 Through the formal study of science, students become effective problem solvers, collaborative/cooperative workers, and lifelong learners. As students become familiar with both the process (scientific method) and content (body of scientific knowledge) of science, they will learn how scientific problem solving techniques are useful in all areas of life, and will realize the importance of science when considering the relationships among people, technologies, and environments.
Possible Course Offerings (High School)
Biology I is a course that introduces students to the world of living things. The students explore the following:
- basic life processes at the molecular, cellular, systemic, organismal, and ecological levels of organization within the biosphere;
- interdependence and interactions within the environment to include relationships, behavior, and population dynamics;
- cultural and historical scientific contributions of men and women;
- evidence that supports biological evolution; and
- current and emerging technology applications
Biology II is a course that introduces students to major specialty areas of biology. The students explore the following:
- Comparative Anatomy and Zoology
- Embryology
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Botany.
Chemistry I is a course that explores the properties of substances and the changes that substances undergo. The student will investigate the following:
- Atomic Structure
- Matter and Energy
- Interactions of Matter
- Properties of Solutions and Acids and Bases
Chemistry II is a continuation of Chemistry I, but it investigates in greater depth the fundamental makeup of matter, the interactions of matter, and the energy of such interactions. This course may be used as the basis for an AP Chemistry class, or it may be taught concurrently with AP Chemistry. The student will investigate the following:
- Structure of Matter
- States of Matter
- Reactions
Geology is a course that explores the origins and the connections between the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the Earth system. The student will investigate
- Maps
- Matter and Minerals
- Rocks and the Rock Cycle
- Geologic History
- Plate Tectonics
- External Landform Morphology
Ecology is a course that enables students to develop an understanding of the natural environment and the environmental problems the world faces. Students will investigate the following:
- Fundamental Ecological Principles
- Human Population Dynamics
- Natural Resources
- Energy Sources and Their Use
- Human Interaction with the Environment
- Personal and Civic Responsibility
Physics is a course that deals with the relationship between matter and energy and how they interact. The following major areas will be investigated.
- Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Waves and Sound
- Light and Optics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Physical Science is a course that explores the relationship between matter and energy. Students should learn Physical Science through the process of inquiry. Hands-on laboratory investigations, individual studies, and group activities should constitute a major portion of the learning experience. Using available technology, students will investigate forces and motion, the chemical and physical properties of matter, the ways in which matter and energy interact within the natural world, and the forms and properties of energy. Conservation of matter and energy is an underlying theme throughout the entire course. Physical Science provides the knowledge, prerequisite skills, and habits of mind needed for problem solving and ethical decision-making about matters of scientific and technological concern. Physical Science offers a basic foundation for advanced studies in Chemistry and Physics.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 18 September 2008 20:42 )
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