Page 47 - POS SPHS Keeper 2019-20

Course #
522 Biology 9 Credits
Grade
Course Name
6

This course is dedicated to a study of the growth, interdependence, stability and evolution of living organisms.
Students will study modern understandings in cytology, molecular and microbiology, genetics, anatomy and
physiology, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems and changes in Earth’s environmental conditions over time. An
increased appreciation of all living organisms in our changing world is also developed by means of scientific
experiments and inquiry.

Course #
501 Biology Honors 9 Credits
Grade
Course Name
6

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors or Regular Grade 8 Science, teacher recommendation and
department approval.
This course is similar to Biology, except most topics will be covered at a more rigorous level and pace. Heavy
emphasis will be placed on laboratory exploration and inquiry-based learning, as well as the development of
critical thinking skills.

Course #
Credits
Course Name
Grade
542 Chemistry 10-11 6

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, teacher recommendation and department approval.
This course is a study of the composition of matter and the changes it can undergo. This includes topics such
as descriptive chemistry, dimensional analysis, stoichiometry, atomic theory, kinetic molecular theory, periodic
trends, energy, physical and chemical changes, reactions and bonding, solutions, acids and bases and nuclear
reactions. Some aspects of organic chemistry may also be discussed. Laboratory work will be devoted to
quantitative and qualitative analysis with the extraction of important chemical principles from relevant
experiments. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving, inquiry-based learning and the preparation of
laboratory reports.

Course #
Credits
Course Name
Grade
521 Chemistry Honors 10-11 6

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology Honors/Biology, teacher recommendation/department approval.
This course will include all the areas of study offered in Chemistry, but will also go into the following topics, or
topics covered in Chemistry to a more advanced degree: quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure,
rates of reaction, equilibrium, oxidation-reduction reactions, organic chemistry, and gas laws. Extensive
problem-solving and laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course, which meets six (6) periods a
week.

Course #
Credits
Course Name
Grade
552 Environmental Science 9-12 5

This course focuses on the major ecological concepts and environmental problems that affect all living things.
This course is laboratory-based science class emphasizing the function of the earth’s system. Emphasis is
placed on the human interactions with the Earth’s geologic and environmental systems, predictability of a
dynamic Earth, origin and evolution of the Earth system and universe, geochemical cycles and energy in the
Earth system. Students will learn about such topics as interdependence, climate and weather, biogeochemical
cycles, matter and energy transformations within ecosystems, biological diversity and evolution. They will
examine technological developments that have created environmental problems, as well as technologies that
have been developed and used for environmental solutions. In addition, this course will make students aware
of the impacts and interactions of living organisms and their environments.

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