There are three starting points in Science. . . students may work through this map beginning in either Physical Science or Biology. Students are not required to commit to this track; they may jump to the honors path. The honors path is shown on the right side of the diagram. . . students may work through this map beginning in Honors Biology. Students are not required to commit to this path; they may jump to the non-honors/AP path as well.

 

 

9th Grade	10th Grade	11th Grade	12th Grade
Physical Science Biology Honors Biology	Biology Honors Biology Chemistry Honors Chemistry Physics AP Biology AP Physics 1	Chemistry Honors Chemistry AP Biology AP Chemistry Physical Geology Ecology AP Environmental Science Physics AP Physics 1 AP Physics 2 * Anatomy/Physiology	Chemistry Honors Chemistry AP Biology AP Chemistry Physical Geology Ecology AP Environmental Science Anatomy/Physiology Physics AP Physics 1 AP Physics 2* AP Physics C
* Upon Successful completion of AP Physics 1 or Physics

 

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(Full year, 1 credit, Grade 9)

This course is designed to provide all students a laboratory experience in basic physics, chemistry, and earth and space science and to offer insight into the methods by which scientific knowledge is acquired. The course is designed to serve as a solid foundation for students taking later courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This course is not open to any student who has received credit in Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Physics or Honors Physics.

Lab Fees: Students are required to purchase an approved laboratory apron and safety goggles (approximately $15). Students are charged a replacement fee for incurring lab breakage.

BIOLOGY
(Full year, 1 credit, Grade 9)

This course investigates the composition, diversity, complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth. Fundamental concepts of heredity and evolution provide a framework through inquiry-based instruction to explore the living world, the physical environment and the interactions within and between them. Students engage in investigations to understand and explain the behavior of living things in a variety of scenarios that incorporate scientific reasoning, analysis, communication skills and real-world applications.

Lab Fees: Students are expected to purchase safety goggles (approximately $8).

HONORS BIOLOGY
Full year, 1 Honors credit, Grade 9)
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Honors Biology is the required course for students wishing to take AP Biology. The course will investigate the composition, diversity, complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth. Advanced concepts of heredity and evolution provide a framework through labs and instruction to explore the living world, the physical environment and the interactions within and between them. This course will also explore Biochemistry, Cells and Cell Functions, Energy Transformations, Molecular Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology

Lab Fees: Students are expected to purchase safety goggles ($8). Students must pay a lab fee of $30.

AP BIOLOGY
(Full year, 1 AP credit, Grades 10, 11, 12)
Prerequisite Recommendation: Students should have successfully completed Honors Biology. Chemistry is not required but would be helpful.

Advanced Placement Biology parallels regular college laboratory biology. The course content and activities are outlined on the Educational Testing Service’s Advanced Placement Biology syllabus. By qualifying on the AP test, students may be permitted to enter advanced courses in college, and also to earn college credit. Students should expect to spend additional non-classroom time working on laboratories, projects and extended reading assignments.

The three broad areas of study that will be encountered are: molecular and cellular biology, genetics and evolution, and organisms and populations. The main objectives for the course are: to achieve knowledge of the facts, principles and processes of biology; to achieve an understanding of the means by which biological information is collected, interpreted, and how one formulates hypotheses from available data and then makes further predictions; and to achieve an understanding that science is a human endeavor with social consequences.

Students enrolled in this class are required to take the AP exam in May.

Lab Fees: $30.00
Additional Fees: Students are required to pay the standard AP exam fee and purchase AP Barron's Test Prep Book (approximately $15).
AP Exam: $89.00

CHEMISTRY
(Full year, 1 credit, Grades 10-12)

Chemistry comprises a systematic study of the predictive physical interactions of matter and subsequent events that occur in the natural world. The study of matter through the exploration of classification, its structure and its interactions is how this course is organized. Students engage in investigations to understand and explain the behavior of matter in a variety of inquiry and design scenarios that incorporate scientific reasoning, analysis, communication skills and real-world applications. An understanding of leading theories and how they have informed current knowledge prepares students with higher order cognitive capabilities of evaluation, prediction, and application. At least one third of the course involves laboratory work giving the student ample opportunity to learn about the chemical nature of matter by direct experience. Because Chemistry is one of the quantitative sciences, emphasis is placed on making a variety of scientific measurements and solving basic mathematical problems. Course work is divided among the theoretical, mathematical and descriptive aspects of chemistry. The use of calculators is required.

