Memorial High School Science
First
Year Biology- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 9-10
Prerequisites: None
This
course is designed to guide the student to discover basic biological concepts
and gain laboratory skills. The
student develops the ability to define a problem, set up an experiment, observe
carefully, reason critically, and arrive at valid conclusions.
Familiarity with many of the basic biological themes is gained through
individual and group experimentation. These
themes include the history of biological concepts and discoveries, the genetic
continuity of life, the biological basis of behavior, and the interrelationships
of organisms and their environments.
First
Year Earth/Space Science- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 9-10
Prerequisites: None
The students in this course will cover topics in astronomy, geology, oceanography and meteorology where they will gain knowledge of how the earth operates as a collection of systems and processes. The course involves improving mapping skills, gathering and testing data and utilizing concepts of energy, matter and conservation.
Two Semesters, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Algebra and Science averages of 4 or above
This mathematics-based course is designed to prepare students for advanced chemistry and/or college courses. Quantum mechanics, gas laws, acid/base chemistry, and equilibrium replete with their respective equations will be covered. A non-graphing scientific calculator is required for this course. This course or Integrated Chemistry-Physics is required to meet CORE 40 curriculum and Academic Honors Diploma requirements
Two Semesters, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Biology with a grade of 2 or above or a combination of Biology
and
Earth Space Science
This is a lab-based course in which students explore fundamental chemistry and physics principles. Students enrolled in this course examine, through the process of scientific inquiry, the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, forces, motion, and the interactions between energy and matter. Working in a laboratory environment, students investigate the basics of chemistry and physics in solving real-world problems that may have personal or social consequences beyond the classroom. A scientific calculator is required for this course. This course or First Year Chemistry, Level III is required to meet CORE 40 curriculum and Academic Honors Diploma requirements
Two Semesters, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Chemistry- Level III with a grade of 4 or above
Concurrent or previous enrollment in Algebra 2- Level III with a grade of 4 or
above
This
second year chemistry course is taught at a college level from a college text.
It consists of a lecture base correlated with labs.
Some independent and group research and presentation are required.
In addition to general chemistry, which corresponds to freshman college
chemistry, some organic chemistry and biochemistry will be covered.
This course requires a strong background in mathematics.
Chemistry,
Advanced Placement- Level IV
Two Semesters, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Chemistry- Level III with a grade of 5 or above
Algebra 2- Level III with a grade of 5 or above
This second year chemistry course is taught at a college level and from a college text. It is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course often taken by chemistry majors their first year of college. Some independent and group research will be required. This course covers the structure and states of matter, nuclear chemistry, types of reactions, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics and descriptive chemistry, as well as other related topics. It consists of a lecture base correlated with labs. A lab notebook will be required. Students will also be required to take the AP exam in the spring.
Second
Year Biology, General- Level III (Advanced Biology)
Two Semesters, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology grade of 4 or above for both semesters
Chemistry- Level III, or Integ. Chem/Phys with a 5 or 6;
Geometry- Level III, or Geometry- Level II wit ha 4 or above
This
is a second year biology course taught at a college level and requiring a
college text. It covers scientific
method, plant anatomy and physiology, cell biology, biotechnology, genetics, and
human anatomy and physiology. This
course consists of a lecture base correlated with labs.
Dissection is a course requirement.
Some independent and group research and presentation are required.
This course is available for college credit
through the
Two Semesters, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology with a 5 or better and Chemistry Level III with a 5 or
better
Advanced
Placement Biology is a course that follows the College Board’s Advanced
Placement course outline.
Students
enrolled in the course prepare for the College Board’s Biology Advanced
Placement Examination.
The
two central goals of the AP program in Biology are to help students develop a
conceptual framework for modern biology and gain an appreciation of science as a
process. Topics include molecules
and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations.
Dissection is not a
component of this course. This course is available for college credit through the
Envir.
Science, Advanced- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology grade of 2 or better, Integ. Chem/Phys grade or 3 or
better, or Chemistry Level III
An
environmental science course is interdisciplinary by nature, incorporating
material from biology, earth science, chemistry and other sciences.
Subject matter includes discussions of ecosystems, the dynamics of
population growth, resource management, natural and anthropogenic hazards, and
the environmental consequences of human activity.
Such
a curriculum requires a balance among mastering the content of environmental
science, experiencing the process of environmental science, and evaluating the
standards that guide the acceptance of scientific knowledge claims.
The ultimate outcome of the course, which the competencies describe, is
to produce an environmentally literate citizen capable of using knowledge and
skills in environmental science to solve real world problems and to make
personal, social and ethical decisions which have consequences beyond the
classroom walls. This is, therefore,
a lab-based course.
Physics-
Level III
Two Semesters, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2- Level III with a grade of 3 or 4, Algebra 2- Level II
with permission of the instructor
This
algebra-based course is intended to introduce students to the basic concepts of
physics: mechanics, work and energy, wave motion, light, sound, and electricity.
Understanding theory is the main goal of this course.
Problem solving, laboratory experiments, and demonstrations reinforce
this. Some independent research is
encouraged. Students are required to
have a scientific calculator. This
course is available for college credit through the
Physics,
Advanced Placement- Level IV
Two Semesters, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Precalculus and Trigonometry with a grade of 5 or 6
If Student has not had Trigonometry, he/she will need the permission of the
instructor
This
course, though algebra based, will be more theoretical in nature.
Students must be able to synthesize solutions from the theory;
thus critical thinking skills and a strong algebra background are
essential. Most formulas will be
derived. The emphasis of this course
will be placed on developing a proficiency in solving problems.
Chapter tests will contain AP multiple choice and open-ended problems.
Because some problems will be discussed and solved using calculus
principles, enrollment in calculus would be very useful but not required.
This course
is available for college credit through the
Two Semesters, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Biology and Integ. Chem/Phys or Chemistry Level III
In Forensic Science, students will apply the principles and techniques of science to analyze crime scene evidence. Emphasis will be placed on laboratory techniques, scientific inquiry and communication skills, as well as aspects of the criminal justice system and the admissibility of evidence. Students must incorporate the use of technology, critical thinking and teamwork. Due to the nature of some of the subject matter, the course requires a high level of maturity and diligent class participation
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