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.

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)

Biology (Honors) is a rigorous, laboratory-oriented course with emphasis on the biochemical nature of organisms. Major biological concepts include evolution, genetics, and the cell. Prerequisite: A minimum final grade of A in Algebra I and an A in Science 8

Biology - Advanced Placement #1831 (2 credit)

Biology (Advanced Placement) 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.Prerequisite: A minimum grade of B in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry.

Chemistry - Academic #1855 (1 credit)

Chemistry (Academic) 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.

Chemistry - Honors #1860 (1 credit)

Chemistry (Honors) 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 illustrates all chemical principles such as reactivity, periodicity, stoichiometry, and atomic behavior. Prerequisite: A minimum final grade of B in Algebra II (Honors) Students should take Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus or Statistics concurrently.

Physics - Academic #1845 (1 credit)

Physics (Academic) is a laboratory-oriented program that consists of the study of major physics principles such as motion of an object, Newton's laws, planetary mechanics, momentum, and energy. Emphasis is on application, conceptual understanding, and mathematical analyses using effective problem solving methods. Students develop basic laboratory skills and data analysis techniques throughout the course. Prerequisites: A minimum final grade of C in Chemistry and Algebra I. Students should take Algebra II concurrently.

Physics - Honors #1850 (1 credit)

Physics (Honors) is a rigorous, laboratory-oriented program consisting of in-depth study of major physics principles such as motion of an object, Newton's laws, planetary mechanics, momentum, and energy. Emphasis is 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 final grade of A in Algebra I and Geometry (Honors)

Physics - Advanced Placement #1851 (1 credits)

Physics (Advanced Placement) 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 AP Calculus should be taken concurrently.

Physical Science #1820 (1 credit)

Physical Science is an introductory course that emphasizes discovery-based learning and inquiry-related instructional techniques by utilizing hands-on laboratory experimentation, library research, and written components. Students learn the concepts and principles of scientific reasoning and experimentation through case studies and projects (i.e., crime scene investigations, driving the roads, food chemistry, etc.). Students learn to make hypotheses, accurate observations, and logical conclusions based on facts presented.

Environmental Science - Academic #1870 (1 credit)

Environmental Science (Academic) gives students the opportunity to study the impact of humans on the environment. Topics 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 is also defined and discussed.

Environmental Science - Advanced Placement #1833 (2 credits)

Environmental Science (Advanced Placement) 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 Chemistry (Honors) may be taken concurrently first semester. Prerequisites: A minimum final grade of "B" in Biology (Honors), Physics (Honors), and Chemistry (Honors)

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.

Science Electives

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.