Physical Education and Health

The core biology curriculum is designed to present an examination of the living world and related societal issues. Emphasis is placed on the scientific process, cells and cell processes, and the continuity and unity of life. This course investigates biological organization starting at the molecular level and culminating with the ecological systems. Topics include scientific method, characteristics of life, biochemistry, cell process and energy transformation, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, microbiology and ecology.

Biology incorporates a lab-oriented approach. Students will develop the skills required to understand and apply key biological concepts, as well as to make connections to our world.

Note: Students receiving credit for Biology and may not take Honors Biology for credit

• Credit: 1.4
• Grade(s): 9 - 12
• Meetings per week: 7
• Length: Full Year

The core biology curriculum is designed to present an examination of the living world and related societal issues. Emphasis is placed on the scientific process, cells and cell processes, and the continuity and unity of life, including lab experiences. Honors Biology investigates biological organization starting at a molecular level and culminating with living organisms and their inter-relationships. This includes biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, biotechnology, cell division, homeostasis and related processes.

Honors Biology is a fast-paced, rigorous course in which the student is expected to be highly motivated to achieve at an honors level. This course is an in-depth approach to the biological sciences. Students will develop the skills required for using the scientific method using hands-on exercises including gel electrophoresis and dissection. This course differs from Biology in depth, pace, and experimentation.

Note: Students receiving credit for Honors Biology and may not take Biology for credit.

PREREQUISITE(S): 90% or better in Integrated Science 8 and teacher recommendation

• Credit: 1.4
• Grade(s): 9 - 12
• Meetings per week: 7
• Length: Full Year

This one-semester course combines descriptive theory, application, and the impact of chemical concepts on society. Emphasis will be placed on practical relationships between chemical concepts and fields of study such as forensics, environmental science, technology and modern materials. One goal is to increase students\\\' abilities to formulate informed opinions by viewing a particular situation from several perspectives. The activities in this course will aid in developing lifelong awareness of both the potential and limitations of science.

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade(s): 10 - 12
• Meetings per week: 5
• Length: One Semester

This one-semester course continues through the required concepts that are integral to a descriptive understanding of chemistry. Principles of Chemistry 2 builds on the information and applications studied in Principles of Chemistry 1. These courses can be taken concurrently or separately, dictated by scheduling. Emphasis will focus on electron configuration, compounds, solutions, organic chemistry, and consumer products. Activities and practice will provide the avenues for everyday use of chemistry and career explorations.

PREREQUISITE(S): Principles of Chemistry 1

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade(s): 10 - 12
• Meetings per week: 5
• Length: One Semester

Chemistry is a college-preparatory course which further studies basic chemical laws and phenomena, elements and atoms, chemical reactions and equations and chemical calculations. Good mathematical skills are essential. Laboratory activities will be utilized to reinforce concepts and develop critical thinking skills.

PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Algebra 1 at a 70% or better.

• Credit: 1.4
• Grade(s): 10 - 12
• Meetings per week: 7
• Length: Full Year

Principles of Physics 1 is an engaging and comprehensive course designed to introduce high school students to the fundamental principles of physics. Throughout this course, students will explore the basic concepts of mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, and momentum, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the physical world around them.Students will engage in hands-on experiments, problem-solving activities, and interactive demonstrations to develop a strong foundation in classical mechanics. They will learn to analyze and interpret the motion of objects, understand the forces acting upon them, and calculate the resulting effects on their energy and momentum.This course will foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging students to apply their understanding of physics to real-world scenarios.

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade(s): 10 - 12
• Meetings per week: 5
• Length: One Semester

Principles of Physics 2 is a dynamic continuation of the exploration of fundamental physics principles for high school students. Building upon the foundation established in Principles of Physics 1, this course delves into more advanced topics, including electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and modern physics. Throughout this course, students will engage in hands-on experiments, interactive demonstrations, and problem-solving activities to deepen their understanding of the physical world. They will explore the behavior of electric and magnetic fields, the nature of waves, and the principles of light and optics, gaining insight into the fundamental forces and phenomena that shape the universe. Principles of Physics 2 will also introduce students to the basics of modern physics, including quantum mechanics and relativity, providing a glimpse into the cutting-edge theories that underpin our understanding of the cosmos.

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade(s): 10 - 12
• Meetings per week: 5
• Length: One Semester

Physics is an in-depth and rigorous course that offers high school students an extensive exploration of the fundamental principles governing the physical world. This comprehensive course provides a holistic understanding of various branches of physics, including mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, thermodynamics, and modern physics, allowing students to delve deeply into the foundational laws of the universe.Throughout this course, students will engage in hands-on experiments, laboratory work, and theoretical problem-solving to deepen their understanding of complex physical phenomena. They will explore the behavior of forces, the principles of energy and momentum, the properties of electricity and magnetism, the characteristics of waves and light, and the cutting-edge concepts of modern physics.

• Credit: 1.4
• Grade(s): 10 - 12
• Meetings per week: 5
• Length: One Semester

Advanced Placement Biology is a college-level course designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course and intended for students wanting to pursue further study in the biological sciences or research. Emphasis of the course includes chemistry of life, cells, cellular energetics, heredity, molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, diversity of organisms, structure and function of plants and animals, and ecology. Advanced Placement Biology has a strong emphasis on laboratory work and will expose students to lab techniques which include microbiology, computer modeling, and genetic engineering. Due to the large amount of content and fast pace within this course, students must possess a high degree of independence and self-motivation. In addition, students have the option of taking the Advanced Placement Biology examination for up to three college credits.

