Science

Graduation Requirements - 3 Credits
Biology, Earth/Environmental and a Physical Science course (Physical Science, Chemistry or Physics)

Physical Science (34102X0A) 1CR

Biology (33202X0A) 1CR

Course Description: This course is designed to prepare the student to live in our world of technology with an in-depth understanding of science concepts and specialized instruction. Special emphasis is given to lab work and projects, which promote creativity and the use of the scientific method. Topics include: life functions, classification, cell biology, plant and animal structure, reproduction and ecology. The state EOC test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.

Biology Honors (33205X0A) 1CR (.5 extra GPA Pt)

Recommended: Honors Earth/Environmental Science
Course Description: This course is designed to give the student a more challenging and in-depth experience of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Biology. Students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their earning. In addition to the NCSCS goals and objectives, students are expected to: design and carry out several independent investigations of biological questions, read and report on recent research in biology, and demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives. The state EOC test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.

Earth / Environmental Science (35012X0A) 1CR

Earth/Environmental Science Honors (35015X0A) 1CR (.5 GPA Pt)

Course Description: Honors Earth/Environmental Science is a rigorous curriculum designed to allow highly motivated students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. Students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In order to develop a greater understanding of the processes that shape our everyday lives, the curriculum will integrate inquiry investigations and a variety of technologies with the study of earth as a system. The impacts of human activities on earth systems will also be a focus. The results of student investigations will be communicated through presentations and formal laboratory reports. Enrichment and integration with other disciplines is encouraged.

Chemistry Honors (34205X0H) 1CR (.5 GPA Pt)

Recommended Prerequisite: NC Math 3
Course Description: Chemistry is an accelerated comprehensive laboratory course designed to give students a conceptual and in-depth understanding of the concepts in the NC Standard Course of Study in Chemistry. Students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. The course will include honors objectives and an in-depth study of at least two enrichment topics. Students will design and complete at least one in-depth independent study of chemistry directed questions. The curriculum will integrate inquiry and technology to explore the world of chemistry.

Physics Honors (34305X0H) 1CR (.5 GPA Pt)

Prerequisite: NC Math 3 or taken concurrent
Course Description: This course provides for a challenging and advanced study that enriches key physics topics and broadens the student’s view of the larger physics community including current research. Substantial class time will be devoted to student-directed exploration and experimentation. An in-depth study of at least two of the following enrichment topics: optics, nuclear, modern physics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, or engineering will be required. Physics is an appropriate course for students with a strong mathematics and science background. Success in this course will require the student to: 1) operate with algebraic expressions to solve complex equations which include trigonometric functions, 2) use exponents to solve problems, and 3) describe graphically, algebraically and verbally real-world phenomena as functions and identify independent and dependent variables (a physical science or an advanced laboratory science).

Courses Available through Virtual ISS

Biology Online (33202X0ONL)
Biology Honors Online (33205X0ONL)
Physical Science Online (34102X0ONL)
Chemistry Honors Online (34205X0ONL)
Earth / Environmental Online (35012X0ONL)
Earth / Environmental Honors Online (35015X0ONL)
Anatomy Honors Online (33305X0ONL)
Forensic Science Online (30202X0ONL)
Forensic Science Honors Online (30202X0ONL)

AP Biology (3A007X0AP) 1CR (1 GPA Pt) / Advanced Biology (30205X0ADV) 1CR (.5 GPA Pt)

Advanced taken in the Fall.
AP taken in the Spring. (register for both courses)
Prerequisite: Biology Honors & Chemistry Honors or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry Honors
Course Description: This course is designed for those who want an Advanced Placement course of study in Biology. This course is based on the guidelines of The College Board and the syllabus for Advanced Placement Biology. The course is divided into three major areas of study: molecular and cell biology, principles of ecology, and evolution and behavior (an advanced laboratory science). Students are required to take the AP Exam.

AP Environmental Science (3A027X0AP) 1CR (1 GPA Pt) / Advanced Environmental Science (30205X0ENV) 1CR (.5 GPA Pt)

Advanced taken in the Fall.
Spring taken in the Spring. (register for both courses)
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (Honors level recommended)
Course Description: The AP Environmental Science course is designed to help students comprehend 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. Laboratory activities originate from the fields of biology, ecology, physics and earth science (an advanced laboratory science). Students are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year.

AP Chemistry (3A017X0AP) 1CR (1 GPA Pt) / Advanced Chemistry (34215X0ADV) 1CR (.5 GPA Pt)

Advanced taken in the Fall.
AP taken in the Spring. (register for both courses)
Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors
Recommended: “B” or above in Chemistry Honors
Course Description: This course is designed for those who want an Advanced Placement course of study in Chemistry. This course is based on the guidelines of The College Board and the syllabus for Advanced Placement Chemistry (an advanced laboratory science). Students are required to take the AP Exam at the end of the year.

AP Physics 1: Algebra-based (3A057X0AP) 1CR (1 GPA Pt) / Advanced Physics (30205X0ADV) 1CR (.5 GPA Pt) 1CR

Advanced taken in the Fall.
AP taken in the Spring. (Register for both courses)
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus
Recommended: Physics Honors
Course Description: This course is designed for those who want an Advanced Placement course of study in Physics as well as a more complete understanding of how the world works. Students will learn how to relate mathematical models to the physical processes that take place around them on a daily basis. The course covers Newtonian Mechanics, Rotational Motion and Dynamics, Fluids, Heat and Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Electricity, Magnetism and Induction, Waves and Sound, Optics, and Modern Physics. This course is based on the guidelines of The College Board and the syllabus for AP Physics. Successful completion of the course prepares the student for a collegiate career that involves rigorous scientific coursework. The course involves a hands-on lab component where the students utilize computer interfaced sensing equipment to assist them in their investigations of various phenomena. Students who score sufficiently high on the AP Test at the end of the course qualify for collegiate science credits at most institutions. Students are required to take the AP Exam at the end of the year.

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based (3A067X0AP) 1CR (1 GPA Pt)

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (3A037X0AP) 1 CR (1 GPA Pt) / AP Physics C: Mechanics (3A047X0AP) 1CR (1 GPA Pt)

Course Description: This course, along with 3A057X0AP, is structured to match a year-long college level course in Physics and uses algebra, trigonometry and limited calculus skills. Passing the AP Physics C test prepares you to enter a college course of study in engineering or science and is recognized by many colleges for as much as a one year science credit towards a BS degree. Topics include Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Conservation Laws, Rotational Kinematics, Gravitation, Waves & Oscillations, Electrostatics, Conductors, Dielectrics & Capacitors, Gauss’s Law, Electric Circuits, Magnetism, Electromagnetism, Ampere’s law, Faraday’s Law, Lentz’s Law and Maxwell’s Equations. . The course involves a hands-on lab component where students utilize computer inter-faced sensing equipment to assist them in their investigations of various phenomena. Approximately 30-40 hours of lab work will be completed during the course (A physical science or an advanced laboratory science). Students are required to take the AP Physics C Examinations at the end of the year.

Forensic Science Honors (30205X0FS) 1CR (.5 GPA Pt)

Prerequisites: Physics or Chemistry and Biology
Course Description: Forensic Science is designed to sharpen the student’s problem solving skills, with an emphasis on writing, direct experimentation, and the formation of evidence based conclusions to a variety of criminal proceedings. Students will write reports that record their findings on evidence presented from case studies and actual investigations. Emphasis will be on all scientific connections of forensics using concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics. Students will conduct their own experiments and research current issues.

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