High School

Courses

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High School Courses

Science

Cred. Course Title Type Subject Prerequisites
1.00 Biology Core Science Yes
Prerequisites: Physical Science

Biology (1.0 Required) The Biology course guides students through the study of living and non-living systems and how they interact with one another. Students explore the world they live in by posing questions and seeking answers through scientific inquiry. Discovery takes place through observation and data collection. The students will be introduced to the structure, function, diversity, and evolution of living matter. This is a course with real relevance. It encourages curiosity and provides opportunity for students to work on hands on lab activities and develop relationships through collaboratively learning. Engaging in the study of biological science broadens the picture of the world around us.

Prerequisites: Physical Science

Biology (1.0 Required) The Biology course guides students through the study of living and non-living systems and how they interact with one another. Students explore the world they live in by posing questions and seeking answers through scientific inquiry. Discovery takes place through observation and data collection. The students will be introduced to the structure, function, diversity, and evolution of living matter. This is a course with real relevance. It encourages curiosity and provides opportunity for students to work on hands on lab activities and develop relationships through collaboratively learning. Engaging in the study of biological science broadens the picture of the world around us.

0.50 Biotechnology 1 Core Science None
Prerequisites: None

If you love the idea of solving problems to make the world a better place, a career as a biotechnician may be for you. In this course, you'll learn the basics of lab safety, how to perform tasks crucial to experimentation, biological basics, and about the exciting careers available in the field of biotechnology. Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear lab coats. Grab yours and let's get started!

Prerequisites: None

If you love the idea of solving problems to make the world a better place, a career as a biotechnician may be for you. In this course, you'll learn the basics of lab safety, how to perform tasks crucial to experimentation, biological basics, and about the exciting careers available in the field of biotechnology. Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear lab coats. Grab yours and let's get started!

0.50 Biotechnology 2: Unlocking Nature's Secrets Core Science None
Prerequisites: None

In Biotechnology 1b: Unlocking Nature's Secrets, students build on your knowledge from Biotechnology 1a and learn how this field seeks to cure such deadly diseases as cancer and malaria, develop innovative medicine, and effectively feed the world through improved agricultural systems. Learn about some of the challenges biotechnology faces today, such as the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria and questions about the safety of commercially produced genetically modified organisms (GMOs). You'll research new biotechnologies and learn how they are changing the world we live in, including the environmental benefits of industrial biotechnology.

Prerequisites: None

In Biotechnology 1b: Unlocking Nature's Secrets, students build on your knowledge from Biotechnology 1a and learn how this field seeks to cure such deadly diseases as cancer and malaria, develop innovative medicine, and effectively feed the world through improved agricultural systems. Learn about some of the challenges biotechnology faces today, such as the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria and questions about the safety of commercially produced genetically modified organisms (GMOs). You'll research new biotechnologies and learn how they are changing the world we live in, including the environmental benefits of industrial biotechnology.

1.00 Chemistry Core Science Yes
Prerequisites: Physical Science and Biology

The high school chemistry course is a two-segment study of the foundations of chemistry, building on the concepts and scientific thinking laid in middle school science. Students use scientific inquiry and higher-order problem solving as they explore the composition, properties, and changes of matter and their applications through interactive simulations, engineering solutions, and virtual and hands-on experiences. Scientific inquiry, research, experimental procedures, data collection and analysis, and making inferences are an integral part of the learning experience. In addition, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts are integrated throughout the course. Through phenomenon-based learning, students will be able to demonstrate a vast understanding of the importance of chemistry in the world, enabling them to apply these principles to their everyday lives and our global society.

Prerequisites: Physical Science and Biology

The high school chemistry course is a two-segment study of the foundations of chemistry, building on the concepts and scientific thinking laid in middle school science. Students use scientific inquiry and higher-order problem solving as they explore the composition, properties, and changes of matter and their applications through interactive simulations, engineering solutions, and virtual and hands-on experiences. Scientific inquiry, research, experimental procedures, data collection and analysis, and making inferences are an integral part of the learning experience. In addition, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts are integrated throughout the course. Through phenomenon-based learning, students will be able to demonstrate a vast understanding of the importance of chemistry in the world, enabling them to apply these principles to their everyday lives and our global society.

1.00 Physics Core Science Yes
Prerequisites: Physical Science and Biology

In each module of Physics 1, students discover the contributions of scientific geniuses like Galileo, Newton, and Einstein. Through their work, students learn the concepts, theories, and laws that govern the interaction of matter, energy, and forces. From tiny atoms to galaxies with millions of stars, the universal laws of physics are explained through real-world examples. Using laboratory activities, simulations, images, and interactive elements, students follow in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest thinkers.

Prerequisites: Physical Science and Biology

In each module of Physics 1, students discover the contributions of scientific geniuses like Galileo, Newton, and Einstein. Through their work, students learn the concepts, theories, and laws that govern the interaction of matter, energy, and forces. From tiny atoms to galaxies with millions of stars, the universal laws of physics are explained through real-world examples. Using laboratory activities, simulations, images, and interactive elements, students follow in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest thinkers.

