Course Guide Home

137341 & 137342 -PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grades:  9-12        
1 Science credit
Prerequisite: None

In this first course of the college preparatory sequence, students will explore topics in earth and physical sciences. Through a lens of laboratory work, hands-on activities, and real-world experiences, students will investigate momentum, energy waves, atomic structure and The Periodic Table, chemical bonding and reactions.

137140 - BIOLOGY 1: CELLS AND VARIATION
Grades:  10         
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: None

This is the initial course in a sequence of biology courses that together will provide a college preparatory experience in the life sciences.  This course has the theme: What is the basis of life and how does it vary?  Students will conduct controlled experiments using the experimental design process.  They will study biochemistry, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and cell environment, aspects of cell division, Mendelian genetics, meiosis, and the unity and diversity of life.

138140 - HONORS BIOLOGY 1: CELLS AND VARIATION
Grades:  9-10      
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: Department approval

This is the initial course in a sequence of biology courses that together will provide a college preparatory experience in the life sciences.  This course has the theme: What is the basis of life and how does it vary?  Students will conduct controlled experiments using the experimental design process.  They will study biochemistry, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and cell environment, aspects of cell division, Mendelian genetics, meiosis, and the unity and diversity of life. It is designed for the student who anticipates a science-based career, desires an accelerated science program, and intends to take advanced courses in science. A weighted grade is given for this course.

137150 - BIOLOGY 2: EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY
Grades:  10         
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: Biology 1: Cells and Variation

This second course in the biology sequence has a theme of: How is Life Interrelated? Students will explore the unity and diversity of life through the study of evolution by natural selection. The structure and replication of DNA along with protein synthesis will be examined. The interdependence of all living things will be explored with emphasis on ecological processes and human impact on the biosphere. The processes of photosynthesis and respiration will be introduced. The Missouri Biology End of Course Assessment is given at the conclusion of this course.

138150 - HONORS BIOLOGY 2: EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY
Grades:  9-10      
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: Biology 1: Cells and Variation or Department approval

This second course in the biology sequence has a theme of: How is Life Interrelated? Students will explore the unity and diversity of life through the study of evolution by natural selection. The structure and replication of DNA along with protein synthesis will be examined. The interdependence of all living things will be explored with emphasis on ecological processes and human impact on the biosphere. The processes of photosynthesis and respiration will be introduced. These topics will be presented through numerous laboratory activities, lectures and discussions and will emphasize process and thinking skills.  This course is designed to challenge the top ten percent of students.  It is more intensive and requires increased levels of critical thinking and mathematical reasoning. It is designed for the student who anticipates a science-based career, desires an accelerated science program, and intends to take advanced courses in science. The Missouri Biology End of Course Assessment is given at the conclusion of this course.  A weighted grade is given.

137140 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Grades:  11-12        
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology

This course completes the initial college preparatory sequence and has the themes. How does biotechnology impact life? and How is life organized for success? The students will investigate a variety of concepts such as DNA fingerprinting and genetic engineering. Students will explore and compare plants and animals (including humans) at the system and molecular levels. Other topics will include photosynthesis and cellular respiration. These topics will be presented through numerous laboratory activities and will emphasize process and thinking skills.

137241 & 137242 (Year-long) - PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY 
Grades:  10-12
1 Science credit
Prerequisite:  Successful Completion of Biology 1 and 2

This course is designed for students who wish to obtain an understanding of the science of chemistry. The major concepts of chemistry are presented with an emphasis of its application in everyday life. The course will cover matter and its properties, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, properties of gases, solutions, introduction to thermochemistry, acid/base chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. These topics will be complemented with activities and laboratory investigations so student can gain hands-on experience. Principles of Chemistry is designed for students who want a rigorous study of chemistry topics and are pursuing a career in a non-STEM field.

