Science
*Please inform your student's teacher in writing at least two weeks in advance of any objections you have to laboratory dissection of preserved specimens. The teacher will then plan alternate learning experiences in lieu of dissection.
270 ACADEMIC LIFE SCIENCE
271 ADVANCED LIFE SCIENCE
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
The 7th grade Life Science program deals with the scientific investigation of living things. Major topics include characteristics and classification of living things, cells and cell processes, genetics, evolution and ecology. Cooperative inquiry-based activities are employed to reinforce concepts and to teach important analysis skills. In addition, students engage in a variety of assessments to demonstrate their knowledge of the concepts. The Advanced Life Science course (271) is an accelerated course geared toward students that are interested in a deeper exploration of course materials while building strong problem-solving, analytical reading and technical writing skills.
284 EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
286 ADVANCED EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
The 8th grade Earth and Space Science course is a year-long academic course designed to introduce students to selected topics of earth features and processes, as well as atmospheric and astronomical principles. Students will also be exposed to the chemistry and physics behind the nature of the Earth and Space sciences. The sequence and scope of instruction will vary between Plate Tectonics, Physical Geology, Geologic Time, Meteorology, and Astronomy. Included will be selected STEAM related inquiry-based activities and internet research topics with each section.
203 PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Physical Science is a ninth-grade course which introduces students to the major topics of physics including: motion, forces, momentum, work, power, energy, waves, sound, and light. Inquiry-based activities, demonstrations, and projects are employed to reinforce concepts. Students engage in a variety of assessments to demonstrate their knowledge of concepts. This course applies mathematical principles as well.
202 ACADEMIC PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1 Credit
7 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Physical Science is a ninth-grade lab-oriented course which introduces students to the major topics of physics including: motion, forces, momentum, work, power, energy, waves, sound, and light. Cooperative laboratory activities, demonstrations, and projects are employed to reinforce concepts and teach laboratory skills. Students engage in a variety of assessments to demonstrate their knowledge of concepts. This course applies algebra skills as well, so it is suggested that students be enrolled in at least Algebra 1 while taking the course.
285 PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRICITY .
5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/1 Semester
This 9th-12th grade semester course will study the basics of electricity: electric charges, forces, and currents. Students will conduct STEAM related activities to determine the relationship between electric potential, current, and resistance in order to construct a variety of circuit combinations. This course covers physics content including equations. A background in Algebra is recommended. 9th and 10th grade students will get priority in scheduling.
287 PHYSICS OF SPACE
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/1 Semester
This 10th – 12th grade semester course will look at a variety of astrophysics related topics, including topics from current events. Topics covered will include gravity, getting humans into space, the makeup of the universe and solar systems, and the life cycle of stars. The course is designed to expand on students’ understanding of the physical sciences with an emphasis on how physics principles are applied. The students will learn through creating and contributing to a collaborative, student-centered classroom environment. Laboratory and problem-solving calculations require math skills primarily from Algebra I & II. A grade of C or better in Algebra II is required prior to taking this course.
*206 BIOLOGY
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Biology is an instructional program designed for biology students at all ability levels. Units of study include: The Nature of Life (The Cell as the Basic Unit of Life), The Continuity of Life, and Ecological Relationships. Students will acquire a clear understanding and mastery of key biological concepts and ideas. They will develop an awareness of the importance of biology as an integral part of their everyday lives. STEAM instructional design is utilized throughout the curriculum.
*205 ACADEMIC BIOLOGY
1 Credit
7 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Academic Biology is a lab-oriented course designed for the college-bound student. Biology concepts and laboratory skills will be mastered in the following areas: ecology, cellular biology, genetics, and evolution. Dissections are included in the prescribed course work. Students will utilize STEAM instructional design in this course.
*201 HONORS BIOLOGY I
1 Credit
8 Periods/Cycle/All Year
This course is a STEAM based course for a hands-on approach to biological concepts. Unit areas of work covered in the course include the following: The Nature of Life (The Science of Biology and the Chemistry of Life); Cells (Structure & Function, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, and Mitosis); Genetics (Nucleic Acids, Genetic Engineering, and The Human Genome); Evolution (Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, Evolution of Populations, History of Life, and Classification), Ecology (Biosphere, Ecosystems & Communities, Populations, and Humans in the Biosphere). Students need an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade in both Advanced Physical Science and Advanced Earth and Space Science along with both teacher recommendations to gain entrance into course 201.
