Agriscience Foundations 1 ¹

8106810  |  Grade 09

This science course is designed to develop competencies in the areas of agricultural history and the global impact of agriculture; career opportunities; introduction to plant and animal sciences; environmental principles; agriscience safety; principles of leadership; and agribusiness, employability, and human relations skills in agriscience. Laboratory-based activities are an integral part of this course. This course is a prerequisite for all other agricultural courses unless otherwise stated. Industry Certifications will be offered in this course. FFA is the suggested extracurricular club for this course.

Prerequisite: Placement is based on academic history and test scores.

Environmental Science

2001340  |  Grades 09

Environmental science is the study of organisms and processes in the natural world and their modification by human activity. Students will study current environmental problems in the context of the physical, biological, and chemical processes that are often the basis of those problems. This course will provide the skills necessary to address the environmental issues we are facing today by examining scientific principles and the application of those principles to natural systems. This course will survey some of the many environmental science topics at an introductory level, considering the sustainability of human activities on the planet.

Prerequisite: Placement is based on academic history and test scores.

Biology 1

2000310  |  Grades 10 - 11

This course begins by building a foundation for understanding the scientific process. Students will practice the scientific process as they engage in various exploratory activities, laboratory experiences and real-life applications in the biological sciences. Topics include ecology, biochemistry, genetics, cells, biotechnology, evolution, classification, and more. Students at the end of this course take the Biology End of Course Exam, which counts as 30% of their course grade. A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities.

Prerequisite: Placement is based on academic history and test scores.

Biology 1 Honors ¹

2000320  |  Grade 09

In addition to the Biology 1 requirements, this course covers the content at a faster rate and in more depth. Extensive use of lab equipment and conducting experiments are an integral part of this course. Significant projects are required of students in most of the units. Students at the end of this course take the Biology End of Course Exam, which counts as 30% of their course grade. A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities.

Prerequisite: Placement is based on academic history and test scores.

Marine Science

2002500  |  Grades 10 - 12

Marine Science blends Life, Earth, and Physical Science and includes STEM pedagogical strategies that help students understand integrated science content in the context of the ocean – Earth’s greatest resource. This course covers scientific method, safe and effective use of laboratory instruments, geography of the seas, marine geological features, anatomy, physiology, and behavior of major groups of marine organisms, ecological chains, webs and cycles in the marine community, ways in which man benefits from the marine community, chemical and physical properties of ocean waters, the relationship between oceans and climate, and interaction of oceanography with technology & society. A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation. Previous enrollment in Biology 1 or Biology 1 Honors.

Marine Science Honors ¹

2002510  |  Grades 10 - 12

Although the content for this course is consistent with the Marine Science course, students will explore these concepts in greater depth and at a faster rate to accommodate the honors level course work. Areas of study will include the scientific method, the use of laboratory equipment, properties of water, ocean currents, waves, the geography of the ocean, ocean habitats, marine and shore-based flora and fauna, and the anatomy and physiology of marine organisms. This course will include simulations and dissections to help reinforce the topics that are taught. This course is recommended for students interested in expanding their knowledge of marine environments. A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities.

Prerequisite: See Honors/AP eligibility requirements chart. Previous enrollment in Biology 1 or Biology 1 Honors.

Forensic Science 1

2002480  |  Grades 10 - 12

This course covers the fundamentals of forensics using the scientific method and knowledge from physics, chemistry, biology, and math. Students will explore laws, court proceedings, terminology, forensic branches, crime labs, and career paths. The curriculum includes techniques for analyzing fingerprints, hair, blood, questioned documents, handwriting, forgery, death, decomposition, and entomology. Students will study major cases, including those with serial killers, to understand the role of evidence analysis in solving crimes. Emphasis is placed on the proper collection, preservation, and laboratory analysis of samples. Basics of forensic photography and camera use are also taught. A lab donation will be requested for hands-on activities. Due to the content's nature, the course responsibly addresses mature themes.

Prerequisite: Previous enrollment in Biology 1 or Biology 1 Honors.

Forensic Science 2

2002490  |  Grades 11 & 12

This lab-based course explores advanced forensic topics, integrating scientific methods from physics, chemistry, biology, and math. It offers a comprehensive understanding of forensic labs' roles in crime-solving, focusing on evidence examination. Key topics include serology, blood, fibers, toxicology, fingerprints, death, entomology, and more. Students will learn analytical techniques such as microscopy, chromatography, and spectroscopy. Hands-on activities include fetal pig autopsies, observing decomposition, and examining entomological evidence. Students will also learn crime scene photography and how to operate a DSLR camera. The course builds a strong forensic science foundation, highlighting the importance of crime scene investigation and lab analysis. Through major cases, including those with serial offenders, students will explore forensic applications and the critical role of evidence analysis. Given the content's nature, this course responsibly addresses mature themes.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Forensics 1.