1.00 Physical Science Core Science None
Prerequisites: None

Physical Science (1.0 Required) This course is designed as an interactive, 21st-century course focusing on basic physics and chemistry. Topics include forces and motion, energy through waves, electricity and magnetism, the matter around us, chemical bonding and reactions. This course is designed to serve as a foundation for the study of the physical sciences. The utilization of scientific inquiry, web 2.0 tools, interactive experiences, higher order thinking, collaborative projects, real-world application through labs and a variety of assessments all aid the student in ultimately demonstrating a vast understanding of the importance of the physical and chemical properties of the world around them; enabling them to apply these properties to their everyday lives. Either Physical Science or Chemistry is required for graduation.

Prerequisites: None

Physical Science (1.0 Required) This course is designed as an interactive, 21st-century course focusing on basic physics and chemistry. Topics include forces and motion, energy through waves, electricity and magnetism, the matter around us, chemical bonding and reactions. This course is designed to serve as a foundation for the study of the physical sciences. The utilization of scientific inquiry, web 2.0 tools, interactive experiences, higher order thinking, collaborative projects, real-world application through labs and a variety of assessments all aid the student in ultimately demonstrating a vast understanding of the importance of the physical and chemical properties of the world around them; enabling them to apply these properties to their everyday lives. Either Physical Science or Chemistry is required for graduation.

0.50 Renewable Technologies: Introduction Core Science None
Prerequisites: None

Cars that run on used vegetable oil. Electricity produced from your garbage. A windmill made from spare bicycle parts that pumps water to crops. Energy is life. So, how do we address the world's growing concerns about energy sources? Where will it come from in the future? How can energy be something sustainable, renewable, and accessible? Introduction to Renewable Technologies begins to uncover the development of new energy technologies and explores how recent approaches to generating, storing, and creating this precious resource have evolved. By gaining a larger understanding of this challenge, we, as thoughtful people, can implement real change and unlock the solution needed for a safer, cleaner, and more enduring world.

Prerequisites: None

Cars that run on used vegetable oil. Electricity produced from your garbage. A windmill made from spare bicycle parts that pumps water to crops. Energy is life. So, how do we address the world's growing concerns about energy sources? Where will it come from in the future? How can energy be something sustainable, renewable, and accessible? Introduction to Renewable Technologies begins to uncover the development of new energy technologies and explores how recent approaches to generating, storing, and creating this precious resource have evolved. By gaining a larger understanding of this challenge, we, as thoughtful people, can implement real change and unlock the solution needed for a safer, cleaner, and more enduring world.

0.50 SSEP: Real World Science Core Science None
Prerequisites: None

Required in Q1 of the 9th Grade Year. The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) was launched in June 2010 by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) in strategic partnership with NanoRacks, LLC. It is a remarkable U.S. national Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education initiative that gives students the ability to design and propose real microgravity experiments to fly in low Earth orbit on the International Space Station. Each community participating in SSEP conducts a local Flight Experiment Design Competition, with their student teams competing to fly an experiment in low Earth orbit in a real research mini-laboratory reserved just for their community. The competition is conducted through formal submission of real research proposals by the community’s student teams—just like professional researchers. Students can design experiments in diverse fields, including: seed germination, crystal growth, physiology and life cycles of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria), cell biology and growth, food studies, and studies of micro-aquatic life. Content resources for teachers and students support foundational instruction on science in microgravity and experiment design. A suite of SSEP program elements—the Community Program—leverages the flight experiment design competition to engage the entire community, embracing a Learning Community Model for STEM education. For school districts—even individual schools—SSEP provides an opportunity to implement a systemic, high caliber STEM education program tailored to community need. SSEP is designed to inspire and engage America’s next generation of scientists and engineers, and it is accomplished by providing each participating community their own very real Space Program.

Prerequisites: None

Required in Q1 of the 9th Grade Year. The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) was launched in June 2010 by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) in strategic partnership with NanoRacks, LLC. It is a remarkable U.S. national Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education initiative that gives students the ability to design and propose real microgravity experiments to fly in low Earth orbit on the International Space Station. Each community participating in SSEP conducts a local Flight Experiment Design Competition, with their student teams competing to fly an experiment in low Earth orbit in a real research mini-laboratory reserved just for their community. The competition is conducted through formal submission of real research proposals by the community’s student teams—just like professional researchers. Students can design experiments in diverse fields, including: seed germination, crystal growth, physiology and life cycles of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria), cell biology and growth, food studies, and studies of micro-aquatic life. Content resources for teachers and students support foundational instruction on science in microgravity and experiment design. A suite of SSEP program elements—the Community Program—leverages the flight experiment design competition to engage the entire community, embracing a Learning Community Model for STEM education. For school districts—even individual schools—SSEP provides an opportunity to implement a systemic, high caliber STEM education program tailored to community need. SSEP is designed to inspire and engage America’s next generation of scientists and engineers, and it is accomplished by providing each participating community their own very real Space Program.