*212 HONORS BIOLOGY II
1 Credit
8 Periods/Cycle/All Year
This course is designed for the student with a strong interest in the Biological Sciences, yet desiring a less rigorous approach than AP Biology. The course is STEAM based for a hands-on approach to biological concepts. The topics will include Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, and the relationship of structure and function in animals. Prerequisites: An A or B in Biology 201 or an A in Biology 205 and an A or B in Chemistry 204 or an A in Chemistry 207.
*213 AP BIOLOGY - GRADES 11 - 12
1 Credit
9 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Advanced Placement courses are offered to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination in May. Students who enroll in AP courses must pay for and take the standardized exam in May according to the College Board schedule. Participating universities and colleges may grant credit and/or appropriate course placement to students who have earned a qualifying score on the AP exam. For more detailed information about the Advanced Placement Program, please refer to the opening pages of the Program of Studies.
The course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. The pace is intensive and requires a great deal of time on the part of the student. A college text is used and emphasizes recent concepts and techniques in biology. The STEAM related lab activities place an emphasis on the biochemical aspect of biology. These activities are often ongoing and may require time spent outside the laboratory periods. At least 25% of class time will be spent engaged in hands-on, inquiry based laboratory activities. A summer assignment is required. The topics covered include: Ecology, Chemistry of Life, Cells, Cellular Energetics, Heredity, Molecular Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Diversity of Organisms, and cell communication. Prerequisites: An A or B in Biology 201 or an A in Biology 205 and an A or B in Chemistry 204 or an A in Chemistry 207.
210 CHEMISTRY
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Chemistry is an instructional program designed for students of all ability levels. The units of work include: Alchemy: Matter, Atomic Structure and Bonding; Smells: Molecular Structures and properties; Weather: Phase Changes and Behavior of Gases; and Toxins: Stoichiometry, Solution Chemistry, and Acids and Bases. Students will develop an understanding of key chemical concepts through STEAM instructional design relating the material to practical, everyday applications.
207 ACADEMIC CHEMISTRY
1 Credit
7 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Academic Chemistry is a lab-oriented course designed to meet the needs of college bound students not planning to major in a science-related field that utilizes STEAM instructional design. The units of work include: Alchemy: Matter, Atomic Structure and Bonding; Smells: Molecular Structures and properties; Weather: Phase Changes and Behavior of Gases; and Toxins: Stoichiometry, Solution Chemistry, and Acids and Bases. Students taking this course should be confident using their mathematics skills in Algebra I.
204 HONORS CHEMISTRY
1 Credit
8 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Honors Chemistry I is designed for those students who have demonstrated academic success in the sciences and in mathematics. The material is primarily quantitative in nature, but also includes a number of qualitative units of study. It includes extensive STEAM related activities stressing the proper and safe use of chemicals and equipment. The units of study include, but are not limited to: Introduction to Chemistry; Problem-solving using Dimensional Analysis; Atomic Theory and Structure; The Periodic Law; Formulas and Chemical Nomenclature; The Mole Concept and Stoichiometry; and Gas Laws. Students desiring to take this course must have a substantial proficiency in math and biology. This includes a grade of an A or B in Honors Biology I or an A in Academic Biology. Students taking this course should be confident using their mathematics skills in Algebra I and II. Both the math and science sequences must be completed prior to taking this course. A summer assignment will be required.
238 AP CHEMISTRY
1 Credit
9 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Advanced Placement courses are offered to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination in May. Students who enroll in AP courses must pay for and take the standardized exam in May according to the College Board schedule. Participating universities and colleges may grant credit and/or appropriate course placement to students who have earned a qualifying score on the AP exam. For more detailed information about the Advanced Placement Program, please refer to the opening pages of the Program of Studies.
This course is designed for students who plan to major in Chemistry, a Physical Science, Engineering, or Medicine; and is equivalent to a college introductory course taken by these majors.
Classroom work includes, but is not limited to: Atomic Structure and Properties, Intermolecular Forces and Properties, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Applications of Thermodynamics.
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam, which may allow them to earn college credit while in high school. As a result, this course is a rigorous study of chemistry focused on lab-work and depth of understanding of topics. At least 25% of class time is to be spent engaged in laboratory activities.
The pace is intensive and requires considerable study time by the student. A college level textbook is employed and the problems are of college level and similar to those taken on the AP examination. Appropriate STEAM related experiences will be provided and are used to illustrate and enhance the concepts covered in the classroom. Summer assignments will be required.
A grade of A or B in Chemistry 204 or an A in 207 is required prior to taking this course. A grade of A or B in Honors Algebra 2 or an A in its academic equivalents is required prior to taking this course. Precalculus must be completed or taken concurrently.
