Science

Courses

Physical Science 1-2 (9-12)

Physical Science is an inquiry-based course designed to expose students to selected concepts in chemistry, physics, earth, and space science. Topics include matter, energy, forces and motion, Earth in space, and Earth structures and processes. This course provides a foundation for other science courses.

Prerequisite:   none 

Course ID: 060501/060502

Honors Physical Science 1-2 (9-12)

Physical Science is an inquiry-based course designed to expose students to selected concepts in chemistry, physics, earth, and space science. Topics include matter, energy, forces and motion, Earth in space, and Earth structures and processes. This course provides a foundation for other science courses. Students that enroll in honor courses have additional experiences that require a more rigorous program of study.

Prerequisite: Any one of the following: Grades of “B” or higher in Science -8 1 and 2 AND concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1-2 or higher math course.

Course ID: 060531/060532

Earth Science 3-4 (10-12)

This laboratory course builds upon the state Earth science standards that were introduced in the Physical Science and Biology 1-2 course sequence. Students use scientific inquiry to further explore concepts of Earth's composition and how it's studied, the history and dynamics of Earth, and reshaping the Earth's crust, atmosphere, atmospheric forces, and oceans.

Prerequisite: Physical Science 1-2 and Biology 1-2

Course ID: 061061/061062

Biology 1-2 (9-12)

This course engages students in inquiry-based problem solving as they investigate biological issues that are relevant to their daily lives. Topics of study include: the cell; the molecular basis of heredity; biological evolution; the interdependence of organisms; and matter, energy, and organization in living systems. This course meets the district requirement for biology.

Prerequisite: Physical Science 1-2

Course ID: 060411/060412

Honors Biology 1-2 (9-12)

Students in Honors Biology 1-2 practice inquiry-based problem solving as they investigate biological issues that are relevant to their daily lives. Topics of study include the cell; the molecular basis of heredity; biological evolution; the interdependence of organisms; and the matter, energy, and organization in living systems. This course meets the district requirements for biology. Students enrolled in honors courses will have additional experiences that require a more rigorous program of study.

Prerequisite: Any one of the following: Grade of “A” in Physical Science 1 and 2 (Current 9th grade only), Grade of “B” or higher in Honors Physical Science 1 and 2.

Cambridge Environmental Science Management (AS Level) (10-12)

This AS Level syllabus develops scientific knowledge and understanding of global environmental issues and theories, and of the policies and strategies for managing the environment. The course covers the sustainable use and management of resources, and strategies that aim to protect environments. Learners will interpret and analyze data and do investigative work. Case studies allow teachers to choose their own examples to investigate, which may be local, regional or global.

Prerequisites: Physical Science 1-2 and Biology 1-2

Course ID: TBA

AP Environmental Science (10-12)

(College level- UNO Dual Enrollment)        

AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. This course is aligned with a dual enrollment opportunity for eligible students.

Prerequisites: Physical Science 1-2 and Biology 1-2. Honors Chemistry is highly recommended. Students who select NOT to participate in the AP exam are expected to take a cumulative, AP comparable, teacher-graded end of course exam. 

Course ID: 060361/060362

Chemistry 1-2 (10-12)

This course engages students in both theoretical and practical problem-solving strategies as they investigate chemical issues that are relevant to their daily lives. Topics of study include laboratory processes, chemical safety, atomic structure, properties of matter, and chemical reactions.

Prerequisite: Physical Science 1-2, Biology 1-2 (concurrent enrollment in Biology 1-2 is acceptable with teacher recommendation), and successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Algebra 1-2

Course ID: 060551/060552

Honors Chemistry 1-2 (10-12)

(College level- MCC Dual Enrollment)    

Honors Chemistry 1-2 engages students in both theoretical and practical problem-solving strategies as they investigate chemical issues that are relevant to their daily lives. Topics of study include laboratory processes, chemical safety, atomic structure, properties of matter, and chemical reactions. Students enrolled in honors courses have additional experiences that require a more rigorous program of study. 

Prerequisite: Physical Science 1-2, Biology 1-2 (concurrent enrollment in Biology 1-2 is acceptable with teacher recommendation), and successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Algebra 1-2.

Course ID:060561/060562

AP Chemistry 1-2 (10-12)

(College level- Midland University)    

This course expands and discusses in greater depth the physical concepts and skills introduced in Chemistry 1-2. The topics include: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. The students become familiar with college lab equipment, experimental procedures, and exacting lab reports. They should gain proficiency and confidence in numerical problem solving and essay explanation of the processes of physical, inorganic chemistry. AP Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to a first-year college introductory chemistry course and follows the College Board curriculum.

Prerequisite: successful completion of Physical Science 1- 2, Biology 1-2, H. Chemistry 1-2 and Algebra 1-2. Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Algebra 3-4 is recommended

Course ID: 060581/060582

Anatomy and Physiology (10-12)

This course enables students to understand the principles and structures of the human body. Students develop an understanding of the structure and function of complex human organ systems through inquiry-based laboratory experiences using up-to-date technology. This course will explore scientific and technological advances in the field of anatomy. Students will also explore career opportunities in medical and related fields. The study and application of vocabulary and terminology is an essential part of this course. Students will incorporate writing and literacy strategies into summative projects. Laboratory dissections are required.

Prerequisite: Physical Science 1-2 and Biology 1-2

Course ID: 060931/060932

Forensic Science 1-2 (10-12)

This course promotes active learning and emphasizes the application and integration of math, chemistry, biology, physics, and Earth science. Topics covered include: The collection, handling, and examination of trace evidence such as hair, fibers, soil, pollen, and glass; fingerprint, blood, and blood splatter examination; DNA, drug and toxicology testing; handwriting and tool mark analysis; voice examination; impressions; ballistics, and forensic anthropology.

Prerequisite: Physical Science 1-2 and Biology 1-2

Course ID: 061331/061332

Forensic Science 3-4 (10-12)

This is an upper level science course that will allow students to continue studying forensic science. Topics include: Crime scene analysis, forensic science laboratory techniques, arson, explosives, physical trauma, autopsies, advanced DNA concepts, odontology, toxicology, criminal profiling and cyber crime.

Prerequisite: Forensic Science 1-2

Course ID: 061511/061512

Honors Physics 1-2 (10-12)

This course engages students in an inquiry-based, problem- solving approach to investigate the physical laws that are fundamental to all science. Topics of study include: motion and technological design; the effects of forces on motion; the origin of the universe; conservation of energy; and the interaction of energy and matter.

Prerequisite: Physical Science 1-2, Biology 1-2 (concurrent enrollment in Biology 1-2 is acceptable with teacher recommendation), and successful completion of Algebra 1-2.

Course ID: 060601/060602

AP Physics 1-2 (10-12)

Algebra-Based is the equivalent to first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits.

Prerequisites: successful completion of Physical Science 1- 2, Algebra 1-2, and Geometry 1-2 (or concurrent enrollment in Geometry 1-2). Concurrent enrollment in, or previous completion of, Biology is recommended as Biology is high school graduation requirement

Course ID: 061661/061662

AP Biology 1-2 (11-12)

(College level- UNO Dual Enrollment)

AP Biology is a laboratory course designed to prepare students to take the college advanced placement test giving them potential college credit for the course. This college course in life sciences is inquiry based with a goal of providing students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The curriculum includes the study of the structure and function of organic molecules and cells; the continuity and diversity of living things; the history and evolution of living things; and the relationships of organisms and their environment. 

Prerequisite: Physical Science 1-2, Biology 1-2, with no grade less than a “C” and teacher recommendation

Course ID: 060471/060472