Biology:

Biology (0310)
1 Credit - Grade 9-12

Prerequisites: None

Students conduct laboratory experiments over a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses, growth and development of organisms, cells, tissues and organs, nucleic acids and genetics, metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms, ecosystems, and plants and the environment.

Honors Biology (0315)
1 Credit – Grades 9-12

Prerequisites: None

Students conduct laboratory experiments over a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses, growth and development of organisms, cells, tissues and organs, nucleic acids and genetics, metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms, ecosystems, and plants and the environment. Students will utilize skills in self-directed learning, creative, logical, and critical thinking, research, and communication by producing innovative performances and products that reflect creativity and individuality in an advanced program. Independent reading and a project are required.

Advanced Placement Biology (0325)
1 Credit - Grades 11-12
Recommended Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

This course is designed to provide students with adequate knowledge and laboratory skills to test out of freshman level college biology. Biochemistry, genetics and advanced plant and animal biology are examples of studies.

AP students must either take the AP exam (for possible college credit for a score of 3 or higher--fee required) or an AP-Level Final Exam (no fee, but no college credit).

Dual Credit Biology 1/Biology 2 (SR &D 3) (0328)
1 Credit (4 College Credits per semester) - Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: TSI assessment and registration with Weatherford College   

Biology 1 – Semester A (BIOL 1406)

Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included.  Please be advised that the WC grade may be different than the GHS grade.

Biology 2 – Semester B (BIOL 1407)

The diversity and classification of life will be studied, including animals, plants, protists, fungi, and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy, physiology, ecology, and the evolution of plants and animals. Please be advised that the WC grade may be different than the GHS grade.

Integrated Physics and Chemistry:

Integrated Physics and Chemistry (0305)
1 Credit - Grade 10
Prerequisites: None

Laboratory-oriented class that integrates the disciplines of physics and chemistry in the following topics: motion, waves, energy, transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter, and solution chemistry.

Chemistry:

Chemistry (0330)
1 Credit - Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: One unit of high school science and Algebra 1

Covers general exploratory experiences and activities in the concepts of matter, atomic structure, chemical equations, properties of solutions, acids and bases, and nuclear chemistry.

Honors Chemistry (0335)
1 Credit - Grades 10-11
Prerequisites: Biology and documented success in Algebra 1
Recommended Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in a second year of math

This course follows the course description of Chemistry with a focus on advanced laboratory skills and critical thinking skills to prepare students for Advanced Placement chemistry. Performance-based projects are required.

Advanced Placement Chemistry (0345)
1 Credit - Grades 11-12
Recommended Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra 2

This is a laboratory-oriented course which reinforces basic concepts of Honors Chemistry with emphasis on more independent study and the improvement of laboratory techniques. Advanced topics include thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, electrochemistry, and descriptive chemistry. This course is designed for students desiring to place out of freshman college chemistry by taking the Advanced Placement examination at the end of the course.

AP students must either take the AP exam (for possible college credit for a score of 3 or higher--fee required) or an AP-Level Final Exam (no fee, but no college credit).

Physics:

Physics (0360)
1 Credit - Grades 10-12
Recommended Prerequisites: Algebra 1

Students conduct laboratory investigations involving such topics as laws of motion, force, conservation of energy, and momentum; electricity; thermodynamics; wave motion; and quantum physics.

Dual Enrollment Physics 1 (0369)

1 Credit – Grades 10-12

Recommended Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or equivalent course

Mechanics, Heat, and Sound introduce big ideas in physics, such as Newtonian mechanics (including motion, force, energy, and rotation), as well as solid and fluid mechanics, oscillations, waves, sound, and heat.

Advanced Placement Physics 2 (0367)
1 Credit – Grades 11-12
Recommended Prerequisites: AP Physics 1 or comparable physics introductory course and concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or equivalent course 

Students explore principles of fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. The course is based on seven Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. 

AP students must either take the AP exam (for possible college credit for a score of 3 or higher--fee required) or an AP-Level Final Exam (no fee, but no college credit).

Science Electives:

Anatomy & Physiology (9470)
1 Credit – Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology I and a second science credit

Recommended Prerequisite: A course from the Health Science Endorsement

Extends understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Students will explore physiological systems and associated pathologies. Higher order thinking is stressed through assessment and synthesis of anatomical knowledge combined with exposure to clinical analysis. Principles of physiology will be applied to human health and well-being.

Aquatic Science (0380) 
1 Credit – Grades 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology

Recommended Prerequisites: Chemistry or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry

In Aquatic Science, students study the interactions of biotic and abiotic components in aquatic environments, including impacts on aquatic systems. Investigations and field work in this course may emphasize fresh water or marine aspects of aquatic science, depending primarily upon the natural resources available for study near the school. Students will acquire knowledge about a variety of aquatic systems, conduct investigations and observations of aquatic environments, work collaboratively with peers, and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Environmental Systems (0385)
1 Credit – Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: One unit of High School Science

This course is the study of a variety of topics that include biotic and abiotic factors in habitats, ecosystems and biomes, interrelationships among resources and an environmental system, sources and flow of energy through an ecosystem, relationships between carrying capacity and changes in populations and ecosystems, and changes in ecosystems.

AP Environmental Science (0395)
1 Credit – Grades 11-12
Recommended Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Biology and Chemistry

This course is the study of a variety of topics that include biotic and abiotic factors in habitats, ecosystems and biomes, interrelationships among resources and an environmental system, sources and flow of energy through an ecosystem, relationships between carrying capacity and changes in populations and ecosystems, and changes in ecosystems. This is an in-depth and rigorous course that covers topics requiring a high level of cognitive learning skills. It is designed to prepare students to take the AP Environmental Science exam.

AP students must either take the AP exam (for possible college credit for a score of 3 or higher--fee required) or an AP-Level Final Exam (no fee, but no college credit).

Forensic Science (9660)
1 Credit – Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

Forensic Science is the application of concepts learned in biology, chemistry, and physics to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. Students will learn terminology and investigative procedures related to a crime scene, questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes. Using scientific methods and inquiry-based settings, students will collect and analyze evidence through case studies, simulated crime scenes, and laboratory applications such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, blood spatter analysis, hair, fibers, questioned documents, toxicology, and DNA. Students will learn the history, legal aspects, and career options for forensic science. This course includes 40% laboratory and fieldwork, and satisfies a high school science graduation requirement.

Advanced Animal Science (9010)
1 Credit – Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry or IPC; Algebra 1 and Geometry; and either Small Animal Management, Equine Science or Livestock Production

This course builds and expands upon Livestock Production and offers further study in large animal care and is intended for students interested in large animal veterinary care. Classes often meet in the ag barn and assist students with immunizations and nutrition/feed schedules for barn animals. Recommended for students working toward a Veterinary Assistant Certificate.

AP Research (0300)
1 Credit – Grade 12
Prerequisite: AP Seminar

 

AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest.  Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question.  In the AP Research course, students further skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question.  Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio.  The course culminates in an academic paper, accompanied by a presentation with an oral defense.