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The NHS Science Department strives to help students learn about the physical, biological, & chemical aspects of our world & universe. Beginning with the 2005 freshman class, three science credits will be required for graduation.
Courses Offered:
Earth Science, Life Science, Biology I, Chemistry I, Adv. Chemistry I, Adv. Chemistry II, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Advanced Placement Biology, Health Careers Seminar, and Health Careers Exploration.
| Suggested Course Sequences: |
| |
9th |
10th |
11th |
12th |
| Req. for Grad. |
Earth Science |
Life Science |
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| College Prep. |
Earth Science |
Biology I |
Chem I/Adv. Chem I |
Physics/Adv. Elective* |
| Accel. |
Biology I |
Adv. Chem I |
Physics/Adv. Elective* |
Physics/Adv. Elective* |
* Advanced Electives include:
Advanced Chemistry II, AP Biology I, Anatomy & Physiology
** More than one science class can be taken in a school year.
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NHS Teacher Web Pages & Suggested Web Pages:
AP Biology students utilize electronic equipment to conduct a photosynthesis lab.
Science Course Descriptions
Earth Science: Recommended
for ALL Freshmen
Earth Science is the study of the planet Earth and its place in space. Earth
Science includes topics in geology, astronomy, meteorology, and environmental
science. These areas of study are supported by topics in chemistry and physics.
Emphasis is placed on skills and knowledge that provide a good foundation for
understanding our natural world and a good foundation for success in further
science course work. Earth Science is recommended for all Freshmen.
Life Science:
Prerequisite – Passed Earth Science and
Science Teacher or Counselor recommendation
This course is designed for students not pursuing other science classes. It
will cover State Life Science assessment topics in a small class drill and
repetition format requiring minimal reading. Field biology is taught both
outside and in the classroom.
Biology I:
Prerequisite – (It
is recommended that Freshmen enrolling in Biology have earned an A or B in 8th
grade science and an A in 8th grade Algebra
The Biology I
course is the study of living organisms. Topics covered in the class include:
biochemistry, human immune system, bacteria/viruses,
cell biology, population genetics, genetics ecology, and classification
of living things. Laboratory experiments and various types of activities are
used to cover these topics.
Chemistry I:
Prerequisite –
Algebra I (Grade C or better recommended)
This course will emphasize building the student’s understanding of the
fundamental structures and properties of matter. Students will develop core
concept of chemistry based on the periodic table, bonding, kinetic theory, and
the nature of matter in solutions. Chemistry I connects basic chemistry to the
specialty areas of biochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and electrochemistry. Adv. Chemistry I:
Prerequisite –
Algebra I (Grade B or better recommended)
This laboratory
science course deals with the structure and composition of materials and the
changes they undergo. The course is designed to give an understanding of the
properties and conditions that are involved in reactions. The experimental
nature and foundation of chemistry is reinforced by use of numerous laboratory
experiments. A large emphasis is made on a student’s effort and test scores,
for a student’s grade. Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for
advanced standing with Hutchinson Community College
Adv. Chemistry II:
Prerequisite –
Chemistry I or Advanced Chemistry I (Grade B or better recommended)
This is an advanced course for students who have
interest in further study of chemistry. Some topics from Advanced Chemistry I
will be reviewed and other topics will be introduced. There are several field
trips taken to help illustrate applications of science. Students will also give
several presentations to the class. Students enrolled in this program may be
eligible for advanced standing with Hutchinson Community College. This course
is designed for students coming out of Advanced Chemistry I. Students from
Chemistry I need instructor approval.
Physics:
Prerequisite –
Algebra I (Grade B
or better recommended)
Physics is a laboratory science that first
reviews math, metrics, and significant digits. Next, mechanics topics are
covered in the first semester. A sample would include speed, velocity,
acceleration, momentum, vectors, and Newton’s Laws. Heat energy is also a first
semester topic, if time allows. Second semester covers waves (both sound and
light), electricity, magnetism, and electronics. Students of physics must have
completed Algebra I. A further math background is recommended.
Anatomy & Physiology:
Prerequisite – Biology I (Grade of B or better
strongly recommended)
This course is the study of the structure and functions of the various systems
of the human body: respiratory, digestive, nervous,
skeletal, integumentary, muscular, reproductive, circulatory, excretory,
and endocrine systems. The course is designed primarily for those students who
are planning further study in a health care field (
pre-med., pre-vet, kinesiology, 4-year nursing degree, PT/OT, ) Much
work is done in the lab doing lab activities, dissecting preserved specimens and
working with models.
AP Biology:
Prerequisite – Biology I, Advanced Chemistry I, Anatomy and Physiology (or
concurrent enrollment – see description below)
AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course taken during the first year of college. Topics include biochemistry, cells, heredity, evolution, organisms, and population ecology. Two main goals of this class are to develop a conceptual framework for biology and an appreciation of science as a process. Movement through coursework is rapid. Students should expect extensive daily preparation and possibly time spent in class before school. Also, due to the extensive amount of material in the AP Biology curriculum, students who are planning to take the College Board AP Biology examination should also be concurrently enrolled or have taken Anatomy and Physiology (3601-3602). Though not required, students who successfully complete AP Biology and Anatomy and Physiology will be eligible to take the AP Biology exam.
Health Career Seminar:
Prerequisite—
By application only, computer skills recommended
Juniors and seniors are eligible for this course about health care related
occupations and issues. Students will examine the health care industry by
researching, discussing, observing, and investigating the education, skills and
interests required of various health care professions. Health care issues will
also be examined in this course as students analyze and evaluate ethical and
moral questions related to the health care industry.
Health Career Exploration:
Prerequisite—Health Careers
Seminar
Juniors and seniors are eligible with seniors given priority for this course
consisting of in-depth exploration of a particular health care profession(s).
Students will shadow under the supervision of a certified health care
professional. Students will be leaving the high school during one period of the
school day to observe and work with a health care professional.
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