PREREQUISITE(S): Completion of Summer Assignment by due dates; science teacher recommendation; 80% or better in Chemistry or CHS Chemistry and 80% or better in Honors Biology or 85% or better in Biology.

• Credit: 1.4
• Grade(s): 9 - 12
• Meetings per week: 7
• Length: Full Year

This rigorous one semester course will examine the structures, functions, and interdependence of several specific human body systems. The course will begin with anatomical terminology, relative body positions, sections, regions, cavities and membranes. The rest of the course will examine in great detail several body systems including integumentary, cardiovascular with an emphasis on blood, and skeletal system with an emphasis on the skull and vertebrae. Joints will also be covered in this final unit. Students will be instructed through the use of lectures, labs, computerized simulation, and a deer heart dissection. This course is designed as a college preparatory course and is recommended for those pursuing a career in any health science field and for students who possess a high degree of independence and self-motivation.

PREREQUISITE(S): 80% or better in Chemistry and 80% or better in Biology

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade(s): 11 - 12
• Meetings per week: 5
• Length: One Semester

Anatomy II is the second in a two-course sequence examining the terminology, structure, function, and interdependence of systems within the human body. Physiology topics will also be addressed in this rigorous college preparatory course. This course includes the study of the muscular system with emphasis on biomechanics, the nervous system, cardiovascular and urinary systems. Students will learn through reading, video lessons, case-studies, collaborative group work, interactive notebook projects, and labs. Successful completion of Anatomy I is required to take this course.

PREREQUISITE(S): Successful completion of Anatomy One with an 80% or higher

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade(s): 12
• Meetings per week: 5
• Length: One Semester

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of two semesters of freshman college chemistry for students planning to pursue further studies in the natural and applied sciences. Students are encouraged to take the AP Chemistry examination given by the College Board in May. Many colleges and universities award up to ten credits of lecture and laboratory with high exam scores and completed lab notebooks. A college-level textbook is used. Emphasis is placed on inorganic chemistry with a strong focus on reaction processes and products, chemical calculations, and mathematical formulation of principles; extensive college-level laboratory work is integrated throughout the course. Strong mathematical skills are essential. A graphing calculator is recommended. Students are expected to complete frequent reading and homework assignments outside of normal class time. The required summer assignment reviews topics that are covered in first year chemistry and will be completed independently online.

PREREQUISITE(S): Completion of Summer Assignment materials by due dates; 80% or better in CHS Chemistry or 85% or better in Chemistry and science teacher\\\'s recommendation; 80% or better in Honors Algebra 2 or 85% or better in Algebra 2 and math teacher recommendation.

COREQUISITE(S): Enrolled or have taken Pre-calculus with Trigonometry

• Credit: 1.4
• Grade(s): 10 - 12
• Meetings per week: 7
• Length: Full Year

As an experimental science, this course is designed to help students interested in science and engineering develop an understanding of mathematical models and their relationship in the physical environment. The goal of physics is to use the results of experiments to formulate and validate the natural laws of the universe. Usually, the results are expressed in the language of mathematics, which can then be used to predict other phenomena. The course will emphasize hands-on laboratory work, good mathematical and graphing calculator skills. The topics studied in this course will include the motion of objects, waves, light, electricity and nuclear physics. The tools used in this course include computers with interfacing hardware, computer simulators, lasers, optical equipment and electromagnetic waves. This course can be taken alone or in conjunction with the Physics: Energy and Physics: Properties of Matter courses.

PREREQUISITE(S): 85% or better in both: Algebra 2 and Geometry

COREQUISITE(S): Pre-calculus with Trigonometry or Calculus

• Credit: 1.4
• Grade(s): 10 - 12
• Meetings per week: 7
• Length: Full Year

AP Physics is an advanced and rigorous course designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental physics principles at an accelerated level. This course is aligned with the College Board\\\'s Advanced Placement curriculum, offering an in-depth exploration of mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, thermodynamics, and modern physics.

Throughout this course, students will engage in challenging laboratory work, theoretical problem-solving, and critical analysis of complex physical phenomena. They will explore the behavior of forces, the principles of energy and momentum, the properties of electricity and magnetism, the characteristics of waves and light, and the advanced concepts of modern physics, preparing them for the AP Physics exam.

• Credit: 1.4
• Grade(s): 10 - 12
• Meetings per week: 7
• Length: Full Year

This semester-long class is designed as an introduction to our solar system and the universe beyond. Topics in this inquiry-based course include the history of astronomy, the properties of light, the study of celestial bodies, and the structure and origin of the universe. The course will also present some of the current research and discoveries occurring in the field of astronomy today. Use of the planetarium will enable students to explore the scientific principles behind their own observations of the night sky.

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade(s): 11 - 12
• Meetings per week: 5
• Length: One Semester

Ecology is a captivating and rapidly expanding field, and this one-semester course offers compelling lessons that cover many different aspects of the field: ecology, the biosphere, land, forests and soil, water, energy and resources, and societies and policy. Through unique activities and material, high school students connect scientific theory and concepts to current, real-world dilemmas, providing them with opportunities for mastery in each of the segments throughout the semester.

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade(s): 9 - 12
• Meetings per week: 5
• Length: One Semester