Science Course Offerings

Physics (SC100A/SC100B) 

Grade: 9

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: None

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Physics is the study of the properties and interactions of matter and energy. Through hands-on explorations that integrate math and technology, students will develop a strong understanding of content and skills. During the first semester, the content focus is force and motion with crosscutting concepts of patterns and cause and effect relationships. During the second semester, the content focus is energy (in a wide variety of forms) with crosscutting concepts of systems and the law of conservation of energy. The course is designed to lay a strong foundation of science concepts and skills that will be built upon in subsequent science courses.

It is highly recommended that students taking Algebra in ninth grade enroll in Physics. Students in Geometry or higher should enroll in Physics if they feel they are not ready for the pace and mathematical requirements of Accelerated Physics.

Accelerated Physics (SC101A/SC101B) 

Grade: 9

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Algebra I

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Accelerated Physics is the study of the properties and interactions of matter and energy. Through hands-on explorations that integrate math and technology, students will develop a strong understanding of content and skills. During the first semester, the content focus is force and motion with crosscutting concepts of patterns and cause and effect relationships. During the second semester, the content focus is energy (in a wide variety of forms) with crosscutting concepts of systems and the law of conservation of energy. The course is designed to lay a strong foundation of science concepts and skills that will be built upon in subsequent science courses.

Accelerated Physics will cover more topics at a greater depth and faster pace than Physics. Students taking Accelerated Physics should have a strong understanding of basic algebra. Trigonometry and advanced mathematical techniques will be taught and used through the course.

It is recommended that students taking Geometry Honors or higher enroll in Accelerated Physics. Students in Geometry should enroll in Accelerated Physics if they are comfortable with the pace and mathematical requirements. Students in Algebra should enroll in Physics.

Chemistry (SC200A/SC200B) 

Grade: 10

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: At least .5 credit earned in Physics

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy from a molecular point of view. Through laboratory experiences and practical application, students will investigate atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, intermolecular forces, reactions and experimental design.

This class is also offered virtually through the Pioneer eLearning Academy (PeLA).

Chemistry Honors (SC290A/SC290B) 

Grade: 10

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Recommendation: A in Physics, B or higher in Accelerated Physics, currently enrolled in Algebra II or higher

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Chemistry Honors is an in-depth, mathematical, and rigorous study of matter and energy from a molecular point of view. It is designed for those students with an advanced level of interest and motivation and who may be interested in careers in science, engineering or medicine. Through laboratory experiences and practical application, students will explore the areas of atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, intermolecular forces, reactions, nuclear chemistry and experimental design.

This class is also offered virtually through the Pioneer eLearning Academy (PeLA).

Biology (SC302A/SC302B) 

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: One credit earned in Physics, and at least .5 credit earned in Chemistry or Chemistry Honors

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Biology is the study of living organisms, exploring the intricate interactions of matter and energy that sustain life. In this course, students will dive into the fundamental principles of modern biology through hands-on laboratory experiences and real-world applications. They will examine key topics such as ecology, understanding the relationships between organisms and their environments; biochemistry, studying the chemical processes that drive life; and cell biology, investigating the structure and function of cells as the basic units of life.

Additionally, students will explore energetics, focusing on how organisms harness and use energy, and genetics, where they will learn how traits are inherited and expressed. An in-depth look at DNA will reveal its role as the blueprint of life, while the study of evolution will help students understand how species change and adapt over time. These topics will not only provide a comprehensive foundation in biological science but will also cultivate analytical skills, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of life on Earth.

This class is also offered virtually through the Pioneer eLearning Academy (PeLA).

Biology Honors (SC390A/SC390B) 

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: One credit earned in Physics, credit earned in Chemistry (grade A) or Chemistry Honors (grade B or better).

