Grade 9

This course develops an understanding of the earth and space, the interrelationships between them, and the forces that influence each. Through a laboratory-oriented program, the investigative processes of science, as well as the concepts and principles of astronomy, physical geology, historical geology, meteorology, oceanography, and ecology, are developed. Successful completion of this course earns one science credit.

BIOLOGY

Grades 10-12

This course investigates the characteristics of living things through a laboratory-oriented program that includes the nature of life, the continuity of life, and the diversity of life. Successful completion of this course earns one required science credit. Successful completion of this course and a passing score on the State High School Assessment for Biology are required for graduation.

AP BIOLOGY

Grades 11-12

This college level course is designed to include the study of vertebrate anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and general plant biology. At the completion of this course, students are eligible to take the

•• College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one required science credit.

CHEMISTRY

Grades 11-12

This course introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of the classification and the structure of matter, measurements and calculations involving matter and energy, and matter-energy relationships. An integral part of the course is the laboratory where students collect and analyze data. Successful completion of this course earns one science credit.

PHYSICS

Grades 11-12

This course is an introductory course for students interested in future studies in science, mathematics, or engineering. Topics such as force, motion, work, energy, heat, wave motion, electricity, magnetism, light, and radioactivity are investigated through applied mathematics and laboratory work. Applications of physics to everyday life will be demonstrated. Successful completion of this course earns one science credit.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE I

Grades 11-12

This course is the study of the relationships between living things and their environment. Origins and solutions of environmental problems will be investigated using laboratory and field studies. Topics of study include ecosystems, interaction of flora and fauna, population dynamics, air and water quality, resource management, waste management and other environmental issues, and the decision-making process. Successful completion of this course earns one science credit.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Grades 11-12

This course is designed for students interested in future studies in the biological sciences or the medical fields. This course extends the ideas and concepts of general biology emphasizing mammalian structure and function with application to the human body. Dissection of preserved specimens occurs as part of instructional activities within this course. Successful completion of this course earns one science credit.

MARINE SCIENCE

Grades 11-12

This semester course deals with the chemistry, physics, and biology of lakes, streams, bays, and oceans. Topics of study include aquatic topography, the effects of salinity, pressure, light, temperature, and currents on aquatic organisms, game fish, and the ecology, and management of ponds and streams for game fish. Dissection of preserved specimens occurs as part of instructional activities within this course. Successful completion of this course earns one-half of a science credit.