Science Courses
SCIENCE CLASSES
To fulfill D11 graduation requirements, students must complete 6 semesters of Sciences including 2 semesters of Biology and 2 semesters of a Physical Science.
The following courses meet the Physical Science requirement:
- Earth, Space and Physical Science 1,2
- Any Chemistry course
- Any Physics course
- Geology 1,2
OTHER NOTES REGARDING SCIENCE CLASSES
- 9th Graders: Enroll in MYP Biology or MYP Honors Biology
- 10th Graders: Enroll in MYP Physical, Earth and Space Science (PES) or Honors MYP Chemistry
- General Chemistry is for students that need extra academic support; this course is NOT for students that want an easier Chemistry class.
- Students may double up in science to satisfy elective graduation requirements.
*NCAA* = DENOTES NCAA APPROVED COURSE
IB MYP BIOLOGY 1,2 *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 9
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Biology or other Science)
Prerequisite: None
IB Biology is a course that either introduces or reinforces basic scientific skills. These skills include: scientific method, scientific lab write up form, development of concise pertinent hypotheses and conclusions, scientific discussion and analysis of laboratory results, graphing, current scientific literature review, and use of concept maps to conceptualize and organize. These basic processes can be utilized in any advanced scientific discipline. An inquiring approach is used to provide a basic science background in understanding the current trends in biology. Through the pursuit of engaging questions an inquiry learning, this MYP course encourages students to think creatively, critically and reflectively of themselves as learners in a complex world.
IB MYP BIOLOGY 1,2 HONORS *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 9
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Biology or other Science)
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Honors Biology is a science course for high school students with a strong interest in science. Instruction includes analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information obtained from print and laboratory research. Students are expected to do independent research, plan investigations, practice self- evaluation, and give evidence of applying knowledge outside the classroom. This is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with the key biological concepts to meet state and district standards.
NOTE: Students need to be self-motivated and possess a strong work ethic. Students will complete a variety of assignments outside of class.
IB MYP EARTH, SPACE, AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Physical Science or other Science)
Prerequisite: None
This course allows students to develop their understanding of scientific content and processes in the Earth, Space and Physical Sciences. Key units include Earth’s Place in the Universe; Geologic History; Newton’s Laws, Earth’s Changing Surface, Matter and Its Interactions, Energy Forms and Transformations; Uncovering Earth’s Natural Resources, and Earth’s Changing Climate.
IB MYP CHEMISTRY 1,2 HONORS *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Physical Science or other Science)
Prerequisite: IBMYP Biology 1,2 H, strong Algebra 1,2 skills
This is a course which serves as an introduction to chemistry and provides students with a substantial preparation for both subsidiary and higher level chemistry. Upon completing this course students will be able to perform complex chemistry calculations, execute sophisticated experiments, keep a lab notebook, and read, effectively, a chemistry text. The chemistry concepts include atomic structure, chemical calculations, periodicity, kinetic theory, and quantum mechanics.
GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1 *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semester
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Physical Science or other Science)
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of IBMYP Algebra 1,2
This is a qualitative, quantitative and analytical study of matter. Elements, compounds and their interactions are explored through laboratory investigations. Possible topics include chemical bonds, the mole concept, energy, states of matter, the Periodic Law, acids, bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. A chemistry class for students who have struggled with developing math skills.
IB CHEMISTRY SL 7,8 *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 11-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Physical Science or other Science)
Prerequisite: A/B/C in IBMYP Chemistry 1,2 H
Chemistry is a science concerned with the study of the materials of our environment, their properties, and the way in which they react with each other. As there is no other way of "questioning" a physical or chemical system but that of performing experiments on it, chemistry is a discipline which rests firmly on the practical. The laboratory work will have a direct bearing upon the student's growing body of descriptive and theoretical chemistry. Through such an approach the student should gain factual knowledge drawn from the whole field of chemistry, and at the same time be able to correlate and unify this knowledge in terms of the most important underlying principles and concepts. Higher level chemistry is designed for the student who will pursue more advanced chemistry at the college or university level.
INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE RESEARCH 1,2 (Honors credit available)
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment or successful completion of Biology
In this first year of a three-course sequence, students (i) learn about the human endeavor of scientific research, (ii) experience the planning, performing, and communicating of original science and engineering research in any field that interests them, and (iii) present their research to a variety of settings, including but not limited to in-class, the Palmer Science Lecture Series, and a variety of science research competitions.
Additionally, students learn technology, time management, communication, and research skills that can be utilized in many facets of their lives. After acquiring a sufficient amount of background knowledge and successfully completing an introductory science investigation (all done as part of this course), students are then encouraged to work as a summer research assistant or intern at a local university or other lab facility. This OPTIONAL summer experience will be the springboard into the more advanced stages of the student’s research which is completed the following school year.
INTERMEDIATE SCIENCE RESEARCH 1,2 (Honors credit available)
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Science Research
This is a continuation of Introduction to Science Research and will dig deeper into the goals, topics, and skills of the Intro class. In this second year of the program, students will continue to become a “local expert” in their chosen field of study. They will continue to develop their content knowledge through literature reviews, researching pertinent lab procedures, and contacting mentor scientists to provide guidance on their project. Students will then design an experiment (disconnected from the project completed in the Intro class, or a Phase II continuation of that project), based on the background information they have read and collected. As part of their research project, students will complete statistical analysis and interpretation of the results, give multiple presentations of their progress and findings to class and community, and enter their work into the Pikes Peak Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Intermediate students will also serve as peer mentors to beginning research students enrolled in Introduction to Science Research.