This course is also offered as a Dual Enrollment course through Reading Area Community College. Students who enroll in a Dual Enrollment course pay the cost per credit to Reading Area Community College. Participating universities and colleges may grant transfer credit to students who earn a qualifying grade for the course. For more detailed information about Dual Enrollment, please refer to the opening pages of the Program of Studies.
214 ACADEMIC PHYSICS - GRADES 11 - 12
1 Credit
7 Periods/Cycle/All Year
This course focuses on problem solving skills and strategies and the principles of physics. The students will apply their understanding of the physics principles and basic problem-solving skills during inquiry-based activities. Laboratory and problem-solving calculations require math skills primarily from Algebra I & II in addition to basic right triangle Trigonometry. Topics covered are: Mathematical Concepts; Kinematics; Forces and Newton's Laws of Motion; Projectile Motion; Circular Motion; Work and Energy; Impulse and Momentum; Rotation; Simple Harmonic Motion; Waves and Sound; Electric Circuits; and Light. A grade of C or better in Algebra II is a prerequisite prior to taking this course.
209 HONORS PHYSICS
1 Credit
8 periods/Cycle/All year
This course is designed for the student planning to major in a physical science or engineering in college but desiring a less rigorous approach than AP Physics. A college text is used and the problems are all college level. Emphasis is placed on the application of the theories and Laws of Physics through inquiry-based activities. The mathematics level is straightforward but is intense. Students taking this course should be confident using their mathematics skills in Algebra I, II and basic right triangle Trigonometry. Successful completion of or current enrollment in a Pre-calculus course is highly suggested. The topics covered are: Introduction to Mathematical Concepts; Kinematics; Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion; Circular Motion; Work and Energy, Impulse and Momentum, Rotation, Elasticity and Simple Harmonic Motion, Waves and Sound, and Electricity.
208 AP PHYSICS, LEVEL I
1 Credit
9 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Advanced Placement courses are offered to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination in May. Students who enroll in AP courses must pay for and take the standardized exam in May according to the College Board schedule. Participating universities and colleges may grant credit and/or appropriate course placement to students who have earned a qualifying score on the AP exam. For more detailed information about the Advanced Placement Program, please refer to the opening pages of the Program of Studies.
This course is designed for the student planning to major in a scientific field of study at college. The pace is very intensive and the mathematics level stresses the concepts of calculus, although calculus will not be used. A college text is used and the problems are all college level. This combined with the intensity of coverage will require considerable time spent on study by the student. At least 25% of class time will be spent engaged in inquiry-based laboratory activities which will be used to emphasis and enhance the concepts discussed in class. A grade of A or B in Honors Algebra II or A in Algebra II is required prior to taking this course. Successful completion of or current enrollment in a Pre-calculus course is required.
This course is also offered as a Dual Enrollment course through Reading Area Community College. Students who enroll in a Dual Enrollment course pay the cost per credit to Reading Area Community College. Participating universities and colleges may grant transfer credit to students who earn a qualifying grade for the course. For more detailed information about Dual Enrollment, please refer to the opening pages of the Program of Studies.
*220 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY - GRADES 11 - 12
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
This course is designed for students with an interest in a health-based career. The course begins with a unit on body orientation and language of anatomy. The course includes an in-depth study of systems of the human body and includes related dissections of mammalian organs. Discussion of current health related issues and several guest speakers are part of this course. A college level text is used and a strong recommendation from a Biology or a Chemistry teacher is recommended. There is a course prerequisite for this Anatomy and Physiology course: Honors or Academic Biology and Honors or Academic Chemistry (Chemistry may be taken concurrently.)
*222 HONORS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY - GRADES 11 - 12
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
This course is designed for students with a strong interest in a biomedical field, including veterinary medicine. The course begins with an introduction to the human body and the language used in the medical field. The course leads to an in-depth study of all the systems of the human body and includes related dissections of mammalian organs. A research paper will be required in each semester based on a medical topic assigned by the instructor. Discussion of current health related issues and several guest speakers are part of this course. The final major activity is an in-depth dissection of the fetal pig, in which the structures of each body system are observed and identified. A college level text is used. Biology and Chemistry are both prerequisites, Chemistry may be taken concurrently A strong recommendation from a biology teacher is recommended. STEAM related and inquiry-based lab activities are utilized throughout the curriculum. There is a course prerequisite for this honors level anatomy and physiology course: an A or B in Honors or an A in Academic Biology.
226 OCEANOGRAPHY - GRADES 11 - 12
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/Second Semester
Oceanography is designed as an introductory course into the various physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes and interactions of earth's oceans. This course will proceed from a study of the physical and chemical properties of seawater, detailing the relief of the ocean floors, sea-floor spreading as it pertains to the theory of plate tectonics, and coastal evolution.
