Placement in courses offered through this department is based on test scores, guidance counselor references, teacher recommendations and student/parent request. Course selection must be in compliance with designated course sequence with three years of science courses required.

Grade 9:
318 Physical Science

Grade 10:
322 Biology (Modified) / 324 Biology / 329 Biology (Honors)

Grades 11, 12
330 Environmental Science / 331 Earth Science / 
332 Basic Chemistry
333 Basic Physics / 334 Chemistry

Grade 12
344 Physics

Electives (Grade 11)
339 Chemistry (Honors)

Electives (Grade 12)
349 Physics (Honors)
 

322      BIOLOGY (MODIFIED)
1 Credit
Full Year      Grade 10
This laboratory course is designed so that students can better understand how their bodies work and how they fit into the ecosystems of the world. The course offers a relevant, readable text, stressing those things which students experience everyday. A study of the plant and animal kingdoms plus simplified taxonomy is undertaken. Systems of the body and genetics will be covered. Laboratory experiments are included to supplement the text.
Text: Furnished by the school.
Cost: Workbook - Approximately $27.00
         Lab Fee $10.00

324      BIOLOGY
1 Credit
Full Year      Grade 9, 10
This laboratory course is designed to provide an understanding of life processes so that the students can better understand themselves and live more effectively in our technical society. This is accomplished through a study of the cell, its structure and functions, and its organization into multi-cellular plants and animals. A study of the systems that make up the human body, along with disease and environmental effects upon each, is undertaken. The study of DNA and basic inheritance patterns is included. An understanding of ecology and ecosystems finish the major subjects of the year. Laboratory experiments are included to supplement and further the understanding of the subject material.
Text: Furnished by the school.
Cost: Lab Fee $10.00

329      BIOLOGY (HONORS)
1 Credit         Elective, Prerequisite, See Page 2 Criteria
Full Year       Grade 9
This laboratory course is designed to challenge the gifted science student.  Students will be expected to use high-level cognitive skills to synthesize new concepts, analyze data and information presented graphically, and compare and contrast relationships within and beyond the biology text.  Cellular structures, activities, and processes are studied in relation to life. Nucleic acids, protein synthesis, and heredity are examined. Evolution, taxonomy and the systems of the human body will be covered.  Students should expect to spend additional time in preparation for this course.
Text: Furnished by the school.
Cost: Workbook - Approximately $30.00
         Lab Fee $10.00

332      BASIC CHEMISTRY
1/2 Credit
One Semester       Grades 11, 12
This laboratory course is designed to develop an appreciation of the science of chemistry in order to achieve a greater understanding of the world. The student is introduced to the various processes, activities and concepts of chemistry with a limited mathematical approach. Current scientific developments will be examined along with their implication in today's world. The topics in chemistry are atomic structure, chemical bonding, acids and bases, and chemical symbols. Basic Chemistry is not open to those who have received credit for Chemistry 334 or 339.
Text: Furnished by the school.

333       BASIC PHYSICS
1/2 Credit
One Semester       Grades 11, 12
This laboratory course is designed to develop an appreciation of the science of physics in order to achieve a greater understanding of a technical society. The student is introduced to the various processes, activities and concepts of physics with a limited mathematical approach. Current scientific developments will be examined along with their implications in today's world. The topics in physics are motion, work and energy, heat, waves and electricity. Basic Physics is not open to those who have received credit for Physics 344 or 349.
Text: Furnished by the school.

