Science

+ INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Integrated physical science covers a broad range of topics with emphasis on chemistry and physics; earth and space science are also included. Students will develop an understanding of science as both a process and a body of knowledge as they pursue multiple hands-on laboratory activities in which they gather data, interpret results, and form conclusions. Individual science experimentation is encouraged through projects involving the scientific method.

Prerequisite: None

Eligibility: 9th grade

+ INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCES (H)

IPS Honors students are required to perform at a higher math level, and are involved in more math calculations than the college preparatory course. These students will use the Math Skills and Problem Solving Workbook which accompanies the text.

Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra 1 and passing score on admissions testing

Eligibility: 9th grade

+ AG FOOD & NATURAL RESOURCES

Ag Physical Science covers basic topics in chemistry and physics as well as earth and space science as they relate to agriculture. It is an introduction to FFA and integrates a hands-on laboratory component for each section of the textbook covered, as well as several classroom demonstrations.

Prerequisite: None

Eligibility: 9th grade

+ BIOLOGY

Biology begins with the relevancy of this study to our world and continues with the chemistry of life, cell structure, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics and the structure of DNA. It then addresses the Kingdoms of Bacteria, Fungi and Protists. A detailed study of plants, invertebrates, vertebrates and ecology are included. The course stresses science as a method of investigation as well as body of knowledge. Lab work is an integral part of the course.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Integrated Physical Science

Eligibility: 9th-11th grade

+ BIOLOGY (H)

Honors Biology is a laboratory based class that covers major topics of biology, including the chemistry of life, the cell, genetics, the theory of evolutionary history of biological diversity, plant form and function, animal form and function, and ecology. Classes consist of lecture, discussion and 12 required labs.

Prerequisite: Grade of B Integrated Physical Science

Eligibility: 9th-10th grades

+ AP BIOLOGY

AP Biology is a second year of biology equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course. The course is organized around the four main overarching big ideas in biology. The course utilizes an inquiry-based approach recommended by the National Science Foundation to build the laboratory and scientific thinking skills required to be successful in STEM fields. The labs are both field and technology based incorporating techniques in biotechnology along with current digital sensors and data analysis equipment. Students are required to take the AP Biology exam in the spring.

Prerequisites: A or B in Chemistry and Biology

PSAT Score Requirement: 109 or higher combined score in Critical Reading and Math (an appeal may be made with that score being 105 or higher)

Eligibility: 11th or 12th grade

+ BIOLOGY & SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL

Ag Biology starts off with an introduction to biology leading into various topics such as biospheres, ecosystems, cell biology, genetics, evolution, microorganisms, plant science and animal science as they relate to agriculture. Students continue their involvement in FFA.

Prerequisite: Grade of B Integrated Physical Science or Agricultural Physical Science

Eligibility: 9th-10th grades

+ CHEMISTRY

This course is an introduction to chemistry and provides a solid foundation for both physical and biological courses in college. It is taught using both theory and hands-on practice in the laboratory. It demands considerable study for the student to master the material and achieve the course objectives.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2

Eligibility: 10th-12th grades

+ CHEMISTRY (H)

This course is a qualitative and quantitative introduction to the macroscopic chemical behavior of inorganic substances based on molecular structure. Extensive laboratory work introduces, reinforces, and extends theoretical topics covered in reading and lecture. Thermodynamic considerations in predicting chemical change are covered, as well as a correlation of molecular structure to the chemical and physical behavior of pure substances. The molecular level of reactions, solution properties, reaction kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemical processes are studied in detail.

Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2

Eligibility: 10th-11th grades

+ AP CHEMISTRY

AP Chemistry is a second year of chemistry taught at the college level. This course is a complete college chemistry course that emphasizes learning through laboratory experiments. The laboratory experiments not only focus on a thorough comprehension of the subject but also emphasize the use and mastery of laboratory techniques and writing. The course work in AP Chemistry aims to enable students to see the world from a chemistry standpoint, and explains how chemistry laws are an integral part of everyday events. Students are required to take the AP chemistry exam in the spring.

Prerequisite: A or B in Chemistry

PSAT Score Requirement: 111 or higher combined score in Critical Reading and Math (an appeal may be made with that score being 106 or higher)

Eligibility: 12th grade

+ PHYSICS

This course requires the use of mathematics in the study of forces in the physical world. Such areas as measurements, vectors, motion, velocity, work, energy, friction, machines, gravity, gases, liquids, solids, lights, colors, sounds, magnetics, atomic structure, and radio activity are covered. Students learn to apply mathematical processes to physical problems, work from problem to solution, have an understanding of matter, be able to set up and use equipment to measure various forces and understand the forces which God set in motion to govern the universe.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Chemistry and/or Precalculus

Eligibility: 11th-12th grade

+ AP PHYSICS 1

This is a fast-paced, rigorous course requiring intense study of the basic topics found in physics. Emphasis is placed on lab work and preparation for the AP Physics exam, which is required. A minimum of twenty labs will be done during the course of study. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Precalculus and Physics or permission from the department

PSAT Score Requirement: 111 or higher combined score in Critical Reading and Math (an appeal may be made with that score being 106 or higher)

Eligibility: 11th-12th grade

+ HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

An overview of the basic plan of the human body, chemical basis of life, cells of the human body, cellular metabolism, tissues, skin and integumentary system, muscular system, nervous system, eye and vision, ears, endocrine system, food and nutrition, digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular and circulatory systems, lymphatic system, immunity, urinary system and reproductive system. Students complete laboratory exercises on all major topics covered.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Biology and Chemistry.

Eligibility: 11th-12th grades

+ INTRODUCTION TO ATHLETIC TRAINING

This course introduces the organization and administration of an athletic training program. This class includes topics such as injury assessment and management, athletic taping, sports massage, strength, and conditioning fundamentals. Internship work at athletic events is a requirement to pass the course.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Human Anatomy & Physiology or concurrent enrollment

Eligibility: 11th-12th grade