Course Descriptions

COURSE LEVEL 9

 Geophysical Science

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: None

This course integrates the standards of Physical and Earth Science in a cohesive approach in which students complete activities that show real world connections between the two disciplines.  It is a lab based course covering topics in atomic structure, solution chemistry, fluids, buoyancy, motion, velocity, machines, and gravity as well as their interaction with space, weather, natural resources, and the chemical and physical changes that influence and change the Earth’s surface and interior.

Honors Unified Science

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Recommendation or Pre-IB

Honors Unified Science will give students the opportunity to go into greater detail on topics covered, as well as give students increased responsibility toward quality of work done in and out of the class.  This course is heavy in the concepts of General Chemistry and serves as a Pre-Requisite for our IB Science courses. After the Chemistry topics are learned, the course then works to integrate the standards of Physical and Earth Science in a cohesive approach in which students complete activities that show real world connections between the two disciplines.  It is a lab based course covering topics in atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, mole concepts, energy of reactions, and energy transfer through the atmosphere and its effect on weather and climate formation. These concepts will then tie into our study of space, natural resources, and the chemical and physical changes that influence and change the Earth’s surface as well as its interior.

 

COURSE LEVEL 10

 

Biology

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Geophysical Science

Biology is the study of the characteristics of living organisms and their independence.  This course examines man’s relationships, interactions, and impact on the environment.  The students will be encouraged to become problem solvers and apply the basic background knowledge of the course.  The class is intended to form a foundation for additional science courses and serves as the prerequisite for further science study.  All students will benefit from studying biology for their careers and daily life.

Honors Biology

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites:  Geophysical Science or Honors Geophysical Science or Pre-IB

Honors Biology is an investigation of the characteristics of living organisms and their interdependence; covering the chemistry of life, cell biology, cell cycles, heredity, evolution and classification, energy and reproduction in living systems, ecology, and human anatomy and physiology.  Through class discussion, laboratory experiments, and content analysis, students will investigate the relationships of life forms.  Honors Biology will give students the opportunity to explore in greater detail the topics covered in the standard biology class, as well as give students increased responsibility toward the quality of work completed both in and out of class.  This course will provide the rigor necessary to prepare students for IB Biology and AP Biology, and expand their knowledge of the biological sciences.

  

SCIENCE ELECTIVES

COURSE LEVEL 11-12

 

Astronomy

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Geophysical Science and Biology

This course deals with a comprehensive study of the universe and its effects on our culture and lifestyles. Special topics included: recent planetary and galactic discoveries, celestial motions, cosmology, possibilities of extraterrestrial life, space station research and technological applications to everyday life. Application of concepts from varied science disciplines and other academic areas will also be stressed.

 

 

Chemistry

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Geophysical Science, Biology and Algebra II/Math 3 or Teacher recommendation

 This course deals with the structure of matter. Emphasis is in chemical bonding, atomic structure, chemical equations, computations, and fundamental laws and theories. Laboratory experience will be used in the application of these topics. This class is intended for students who plan to pursue a science related field.

Environmental  Science

1.o Credit

Environmental Science is an in-depth study of living and nonliving systems which interact with man. Stewardship and wildlife management for the land and animals will be highly stressed.

 

Geology

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Geophysical Science and Biology

One quarter of this explores both physical and historical geology concepts through hands-on activities and field trips in preparation for the Paleontology section of this course taught in the second quarter. Paleontology will focus on comparative vertebrate anatomy, evolution in connection with geologic time, and behaviors of dinosaurs with a focus on our local historical population. Field work will involve observations of physical and historical geological processes that preserved fossils in the Grand Valley.

 

River Dynamics

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Completion of 2 science credits (GeoPhysical Science and Biology)

Students will relate previously learned fundamental science concepts to field application.  A major part of the class will involve collection and manipulation of data including biological, hydrological, atmospheric, and geological components.  Students will be introduced to GIS/GPS, aerial photo interpretation, habitat and resource management techniques, and other tools of the natural sciences.  Students will be required to write managements plans, complete field data sheets, and read and interpret environmental case studies.  This class will also focus on career opportunities and local environmental issues.

Physics

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Geophysical Science, Biology and Algebra II / Trigonometry or Math 3

 

Physics is a comprehensive analysis of the physical laws of the universe.  The Newtonian dynamics of matter is presented, along with the laws of momentum and energy conservation.  Specific force laws are used to analyze problems drawn from engineering, biology, astronomy, and physics.  Special and general relativity is discussed, and cultural as well as philosophical and practical aspects of physics are studied.  Physics is spoken in the language of mathematics, and problem solving is emphasized.  This course is intended for the student pursuing higher education.

