Science Course Descriptions
Graduation Requirements
Students seeking a standard diploma should complete three courses from two different scientific disciplines: earth sciences, biological sciences, and physical sciences (chemistry or physics).
Students seeking an advanced diploma should complete four science courses from three different disciplines: earth sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences.
Students need to earn one verified credit for either a standard or advanced diploma.
SOL tests are available for Earth Science, Biology, or Chemistry. Students should work with their counselor to determine which tests are needed to verify credits for graduation.
The federal Every Student Succeeds Act requires all high school students take the Biology SOL test.
Environmental Science(03003)
Credit: 1(Earth or Biological Science Discipline)
Environmental Science courses examine the mutual relationships between organisms and their environment. In studying the interrelationships among plants, animals, and humans, these courses usually cover the following subjects: photosynthesis, recycling and regeneration, ecosystems, population and growth studies, pollution, and conservation of natural resources.
Biology I (03051)
Credit: 1 (Biological Science Discipline)
The Biology standards are designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of living systems. Students investigate biochemical life processes, cellular organization, mechanisms of inheritance, dynamic relationships among organisms, and the changes in organisms through time. Skills necessary to examine scientific explanations, conduct experiments, analyze and communicate information, and gather and use information in scientific literature continues to be necessary. The importance of scientific research that validates or challenges ideas is emphasized at this level. Tools and technology, including calculators, computers, probes and sensors, and microscopes, are used when feasible. Students will use chemicals and equipment safely. Mathematics, computational thinking, and experiences in the engineering design process are important as students advance in their scientific thinking.
Pre-AP Biology (03051H)
Credit: 1 (Biological Science Discipline)
The Biology standards are designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of living systems. Students investigate biochemical life processes, cellular organization, mechanisms of inheritance, dynamic relationships among organisms, and the changes in organisms through time. Skills necessary to examine scientific explanations, conduct experiments, analyze and communicate information, and gather and use information in scientific literature continues to be necessary. The importance of scientific research that validates or challenges ideas is emphasized at this level. Tools and technology, including calculators, computers, probes and sensors, and microscopes, are used when feasible. Students will use chemicals and equipment safely. Mathematics, computational thinking, and experiences in the engineering design process are important as students advance in their scientific thinking.
AP Biology (03056)
Prerequisites: Any Pre-AP Science Course or another AP Science Course
Credit: 1 (Weighted) (Biological Science Discipline)
Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be equivalent to a first-year college biology course. Students will develop an understanding, appreciation and assimilation in the major areas of biology: study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. You’ll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate natural phenomena. Among the topics of study are fundamental principles of biology such as the study of the diversity of life, environmental and biological diversity, population and community ecology, cellular reproduction, and principles of genetics.
AP Environmental Science (03207)
Prerequisite: Two credits of high school laboratory science
Credit: 1 (Weighted) (Earth Science Discipline)
AP Environmental Science is designed to be equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in Environmental Science. The goals of the course are to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
Ecology (03063)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology I or Pre-AP Biology
Credit: 1 (Biological Science Discipline)
This Biology II course focuses on an investigation of the relationship between living communities and their chemical and physical environments. Major topics of study include energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, biotic and abiotic influences on communities of living things, population dynamics, and a study of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem pollution. There is no SOL test for this course.
Chemistry I (03101)
Prerequisite: Enrollment in Algebra II, Biology
Credit: 1 (Physical Science Discipline)
The Chemistry standards are designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the interaction between matter and energy. This interaction is investigated using experimentation, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving. Areas of study include atomic theory, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, molar relationships, kinetic molecular theory, and thermodynamics. Concepts are illustrated with current practical applications that should include examples from environmental, nuclear, organic, and biochemistry content areas. Technology, including graphing calculators, computers, simulations, and probe ware, are used when feasible. Students will use chemicals and equipment safely. Mathematics, computational thinking, and experience with the engineering design process are essential as students advance in their scientific thinking.
