Science
General Science
General Science is an introductory science course that develops a foundation in chemistry, physics, Earth science and Space science while building reading and math skills.
The major goals of the program are:
- To demonstrate the relevance of science to the everyday lives of students.
- To develop reading and math skills.
- To increase the student's problem-solving skills.
- To provide science content that is developmentally appropriate.
- To Integrate science concepts with easy-to-use technology.
- To relate science concepts to vocational-technical areas.
Chemistry
Chemistry is an advanced level science course that covers fundamental core chemistry topics. Coverage includes matter and energy, atomic structure and bonding, chemical reactions, states of matter, stoichiometry and gas laws. The emphasis is on hands-on/minds-on learning, critical thinking, and math applications. Topics are related to various vocational/technical areas and provide a foundation for further educational/occupational endeavors.
Biology I
Biology I is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the fundamental aspects of living organisms. The course begins with basic chemistry (atomic structure) and progresses to the cellular and organism levels of life, with the greatest emphasis on cell structure and physiology. Topics include chemistry, cell structure, genetics, taxonomy, bacteriology and microbiology.
Biology II
Biology II is a four-part program offered as an elective to those students who have completed Biology I, and for those students who require a more extensive biology background for their vocational-technical area. Part 1 of the course is an evolutionary investigation into arthropods, including morphology, physiology, anatomy, and the economic importance of this phylum. Part 2 is an evolutionary investigation into the seven classes of vertebrates, with concentration for local fauna, and with emphasis on morphology, physiology, anatomy, and economic impact. Part 3 is an investigation of parasitology, with emphasis on life cycles, methods of transmission, host-parasite relationships, economic impact, and parasites which affect humans. Part 4 of the course is an investigation of the plant kingdom, with emphasis on the morphology, anatomy, physiology and economic importance of plants to human kind.
Advanced General Science
Advanced General Science is a follow-up course to the introductory course of General Science. In this class students will learn about differences between heat and temperature. Students will also learn to convert temperatures between the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin temperature scales. The students are also introduced to waves and electricity in this course. Students will learn how to read simple schematic diagrams and be able to compare and contrast between series circuits and parallel circuits. We will then cover the topic of Food and Diet where the students learn about how the body breaks down different nutrients and then how the body uses these nutrients. The year will be concluded with a unit on Earth Science. The students will learn about our universe and planets within our universe. We will also study the Earth, from its rock formations and minerals to its natural resources and how they are used.
ASTRONOMY
In this class we will study the history of astronomy. Students will learn about predictions made by the earliest of observers and which theories have stood the test of time and why others have been proven wrong. We will study each planet in depth and the moons and rings that orbit each of these celestial bodies. The students will also research our moon landings and make predictions about the infamous Apollo 11 mission. We will also study galaxies, constellations, and stars and their life cycles. This class will be concluded by studying what current astronomers are researching and working on in the field and by looking at where the future of astronomy is headed.