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Science
(from the Chesapeake
Public Schools Secondary Student Guide)
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The science
program is composed of courses which support the Science
Standards of Learning. All science courses are structured to
present a strong content base with an experimental design
approach to develop and to promote scientific inquiry and
critical thinking skills. The integration of technology and
the utilization of the discovery model of instruction
composes approximately 50% of each course. Earth science,
biology, and chemistry are the three courses that require a
state assessment. Students should choose courses that meet
graduation and college entrance requirements.
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COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS |
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Earth Science (584)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: Average
Prerequisite: None
Standard
of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: This
laboratory course addresses topics such as plate tectonics,
the rock cycle, Earth history, the oceans, the atmosphere,
weather and climate,
and the solar system and universe. The identification of
maps, charts, tables,
and profiles are also stressed. Technology is used to assist
with experimentation,
and students participate in research to apply science
concepts.
Honors Earth Science (583)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: Honors
Prerequisite: None
Standard
of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: Honors
Earth Science is a laboratory course which connects
the study of the Earth’s composition, structure,
processes, and history; its atmosphere,
fresh water, and oceans; and its environment in space. This
course stresses
the interpretation of maps, charts, tables, and profiles;
the use of technology
to collect, analyze, and report data; and the utilization of
science skills in
systematic investigations. This is a very rigorous course
with a strong research component
that uses the experimental design model of
investigation.
Physics (518)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: Honors
Science Prerequisite(s): Earth
Science, Biology and/or Chemistry
Mathematics
Prerequisite(s): Minimum
of Algebra II and a higher-level math
course.
Course Description :
This course emphasizes a more complex understanding of
experimentation, the analysis of data, and the use of
reasoning and logic to evaluate
and validate evidence. The use of mathematics (including
algebra, inferential
statistics, and trigonometry) is an important component. A
conceptual framework
of the physical systems and the laws governing matter and
energy are the
primary objectives of this course. The practical application
of physics in other areas
of science, the use of technology, and the role of physics
in the world are emphasized. |
Biology (585)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: Average
Prerequisite: Earth
Science is recommended.
Standard
of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course
Description: In
this course the study of living systems is characterized
by a basic knowledge of biological thought. The
identification of biochemical
life processes; the verification of cellular organization;
the demonstration
of the mechanisms of inheritance; the identification of the
dynamic relationships
among organisms; and the study of the changes in organisms
through time
are science concepts that are applied through laboratory
investigations. Note:
Students may choose an alternative technique as provided
by the teacher to satisfy laboratory dissections.
Honors Biology (586)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: Honors
Prerequisite: Earth
Science is recommended.
Standard
of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: This
course is designed to give students a detailed, indepth
understanding
of living systems. Emphasis is placed on the skills
necessary to
examine scientific explanations, to conduct controlled
experiments, to analyze and
communicate information, and to use scientific literature.
The history of biological
thought, and the evidence that supports it, is explored;
they provide the foundation
for scientific investigation. |
Chemistry (509)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: Average
Science Prerequisite(s): Earth
Science, and Biology are recommended.
Mathematics
Prerequisite(s): Algebra
I (grade of “C” or higher)
Standard
of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: This
course gives students a detailed understanding of the
interaction of matter and energy. This interaction is
investigated through laboratory
techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities, and
problem-solving applications.
Scientific and technological methodologies will be utilized
in the classroom
through experimental and analytical investigations.
Honors Chemistry (503)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: Honors
Science Prerequisite(s): Earth
Science and Biology
Mathematics
Prerequisite: Algebra
I (grade “C” or higher) or a higherlevel math
course.
Standard
of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: This
inquiry-based course is a comprehensive survey of inorganic
and physical chemistry. This course will emphasize problem
solving and provide
students a detailed foundation emphasizing a quantitative
approach. Students
will study the interaction of matter and energy by
participating in sophisticated
experimental and analytical laboratory investigations.
