Science
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High school students continue to build upon the foundations of scientific phenomenon learned in the middle school grades and enhance the scientific knowledge and inquiry leading them toward potential careers. Students matriculate through the core science courses of biology, chemistry and physics, as well as engaging in a variety of science electives of their choosing. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of Advanced Placement science courses including AP Biology, AP Physics 1 & 2, AP Chemistry, and AP Environmental Science. Through active engagement in science experiences, all students utilize evidence and engineering practices to design and defend conclusions based on experiences from the world around them.
Core Courses
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Biology (SC4301/SC4302)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 9
Other Info: This course will count toward the Science graduation requirement.
Description: Students will employ the scientific method to investigate the structures and functions of living systems; matter, energy and the interactions within ecosystems; heredity and change over time. Students will apply lab experiences and problem solving strategies to further explore the subject matter and to understand real- life biological complexities.
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Biology (SC4401/SC4402)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 9
Other Info: This course will count toward the Science graduation requirement.
Description: Students will employ the scientific method to investigate the structures and functions of living systems; matter, energy and the interactions within ecosystems; heredity and change over time. Students will apply lab experiences and problem solving strategies to further explore the subject matter and to understand real-life biological complexities.
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Chemistry (SC4313/SC4314)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra (grade of C or better) OR Division Head approval
Other Info: This course will count toward the Science graduation requirement.
Description: Students will demonstrate and apply scientific inquiry and scientific techniques to solve chemistry problems. Some topics included are matter, atoms, the periodic table, bonding, chemicals, density, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, acids, and bases.
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Chemistry (SC4413/SC4414)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra (grade of C or better) OR Division Head approval
Other Info: This course will count toward the Science graduation requirement.
Description: Students will demonstrate and apply scientific inquiry and scientific techniques to solve chemistry problems. Topics will be explored qualitatively, but with a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis. Students must possess strong math and algebra skills.
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Physical Science (SC4305/SC4306)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior, OR Senior Status
Other Info: This course will count toward the Science graduation requirement. This course is not open to students who have taken Chemistry or Physics.
Description: Students will strengthen their scientific and algebra skills through their application to topics such as the interactions of motion, forces, energy, and matter.
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Physics (SC4310/SC4311)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra, Geometry
Other Info: This course will count toward the Science graduation requirement.
Description: Students will use data and apply mathematical principles to solve physics problems. Some topics included are scientific inquiry, vectors and displacement, motion, forces, astronomy, magnetism, electricity, sound, and light.
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Physics (SC4410/SC4411)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra, Geometry
Other Info: This course will count toward the Science graduation requirement.
Description: Students will use data and apply mathematical principles to solve physics problems. Some topics included are scientific inquiry, vectors and displacement, motion, forces, astronomy, magnetism, electricity, sound, and light.
Elective Courses
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AP Biology (SC4501/SC4502)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/2 units (this course is scheduled as a double period for a full year)
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: This is a first year college biology course. The Advanced Placement Biology course will cover the set curriculum as described by the College Board. Students study molecules and cells, heredity, evolution, organisms, and populations. This course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Upon completion of the class, students are encouraged to take the AP Exam for possible college credit.
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AP Chemistry (SC4513/SC4514)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/2 units (this course is scheduled as a double period for a full year)
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: This is a first year college chemistry course. The Advanced Placement Chemistry course will cover the set curriculum as described by the College Board. Students study matter, bonding, acid-base reactions, red-ox reactions, and electro chemistry. Upon completion of the class, students are encouraged to take the AP Exam for possible college credit.
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AP Environmental Science (SC4523/SC4524)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, OR concurrently enrolled in Chemistry.
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: This is a college course in Environmental Science. The Advanced Placement Environmental Science course will cover the set curriculum as described by the College Board. Students study scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems (both natural and human-made) to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and to examine alternate solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Upon completion of the class, students are encouraged to take the AP Exam for possible college credit.
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AP Physics I (SC4510/SC4511)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: This is a first year college physics course. The Advanced Placement Physics course will follow the College Board parameters. Students study mechanics, electricity, waves, fluids and thermodynamics. Upon completion of the class, students are encouraged to take the AP Exam for possible college credit. This course can be taken without prior physics experience.
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AP Physics II (SC4520/SC4521)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Physics OR AP Physics I.
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: This is an algebra-based, introductory college level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry based investigations as they explore topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits and capacitors; magnetic fields; and others as described by the College Board.
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AP Physics C (SC4515/SC4516)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/2 units (this course is scheduled as a double period for a full year)
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus (completion or concurrent enrollment), and one of the following: Physics, AP Physics I, AP Physics II.
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: AP Physics C is equivalent to a two semester, calculus based, college level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. Mechanics is covered in Semester 1, while Semester 2 focuses on electricity and magnetism. Introductory differential and integral calculus are used throughout the course, and students should have taken or be concurrently enrolled in calculus.
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Applied Microbiology (SC4861)
Length/Credit: 1 semester/0.5 units
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, or Division Head approval if Physical Science was completed.
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: Students will learn how emerging diseases, microbiomes, probiotics, and microbes on a variety of surfaces impact our health.
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Earth and Space Science (SC4842/SC4843)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior, OR senior status
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement and in some cases the Science graduation requirement.
Description: The course is designed for students to master the Earth and Space Science components of the Next Generation Science Standards, while giving students a rigorous science course to further their education and prepare them for college and career readiness.
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ECC Principles of Biology (ECCOBIO110)
Length/Credit: 1 semester/0.5 units
4 credit hours.Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Satisfaction of placement criteria: ECC Placement Tests (Writing=55, Reading=95, Math=46); OR PSAT/SAT Test (Reading & Writing=480, Math=530); OR ACT Test (English=19, Reading=19, Math=22).
Other Info: ECC on campus course at HHS and JHS only.
Description: This is the first course of the Veterinary Science Pathway. It will cover the basic concepts in all areas of agriculture that include: animal science, plant and soil science, horticulture, agribusiness, mechanics, and alternative energy.
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Environmental Science (SC4820/SC4821)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Junior OR senior status
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement and in some cases the Science graduation requirement.
Description: Students will analyze and interpret information regarding how living organisms interact with each other and their environment, the earth and its resources, the geography of different earth biomes and ecosystems, and the impact of humans on the environment and ecosystems. Students will also develop and use the scientific method to inventory, compare, and evaluate local ecosystems.
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Forensic Science I (SC4841)
Length/Credit: 1 semester/0.5 units
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology and one of the following: Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics.
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: Students will examine and apply different forensic science procedures in order to properly investigate a crime scene. Students will use scientific inquiry to solve problems that are presented. Biology, physics, and chemistry are all incorporated to gain a full understanding of the techniques used by a forensic scientist.
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Forensic Science II (SC4851)
Length/Credit: 1 semester/0.5 units
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Highly recommend a grade of C or better in Forensics I OR Division Head approval.
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: Students will learn the same skills as in Forensic Science I but in more depth and with a career focus on forensics, law enforcement, and the military.
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Human Anatomy & Physiology (SC4828/SC4829)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Highly recommend a grade of C or better in Biology and Chemistry OR Division Head approval.
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: Students will analyze the systems of the human body, investigate health careers, and apply biological concepts to human anatomy and physiology. Dissection is utilized to examine the systems in greater detail.
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Zoology (SC4831/SC4832)
Length/Credit: 2 semesters/1 unit
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Highly recommend a grade of C or better in Biology and Chemistry OR Division Head approval if Physical Science was completed.
Other Info: This course will count toward the Strand 2 graduation requirement.
Description: Students will examine the classification of animals by using microscopes and dissection to observe the structural differences of the animal kingdom.