Science

• 9-12th grade
• 1 Science Credit
• Prerequisite: none
• NCAA approved course

Environmental Biology introduces students to the broad concepts in life science. The course addresses topics such as the scientific method, soil and water science, microbiology, ecology, and environmental conservation. Students will be learning by completing daily classwork, as well as completing projects and hands-on lab experiments. This class will provide students with a basic understanding of the life science happening all around us, and help them understand environmental processes. Students are also introduced to basic laboratory skills, which prepares them for future science classes.

• 9-12th grade
• Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
• 1 Science Credit
• NCAA approved course

This is a college-prep course, which will develop an understanding of the unifying principles of biology, including the scientific method, scientific measurements, chemistry, cells, genetics, ecology and classification system. Students will practice fundamentals of scientific problem solving including designing and conducting experiments, writing lab reports, and general laboratory techniques.

• 9-12th grade
• Prerequisite: none
• 1 Science Credit
• NCAA approved course

Physical Science is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry. Through engaging activities and hands-on experiments, students explore topics such as motion, forces, energy, matter, and chemical reactions. The curriculum emphasizes the application of scientific principles to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, students are encouraged to develop a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and experimentation.

• 9-12th grade
• Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
• 1 Science Credit
• NCAA approved course

The Honors Physical Science course is designed to provide students with an accelerated understanding of concepts in physics and chemistry. The topics of motion, forces, energy, matter, and chemical reactions will be covered at a faster pace and provide a deeper level of study than Physical Science. The curriculum emphasizes the application of scientific principles to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, students will expand on their scientific inquiry skills with a focus on experimentation. This course is designed to prepare students for additional honors level or AP science courses.

• 10-12th grade
• Corequisite: Typically taken with Plant Science
• .5 Science Credit

Learn the science of animals from the inside out! Students will explore cells, genetics, and animal systems in order to understand how animals play a role in our daily lives. Students will systematically learn about the animal by building their animal from the cellular level, on up through respiration, circulation, nutrition and digestion, reproduction and hormones. Students will have opportunities for hands-on laboratories (dissections) when available, and draw connections between the livestock that we produce and ourselves, as animals.

• 10-12th grade
• Corequisite: Typically taken with Animal Science
• .5 Science Credit
• NCAA approved course

Learn the science of plant structures, systems, flowers, and how plants play a role in the ecosystem. Students will understand the primary edible food crops throughout the globe, and explore genetics and plant breeding in order to make improvements in our world. Students must first understand the botany (parts and function) of a plant, in order to understand the horticulture (or how we can better grow and produce food and flowers). Students will perform hands-on labs in the greenhouse on sexual & asexual propagation, as well as germination and photosynthesis. Students will also learn about controversies in genetic engineering, and explore environmental impacts plants play on our ecosystem.

• 10-12th grade
• Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
• 1 Science Credit
• NCAA approved course

This course will include an in depth look at the structure and properties of matter at an atomic level through the use of demonstration, lectures, hands on activities, and data analysis. These specific properties of matter allow us to predict some of the behavior of the world around us and beyond. The course will further the students’ knowledge of laboratory techniques, skills, and apparatus used by scientist to gather and analyze information. Topics will include: measurement, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, Stoichiometry, states of matter, solution chemistry, chemical kinetics, acid-base chemistry, redox chemistry, and organic chemistry.

• 11-12th grade
• Prerequisite: Algebra I with a C or better
• 1 Science Credit
• NCAA approved course

Learn principles of technology and use with associated mathematics. This course blends an understanding of basics and principles with practice. Students will learn about basic technical principles and that these principles apply to the mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal energy systems found in technological devices. This course is for the students who plans to pursue a career in industry as a technician or simply wishes to understand the physical properties of how things work.

• 11-12th grade Prerequisite: Chemistry with a C or better
• 1 Science Credit
• NCAA approved course

This class provides an in-depth look at Newtonian mathematical models of reality, electromagnetic theory, relativity, and quantum mechanics. Students will increase their laboratory experience and find ways to apply their knowledge of physical science. The class is designed for students to gain a deep understanding of the world around them and to prepare them for college.

• 12th grade Prerequisite: Chemistry or Physics with a C or better
• 1 Science Credit College credit available
• AP Exam available
• NCAA approved course

The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, and evaluate the risks associated with these problems. After a thorough understanding of the issues and the ability to think critically, students can examine alternative solutions for resolving and preventing problems. This is an interdisciplinary science course, drawing from many different fields of study. Students will be introduced to environmental themes through challenging course work, lectures, debates, research projects, and lab/field work.

Note: Students must earn a minimum of a C each quarter in order to stay enrolled in the class.