137201 & 137202 (Year-long) - CHEMISTRY
Grades:  10-12    
1 Science credit
Prerequisite(s): Algebra 1 with a C or better or Department approval

This course can fulfill the third required year of science credit and completes the recommended core curriculum in chemistry.  Topics include atomic structure and history, The Periodic Table and periodicity, bonding and nomenclature, the mole and stoichiometry, states of matter, kinetics, thermochemistry, and acids and bases. Group interaction, discussion, and cooperation during laboratory practice and mathematical problem-solving sessions will be commonplace.   Open-ended lab experiences requiring student collaboration, technology, and multiple-step problem solving execution will be frequent.

138201 & 138202 (Year-long) - HONORS CHEMISTRY
Grades:  10-12       
1 Science credit
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and 2 and Algebra 1 (A or better) or Department approval

This course is designed for the student who has an exceptional interest in science and desires an accelerated science program. Topics include atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws and physical states, thermochemistry, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium, and acids and bases. Group interaction, discussion, and cooperation during laboratory practice and mathematical problem-solving sessions will be commonplace. Open-ended lab experiences, requiring student collaboration and multiple-step problem solving execution will be frequent. A weighted grade is given.

137301 & 137302 (Year-long) - PHYSICS
Grades:  11–12      
1 Science credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry or Department approval

Physics is recommended for any student who is interested in a STEM career field or who wants to prepare for a college level physics course. Physics uses advanced algebra and trigonometry to investigate the following topics: forces, motion in one- and two-dimensions, energy and momentum, gravitation, mechanical waves, light and optics, and electricity. Students will investigate these topics with activities and laboratory investigations to gain hands-on experiences.

137361 & 137362 (Year-long) - PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS
Grades:  9-12
1 Science credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, and Chemistry or Principles of Chemistry 

Principles of Physics is designed for students who want a rigorous study of physics topics and are pursuing a career in a non-STEM field. The major concepts of physics will be presented with an emphasis of its application in everyday life. Topics included in this class are motion, forces, energy, electricity, optics and waves. These topics will be complemented with activities and laboratory investigations so students can gain hands-on experiences.

137461 & 137462 (Year-long) - HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (HONORS OPTION)
Grades:  11-12
1 Science credit
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Biology 1 and 2 

This course will examine through group work, dissection, reading, and guided instruction, the major human body systems that support, move, maintain, and control the body.  Medical terminology will be used and reviews of patient case studies will be incorporated.  Normal functioning of human tissues, organs, and systems will be compared to pathologic conditions.  This class will benefit anyone who wants to learn more about the human body.  An optional field trip to view cadavers will be offered.  An honors grade may be earned upon completion of the honors option requirements. 

137480 - FORENSICS
Grades:  11-12
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and 2, Chemistry and Principles of Chemistry

This course is intended to introduce the student to the field of forensic science, science as applied to the law.  Forensic science includes all areas of scientific endeavor, such as medicine, anthropology, entomology, physics, chemistry and biology.  This course will emphasize the chemistry connections. The student will also be introduced to criminalistics, and services normally provided by crime laboratories, through various laboratory experiments. By stepping into the role of crime scene investigator, the student will learn various scientific strategies and skills.

137490 - GEOLOGY
Grades:  11-12
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 1 and 2 or Department approval

Earth is a dynamic planet with many forces shaping its surface. From the eroding of canyons to the folding of mountains, this course will explore the processes that build and destroy.  Looking at current Earth features like glaciers, volcanoes, and the ocean floor will help us to understand our home and all of its inhabitants of today and yesteryear.

137500 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Grades:  10-12
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: 1 credit of Biology

How do humans and their behaviors impact the biosphere? Students will investigate the way nature operates when left undisturbed and when influenced by humans. Topics studied in Environmental Science include agriculture and soil, human population and growth, weather and climate change, water, energy, and biodiversity. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about how they can effect change on the Earth.