 

Botany

0.5 Credit

Prerequisites: Biology

Botany is a course that covers the diversity of plant life on earth. The structures and systems of the phyla of the plant kingdom will be studied. The relationship of plants to all forms of life will be examined. An appreciation for plant life, it value and impact on all living things will be emphasized. This class is designed to stimulate the student who enjoys the outdoors and growing plants.

 

Zoology

0.5 Credit

Prerequisites: Biology (Grade of “C” or higher recommended)

Zoology is a survey of the animal kingdom with an analysis of systems relevant to their classification. The intention is to help students appreciate a variety of life forms and their unique and similar characteristics. It is intended for the student with a love of animals and a desire to expand knowledge of animal diversity. Dissection is an integral part of this course.

 

Anatomy and Physiology /MSC BIO 209 CMU High School Scholars Class (pending on acceptance by CMU)

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Biology (Grade of “B” or higher recommended)

In this course the major systems of the human body and their interactions will be explored. These systems will include the nervous system, skeletal system, circulatory system, respiratory system, muscular system and reproductive system. The functioning of each system from the cellular level to complete system will be examined using laboratory investigations and class discussions. This class is intended for students who plan a career in the health science fields. Dissection is an integral part of this course. For CMU dual college credit, you must have a 3.0 GPA, and ACT math score of 19 and Reading score of 18, or equivalent Accuplacer scores.

 

AP Environmental Science

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Geophysical Science, Biology or Teacher Recommendation

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is 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.

AP Biology

1.0 Credit

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. Some AP students, as college freshmen, are permitted to undertake upper-level courses in biology or to register for courses for which biology is a prerequisite. Other students may have fulfilled a basic requirement for a laboratory science course and will be able to undertake other courses to pursue their majors.  AP Biology should include the topics regularly covered in a college biology course for majors. The textbooks used for AP Biology should be those used by college biology majors and the labs done by AP students must be the equivalent of those done by college students.

Food Science I

Credit: two terms – ½ credit each (may count as science credit)

Prerequisites: none

Students will learn the relationship between scientific principles and the preparation of food. Topics include measurement, sensory evaluation of food, elements, compounds and mixtures, chemical and physical changes, water, acids and bases and energy. Each unit includes science experiments and food preparation labs. 

Food Science II

Credit: two terms – ½ credit each (may count as science credit)

Prerequisites: Food Science I

This course is a continuation of Food Science I and requires the knowledge and understanding of scientific principles taught in it. Topics include nutrition basics, digestion, metabolism, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals, leavening agents and fermentation of food. Science experiments and food preparation labs will be included. 

Chemistry in the Community (offered every other year)

Credit: Physical Science - two terms– ½ credit each

Prerequisites: Biology or Unified Science I & II and Algebra I

CHEMCOM (Chemistry in the Community) is designed as an applied, lab oriented chemistry course primarily for students who plan to pursue non-science careers. Its purpose is to help students realize the important role that chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives; use principles of chemistry to think more intelligently about current issues they will encounter that involve science and technology; and develop a life-long awareness of the potential and limitations of science technology. 



 

IB Science Courses


IB Biology HL

Prerequisites: HonorsUnified Science, Honors Biology, IB students only

This course, taught over a 2-year period, is designed for the student with an interest in science. The objective of the course is to provide students with a limited body of facts and at the same time broad understanding of the field of biology. This course will provide academic rigor for the student who is both intellectually curious and motivated to use his or her insight and creativity to design and perform higher level laboratory activities. The syllabus is focused around four central themes: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Course topics include: chemistry of life, cells, genetics, ecology, plant science, human physiology, and evolution. 

IB Chemistry SL

Prerequisites: HonorsUnified Science, Honors Biology, IB students only

IB Chemistry is a modern science course with an emphasis on developing an understanding of basic chemical principals and laboratory methods. The main themes of the course are the properties and reactions of materials at the atomic level with an emphasis on practical work to illuminate and explore the topics. The objectives of the course are to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand their world, to prepare them for future higher science courses and for the IB examinations.

Offered at the standard level, Chemistry SL is designed to meet the needs of those who want to study science at a university and those who will complete their study of science at the end of the course. This course will be spread over two years. Course topics include: stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and organic chemistry. Students must also complete work in two of the following options: Higher physical organic chemistry, Environmental chemistry or Fuels, and energy. 

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