Springfield High School Curriculum Guide

Science

Note: Science electives (Anatomy, Zoology) are to be scheduled concurrently with the above sequence and not in place of any sequence course. Prerequisites are established to insure that the student has sufficient background information and skills to perform at a level expected for a particular course. Higher levels of scientific study refer to learned scientific and mathematical foundations established in previous science and math courses. Therefore, the prerequisites established for the science courses must be adhered to.

Science 8 #1835 (1 credit)

An inquiry-centered science program that is based on the physical processes affecting the Earth in areas of Meteorology and Geology. Three units focus on storms, earthquakes, and volcanoes with emphasis on common concepts and themes all while developing scientific understanding. Students will make predictions, explore causal relationships, discover patterns and generate explanations based on their own first-hand laboratory observations.

Biology - Academic #1825 (1 credit)

This is a laboratory oriented course that studies the nature of life, ecology, cells, genetics and evolution, which places emphasis on the functions at the molecular level.

Biology - Honors #1830 (1 credit)

This rigorous laboratory-oriented course places emphasis on the biochemical nature of organisms. Major biological concepts include evolution, genetics, and the cell. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Algebra I and Science 8.

Biology - Advanced Placement #1831 (2 credit)

This is a college-level laboratory centered course that deals in depth with such topics as the cell, photosynthesis, respiration, DNA, taxonomy of plants and animals, genetics and evolution as well as others. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam for possible college credit. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry.

Chemistry - Academic #1855 (1 credit)

This is a laboratory-oriented program that studies the fundamental concepts of atomic structure, chemical formulas, periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and reaction types. Mathematics is used to illustrate chemical principles. Prerequisite "C" or better in Algebra I and Biology.

Chemistry - Honors #1860 (1 credit)

This is a rigorous laboratory-oriented program consisting of an in-depth study of major chemical principles with emphasis on application, critical thinking, and mathematical analysis. Mathematics is emphasized to illustrate all chemical principles such as reactivity, periodicity, stoichiometry and atomic behavior. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “B” in Honors Algebra II and Honors Physics. It is recommended that students take Pre-Calculus or Statistics concurrently.

Physics - Academic #1845 (1 credit)

This rigorous laboratory-oriented program consists of the study of major Physics principles, such as motion of an object, Newton's laws, planetary mechanics, momentum, and energy. Emphasis is placed on application, conceptual understanding and mathematical analyses using effective problem solving methods. Basic laboratory skills and data analysis techniques are also developed throughout the course. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “C” in Chemistry and Algebra I. It is recommended that students take Algebra II concurrently.

Physics - Honors #1850 (1 credit)

This complex laboratory-oriented program consists of the in-depth study of major Physics principles, such as motion of an object, Newton's laws, planetary mechanics, momentum, energy. Emphasis is placed on application of material, critical thinking, conceptual understanding and an in-depth mathematical analysis using effective problem solving methods. Basic laboratory skills and data analysis techniques are also developed throughout the course. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “B” in Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry and Honors Biology.

Physics - Advanced Placement #1851 (1 credits)

This is a college-level course that includes topics covered in mechanics. It differs from the first year physics course by the depth in which the concepts are presented, by the intellectual challenge that the problems present, and by the higher level of mathematical skills required. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry. AP Calculus should be taken concurrently.

Physical Science #1820 (1 credit)

This introductory course allows students to explore physics and chemistry in a conceptual manner. The course emphasizes discovery-based learning and inquiry-related instructional techniques by utilizing hands-on laboratory experimentation, library research, and written components. Students will learn the concepts and principles of scientific reasoning and experimentation through alternative approaches, such as case studies and project development (i.e., crime scene investigations, driving the roads, food chemistry, etc.). Students will learn to make hypotheses, accurate observations, and logical conclusions based on facts presented. They will learn how the scientific method can be applied to successfully solve a problem.

Environmental Science - Academic #1870 (1 credit)

This senior level course will give students the opportunity to study the impact of human on the environment. Topics will include air and water pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, toxic waste, soil erosion, habitat destruction, species endangerment and population dynamics. The global objective of environmental sustainability will also be defined and discussed. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “C” in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Environmental Science - Advanced Placement #1833 (2 credits)

This is a rigorous, interdisciplinary, college-level laboratory centered course that stresses scientific principles and analysis. It provides students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Students are expected to take the AP exam for college credit. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of "B" in Honors Biology, Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry. Honors Chemistry may be taken concurrently first semester.

Anatomy #1865 (1 credit)

This program deals with human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on tissue and on the muscular, digestive, circulatory, and skeletal systems. The fetal pig is used for study and dissection. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Academic or Honors Biology.

Zoology #1887 (1 credit)

This course examines the diversity of the animal kingdom, focusing on the major groups of invertebrates and vertebrates. Animals will be studied in an evolutionary context, emphasizing ecology, life history, comparative anatomy, and morphology. The lab component will include dissections to examine physical differences across the major phyla. The class will culminate in an independent research project studying a specific animal species. Students will be required to develop a presentation on their animal at the completion of the course Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Academic or Honors Biology.