PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Course Number: 301 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: None

Course Description: Basic concepts of chemistry, physics, and earth & space science will be covered in this course. Required preparatory class for OGT.

HONORS PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Course Number: 3010 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Recommended grade of B or above in Eighth Grade Science and teacher recommendation.

Course Description: The curriculum for this class is designed to address Ohio Graduation Standards as well as prepare the students for Honors Biology. It includes the basics of Physics, Chemistry and Earth and Space Science. Students enrolling in Honors Physical Science are expected to move into Honors Biology in their sophomore year. Students will conduct lab experiments for inquiry-based learning situations and participate in in-depth research on current topics related to science. Students will move at an accelerated pace and be expected to complete in-depth projects and assignments in a timely manner.

BIOLOGY

Course Number: 321 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Physical Science or recommended grade of B or above in Honors Eighth Grade Science.

Course Description: Students will learn fundamental concepts regarding molecular biology, heredity and evolution, the diversity of plants and animals and the interactions of organisms and their environment. Required preparatory class for OGT.

HONORS BIOLOGY

Course Number: 3210 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Honors Physical Science or recommended grade of B or above in Honors Eighth Grade Science and teacher recommendation.

Course Description: This course is designed for the highly motivated science student. It is a course open to ninth and tenth grade students who have demonstrated superior work in previous science classes. The faster pace and increased rigor will prepare students for more advanced science classes. Students enrolling in Honors Biology are expected to follow the accelerated science placement track once they have completed the course. Honors Biology is a course designed to expand the students' knowledge of the living organisms in this world. This is done through a variety of teaching methods, labs, group and individual activities, discussions and cooperative learning. Topics and skills related to the Ohio Graduation Test will be incorporated. In depth topics include genetics/heredity and the diversity of life. Additional topics include environmental science and biotechnology.

CHEMISTRY

Course Number: 331 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Physical Science and Biology.

Course Description: A general course in chemistry that provides students with fundamental principles, while introducing basic knowledge of chemical concepts, methods, materials, and philosophies of chemistry, as they apply to each other and to everyday interactions. Students will experience a comprehensive curriculum exploring such topics as matter and measurement, mass relations in chemical reactions, reactions in water solutions, atomic structure and bonding, and thermochemistry. This course will adequately prepare students who are thinking about pursuing further science related studies.

HONORS CHEMISTRY

Course Number: 3310 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Honors Physical Science and Honors Biology.

Course Description: Honors Chemistry is an intensive study of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. This course is designed to provide a more in depth study of concepts introduced in the Chemistry curriculum, emphasizing the development of independent problem solving skills and cooperative learning strategies, as they apply to chemistry. Students will further develop the core concepts of chemistry, equivalent to the curriculum of the first-half of a freshman college chemistry course. Honors chemistry is a pre-requisite to Advanced Placement Chemistry which will be offered to students in the spring. Honors Chemistry is a weighted course, and will only earn a weighted marking upon the completion of a full semester.

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS

Course Number: 341 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Recommended "C" or better in Physical Science, or have 2 Science credits.

Course Description: This course is an introductory level physics course which covers fundamental concepts regarding Newtonian mechanics, waves, energy, electricity and magnetism. A firm grasp of basic algebra is necessary; however, the emphasis of the course is placed on conceptual understanding rather than mathematical problem solving. Handson activities and labs provide a basis for investigation of many of the physics concepts covered in this course. This course does not count towards the science requirement for an Honors Diploma.

PHYSICS

Course Number: 343 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Algebra 2 required, Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry is recommended.

Course Description: This is a traditional physics course covering Newtonian mechanics, waves, optics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism and modern physics. Emphasis is placed on mathematical problem-solving skills, and a strong working knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required. Lectures will be supplemented with hands-on labs requiring students to analyze physical phenomena by applying concepts learned throughout the course. This course is designed to enable the student to be successful in a college-level physics course.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Course Number: 325 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Recommended grade of "B" or above in Biology and completed or enrolled in a chemistry course.

Course Description: A lab course that takes an indepth look at human cells, tissues and body systems. Some comparative anatomy to other organisms is included. Requires a great deal of memorization and retention of biological terms. A good foundational course for students thinking of medical and health service professions.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Course Number: 304 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Completed or enrolled in a chemistry course.

Course Description: Provides students with the scientific principals, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and humanmade, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. This course has an inquiry based experimental learning environment that includes outdoor field research, hands on case studies, educational field trips, everyday environmental problem solving, and land lab planning.

GENETICS/MICROBIOLOGY

Course Number: 340 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Recommended grade of "B" or above in Biology and completed or enrolled in a chemistry course.

Course Description: Microbiology is lab-based and focuses on the structure, function and social impact of viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Genetics is an expansion course of the classical genetics discussed in the introductory Biology course with further study in human and applied genetics. Gel electrophoresis will be used in labs to demonstrate modern biological techniques. The course also includes discussions involving current bioethical issues.

Students will be required to take the AP Exam and pay any fees associated with the exam. Fees are to be paid prior to the test being administered. Students must complete the semester course along with taking the AP test to receive the weighted AP grade. If you do not take the test you will receive an "F" for the course.

AP BIOLOGY

Course Number: 322 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Completed Honors Biology and Chemistry.

Course Description: The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Students are required to complete an assignment during winter break to prepare for the second semester. All students are

AP CHEMISTRY

Course Number: 351S Length: 1 Block - Second Semester Only Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Honors Chemistry

Course Description: AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the second-half of a freshman college chemistry course. Students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems, and be provided with laboratory experience equivalent to that of a typical college chemistry course. Emphasis is placed on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulations of scientific principles. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be taken after the completion of Honors chemistry. Students are required to take the AP Chemistry test given in May. AP Chemistry is a weighted course, and will only earn a weighted marking upon the completion of a full semester.

AP PHYSICS B

Course Number: 345 Length: 1 Block Credit: 1 Pre-requisites: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry and Physics.

Course Description: AP Physics B is designed to be the equivalent of a full-year algebra-based college Physics course. Topics covered include Newtonian mechanics, waves and optics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism and modern physics. Topics will be covered in more depth and with a wider variety of problems than in regular Physics. This is a fast-paced course that requires a strong working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. Mathematical problem-solving will be the basis of the course. Investigative labs will also be required with an emphasis on scientific analysis.