137550 - METEOROLOGY
Grades:  11-12
½ Science credit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology 1 and 2 or Department approval

Meteorology is designed to explore and understand the world around us. What factors influence weather? How do we predict weather? How have human interactions with the Earth lead to local and global changes? This course will also explore the NASA program, the space race, and observations made by astronomers and astrophysicists which allowed a greater depth of knowledge of the solar system including the sun, moon, and stars.

137560 - ASTRONOMY
Grades:  11-12
½ Science credit
Prerequisites: Alegebra 1. Completion of a physical science course (including physical science, chemistry or physics) recommended

Meteorology is designed to explore and understand the world around us. What factors influence weather? How do we predict weather? How have human interactions with the Earth lead to local and global changes? This course will also explore the NASA program, the space race, and observations made by astronomers and astrophysicists which allowed a greater depth of knowledge of the solar system including the sun, moon, and stars.

139151 & 139152 (Year-long) - AP BIOLOGY
Grades:  11-12
1 Science credit
Prerequisite:  2 Semesters of Biology or Honors Biology, 2 Semesters of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry or currently enrolled

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students will cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the topics of evolution, cellular processes including energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This course prepares students for the AP Biology exam. A weighted grade is given for this course.

139251 & 139252 (Year-long) - AP CHEMISTRY
Grades:  11-12
1 Science credit
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Honors Chemistry or Department approval

AP Chemistry course is designed to be equivalent to a first year general chemistry course in college. Students in this course will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and competence in dealing with chemical problems. Qualitative and quantitative study of topics will include: atomic theory and atomic structure, chemical bonding, gases, liquids and solids, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics. This course provides laboratory experience comparable to a typical college course and prepares students for the AP Chemistry exam. A weighted grade is given for this course.

139321 - AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
Grades: 11-12
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: Current enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus or Calculus

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based physics course that covers kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation and oscillation. This course is the first of a two-course sequence that is equivalent to the introductory calculus based physics sequence taken by science and engineering students at most colleges and universities. This course prepares students for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam. A weighted grade is given for this course.

139332 - AP PHYSICS C: ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM
Grades: 11-12
½ Science credit
Prerequisite: Current enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus or Calculus

This course is a calculus-based physics course that covers the topics of conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. This course is the second of a two-course sequence that is equivalent to the introductory calculus based physics sequence taken by science and engineering students at most colleges and universities. This course prepares students for the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam. A weighted grade is given for this course.

139411 & 139412 (Year-long) - AP PHYSICS 1
Grades: 11-12
1 Science credit
Prerequisite:   Honors Algebra 2/Trig or Department approval

AP Physics 1 is the study of trigonometry based physics.  Students will investigate forces, motion in one and two-dimensions, circular and rotational motion, gravitation, energy and momentum, mechanical waves, and introductory static electricity and DC circuits. This course prepares students to take the College Board Advanced Placement Physics 1 examination and is equivalent to college level General Physics 1.  A weighted grade is given for this course.

139421 & 139422 (Year-long) - AP PHYSICS 2
Grade: 12
1 Science credit
Prerequisite: Physics, AP Physics 1 and Pre-Calculus

The study of trigonometry based physics culminates in AP Physics 2. Students will investigate optics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical fields, currents and circuits, magnetism, and quantum and nuclear physics. This course prepares students to take the College Board Advanced Placement Physics 2 examination and is equivalent to college level General Physics 2.  A weighted grade is given for this course.

139501 & 139502 (Year-long) - AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Grades: 11-12
1 Science credit
Prerequisite: 1 credit of Biology and 1 credit of Chemistry (Chemistry may be taken concurrently)

AP Environmental Science is devoted to applying scientific processes and reasoning to understanding the environment. This course examines the geological and biological factors that interact to create Earth’s environmental systems and then uses this understanding to investigate the biological basis of current environmental issues with topics including natural resources, energy, pollution, climate change, population growth, and biodiversity conservation. Emphasis is placed on prevention of environmental crises or mitigating them if they occur. This course prepares students for the AP Environmental Science exam.  A weighted grade is given for this course.