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Honors Biology is an in-depth, challenging course that explores the complex interactions of matter and energy in the living world, crafted for highly motivated students with a strong interest in biological sciences. Through comprehensive laboratory experiences and practical applications, students will delve deeply into essential concepts of modern biology, including ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, energetics, genetics, DNA, and evolution. This course places special emphasis on biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics, integrating principles of organic chemistry and energy seamlessly throughout. A solid understanding of organic chemistry and basic energy principles is recommended, as students will apply these topics to gain a more profound insight into the mechanisms that govern life. This rigorous curriculum aims to foster critical thinking, advanced analytical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic and interconnected nature of biological systems

This class is also offered virtually through the Pioneer eLearning Academy (PeLA).

Anatomy and Physiology I (SC300C) 

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Elective Credit

Course Length: Fall Semester Only

Prerequisite: One credit earned in Biology

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Anatomy and Physiology I is an exploration of the human body's structure and function, designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in human biology. Through engaging lab experiences—including dissections of muscle tissue, a mammalian brain, and eyes—students will investigate comparative anatomy and the organization of the human body. The course covers key systems such as the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, emphasizing how each contributes to overall health and functionality. With a focus on health professions, students will also examine common diseases within each system, learning about their causes, treatments, and prevention strategies. This approach not only fosters a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology but also offers insight into medical and health-related fields, making it ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.

*Dual Credit through Missouri State is offered in this course (pending approval)

Anatomy and Physiology II (SC301C)

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Elective Credit

Course Length: Spring Semester Only

Prerequisite: One credit earned in Biology; Completion of Anatomy & Physiology I recommended

NCAA Approved Course

Description: 

Anatomy and Physiology II continues the detailed study of the human body’s structure and function, building upon foundational knowledge to explore additional complex systems. Through hands-on lab experiences (including dissection of mammalian hearts, lungs, kidneys and fetal pigs) and real-world applications, students will investigate the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive/excretory, and reproductive systems. A key focus of the course is homeostasis—the body’s ability to maintain internal stability. Students will delve into how factors such as sleep, disease, and advancements in biotechnology impact the body’s equilibrium. This course not only enhances understanding of individual systems but also emphasizes their interdependence, fostering a comprehensive view of human health and physiological resilience.

*Dual Credit through Missouri State is offered in this course (pending approval).

Space and Planetary Science (SC304A/SC304B)

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: One credit earned in Physics, Chemistry, Algebra and Geometry

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Space and Planetary Science builds on students’ innate sense of curiosity and wonder about the universe in which we live.  Over the course of the year students will explore objects and phenomena on planets and in space through the use of observations, scientific experiments, and quantitative analysis.  The content of the course follows the chronological order in which discoveries have been made by humans and is organized into three parts: (1) observational astronomy - events and objects that can be observed and studied with the naked eye, (2) light, stars, and cosmology, and (3) planetary systems and cycles.

Space and Planetary Science is a year-long science elective taken mostly by seniors. It is recommended that students take this course after completing Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Because of the level of math it is also recommended that students complete Algebra and Geometry before taking this course.

AP Biology (SC500A/SC500B)

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: One credit earned in Biology and Chemistry

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Students will analyze and relate orally and in writing an understanding of the major concepts of biology, including those of molecular and cell biology, genetics, population biology, and the physiology of plants and animals. In laboratory investigations, students will gather and analyze quantitative data to illustrate many of these concepts. AP Biology is a college level course in content and in difficulty. The AP Biology course is designed by The College Board to be taken only after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology.

*Dual Credit through Missouri State is offered in this course.

AP Physics I (SC502A/SC502B)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: One credit earned in Physics and Algebra II.

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Love science and math? AP Physics is a course that delves deeply into understanding how things work – using the foundations you’ve built in both of these areas of study. Students will complete the equivalent of a first semester course in college physics studying mechanics topics that include projectile motion, circular motion and gravitation, energy, linear and angular momentum, waves, fluids and pressure. Students will focus on experimentation to develop conceptual understanding of physics principles. Throughout the course students will integrate their math skills (Algebra and basic Trigonometry) to design and analyze investigations and solve multistep problems.

*The AP Physics class is designed to take the AP Physics 1 exam. Therefore, students should either be in Calculus or in Precalculus Honors with exceptional grades in Algebra II.