SCIENCE COURSES

Text Box: SCIENCE SKILLS AND REASONING  This course is designed to be the preceding course to Biology I.  Students who feel they need extra skills in Science before taking Biology I should take this course.  Also to consider are the students' grades in 8th grade science, the performance on the science screening sheet given at the end of the 8th grade, and recommendation given by the 8th grade science teacher. Prerequisite:  See Above                                Credit:  1 Grades:  9th                                                Semesters:   2   BOTANY  Offered together with Environment Science, this course covers plant structures and function and ecological relationships. This may not be taken after Biology I. Prerequisite:  Science Skills or                    Credit: 1/2                         Teacher Recommendation Grades:  9 - 10                                              Semester:  1   ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE  A study of the interrelationships of all living things (plants and animals) and their interaction with the environment will be experienced in this course. A variety of field experiences and outdoor laboratory experiences will be part of this course to be taken in conjunction with Botany. This may not be taken after Biology I. Prerequisite: Science Skills or                    Credit:  1/2                        Teacher Recommendation Grades: 9 - 10                                               Semester:  1   BIOLOGY I   This is an introductory, laboratory-based course designed to relate basic information of living organisms and their chemical environment.  The structure and function of cells, cell organization and reproduction, genetics, and living organisms' role in the environment are the focus of the content.  Students should be encouraged to relate modern biological techniques to real situations and career opportunities.  This course if required for graduation in the state of Mississippi. Prerequisite:  None                                          Credit:  1 Grades:  9*-12                                            Semesters:  2  *Grade 9 needs 8th grade science teacher               recommendation.   HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY  This is a laboratory-based course that investigates the structure and function of the human body. Topics covered will include the role of the tissues in the body, homeostatic mechanisms, and introductory embryology. Relationships between body systems will be emphasized along with effects of drugs, nutrition, disease, and biotechnology advances on certain systems. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Biology I             Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12                                             Semesters:  2   GENETICS  Genetics is a laboratory-based course that will explore the principles of classical and molecular genetics including the relationship between traits and patterns of inheritance within organisms.  Population genetics, genetic variations among individuals, and applications of modern advances in genetics will be investigated.  Students will complete various projects to include the internet and surveys. Prerequisite: Biology I                                 Credit:  1/2 Grades:  Applicable                                       Semester: 1    ZOOLOGY  Zoology is a laboratory-based course that will survey the nine major phyla of the Kingdom Animalia.  Morphology, taxonomy anatomy and physiology will be investigated.  Comparative studies may be addressed during laboratory observations and dissections. Prerequisite: Biology I                                 Credit:  1/2 Grades: Applicable                                        Semester: 1

 

Text Box: PHYSICAL SCIENCE  This is an introductory laboratory-based course that will investigate matter and energy, basic chemistry, forces and motion, sound and light, and electromagnetism. Pre-chemistry and pre-physics concepts will be covered. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Biology I            Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12                                               Semesters:  2   CHEMISTRY  This is a laboratory-based course that investigates that properties and reactions of matter. Major areas of study include the metric system and scientific notation, symbols, formulas, nomenclature, chemical equations, gas laws, kinetic molecular theory, chemical bonding, acid-base chemistry, chemical equilibrium, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Laboratory should allow the student to directly observe chemical reactions and deductive thinking skills will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Biology, Alg. I, and                  Credit:  1                          enrollment in  Alg. II.             Grades: 10-12                                               Semesters:  2   CHEMISTRY II  The Chemistry II course will provide opportunities for students to develop and communicate a deeper understanding of atomic structure, bonding, intermolecular forces, stoichiometry of aqueous solutions, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, oxidation-reduction and electron chemistry, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry.  Laboratory experiences should allow the student to manipulate compounds, observe change, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions.  This course demands that students effectively communicate results through various methods (summarizing data in a specified lab format, written and /or oral presentations, graphs, charts, diagrams, multimedia presentations, etc.).  The use of technology (scientific equipment, calculators, computers/CBLs, research, etc.)  will be an integral part of this course.  Safe practices by teachers and students must be followed and the use of small-scale chemistry techniques are encouraged where appropriate.  This course will not fulfill the requirements of PA Chemistry, which as its own curriculum.  This course is designed to prepare students for college and for life.   Pre- requisites:  Chemistry I                        Credits:  1                               and Algebra II                Semesters: 2 Grades:  11 & 12   AP PHYSICS B  The Physics B course includes topics in both classical and modern physics.  A knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course;  the basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in connection with physical concepts, such as acceleration and work.  Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems should be the major goals of the course.  The physics B course seeks to be representative of topics covered in similar college courses, covering five general areas:  Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.   Category B courses often provide a foundation in Physics for students in the life sciences, premedicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science.  AP Physics B is intended to be such a course.  At the end of the course, students may sign up and take an AP exam, which if passed, earns them 3 hours of college credit for Physics B.   Prerequisites: Algebra II and Chemistry         Credit:  1 Grades: 11 & 12                                           Semesters:  2