Career and Technical Education (CTE) Course

Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite:  Biology I Length of Course: Year

Description:  Taken after a comprehensive initial study of biology, Anatomy and Physiology presents the human body and biological systems in more detail. In order to understand the structure of the human body and its functions, students learn anatomical terminology, study cells and tissues, explore functional systems (skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, nervous, and so on), and may dissect mammals. This course is designed in part to prepare students for admission to a university.

Grade Level:  11-12 Prerequisite:  (A or B in both semesters of Honors Chemistry 1  OR TEACHER RECOMMENDATION) Length of Course: Year

Description:  Learning activities will center on laboratory investigations, homework book problems, and lecture.  Students will gain a deeper understanding of inorganic chemistry and get an introduction of basic organic chemistry.  This course is for the student who is college bound and is designed to prepare students for chemistry at the university level.  Students should carefully consider the extra time needed for this course.

Instructional Resource

Chemistry: The Central Science AP Edition, 2018

Publisher: Savvas

Grade:  9-12  Prerequisite:  None  Length of Course: Year

Description:  A required laboratory course designed to give a broad overview of the living world.  Dissections and various elementary experiments are designed to give the student a better understanding of diversity among organisms and the function of various biological systems.  This course is designed in part to prepare students for admission to a university

Instructional Resource

Science Dimensions Biology, 2018

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Grade:  9-12  Prerequisite:  None  Length of Course: Year

Description: This course will allow students to learn about and investigate the principles of biology at a more in depth level. There will be more of a focus on skills such as self directed science inquiry, lab expectations, and scientific problem solving. It will move at a more rigorous pace in preparations of advanced placement science and college ready coursework. This course is designed in part to prepare students for admission to a university (Pending BOE approval)

Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite:  Passed or currently enrolled in Algebra II or instructor permission.  Must pass the first semester of Chemistry I in order to continue to take the second semester. 

Length of Course: Year

Description:  An elective science course for students who are college bound and want preparation for college level chemistry.  The curriculum will include measurement, nomenclature, stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, and states of matter.  Learning activities will center on lecture/demonstration, homework assignments, and laboratory investigations.  This course is designed in part to prepare students for admission to a university.

Instructional Resource

Modern Chemistry, 2018

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Grade:  10-12 Prerequisite:  A in Biology and/or A in Geometry or teacher recommendations AND currently taking or have already taken Algebra 2 Length of Course: Year

Description: A one-year elective science credit course for students who are college bound and want to pursue science in college.  The curriculum will include (but is not limited to) measurement, nomenclature, stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, and states of matter.  Learning activities will center around lecture/demonstration, homework assignments, and laboratory investigations. This is a more rigorous version of traditional Chemistry I to allow for a more in-depth and faster pace of study for students who excel in science and math.  This class is also a great preparatory class for students who wish to take advanced science courses their junior or senior year such as Chemistry II.  

This course is designed in part to prepare students for admission to a university.

Instructional Resource

Modern Chemistry, 2018

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

JCCC College Now Course---4 credits (dual credit course taught at the high school)

Grade:  12 or approval from instructor Prerequisite:  Biology 1. Chemistry I recommended. Approximate cost  if taken for college credit is $280-$315. Length of Course: Year

Description:  This course introduces non-majors to selected concepts and principles that form the foundation of an understanding of how biological systems operate. The importance of scientific methods and processes will be explored. Biological systems will be investigated at a variety of levels, from the chemical to the biosphere, and the unity of diversity of life will be examined in light of evolutionary and genetic processes. 3 hrs. lecture & 2 hrs. instructional lab/wk. This course is for the student who is college bound.  Students should carefully consider the extra time needed for this course.  College credit is available for this course through JCCC.

Grade:  10-12 Prerequisite:  None Length of Course: Year

Description:  Earth/Space Science focuses on understanding how the physical world works and how human interactions affect the planet. We explore the processes and relationships between the geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. Topics usually covered include astronomy, climatology, plate tectonics, water, atmosphere, and geologic time. Projects and labs will be incorporated throughout the year. Earth/Space Science can  act as an alternative course option for students who do not yet meet the math requirements for chemistry and/or physics. Projects and labs will be incorporated throughout the year.

Instructional Resource

Science Dimensions Earth & Space Science, 2018

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Course

Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite:  Biology I Length of Course: Semester

Description:  Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past which is then used in a court of law. This application level course follows a background in biology and chemistry and provides students with a basic knowledge and skills needed to pursue postsecondary training in LPSS careers requiring Forensic Science (i.e., Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Medicine, and Medical Examiner). Areas of study may include deductive reasoning, toxicology, fingerprints, DNA profiling, record keeping, research, mathematics, writing, and chemical interactions. Students will identify various careers related to forensic science, educational requirements, and certifications, credentials, or licensure needed.

Instructional Resource

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations 3rd ed, 2021

Publisher: Cengage

Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: One of the following: Introduction to Engineering, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Principles of Engineering or Robotics Length of Course: Semester

Description: This course involves the study of solid matter. Five major units of study form the basis of the MST course: solids, metals, ceramics/glass, polymers (plastic), and composites. We will study the properties, design, and manufacturing of each major solid category. A heavy hands-on, lab based approach is used in this class. Learning will involve working in small groups, writing as a means of learning, participating in demonstrations and activities, using community experts in materials, showing videos, and using a large variety of written resources including current event articles.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Course

Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: One of the following: Introduction to Engineering Design, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Principles of Engineering or Robotics Engineering Length of Course: Semester

Description:  This course involves the study of solid matter. Five major units of study form the basis of the MST course: solids, metals, ceramics/glass, polymers (plastic), and composites. We will study the properties, design, and manufacturing of each major solid category. A heavy hands-on, lab based approach is used in this class. Learning will involve working in small groups, writing as a means of learning, participating in demonstrations and activities, using community experts in materials, showing videos, and using a large variety of written resources including current event articles.

Grade:  10-12 Prerequisite: Biology I or Honors Biology I Length of Course: Year

Description: Physical Science is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in future science courses, with the specific goal of taking chemistry as a junior. Classroom activities will serve as a basis for improving the math and science practices needed for further study in science. A strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory experiences will help students develop an understanding of the basic concepts of chemistry and physics.

Instructional Resource

Physical Science with Earth Science, 2012

Publisher: McGraw Hill

Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 or instructor permission. 

Length of Course: Year

Description:  An elective science course designed to present the basic theories, laws, and concepts of physics.  The student will study such topics as motion, force, heat, momentum, atomic structure, sound, and light.  In studying these topics the student will be actively involved in experimentation in which he/she will take data, analyze results, draw conclusions, and report results in various forms.  Problem solving will also be a focus of this course, especially problem solving as it relates to physics. This course is designed in part to prepare students for admission to a university.

Instructional Resource

Physics, 2017

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt