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VLA Science Course Descriptions (Grades 9-12)

Advanced Biology

2 Semester: 36 Units
 
This Advanced Biology elective course emphasizes the concepts, principles, and theories that enable people to understand the living environment. This course will have students further develop their basic biological knowledge, in addition to, demonstrating the application of biological concepts such as the structure, function, and processes of cells, the genetic and molecular basis of inheritance, biological evolution of various species, and the diversity and interdependence of life. This course also provides an emphasis on the six kingdoms of classification of living organisms, relating to the concepts of evolution, and the diversity and interdependence of life. Embedded throughout this study are the basic scientific processes of inquiry, modeling investigations, and the nature of science. Students will learn to trace the historical development of scientific theories, ideas, and ethical guidelines in science. This course will also address the interdependence of science and technology, and the study of emerging issues to become scientifically literate citizens.
 
 
Aviation

1 Semester: 18 Units
Required Course Materials

If you’ve ever been on an airplane you know what a thrill it is to fly. If not, this Aviation course may spark a desire in you to explore the world of flight, as well as learn the strong science, mathematics and technology aspects of aviation. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the beginning of aviation, some of the major milestones, events and key individuals who have influenced its advancement throughout history. Technological advances in airplane design and navigation equipment have broadened the capabilities that pilots have to get you from point A to any destination in the world that you want to go. This course is designed to give a basic overview of what you would need to learn if you, yourself want to learn how to fly.
*This course requires a lab/book fee.

Chemistry w/Lab

2 Semester: 36 Units

Do you wonder why you have to take Chemistry? To put it as straightforward as possible, chemistry is everywhere.  From the clothes you wear. to the cell phone you use, the food you eat, and the car you ride in; chemistry involves understanding the physical and chemical nature of substances known as matter.  Not exciting enough?  How about this?  If you can speak the language of chemistry, you will find yourself with access to a whole new molecular world, a world where billions of dollars are made every day and have been made for centuries.  Here’s the best part, you don’t have to be a chemist or a researcher with a PhD.

With the wealth of information available to every person with web access, just knowing content is no longer acceptable.  Employers of today want people who can take this large amount of information and process it quickly.  In this course you will be taught to reason scientifically, communicate using chemical and physical terminology unique to chemistry, and examine the theories that led to and are still leading to new discoveries every day.  Most importantly, you will take what you have learned and apply critical thinking skills to evaluate, predict, and apply your own theories or to confirm the theories of other people.

In essence, you are being asked to learn a new language and to take this new language and communicate with others.  If you were taking a foreign language class, you would learn how to read, write and articulate that language.  In this course, you will do the same thing, except this time, you will learn the language of chemistry.

Biology

2 Semesters: 36 Units

This course emphasizes the concepts, principles and theories that enable people to understand the living environment. Students study biology concepts such as cells and their structure and function, the genetic and molecular bases of inheritance, biological evolution, and the diversity and interdependence of life. Students explain the Earth's history using geologic evidence, identifying the Earth's resources, and exploring processes that shape the Earth. The flow of energy and the cycling of matter through biological and ecological systems are addressed in the course. Embedded throughout this study are the basic science processes of inquiry, modeling investigations and the nature of science. Students learn to trace the historical development of scientific theories, ideas, ethical guidelines in science, the interdependence of science and technology, and the study of emerging issues to become scientifically literate citizens.

Environmental Science

2 Semesters: 36 Units

In this course, students draw on their previous experience and connect Earth, space, life and physical sciences into a coherent study of the environment. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between humans and Earth, ecosystems, biological evolution, populations and diversity. Students also explore matter and energy relationships. The human interactions with science and technology are discussed, as well as how man has modified current ecosystems and natural systems. Students have the opportunity to use basic science processes of inquiry, scientific investigation, and the nature of science to examine past events, current situations, and to develop and revise scientific predictions, ideas or theories.

 
Forensic Science

1 Semester: 18 Units
Required Course Materials

Forensic Science will allow students opportunities to develop and extend scientific skills and processes through problem-based learning. Students will engage in activities that will relate to other subject areas such as: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, sociology, archaeology, anthropology, anatomy, health, and writing. Forensic Science will connect these subject areas to real-life applications used in criminal investigations.

Integrated Biology Science

2 Semesters: 36 Units

Students enrolled in Integrated Bio Science study the same topics presented in Life Science to assure total alignment with the Academic Content Standards. However, assessment has been adapted to a more appropriate format and level of difficulty. This course emphasizes the concepts, principles and theories that enable people to understand the living environment. Students study life science concepts such as cells and their structure and function, the genetic and molecular bases of inheritance, biological evolution, and the diversity and interdependence of life. Students explain the Earth's history using geologic evidence, identifying the Earth's resources, and exploring processes that shape the Earth. The flow of energy and the cycling of matter through biological and ecological systems are addressed in the Integrated Bio Science course. Embedded throughout this study are the basic science processes of inquiry, modeling investigations and the nature of science. Students learn to trace the historical development of scientific theories, ideas, ethical guidelines in science, the interdependence of science and technology, and the study of emerging issues to become scientifically literate citizens.

