Course Offerings
Science
THEMATIC
COORDINATED SCIENCE - 9
THEMATIC COORDINATED SCIENCE - 9 (HONORS)
The
Thematic Science 9 objectives continue the foundational knowledge in biology,
physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. Through
an inquiry-based program of study, all students will demonstrate knowledge in
the major fields of science. Students
will engage in active inquiries, investigations and hands-on activities for a
minimum of 50% of instructional time. Building
on knowledge and skills acquired in Thematic Science 8, students in Thematic
Science 9 will expand their understanding of concepts such as energy
interactions, genetic probabilities, chemical changes, and mineral composition
of local rock layers. Topics in
Honors Science 9 will be covered in more detail and incorporate higher level
thinking skills in data analysis and mathematics computation. Projects are
required for honors credit.
THEMATIC
COORDINATED SCIENCE - 10
THEMATIC COORDINATED SCIENCE - 10 (HONORS)
Prerequisite:
Thematic Science 9
The
Thematic Science 10 objectives conclude the development of foundational
knowledge in biology, physics, chemistry, and earth sciences.
Through an inquiry-based program of study, all students will demonstrate
knowledge in the major fields of study. Students
will engage in active inquiries, investigations, and hands-on activities for a
minimum of 50% of instructional time. Building
of knowledge and skills acquired in Thematic Science 9, students in Thematic
Science 10 will expand their understanding on concepts such as energy
transformations, molecular genetics, embryology, physical, chemical and nuclear
changes, and environmental concerns. Topics
in Honors Science 10 will be covered in more detail and incorporate higher level
thinking skills in data analysis and mathematics computation.
Projects are required for honors credit.
HUMAN
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I - 10 - 12
Prerequisite:
Thematic Science 10
This
course is the study of organ structure and function. The student will learn
basic terminology, review cell chemistry and cell function, compare and study
specialized cells and study the anatomy and physiology of organ systems such as
skin, bones, muscles and nerve tissue. This course is designed to build upon the
concepts, skills, and knowledge completed in the coordinated and thematic
science program.
HUMAN
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II - 11-12 (HONORS)
Prerequisite:
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This
course builds upon the student's knowledge gained in Human Anatomy and
Physiology I and extends to a more advanced study of the body. This course will
continue the study of science terminology and begin the study of the nervous
system. Students will study the remaining systems of the human body. Labs will
include the dissection of organisms and organs.
Projects are required for successful completion of this course.
ENVIRONMENTAL
EARTH SCIENCE
10 - 12
Prerequisite:
Thematic Science 10
This
course is designed to develop an awareness of the relationship between man and
his environment. This lab-based
course will consist of four general areas.
They are: geology, the study of earth formation and the rock cycle;
ecology, the study of the relationship between living organisms and their
environment; meteorology, the study of weather; and environmental issues.
The water cycle, land use, natural resource management, waste disposal,
and pollution are among the environmental issues to be explored.
Students will engage in active inquiries, investigations, and hands-on
activities to develop understanding and laboratory skills
BOTANY
- 12
Prerequisite:
Thematic Science 10
This
course is designed to give students a more in-depth study of plant and animal
life. Students will study the
history and uses of plants. The
organs of plants will be studied as well as plant taxonomy, from nonvascular to
more advanced monocots and dicots. Plant
life cycles and flower parts will also be studied.
ZOOLOGY
- 12
Prerequisite:
Thematic Science 10
In
Zoology, students will study animal structure and behavior.
Students will perform in-depth study of vertebrates and invertebrates
including: simple animals, worms, arthropods, echinoderms, fish, amphibians,
reptiles, birds and mammals. An
animal behavior study will be completed during Zoology.
CHEMISTRY
I - 10 - 12
Prerequisite:
Credit in Thematic Science 10 and must have credit in or be concurrently
enrolled in Algebra II
This
is a math oriented course that is designed to prepare students for college
chemistry. The course is a study of
the theoretical concepts needed to gain an understanding of chemical phenomena.
These concepts include: matter,
metric units of measurement, stoichiometric calculations, modern atomic theory,
solutions and the calculation of concentration, energy and specific heat,
chemical bonding and molecular structure, and the classification of reactions.
Time is also devoted to nomenclature of compounds as well as a study of
acids and bases.
CHEMISTRY
II - 11 & 12 (DUAL CREDIT -
HONORS)
Prerequisite:
Chemistry I with a grade of C or above; for dual credit
must also have an ACT math score of 19 or 430 on the SAT Math.
This
is the second year course for the student who wishes to gain further knowledge
of chemistry. This course is recommended for students who desire to pursue
careers in chemistry, engineering, or medicine. It encompasses a review of the
most important concepts from Chemistry I and a study of some of those concepts
in more detail and depth. New topics will be included in this course that were
not taught in Chemistry I. Emphasis is placed on refining laboratory skills as
well as learning new ones. Labs
will include the use of technology.
CHEMISTRY
IN THE COMMUNITY - 10 - 12 (ChemCom)
Prerequisite:
Credit in Thematic Science 10 and Algebra I
This
course is designed for students in a technology preparatory program or for
students who will not take college chemistry. It emphasizes real life
applications of basic chemical principles. Mathematical based problem solving is
de-emphasized. Emphasis is placed on the important role that chemistry plays in
a student's personal life, career opportunities, environment, and society.
Chemical concepts similar to the college prep chemistry will be studied in this
course but with less detail. This course does not take the place of
college preparatory chemistry. Many
colleges may accept this course as a second lab science.
BIOLOGY
10 - 12
Prerequisite:
Thematic Science 10
This
lab-based course is a study of all living organisms and their relationships with
each other and their environment. Biodiversity
and classification of the five kingdoms of living organisms will be
investigated. Students will explore
basic chemistry and biochemistry, energy transfer, genetics, and study of the
cell and its components. Students
will engage in active inquiries, investigations, and hands-on activities to
develop understanding and lab skills.
The course emphasizes a problem-solving approach and may be used as a
basis for other advanced biology courses. This
is a non-honors course and is not the dual-credit Fairmont honors course.
ADVANCED
BIOLOGY - 11 - 12 (DUAL
CREDIT-HONORS)
Prerequisite:
Biology; for dual credit from FSC,
must also have an ACT math score of
19.
Introductory
studies concerning the following areas: advanced genetics, evolution, and
comparing structures and behavior of organisms
PHYSICS
- 11 & 12 (College Preparatory - HONORS)
Prerequisite:
Credit in Thematic Science 10 and Algebra II
Physics
is the study of universal laws of nature. This course is designed to prepare a
student for college physics and it will apply physics principles to a student's
real life experiences. This course will concentrate on the mathematical and
conceptual materials for conservation of momentum, mass and energy, change,
waves, fields, structure of matter, and structure of the atom.
PRINCIPLES
OF TECHNOLOGY I - 10 - 12
Prerequisite:
Algebra I or Applied Math II
This
course is a lab based physics course designed to prepare students for technical
careers. Principles are applied to four energy systems: mechanical, fluid,
thermal, and electrical. Students can prepare for technical careers with a
hands-on approach to understanding the basic energy systems.
PRINCIPLES
OF TECHNOLOGY II - 11 - 12
Prerequisite:
Principles of Technology I