Chemistry 1

2003340  |  Grades 10 - 12

This course appeals to the college-bound non-science major, and those students interested in technical training. This course relates chemistry to real-world decisions required of business executives, social scientists, technical and health field workers, and informed citizens in general. Skills are developed through reading assignments, laboratory activities, problem-solving, and homework.  A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities.

Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation. Criteria includes:
B or higher in Biology 1 or C or higher in Biology 1 Honors
B or higher in Algebra 1 or Algebra 2 or C or higher in Algebra 1 Honors or Algebra 2 Honors

Chemistry 1 Honors ¹

2003350  |  Grades 10 - 12

This advanced-level course is designed to cover the theme that the properties of matter are a consequence of its structure. Some of the specific topics covered are scientific method, density, chemical and physical changes, formulas, molecular relationships, electron arrangements, periodic table, chemical bonding, ionic compounds, stoichiometry, oxidation/reduction, and organic and nuclear chemistry. Good laboratory skills are essential. This course is strongly recommended for all students planning on receiving a college degree or entering a scientific field.  A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities.

Prerequisite: See Honors/AP eligibility requirements chart. Teacher recommendation. Criteria includes:
B or higher in Biology 1 or C or higher in Biology 1 Honors
B or higher in Algebra 1 or Algebra 2 or C or higher in Algebra 1 Honors or Algebra 2 Honors

Anatomy and Physiology Honors ¹

2000360  |  Grades 09 - 12

This honors course is the first course in the Secondary Health Core; consisting of a study of the human body, both structurally and functionally, with emphasis on the pathophysiology and transmission of disease. Medical terminology is an integral part of the course. Laboratory investigations and dissection that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem-solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental quality, and safety procedures will be an integral part of this course. Students will interact with materials and primary sources of data or with secondary sources of data to observe and understand the natural world. Students will develop an understanding of measurement error, and develop the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the data and resulting conclusions.

Prerequisite: See Honors/AP eligibility requirements chart and successful completion of Biology or concurrently enrolled in Biology Honors.

Physics 1 Honors ¹

2003390  |  Grades 11 - 12

Physics 1 Honors is a first-year, inquiry-based introductory physics course. Topics include kinematics (motion), force, energy, work, power, sound and waves, and other modern physics. To cultivate an understanding of the subject, qualitative labs and hands-on activities will be used. They may include building self-propelled vehicles, catapults, toothpick bridges, paper roller coasters, and more! A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities.

Prerequisite: See Honors/AP eligibility requirements chart. C or higher in Geometry.

AP Biology ¹

2000340  |  Grades 11 - 12

The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course. AP Biology includes an in-depth investigation into the chemical basis of life including cellular processes, free energy, metabolism, genetics, evolution, immune response, and ecology. The AP Biology course is designed to enable you to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. The AP Biology course is designed as an inquiry-based course in which students are expected to take authority over their own learning while the teacher acts as a guide along the path to understanding. This is a rigorous course, extensive laboratory and mathematical work, in addition to out-of-class reading, is required. This course also includes a summer assignment. A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities. 

Prerequisite: See Honors/AP eligibility requirements chart. Successful completion of  Biology and Chemistry.

AP Environmental Science ¹

2001380  |  Grades 10 - 12

This course uses a more hands-on approach to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of humans and the natural world. This course aims to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems. The course will take elements from many other disciplines that range from engineering to agriculture to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing environmental problems. A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities.

Prerequisite: See Honors/AP eligibility requirements chart. 

AP Chemistry ¹ 

2003370  |  Grades 11 - 12

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken in the first year of college. Students attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals, and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course develops students' abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. This course differs from other chemistry courses offered in high school with respect to the kind of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the type of laboratory work. Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics treated, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and variety of experiments done in the laboratory. AP Students should spend at least five hours a week in individual study outside the classroom. A lab donation will be requested to help finance laboratory activities. 

Prerequisite: See Honors/AP eligibility requirements chart. B or higher in Chemistry and Algebra 2.

¹ Indicates a weighted course.