Science
Science Graduation Requirements
3 Credits in Science - This includes:
Environmental Science or Honors Environmental Science
Biology or Honors Biology, and Chemistry or Physics
The sequence will change to Biology, Physics, and Chemistry starting in 2023
Core Courses
Biology
1.0 LIFE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 9
CLASS FEE - $15.00
Students in this course develop understanding of key concepts that enable them make sense of life science and how life on earth has influenced and continues to influence earth systems. By exploring phenomena in the natural world, students construct explanations for the structure, function, interactions, evolution, and diversity of living organisms and their underlying processes. Emphasis is given to development of science and engineering practices and cross cutting concepts in order to develop an understanding of the complex nature of biological systems.
AP Biology
1.0 LIFE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 9-12
CLASS FEE - $15.00
Other recommended classes (not required) to be taken prior to AP Biology: Anatomy and Physiology and/or Zoology and/or Botany and/or Environmental Science AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems, including evolution, cellular and energy processes, communication, genetics, information transfer, and ecological interactions.
Physics
1.0 PHYSICAL SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 10-12
PREREQUISITE - COMPLETION OF BIOLOGY
This course guides students in developing understanding of basic physics principles and enhances their ability to connect these principles with real life applications. Data collection, graphing, analysis, modeling, and problem solving are applied to a variety of topics such as motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Physics is a fundamental science discipline that is a foundation of all other sciences
AP Physics
1.0 PHYSICAL SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 10-12
CLASS FEE - $15.00
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, DC circuits, and mechanical waves and sound.
Chemistry
1.0 LIFE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 11-12
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Physics
Chemistry is an inquiry-based course that examines matter and the changes it undergoes. Students engage in investigations to explore chemical bonding, atomic structure, chemical equations, and fundamental laws and theories. The course provides deeper understanding of the scientific processes that go on around us and the interconnections among the sciences, technology, society, and the environment.
CMU Chem 121
1.0 PHYSICAL SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 11-12
CLASS FEE - $20.00
PREREQUISITE - MASTERY OF ALGEBRA 1
Introduction to fundamental principles of chemistry. Designed for students planning a major in science as well as students with a non-science major. Topics include atomic structure, bonding, periodic table, gas laws, mass relationships, solution theory, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, and ionic equilibrium. Four lectures and one three-hour lab per week.
CMU Chem 131
1.0 PHYSICAL SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 11-12
CLASS FEE - $20.00
PREREQUISITE - MASTERY OF ALGEBRA 1 AND SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF CMU HS CHEM 121
Introduction to fundamental principles of chemistry. Designed for students planning a major in science as well as students with a non-science major. Topics include atomic structure, bonding, periodic table, gas laws, mass relationships, solution theory, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, and ionic equilibrium. Four lectures and one three-hour lab per week.
Elective Courses
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Astronomy
- Outdoor Wilderness Lab
- River Dynamics
- Zoology
- Food Science
- AP Environmental Science A
- AP Environmental Science B
Anatomy & Physiology
1.0 ELECTIVE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 11-12
CLASS FEE - $15.00
PREREQUISITE - PASSED BIOLOGY WITH C OR HIGHER AND RECOMMEND COMPLETION OF CHEMISTRY
In this course, the major systems of the human body and their interactions are explored. These systems include the nervous system, skeletal system, circulatory system, respiratory system, muscular system, and reproductive system. The functioning of each system from the cellular level to the complete system level is examined using laboratory investigations and class discussions.
Astronomy
1.0 ELECTIVE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 11-12
PREREQUISITE - COMPLETION OF ALGEBRA I
This course is an introduction to the study of stars, galaxies, and cosmology. It includes the nature of light and matter, telescopes, spectroscopy, stellar formation, and evolution of galaxies. Students have multiple opportunities to use several types of telescopes and participate in online activities sponsored by NASA and/or other aerospace organizations.
Outdoor Wilderness Lab
0.5 ELECTIVE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 9 -12
PREREQUISITE - MUST HAVE A LOVE FOR OUTDOORS AND INTERESTED IN CONSERVATION
Outdoor Wilderness Leadership is a course for students interested in learning about careers in environmental science, ecology, geology, outdoor education, and recreation. The course focuses on leadership development by exploring social-emotional learning, group dynamics, decision-making, and teaching strategies. Students are provided with the opportunity to practice their leadership skills during an overnight practicum experience serving as counselors to middle school learners at the Outdoor Wilderness Lab. In order to support younger students in their understanding of science, the course emphasizes the engineering design and inquiry processes that are at the heart of science lessons taught at the Outdoor Wilderness Lab. Students will learn hunting, fishing, wilderness survival, and wilderness first aid.
River Dynamics
1.0 ELECTIVE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 11 -12
PREREQUISITE - COMPLETION OF BIOLOGY
Students connect their understanding of fundamental science principles to field applications. A major part of the class involves collection and analysis of biological, atmospheric, and geological data. Students are introduced to GIP/GPS, aerial photo interpretation, habitat and resource management techniques, and water quality testing. Students practice writing management plans, complete field data sheets, and interpret environmental case studies. The class also explores career opportunities and local environmental issues.
Zoology
1.0 ELECTIVE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 11 -12
CLASS FEE - $22.00
Zoology is a survey of the animal kingdom with an analysis of systems relevant to their classification. The intention is to help students appreciate a variety of life forms and their unique and similar characteristics. It is intended for students with a love of animals and a desire to expand their knowledge of animal diversity.
Food Science
0.5 ELECTIVE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 10 -12
Food Science will use concepts and principles that include chemistry, microbiology, and physics to study the nature of foods, the causes of deterioration, the principles underlying food processing, and the improvement of foods for the consuming public. Students will apply the food technology of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe, nutritious, and wholesome food. Students will connect the idea that food science and food technology are often used interchangeably.
AP Environmental Science A
0.5 ELECTIVE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 9-12
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
AP Environmental Science B
0.5 ELECTIVE SCIENCE CREDIT - GRADE 9-12
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.