Science

This course addresses the SC College- and Career-Ready Science Standards (2021) for Earth Science. Topics include Earth’s history, Earth’s systems, weather & climate, human sustainability, and

space systems. Emphasis is placed on using phenomena to help students make sense of Earth science concepts. This is an introductory high school science course that provides a foundation for future science courses. Students develop confidence in Science and Engineering Practices, and use Crosscutting Concepts to deepen their thinking about Earth Science.

Prerequisite: recommendation based on proficiency

This course addresses the SC College- and Career-Ready Science Standards (2021) for Earth Science. Topics include Earth’s history, Earth’s systems, weather & climate, human sustainability, and space systems. Emphasis is placed on using phenomena to help students make sense of Earth Science concepts. This is an introductory high school science course that provides a foundation for future science courses. Students develop confidence in Science and Engineering Practices, and use Crosscutting Concepts to deepen their thinking about Earth Science.

Prerequisite: Earth Science or recommendation based on proficiency

This course addresses the SC College- and Career-Ready Science Standards (2021) for Biology 1. Topics include Ecosystem interactions, energy, and dynamics; Molecules to organisms: structures and processes; heredity, inheritance, and variation of traits; and biological evolution, unity and diversity. Emphasis is placed on using phenomena to help students make sense of biological concepts. This is a foundational high school science course that prepares students for future science courses in high school and beyond. Students develop confidence in Science and Engineering Practices, and use Crosscutting Concepts to deepen their thinking about biology concepts. *Students will take an EOC (end-of-course) exam, which will count 20% of their final grade.*

Prerequisite: Earth Science or recommendation based on proficiency

This course addresses the SC College- and Career-Ready Science Standards (2021) for Biology 1. This accelerated biology course delves deeper into the interconnectedness of biological systems, with a particular focus on ecological connections. Students will engage in rigorous investigations and critical thinking to explore the fundamental principles of life in greater depth. Topics include energy transfer, heredity, genetic variation, and the theory of evolution. Through advanced laboratory techniques, students will develop a sophisticated understanding of biological concepts and their applications in the real world, with a strong emphasis on the interactions between organisms and their environments. The course will emphasize problem-solving, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively. *Students will take an EOC (end-of-course) exam, which will count 20% of their final grade.*

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

This rigorous second-year course in Biology is designed for students who have a high interest in the biological sciences. Course topics vary from year to year and semester to semester, but include advanced study in such areas as genetics, cellular biology, evolution, biodiversity, and organismal anatomy and physiology. The course builds on the foundations of biology acquired in first-year biology, but is not a repeat of those topics. Students are cautioned that this course requires much self-discipline in the form of studying. Students are expected to be proficient in using the technologies available for completion of projects. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology 1

Students in Environmental Science will study 5 major topics: environmental policy, ecology, humans and the environment, earth’s resources, and sustainable practices. The aim of this course is to increase students’ knowledge of the environmental challenges of today, while continuing to cultivate scientific critical thinking skills. Students will work on their laboratory skills through in-lab and outside-lab experiences. Reading and applying math concepts to environmental issues will also be used. This course meets the requirements of laboratory science.

This course is the study of the structure and function of the human body and is for the student who wants a more in-depth study of human anatomy and physiology. It is suggested for students who might pursue a health related field or who have an interest in personal health. In this course, students will cover a variety of biological systems including: integumentary system, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, digestive system and much more. A variety of instructional strategies are used, but the emphasis is on project-based learning, hands-on activities, and anchoring case studies. Dissections are included.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology 1 Honors and Chemistry 1

This course is the study of the structure and function of the human body and is for the student who wants a more in-depth study of human anatomy and physiology. It is suggested for students who might pursue a health related field or who have an interest in personal health. In this course, students will cover a variety of biological systems including: integumentary system, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, digestive system and much more. A variety of instructional strategies are used, but the emphasis is on project-based learning, hands-on activities, and anchoring case studies. Dissections are included. The honors level is an accelerated and in-depth version of the same concepts.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

This course is a laboratory based introductory study of the marine environment. Topics include the geology, chemistry, physics, and biology of the ocean environment. Students will explore the habitats, physical and behavioral characteristics, and environment of ocean organisms. Dissections are included. This course is designed for students who want to further their interest in the marine environment and knowledge of general physical science and biology.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

Forensic Science is a hands-on multidisciplinary approach to teaching science with an emphasis on analytical chemistry and comparative analysis. It includes components of biology, physics, mathematics, statistics, and medicine. This course is a natural medium for students to practice science as inquiry by using scientific methods of inquiry and research to help solve crimes, determine the causes of accidents, structural failures and disasters. Its objective is to teach students to become confident that they can make sense of complex problems involving numerical data, evidence, uncertainty, and logical reasoning.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology 1 and completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1

