Science Courses


Course: Environmental Science
Prerequisite: None
1 Credit
This course will show the connection between science, technology, and society. By using the “earth systems” approach, you will recognize society and the environment as an interrelated system. Throughout the course, we will examine environmental issues and investigate realistic solutions. By the end of this course, you will have a greater understanding of the relationships between the environmental factors that affect your world.
Course: Biology
Prerequisites: Environmental Science
1 Credit
Biology I is a Tennessee state-tested science course with a comprehensive End of Course (EOC) Exam. As much as possible, students will learn science by doing science. During the course students will discover what it means to be considered living, then explore the structure and function of living organisms. Starting at the molecular level, content will include the structure and function of molecules that form into cells and cell parts. Course study includes the structure and function of molecules such as DNA, cell organelles, and different cell types. Students will learn the molecular processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and the associated transfer of matter and energy into and out of cells. Models of cell division for the purposes of development, growth, and reproduction will be analyzed for processes that influence outcome. Other biological topics include ecosystem interactions, energy and dynamics, inheritance and variation of traits, biological change over time and the causative factors of change, as well as links among engineering, technology, science and society. 
Course: Honors Biology
Prerequisites: Environmental Science or Freshman seeking more advanced science coursework
1 Credit
The purpose of this course is to provide students with experiences that foster an understanding and appreciation of biological concepts, and to provide students with concepts and skills necessary for science literacy.  Laboratory investigations, activities, and other projects will be used to expand on concepts and major themes.  Students will leave this course with a better understanding of themselves and the world in which they live.  They will have the ability to think critically, and make decisions about relevant science issues that affect their daily lives.  

Honors Additional components:

1.  Extended reading & writing assignments that extend the course curriculum.

2.  Projects that apply the curriculum material to real world situations.

3.  Open-ended investigation(s) in which the student designs their research.

4.  Extensive opportunities for problem-solving experiences through imagination, critical analysis, and application.

5.  Read novel “Jurassic Park”, and complete “Create Your Own Jurassic Park” project.

Course: Chemistry I
Prerequisites: Biology, Algebra 1
1 Credit
Chemistry is a laboratory science course in which students investigate the composition of matter and the physical and chemical changes it undergoes.  Students use science process skills to study the fundamental structure of atoms, the way atoms combine to form compounds, and the interactions between matter and energy.  The content standards for this course are Atomic Structures, Matter and Energy, and Interactions of Matter.
Course: Honors Chemistry I
Prerequisites: Biology, Algebra I
1 Credit
Honors Chemistry is a laboratory science course in which students investigate the composition of matter and the physical and chemical changes it undergoes. Students use science process skills to study the fundamental structure of atoms, the way atoms combine to form compounds, and the interactions between matter and energy. The content standards for this course are Atomic Structures, Matter and Energy, and Interactions of Matter.
Course: Physics
Pre-Requisites: Biology, Algebra I
1 Credit
Physics is a study of how the world works.  The role of physics is to develop a systematic understanding of the fundamental laws that govern physical, chemical, and biological processes. This course is designed to instruct students in foundational physics concepts, to prepare students to exist in an increasingly technological society, to develop students’ analytical, problem solving, and laboratory skills and to integrate math, science and technology.
Course: Honors Physics
Prerequisites: Biology, Geometry
1 Credit
This course is similar to the physics description above.  In this Honors level course, students will use more advanced mathematics in problem solving, work to design and develop experiments independently, and produce well written lab reports.

Course: AP Chemistry
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra II
1 credit
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. AP Chemistry provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Students who are eligible for fee waivers with the school system may be eligible for a fee waiver on the AP Exam through the AP Program.
Course: AP Biology Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry 1 Credit
The AP Biology course is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. Students who are eligible for fee waivers with the school system may be eligible for a fee waiver on the AP exam through the AP Program.
Course: AP Physics 1 Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry 1 Credit
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves. Students who are eligible for fee waivers with the school system may be eligible for a fee waiver on the AP exam through the AP Program. 
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