Pre-AP Chemistry (03101H)
Prerequisite: Enrollment in Algebra II, Biology/Pre-AP Biology
Credit: 1 (Physical Science Discipline)
The Chemistry standards are designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the interaction between matter and energy. This interaction is investigated using experimentation, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving. Areas of study include atomic theory, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, molar relationships, kinetic molecular theory, and thermodynamics. Concepts are illustrated with current practical applications that should include examples from environmental, nuclear, organic, and biochemistry content areas. Technology, including graphing calculators, computers, simulations, and probe ware, are used when feasible. Students will use chemicals and equipment safely. Mathematics, computational thinking, and experience with the engineering design process are essential as students advance in their scientific thinking.
AP Chemistry (03106)
Prerequisites: Any Pre-AP Science Course or another AP Science Course
Credit: 1 (Weighted) (Physical Science Discipline)
Advanced Placement Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to a first-year college chemistry course. Students will develop an understanding, appreciation and assimilation in the five major areas of chemistry: Structure of Matter, the States of Matter, Reactions, Descriptive Chemistry, and Laboratory. Topics of study include (but are not limited to) energy, molecular orbital theory, and solution chemistry. Students will gain laboratory skills and an appreciation of science as a dynamic process through designing, implementing, and interpreting complex labs. Students will communicate with peers and adults through speech, writing, graphics, and presentations.
Earth Science (03001) Credit 1
Earth Science connects the study of the Earth’s composition, structure, processes and history; its atmosphere, freshwater and oceans; and its environment in space. Historical contributions in the development of scientific thought about the Earth and space are emphasized. The course focuses on the interpretation of maps, charts, tables and profiles; the use of technology to collect, analyze and report data; and the utilization of science skills in systematic investigation. Problem solving and decision making are an integral part of the course, especially as they relate to the costs and benefits of utilizing the Earth’s resources. Major topics of study include plate tectonics, the rock cycle, Earth history, the oceans, the atmosphere, weather and climate, and the solar system and universe. Students taking this course will take an end-of-course SOL test in Earth Science. Students must pass both the course and SOL test to earn a verified credit.
Physics I (03151)
Prerequisites: Algebra II
Credit: 1 (Physical Science Discipline)
The Physics standards emphasize a more complex understanding of experimentation, the analysis of data, and the use of reasoning and logic to evaluate evidence. The use of mathematics, including algebra and trigonometry, is important, but conceptual understanding of physical systems remains a primary concern. Students build on basic physical science principles by exploring the nature and characteristics of energy and its dynamic interaction with matter. Key areas covered by the standards include force and motion, energy transformations, wave phenomena and the electromagnetic spectrum, electricity, fields, and non-Newtonian physics. Technology, including graphing calculators, computers, and probe ware, are used when feasible. Students will use equipment safely. Mathematics, computational thinking, and experience in the engineering design process are essential as students advance in their scientific thinking.
AP Physics (03165)
Prerequisites: Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in higher math course
Credit: 1 (Weighted) (Physical Science Discipline)
Advanced Placement Physics I is Algebra based designed to be equivalent to a first-year college physics course. Students will develop an understanding, appreciation and assimilation in the major areas of physics: Physics knowledge, Problem solving, Student attributes and Connections. Major topics of study include: mechanics, fluid dynamics, waves, optics, magnetism, electricity and modern physics. Students will gain laboratory skills and an appreciation of science as a dynamic process through designing, implementing, and interpreting complex labs.
Astronomy (03165) School dependent check with school counselor
Credit: 1 ( Earth Science Discipline)
Astronomy courses offer students the opportunity to study the solar system, stars, galaxies, and interstellar bodies. These courses usually introduce and use astronomic instruments and typically explore theories regarding the origin and evolution of the universe, space, and time.
Oceanography (03005) School dependent check with school counselor
Credit: 1 (Earth Science Discipline)
Courses in Marine Science focus on the content, features, and possibilities of the earth’s oceans. They explore marine organisms, conditions, and ecology and sometimes cover marine mining, farming, and exploration.
Anatomy/Physiology ( 03053) School dependent check with school counselor
Credit: 1 (Biological Science Discipline)
Usually taken after a comprehensive initial study of biology, Anatomy, and Physiology courses present the human body and biological systems in more detail. In order to understand the structure of the human body and its functions, students learn anatomical terminology, study cells and tissues, explore functional systems (skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, nervous, and so on), and may dissect mammals.