysis of global change. Course work will require students to employ algebraic models and students will be expected to maintain a cumulative lab notebook. Prerequisites: A grade of B or higher in Honors Environmental Science, successful completion of Academic or Honors Biology, Chemistry and Algebra I. Teacher approval required. Students enrolling in an AP course will be required to take the AP exam.