Students
will further investigate through open-ended tasks involving
complex thinking,
manipulation of chemical quantities, and technical
applications. Advanced
content includes titration curves, hybrid orbitals and
intra-molecular bonding,
Lewis acid-based theory, electrolysis, rate law expression,
resonance structures,
molarity, and mole fraction. |
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| ADVANCED
AND ELECTIVE COURSES
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Marine Biology (755)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: Average
Prerequisite(s):
Biology
(585 or 586), Earth Science (583 or 584)
Course Description :
This course builds upon knowledge obtained in introductory
biology. Marine biology focuses on the ocean as a habitat
and on man’s
responsibility to preserve life in the oceans. Marine
ecological and biological concepts
are also explored. The study of the Chesapeake Bay is
included to enable students
to gather information about our local marine community. Note:
Students may choose an alternative technique as provided
by the teacher to satisfy laboratory dissections. |
Human Anatomy and Physiology (758)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of difficulty: Average
Prerequisite
(s): Biology
(585 or 586), Earth Science (583 or 584)
Course Description: This
course is valuable to students who have a unique interest
in the study of the human body systems. The course presents
all structural levels
composing the human body. Each of the essential life
functions is discussed and
illustrated using a biological approach. This course may
also serve as a foundational
basis for further study in various health and/or medical
fields. Note:
Students may choose an alternative technique as provided
by the teacher to satisfy laboratory dissections. |
Physics for Technology (917)
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit:
1
Unit
Science
Prerequisite(s): Earth
Science and Biology
Mathematics
Prerequisite: Algebra
I
Course Description: Students
apply physics and math principles underlying modern
technical system. This course covers seven technical
principles: force, work, rate,
resistance, energy, power, and force transformers. The
course emphasizes how each
principle plays a unifying role in the operation of
mechanical, fluid, electrical, and
thermal systems in high-tech equipment. Physics
for Technology I and II are
needed in
order to receive one
science
credit in Physics.
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Advanced Placement Biology (764)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: College
Level
Prerequisite(s):
Biology,
(586) Chemistry (509), and Earth Science (583)
Course Description: Advanced
Placement Biology is designed to place emphasis
upon the major topics covered in introductory college level
biology courses.
Molecular, cellular, organismal, and population biology are
stressed. Students
also develop an understanding of the characteristics, the
unity, and the diversity
of living things while collecting, analyzing, and
interpreting biological data.
This course is also designed to prepare students to achieve
a satisfactory score
on the Advanced Placement examination in biology to receive
college credit.
Note:
Students may choose an alternative technique as provided
by the teacher to satisfy laboratory dissections. |
Advanced Placement Chemistry (790)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: College
Level
Science
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry,
Earth Science, and Biology
Mathematics
Prerequisite(s): Algebra
II and higher.
Course Description: This
course is designed to place emphasis on the major topics
covered in introductory college level chemistry courses.
This college level course
will provide a depth of understanding of the fundamentals
and competencies needed
to apply chemical calculations and the mathematical
formulation of principles.
This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced
Placement examination
in chemistry to receive college credit. |
Advanced Placement Physics (791)
Credit: 1
Unit
Level
of Difficulty: College
Level
Science Prerequisite(s):
Physics
(518), Earth Science, Biology or Chemistry.
Mathematics
Prerequisite(s): Algebra
II plus Trigonometry and Discrete Mathematics,
or Trigonometry and Mathematics Analysis.
Course Description: This
course is designed to place emphasis on principal topics
covered in introductory college level physics courses. AP
students in this course
would attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a
reasonable competence
in interpreting physical, verbal, mathematical, and
graphical information.
The use of basic mathematical reasoning in a physical
situation or problem
will be emphasized. This course is designed to prepare
students for the Advanced
Placement examination in physics. |
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Science
Links
Here are some sites that offer help or educational sites related to
science. Some of the sites are commercial sites. A listing of the
site is NOT an endorsement of the site or products
that may be offered for sale at that site. The listing is offered
solely as possible resources for the student and their parents.
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