Integrated Environmental Science

2 Semesters: 36 Units

Students enrolled in Differentiated Environmental Science study the same topics presented in Environmental Science to assure total alignment with the Academic Content Standards. However, assessment has been adapted to a more appropriate format and level of difficulty.

The students draw on their previous experience and connect Earth, space, life and physical sciences into a coherent study of the environment. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between humans and Earth, ecosystems, biological evolution, populations and diversity. Students also explore matter and energy relationships. The human interactions with science and technology are discussed, as well as how man has modified current ecosystems and natural systems. Students have the opportunity to use basic science processes of inquiry, scientific investigation, and the nature of science to examine past events, current situations, and to develop and revise scientific predictions, ideas or theories.

Integrated Physical Science

2 Semesters: 36 Units
Required Course Materials

Students enrolled in Integrated Physical Science study the same topics presented in Physical Science to assure total alignment with the Academic Content Standards. However, assessment has been adapted to a more appropriate format and level of difficulty. This course addresses physical science and related principles in Earth and Space Sciences. Physical Science concepts include the nature of matter and energy; identifiable physical properties of substances; and properties of forces that act on objects. Students will learn about forces and motions, structures and properties of atoms, how atoms react with each other to form other substances, and how molecules react with each other or other atoms. Earth and Space Science topics include processes that move and shape the Earth, Earth's interaction with the solar system, and gravitational forces and weather. Students continue to develop a deeper understanding of the processes of scientific inquiry and how these processes use evidence to support conclusions based on logical reasoning. Students investigate ways in which science and technologies combine to meet human needs and solve human problems. Students will trace the historical development of scientific theories and ideas, explore scientific theories and develop their scientific literacy to become knowledgeable citizens.

Integrated Science

1 Semester: 18 Units

This is a survey course aligned with the twelfth grade Academic Content Standards. Students learn about cell specialization, biotechnology, DNA, evolutionary theory, equilibrium of systems, electromagnetic radiation, isotopes, radioactive decay, and concepts of forces and motion as applied to large and small objects and energy levels. Integrated with these topics are historical perspectives, the process of inquiry, the nature of science, ethical practices and the use of appropriate technology. Students apply the principles of forces and motion and describe and predict the net effects of forces and motion of objects or systems. Students explore scientific research, scientific literature, and the relationship of science and society.

Marine Biology

1 Semester: 18 Units

Marine Biology is the study of all things pertaining to the oceans, both living and non-living. Marine Biology is a survey course designed for students who already have had a successful foundation in biology. The first part of the course focuses on oceanography and looks at physical aspects like tectonics, tides, and currents. The second half of the course deals with living components, starting with microscopic life and moving forward to advanced animals.

Physical Science**
 
2 Semesters: 36 Units
Required Course Materials
 
Physical Science addresses related principles in Earth and Space Sciences. Physical Science concepts include the nature of matter and energy; identifiable physical properties of substances; and properties of forces that act on objects. Students will learn about forces and motions, structures and properties of atoms, how atoms react with each other to form other substances, and how molecules react with each other or other atoms. Earth and space science topics include processes that move and shape Earth, Earth's interaction with the solar system, and gravitational forces and weather. Students continue to develop a deeper understanding of the processes of scientific inquiry and how these processes use evidence to support conclusions based on logical reasoning. Students investigate ways in which science and technologies combine to meet human needs and solve human problems. Students will trace the historical development of scientific theories and ideas, explore scientific theories and develop their scientific literacy to become knowledgeable citizens.

OGT Science

1 Semester: 18 Units

The Ohio Graduation Test prep course will provide a concise review of high school level science to help prepare students for the OGT.  The course begins with a diagnostic test, followed by study skills for the OGT. Students will then focus on major concepts, understandings, and skills in the areas of physical science, earth and space science, genetics and heredity, and life science that are included in Ohio’s science curriculum. The course will end with two practice tests.  A checklist is included that will help determine which topics have already been mastered and in which topics the student is weak and needs to review more thoroughly.  The units and tests follow the style and format of the OGT sample test items and OGT Practice Test in science.
*Required Course Fee

Physics

2 Semester: 36 Units

The Physics course addresses the science of matter and energy and the interactions between the two. This study is grouped in traditional fields such as motion, acoustics, optics, thermodynamics, electrical applications, magnetism, and nuclear applications. Students have the opportunity to explore basic science processes of inquiry and scientific investigation as they progress through the course.

AP Physics w/Lab

2 Semester: 36 Units 

Physics is described as the study of matter and energy, how matter and energy relate to each other, and how they affect each other over time and through space. Physicists ask the fundamental questions. How did the universe begin? How and of what is it made? How does it change? What rules govern its behavior? Through research and understanding those basic questions came laws, theories and principles. Physics is the study of our physical world and the fundamental laws of nature on which all science is based. Topics to be covered are Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, static mechanics, fluid mechanics, waves, sound and light.
*
Required Course Fee 


 

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