228 METEOROLOGY- GRADES 11 - 12
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/First Semester
This course is a systematic approach to both the underlying principles governing atmospheric changes and the examination of the world's climatic regions and their relationship to man. Emphasis will be placed on the student becoming familiar with the reading and evaluating of common weather instruments to meteorological studies and the understanding of the various forces inherent in earth's weather.
250 ESSENTIALS OF ENGINEERING
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/Semester
This course offers students of all backgrounds the opportunity to experience the important field of engineering with a special emphasis on the building and designing processes. It aims to broaden participation in engineering by highlighting its impact and challenging student perceptions of the field, with a focus on exploring global engineering challenges and sustainability goals, as well as personal, societal, environmental, and economic impacts of engineering solutions. Examples of topics covered in the course include disaster relief and recovery, worker health and well-being, modern medical devices and procedures, and sustainable cities and communities. The course is primarily for 9th and 10th graders and serves as a foundation for other engineering related courses such as Robotics, Architecture, Advanced Engineering, and CAD. Course may count as a Science or Technology credit. A working knowledge of Algebra I is an important mathematical foundation.
251 ADVANCED ENGINEERING
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/Semester
Students will learn advanced topics in engineering with a special emphasis on product design and innovation. Skills can be utilized across cultures to address global engineering challenges. Students will learn advanced 3-D printing, product design software such as Fusion 360, data acquisition procedures, and advanced product testing techniques. The course is designed to be a capstone STEAM class that solves real-world problems from an engineering perspective. Advanced Engineering is a semester course that can be taken multiple times to enhance year long projects. Prerequisites include a strong competency in Algebra I and in a lab science such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Advanced Engineering can be taken without having had Essentials of Engineering if a student has had Physics or Chemistry with a teacher recommendation. Course may count as a Science or Technology credit.
252 HONORS ADVANCED ENGINEERING
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/Semester
This course is designed to prepare students for a career in science and engineering by incorporating the STEAM design and innovation processes at the highest level of all projects. Similar to Advanced Engineering, students gain experiences with advanced 3-D printing, product design software, such as Fusion 360, data acquisition procedures, and advanced product testing techniques. The Honors feature of the course incorporates an increased rigor on mathematical application, analysis, and computer modeling. The course also challenges students in the areas of structural, chemical, and environmental engineering that are foundations of many college programs. The course is designed to be a capstone STEAM class that solves real-world problems from an engineering perspective.
Advanced Engineering - Honors is a semester course that can be taken multiple times to enhance year-long projects. Prerequisites include a strong competency in Algebra I, II and in a lab science such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Advanced Engineering - Honors can be taken without having had Essentials of Engineering if a student has completed and passed Chemistry and/or Physics with a teacher recommendation. Course may count as a Science or Technology for 0.5 credit per semester.
*232 FORENSIC SCIENCE - GRADES 11 - 12
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/Semester
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to apply scientific techniques to the real world by using crime scene investigations. Topics will include crime scene investigation, finger print analysis, blood spatter analysis, dental and skeletal analysis, hair and fiber analysis, handwriting analysis, drugs and toxicology, and DNA analysis. Knowledge of trigonometry content is helpful, but not required.
234 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - GRADES 11 - 12
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/Semester
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to investigate issues related to the environment. Topics to be covered include human needs, environmental policy, urbanization, soil and agriculture, water resources and air pollution. Inquiry-based activities, demonstrations, and projects are employed to reinforce concepts. Students engage in a variety of assessments to demonstrate their knowledge of concepts.
235 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
1 Credit
8 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Advanced Placement courses are offered to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination in May. Students who enroll in AP courses must pay for and take the standardized exam in May according to the College Board schedule. Participating universities and colleges may grant credit and/or appropriate course placement to students who have earned a qualifying score on the AP exam. For more detailed information about the Advanced Placement Program, please refer to the opening pages of the Program of Studies.
This course is designed to enable students to undertake, as first-year college students, a more advanced study of topics in environmental science. The pace is intensive and will require summer reading as well as a great deal of time on the part of the student. The course utilizes STEAM inquiry design, scientific principles and concepts to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems of both natural and human-made. The course will also evaluate the relative risks associated with environmental problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. At least 25% of class time will be spent engaged in hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory and/or fieldwork activities. Prerequisites: An A or B in Biology 201 or an A in Biology 205 and an A or B in Chemistry 204 or an A in Chemistry.