Following this course, students are once again encouraged to find a summer research experience to serve as the basis of their Year 3 competition project.
FORENSIC SCIENCE 1 *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 10–12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: IBMYP ESPS or IBMYP Biology 1,2 recommended
Students in this course will apply science skills and concept knowledge from biology, chemistry and physics to the latest techniques for analyzing clues and processing a crime scene. This includes DNA, fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, firearms evidence, bloodstain patterns, latent prints, making shoe print casts, tool mark comparisons, drug testing, and the properties of hair, fiber, and glass. The focus is on problem solving, designing experiments, testing, and making conclusions based on empirical evidence. Writing is an integral part of the course with students being expected to communicate laboratory reports, results, and conclusions, and analyze case studies. This class is intended to be enrichment to current biology, chemistry and physics courses.
GEOLOGY 1,2 *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Physical Science or other Science)
Prerequisite: None, IBMYP Earth, Space & Physical Science recommended
This is the systematic study of the earth's history, through geologic time, rocks and minerals of the crust, mapping of the earth's surface, erosional and depositional process, and the earth's dynamic processes. Field studies, laboratory exercises, and activities provide a solid foundation for future studies in the natural sciences.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1,2 (Offered every other year – opposite of Oceanography) *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: None
Environmental Science is a systematic study of living systems with emphasis on interaction of the living systems with the natural environments. It teaches students to view the environment as an integral part of their lives and community. This is an issues-oriented environmental studies course that investigates and analyzes community problems and uses knowledge and processes of science to suggest options for the solutions of these problems.
OCEANOGRAPHY 1,2 (Offered every other year – opposite of Environmental Science)
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: None
This course is a study of the oceans of the world. The biological, chemical, geological, and physical aspects of the oceans are presented in detail. Historical oceanology, environmental considerations, and career opportunities are presented as extension of importance and interest.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1,2 *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: IBMYP Biology
This course is a systematic study of the structure and functions of the human body. The curriculum covers the major organ systems of the human body as they relate to health and disease. Instruction uses laboratory activities including dissections to enable students to visualize basic anatomical structures comparable to those in humans. This course serves as initial preparation for study in physical education, health, and medical sciences.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1,2 HONORS *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: Passed IBMYP Biology Honors or passed IBMYP Biology w/ instructor recommendation
This course is an in-depth systematic study of the structure and functions of the human body. The curriculum covers the major organ systems of the human body as they relate to health and disease. Instruction uses laboratory activities including dissections to enable students to visualize basic anatomical structures comparable to those in humans. This course serves as initial preparation for study in physical education, health, and medical sciences. This honors course deals with the content and objectives in greater depth and complexity. Higher reasoning skills are needed, more out-of- class work is expected, and independent study skills are utilized. An independent project is required.
MEDICAL EXPLORATION 1
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 10–12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: IBMYP Biology 1,2 recommended
Students will be introduced to the terminology, pathology, and technology associated with body systems; and to skills and professional attitudes applicable to many different careers in health care, from entry level through professional level. Classroom content will emphasize the exploration of laboratory activities found in clinical settings. Students will complete a First Aid/CPR Certification.
HUMAN NUTRITION
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 10–12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: IBMYP Biology 1,2 recommended
Introduces basic principles of nutrition with emphasis on personal nutrition. This course focuses on macro and micro-nutrients and their effects on functions of the human body. Special emphasis is placed on the application of wellness, disease, and lifespan as it pertains to nutrition.
PHYSICS 1 *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Physical Science or other Science)
Prerequisite: None
Physics is the study of motion, forces, energy, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Students will be expected to demonstrate a command of science process skills. They will solve problems by observing demonstrations, conducting experiments, and applying math procedures and skills.
Physics has applications in many fields including athletics, engineering and technology, liberal arts, and medicine and health.
IB PHYSICS 5,6 STANDARD LEVEL *NCAA*
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Physical Science or other Science)
Prerequisite: enrollment in an SL or HL Math class concurrently
This course is a study of general physics. The core syllabus gives a non-calculus presentation of the fundamental parts of physics, while the optional part requires calculus in several parts. The optional leads to a deeper understanding of the fundamental parts of physics, and/or discuss some of its technique-oriented applications. This class places an emphasis on historical development and social implications.
IB ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS AND SOCIETIES 5,6 STANDARD LEVEL *NCAA*
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: None
Through studying environmental systems and societies, students will be provided with a coherent perspective of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies; one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response to the wide range of pressing environmental issues that they will inevitably come to face. Students are allowed to evaluate the scientific, ethical and socio-political aspects of issues.
IB SPORTS, EXERCISE, AND HEALTH SCIENCE 1,2,3,4 STANDARD LEVEL. *NCAA*
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 4 Semesters
Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science)
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; completion of IBMYP Biology 1,2 H or Anatomy/Physiology 1,2 recommended
Students explore the concepts, theories, models and techniques that underpin each subject area and through these develop their understanding of the scientific method. This collaborative and interdisciplinary class provides an opportunity for students to explore scientific solutions to global questions.
IB BIOLOGY 5,6,7,8 HIGHER LEVEL *NCAA*
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 4 Semesters
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Biology or other Science)
Prerequisite: Biology 1,2 H or Biology 1,2
Biology is the study of living organisms, applying the techniques and approach of the experimental sciences. This study is undertaken at a variety of levels from the molecular to that of the biosphere, each with its own distinctive approaches and methods. The student will develop an appreciation of the interactions between these levels, and of organisms as functioning entities within the biosphere. The higher level biology includes compulsory core material which is intended to be supplemented.