334      CHEMISTRY
1 Credit
Full Year       Grades 11, 12
This laboratory course is designed to provide the student with a better understanding of the physical world. The basis for this study is that the properties of matter are a consequence of the structure and behaviors of matter. Critical thinking skills, problem solving skills and the scientific method will be taught. The course work will include active participation in laboratory work and problem solving. This course will prepare the student for college science courses and encourages the student to be aware of science as it impacts his/her life.  It is strongly recommended that the student have completed Geometry and be enrolled in Algebra 2.
Text: Furnished by the school.
Required: Scientific Calculator (Texas Instruments brand preferred) or graphing calculator.
Cost: Lab Fee $5.00

339      CHEMISTRY (HONORS)
1 Credit         Elective, Prerequisite, See page 2 Criteria
Full Year       Grade 10
This laboratory course will prepare the college bound student with a depth of understanding of the fundamentals of Chemistry. The course encourages development of the student's abilities to think logically and clearly.  The course is intended to be an intense academic preparation for college level courses and the student should expect to spend at least four hours per week in individual study and review.  Chemistry studies the properties of matter as a consequence of the structure and behavior of matter.  Understanding the basic concepts underlying the facts, formulas, and principles will be stressed.  Course work will include active participation in laboratory work, problem solving and reasoning.  The student should expect to achieve competence in dealing with chemical problems.  To prepare the student for rigorous college courses and college placement exams, evaluation in this course will mirror those tests, using free response questions, multiple choice and problem solving.  A better understanding of the physical world allows students to be aware of science not only as a course of study, but as it impacts their lives and values.
Text: Furnished by the school.
Required: Scientific Calculator (Texas Instruments brand preferred) or graphing calculator.
Cost: Lab Fee $5.00

341      ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
1/2 Credit
One Semester       Grades 11, 12
This laboratory course is designed to provide a balanced approach to the diverse study of the environment. The emphasis includes the study of science and the development of thinking and decision-making skills. The course will provide the student with the science background needed to analyze many of the issues concerning our environment. Hopefully through a deeper understanding of our environment, students will have an increased level of appreciation and will treat the environment and its resources accordingly.
Text: Furnished by the school.

342       EARTH SCIENCE
1/2 Credit
One Semester      Grades 11, 12
This laboratory course is the study of the different physical and geological phenomena which has formed the earth and continues to change and reshape the surface of the earth. The four major areas of earth science - geology, oceanography, astronomy and meteorology will be covered.  This course will look at environmental and economic concerns of acid rain, water supply, the greenhouse effect, waste disposal and resource depletion.  The student will also study natural phenomena such as floods, tornadoes, volcanoes, and earthquakes.  Basic knowledge about the earth is the goal of this course.  Upon completion of this course students will be better prepared to discuss issues and make informed responsible decisions.
Text: Furnished by the school.

344      PHYSICS
1 Credit
Full Year       Grade 12
Prerequisite: Student must have completed Chemistry and Algebra II or departmental approval.
Physics is a laboratory course that examines the behavior and structure of matter. Students learn the uses of physics in their own lives and learn some applications of physics in a global technological society. The ability to understand complex statements is developed and then, through reasoning, application is made to a variety of situations or problems. The basic concepts of physics such as motion, energy, heat, fluids, light, sound, magnetism, electricity, and nuclear forces are investigated.
Text: Furnished by the school.
Required: TI 30 or TI 31 scientific calculator or graphing calculator.
 

349      PHYSICS (HONORS)
1 Credit      Elective, Prerequisite, See Page 2 Criteria Co-requisite: Math 249
Full Year      Grade 12
Physics is a laboratory course that examines the behavior and structure of matter and energy.  Students learn the uses of physics in their own lives and learn some applications of physics in a global technological society. The ability to understand complex statements is developed and then, through reasoning, application is made to a variety of situations or problems. This course requires a more intense and focused approach to problem solving and critical applications.  Students should be prepared to dedicate five hours per week of independent study time to this course.  It is designed for honor students who are considering a major in science or engineering in college.  The basic concepts of physics such as motion, forces, vectors, work, energy, waves, light, sound, electricity, and circuits are investigated.  Laboratory experiments are designed to complement subject material.  Students learn the mechanics of setting up and performing experiments.
Text: Furnished by the school.
Required: TI 30 or TI 31 scientific calculator or graphing calculator.