This course addresses the SC College- and Career-Ready Science Standards (2021) for Chemistry. This course addresses the nature and structure of matter, the periodic system, chemical reactions, balancing equations, mathematics of chemistry, gasses, solutions and solubility, calorimetry and acid-base relationships. Emphasis is placed on problem solving.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology 1 Honors and concurrent or completion of Algebra 2

This course addresses the SC College- and Career-Ready Science Standards (2021) for Chemistry. The honors level is rigorous and demands abstract thinking, working with symbols, and applying knowledge of problem-solving. Students will study atomic structure, elements and compounds, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, bonding, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and equation balancing. The course contains a major laboratory component and is highly recommended for students pursuing a degree or career in science, engineering, or medicine. This course is an in-depth study of the chemical principles described in Chemistry 1 with emphasis placed on chemical calculations.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Chemistry 1 Honors

This course addresses topics in more depth or not covered in Chemistry 1 Honors, including equilibrium stoichiometry, solution chemistry, bonding oxidation/reduction reactions, thermochemistry, acid/base equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, etc. Students will investigate these topics through multiple hands-on laboratory activities, written work, and discussions.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Chemistry 1 Hon and completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2

 *Designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Examination through which they may earn college credit.*

These rigorous courses are designed for students who have completed Chemistry 1, plan to take chemistry courses in college, and have high math ability. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving in the areas of equilibrium stoichiometry, solution chemistry, bonding oxidation/reduction reactions, thermochemistry, etc. Students will investigate these topics through multiple hands-on laboratory activities, written work, and discussions. Students will be required to develop and maintain a collection of lab reports and other lab documents that will demonstrate the completion of laboratory activities. Chemistry 2 Honors is taken 1st semester, while AP Chemistry is taken 2nd semester. Both courses must be taken in the same school year. Note, these courses are scheduled as a year-long block.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Chemistry 1 Honors and Biology 1 Honors or Biology 1 CP with teacher recommendation. *Designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Examination through which they may earn college credit.*

These courses are designed for students who plan to take a rigorous course load at the college level. Emphasis is placed on the following areas: the process of evolution, how biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks, how living systems store and respond to information, and how biological systems interact. Students will be required to develop a lab notebook that will demonstrate the completion of suggested laboratory activities recommended by the College Board for this course. Biology 2 Honors is taken 1st semester, while AP Biology is taken 2nd semester. Both courses must be taken in the same school year. Note, these courses are scheduled as a year-long block. The AP portion of the class may not be dropped. A complete course description from the College Board may be found at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-biology

Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Algebra 1 and Geometry (Minimum grade of C )

This course addresses the SC College- and Career-Ready Science Standards (2021) for Physics. This course is designed for technical careers or college-bound students who need to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills or plan to take physics for non-engineering/physics majors. There is an emphasis on problem-solving and mathematical concepts. Topics include motion, Newtonian mechanics, energy, rotational and gravitational forces, and electromagnetic forces, charge, and circuits. Students are provided with various laboratory experiences that are designed to enhance and reinforce concepts and principles in physics.

Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Algebra 1 (Minimum grade of C and Honors suggested)

This course addresses the SC College- and Career-Ready Science Standards (2021) for Physics. This course is designed for college-bound students who need to develop critical thinking, in-depth mathematical and problem-solving skills or plan to take physics for engineering, physics /science and medical majors. There is an emphasis on problem-solving and mathematical concepts. Topics include motion, Newtonian mechanics, energy, rotational and gravitational forces, and electromagnetic forces, charge, and circuits. Students are provided with various laboratory experiences that are designed to enhance and reinforce concepts and principles in physics.

Prerequisite: Completed or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus Honors

Recommendation: Passing grade in Physics Honors

 *Designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Examination through which they may earn college credit.*

This course is a college-level algebra-based physics courses that will go deeper into the topics of honors physics (force, motion, energy, momentum, waves, and electricity) and then continue to add depth with the following topics: electrical charge and circuits, magnetic fields, thermodynamics, fluid flow, physical and geometric optics, introduction to quantum and atomic physics. Topics are covered in-depth with rigorous mathematical problem-solving. A strong math background in algebra and geometry is needed, calculus knowledge is preferable. This course addresses all topics provided by the College Board for AP Physics 1.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in AP Physics 1

With AP Physics 1, these courses are two college-level algebra-based physics courses that will go deeper into the topics of Honors Physics (force, motion, energy, momentum, waves, and electricity) and then continue to add depth with the following topics: electrical charge and circuits, magnetic fields, thermodynamics, fluid flow, physical and geometric optics, introduction to quantum and atomic physics. Topics are covered in-depth with rigorous mathematical problem solving. A strong math background is algebra and geometry is needed, calculus knowledge preferable. Please refer to www.apcentral.collegeboard.org for more information about the AP program.

Prerequisite: Biology 1, Chemistry 1

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science. This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. A complete course description from the College Board can be found at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-environmental-science.