Lab Fees: Students are expected to purchase the following; laboratory apron, safety goggles, latex and nitrile gloves, and a laminated periodic table. Total cost of these items will be approximately $20. Students are charged a replacement fee for incurring lab breakage.

Additional Fees: Students are required to pay a $15 fee for the required laboratories

HONORS CHEMISTRY
(Full year, 1 Honors credit, Grades 10-12)

Honors Chemistry meets the Ohio Core science standards of introducing students to the structure and function of matter with a balance in explanations from both a theoretical and mathematical standpoint. Students will further apply the structure and function of matter from a thermochemical standpoint and see the function of matter and its effect on kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Laboratory work emphasizes quantitative measurement and labs include several from the required 22 AP laboratories. Honors Chemistry is required for the enrollment in AP Chemistry. Participation in the HCSD STEM Science Fair is required of all Honors Chemistry students.

Lab Fees: Students are expected to purchase apron, nitrile gloves, goggles, laboratory manual, laboratory notebook, study guide, in addition to the $30 lab fee.

AP CHEMISTRY
(Full year, 1 AP credit, Grades 11, 12)
Prerequisite Recommendation: Students should have successfully completed Honors Chemistry.

The Advanced Placement Chemistry parallels the content and activities of a first year college chemistry course as outlined on the Educational Testing Service’s Advanced Placement Chemistry syllabus. It emphasizes the mathematical, theoretical and experimental basis of modern chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the use of theoretical and mathematical concepts to explain and predict chemical behavior. Laboratory work stresses quantitative measurement and introduces students to both traditional laboratory methods and modern instrumental techniques. The use of graphing calculators is required. Students enrolled in this class are required to take the AP exam in May.

Lab Fees: Students are expected to purchase, nitrile gloves, laboratory manual, laboratory notebook, study guide, and pay a $30 fee for the required laboratories.
AP Exam: $89.00

ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY
(Full year, 1 credit, Grades 11 & 12)
Prerequisite Recommendation: Successful completion of Biology/Honors Biology and Chemistry/Honors Chemistry

Anatomy & Physiology is the study of the structure and function of the human body. This course will cover, in detail, the key aspects of the human organism from the smallest cells to the major body systems. In addition, we will discuss many diseases that strike our human systems and explore methods of preventative maintenance and treatment for those illness and conditions. The course will include many lab activities throughout the year. Dissection is an integral part of the course. This is a fun, interactive course, and with the right attitude, you can be assured to learn more about your body and health than you knew before.

PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
(Full year, 1 credit, Grades 11 & 12)

Physical Geology is a high school level course which satisfies the Ohio Core science graduation requirement of a three-unit course with inquiry-based laboratory experience that engages students in asking valid scientific questions and gathering and analyzing information. Physical geology incorporates chemistry, physics and environmental science, and introduces students to key concepts, principles and theories within geology. The students should hold a junior or senior level, as well as have a motivation to study and work on school work, not only in class but also independently.

Students engage in investigations to understand and explain the behavior of nature in a variety of inquiry and design scenarios that incorporate scientific reasoning, analysis, communication skills and real-world applications. For best placement of students the prerequisites to this course are Algebra 1, Chemistry and concurrent placement in a physics course.

ECOLOGY
(Full year, 1 credit, Grades 11, 12)
Prerequisite Recommendation: Successful completion of Biology or Honors Biology and Chemistry or Honors Chemistry.

Ecology covers fundamental ecological concepts such as ecosystem structure, cycles of matter, interrelationships between organisms, energy flow, population growth and succession. Students also develop an awareness of environmental problems and investigate the causes of, and the solutions to these problems. Field trips and laboratory/outdoor investigations are an integral part of this course. The students should be prepared to spend extended time outside in less than ideal weather conditions.

Lab Fees: Students are expected to purchase a lab notebook (approximately $2).

Additional Fees: Students are expected to pay for one field trip (approximately $15).

PHYSICS
(Full year, 1 credit, Grades 10, 11, 12)
Prerequisite Recommendation: Successful experience in Algebra I, Geometry, and/or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 recommended

This course introduces students to key concepts and theories that provide a foundation for further study in science and scientific literacy. Physics is a systematic study of the predictive physical interactions of matter and subsequent events that occur in the natural world. Students engage in investigations to understand and explain the behavior of nature in a variety of inquiry and design scenarios that incorporate scientific reasoning, analysis, communication skills and real-world applications.

Fees: Students attending the optional field trip to Cedar Point in the spring will incur a ticket cost of approximately $30.

