To be successful, students need to pay special attention to the prerequisites and recommendations listed for each course. There is a lab fee for all science classes.
Life Science (Gr. 9-10) 1 semester 7016
This is an introduction to biology course. Students develop problem resolution skills and strategies while performing laboratory investigations of fundamental biological concepts and principles which affect their well-being as well as that of their community and other living organisms in their environment. Students will explore the functions and processes of cells within all living organisms, the sources and patterns of genetic inheritance and variation leading to biodiversity, and the relationships of living organisms to each other and to the environment as a whole. Lab work is an integral part of this course. Students not ready for Biology I may benefit from this course. (3030)
Recommendation: Teacher and/or counselor recommendation
Note: Not open to students with Biology I credit
Note: Life Lab Science
Note: Counts as a science credit for General Diploma only or counts as an elective credit for all other diploma types
Physical Science (Gr. 9-10) 1 semester 7006
Students develop problem solving skills and strategies while performing laboratory investigations of fundamental chemical, physical, and related earth and space science concepts and principles that are related to students’ interests and that address everyday problems. Students explore the structure and properties of matter, the nature of energy and its role in chemical reactions and the physical and chemical laws that govern earth’s interconnected systems and forces of nature. The emphasis of the course is on developing the skills, processes, concepts and attitudes which the students will need to become discriminating consumers, effective decision makers, and productive workers in a scientific and technological society. (3102)
Recommendation: Teacher and/or counselor recommendation
Note: Physical Lab Science
Note: Counts as a science credit for General Diploma only
Biology I (Gr. 9-10) 2 semesters 7101/7102
This introductory biology course focuses on the four main core topics of modern biology: cell biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Students work individually and cooperatively to study the structures and functions of living organisms and how they interact with their environment to use energy, reproduce, pass on genetic information, evolve, and interact with their environment. Students learn these concepts by performing labs, small group discussions, large group lectures, classwork assignments, and projects. (3024)
Recommendation: Teacher and/or counselor recommendation
Note: Life Lab Science
Note: Required for Core 40, Academic Honors, and Tech Honors diplomas
Biology I Honors (Gr. 9-10) 2 semesters 7711/7712
This introductory biology course focuses on the four main core topics of modern biology: cell biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Students work individually and cooperatively to study the structures and functions of living organisms and how they interact with their environment to use energy, reproduce, pass on genetic information, evolve, and interact with their environment. Students learn these concepts by performing labs, small group discussions, large group lectures, classwork assignments, and projects. This class differs from general Biology I in that students are expected to be self-driven and capable of independent learning. (3024)
Prerequisite: A or B in 8th grade science.
Note: A strong work ethic and disciplined study habits are essential to success in this course. Organizational skills are a must
Note: Biology I Honors covers the same material that Biology I covers but with more student directed activities and learning experiences which enable students to delve deeper into all areas of study
Note: Biology I Honors receives one additional grade bump in GPA calculations
Note: Life Lab Science
Principles of Biomedical Sciences PLTW (Gr. 9-12) 2 semesters 7161/7162
This course provides an introduction to the biomedical sciences through exciting hands-on projects and problems. Students use forensic science to investigate concepts of biology and medicine as they explore health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases. They determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional woman as they sequentially piece together evidence found in her medical history and her autopsy report. Students investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the woman’s life and demonstrate how the development of disease is related to changes in human body systems. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes and allow students to design experiments to solve problems. Key biological concepts include maintenance of homeostasis in the body, metabolism, inheritance of traits, and defense against disease. This course provides an overview of all the courses in the biomedical sciences program and lays the scientific foundation for subsequent courses. (5218)
Prerequisite: Students should have earned either an "A" or "B" in 8th grade science
Note: You may earn college credit at select colleges by earning a minimum of 6 out of 9 on the ECA for PBS
Note: This course is for a student interested in: medical field, research, hands-on/project based learning, and lab work, pacing himself, eager to ask questions, and excited about science. This course is designed for hard workers.