AP PHYSICS 1
(Full year, 1 credit, Grades 10 - 12)
Prerequisite Recommendation: Successful experience in Algebra I, Geometry, and/or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 recommended

The AP Physics 1 course provides a systematic development of the main principles of physics, emphasizing problem solving and helping students develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. It is assumed that students are proficient in both algebra and trigonometry. This course is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits.
It is important for students to consider the relation of AP courses to a student’s college plans. In some circumstances it is advantageous to take the AP Physics 1 course. The student may be interested in studying physics as a basis for more advanced work in the life sciences, medicine, geology, and related areas, or as a component in a non-science college program that has science requirements. Credit or advanced placement for the AP Physics 1 course provides the student with an opportunity either to have an accelerated college program or to meet a basic science requirement; in either case the student’s college program may be enriched. Access to an intensive physics sequence for physics or science majors is another opportunity that may be available. Students are expected to take the AP Physics 1 test in May.

AP Exam: $89.00

AP PHYSICS 2
(Full year, 1 credit, Grades 11 & 12)
Prerequisite Recommendation: Successful completion of Physics or AP Physics 1

The AP Physics 2 course provides a systematic development of the main principles of physics, emphasizing problem solving and helping students develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. It is assumed that students are proficient in both algebra and trigonometry. This course is the equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; atomic and nuclear physics.

It is important for students to consider the relation of AP courses to a student’s college plans. In some circumstances it is advantageous to take the AP Physics 2 course. The student may be interested in studying physics as a basis for more advanced work in the life sciences, medicine, geology, and related areas, or as a component in a non-science college program that has science requirements. Credit or advanced placement for the AP Physics 2 course provides the student with an opportunity either to have an accelerated college program or to meet a basic science requirement; in either case the student’s college program may be enriched. Access to an intensive physics sequence for physics or science majors is another opportunity that may be available. Students are expected to take the AP Physics 2 test in May.
AP Exam: $89.00

AP PHYSICS C
(Full year, 1 AP credit, Grades 11, 12)
Prerequisite Recommendation: Successful completion of a first-year physics course, and concurrent enrollment in either AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC. Any student without these prerequisites will be asked to petition the teacher for entry into the course.

Advanced Placement Physics C follows the content outlined in the Educational Testing Service’s Advanced Placement Physics C syllabus. The syllabus outlines two college semesters of introductory physics with calculus, intended for students planning to major in a physical science or engineering. The semesters outlined are limited to two main subject areas; Mechanics and Electricity/Magnetism. Emphasis is placed on the use of theoretical and mathematical concepts to explain and predict physical behavior. Laboratory work stresses quantitative measurement and data analysis using both traditional methods and modern instrumental techniques. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics C Examinations for both Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism as administered by the Educational Testing Service. By qualifying with a score of 3 or higher on the AP examination(s), students may be permitted to enter advanced courses in college, and receive college credit depending on university requirements.
Fees: Students are required to pay double the standard AP testing fee for this course. AP Physics C is administered as two separate required tests, one which covers Mechanics and one which covers Electricity & Magnetism. It is also recommended that students have a graphing calculator.

Additional Fees: Students attending the optional field trip to Cedar Point in the spring will incur a ticket cost of approximately $30.
AP Exams (B & C): $170.00


AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(Full year, 1 AP credit, Grades 11, 12)
Prerequisite Recommendation: Successful completion ("B" or better) in Biology, Chemistry and Algebra II. Ecology and Physics would be helpful but are not essential. Any student without these prerequisites will be asked to petition the teacher for entry into the course.

The Advanced Placement Environmental Science course parallels a college environmental science that is based upon scientific principles and analyses from a variety of approaches and includes scientific laboratory and/or field investigations.

The course provides instruction in each of the following areas: earth systems and resources, the living world, population, land and water usage, energy resources and consumption, pollution and global changes. In addition to providing students with the scientific principles required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, the course includes methods for evaluating data mathematically and teaches students how to identify and analyze ecological and human risks along with extensive research on the possible solutions to these risks. The course will include lectures, independent reading and note taking, laboratory experiences, field experiences and field trips. Students enrolled in this class are required to take the AP exam in May.

Lab Fees: Students are expected to pay a $30 fee for required laboratory supplies.
AP Exam: $89.00


SCIENCE RESEARCH, INQUIRY & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
No longer a “for credit” class; however, Internship opportunities exist through the science department or through the Credit Flex option.