Science

Science Graduation Requirement (3 Credits)

Many four-year universities require four credits in science.
 

9013221—Advanced Placement (AP)/College Biology—(STLCC, BIO 111)
Prerequisite: “B” or better in Honors Biology or “C” in Honors Biology with teacher recommendation or “A or B” in Biology with teacher recommendation. Chemistry recommended but not required.
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester (Honors)
Advanced Placement Biology is a college level biology course that is designed to follow a high school biology course (biology or honors biology). After completing this course students will take the AP Biology Exam which could result in them earning college credit. In Advanced Placement Biology students will take a deeper look at many of the concepts they explored in their first chemistry course. Topics include evolution, bioinformatics, genetics, cell structure, biochemistry, ecology, photosynthesis, and respiration. Laboratory activities provide the students with an opportunity for hands-on exploration of the chemical theories and concepts they have learned.

913441—Advanced Placement (AP)/Chemistry
Prerequisite: “B” or better in Honors Chemistry or “C” in Honors Chemistry with teacher recommendation or “A or B” in Chemistry with teacher recommendation
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester (Honors)
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a college level chemistry course that is designed to follow an introductory high school chemistry course (chemistry or honors chemistry). After completing this course students will take the AP Chemistry test which could result in them earning college credit. In Advanced Placement Chemistry students will take a deeper look at many of the concepts they explored in their first chemistry course. Topics include atomic structure, periodic trends, electron configurations, quantum theory, bonding, VSEPR theory, hybrid orbital theory, chemical formulas, chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, and gas laws, kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, buffers, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory activities provide the students with an opportunity for hands on exploration of the chemical theories and concepts they have learned.

913649—Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1
Prerequisite: “B” or better, or concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus, or teacher recommendation
Grade Placement: 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester (Honors)
Equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits.

912648—Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 2
Prerequisite: “B” or better, or concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus, or teacher recommendation
Grade Placement: 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester (Honors)
Equivalent to second semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics, thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism, optics; atomic and nuclear physics.

913525—Astronomy
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Grade Placement: 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Credit: ½ 
Astronomy is designed to provide a complete survey of concepts at the introductory level. You will study the solar system and the concepts and processes which have led to our current understanding of the universe. You will examine constellations, galaxies, solar systems and each of its major constituents as individual worlds. Astronomy is a quantitative science. Students will use mathematics in labs and on homework and assessments. Students should understand powers-of-ten notation and be able to use a calculator to compute answers to problems that use large numbers. Students should also be able to perform and understand simple algebraic equations and manipulations.

913211—Biology
Prerequisite: Teacher approval for ninth grade
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Biology is the study of living organisms, the way they interact with each other and their environment, and  the way they evolve over time due to varying conditions. Students will also learn about genetics and the role that DNA, proteins, and other macromolecules play in their everyday life. This is an entry-level course and all students will be required to take a state level End of Course Exam (EOC) at the end of second semester, and passing this class is a graduation requirement.  10th graders should only be placed in regular Biology after successfully showing proficiency in their 9th grade English and science courses.

913439—Honors Biology
Prerequisite: “A or B” in previous Science class and teacher recommendation
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester (Honors)
Biology, and its End-of-Course (EOC) test, is a graduation requirement.  Honors Biology is recommended for  high-achieving students and for students who have a  particular interest in biology and the natural sciences, including students who are traditionally underrepresented in advanced science courses. Students will be ultimately responsible for their learning; therefore, they should be organized, prepared, and motivated to learn every day. Honors Biology will use phenomenon-driven units to involve students in making sense of the natural world. This course integrates the overarching concepts of biology within  storyline units, instead of stand-alone units typically found in science classes. Story lining is cyclical in nature; leading with authentic, real-world phenomena, and revisiting the overarching concepts in different contexts throughout the school year.

913204—Botany
Prerequisite: “C” or better in Biology; teacher recommendation required for 10th graders
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2
Botany is the study of plants with a focus on the organs (roots, stems, leaves and flowers) and the function and the purpose of these organs. In addition to lab sessions, students raise houseplants, garden plants, and tend the garden.

913431—Chemistry
Prerequisite: Previous science credit and a “C” or better in Algebra I or equivalent, Teacher approval for ninth grade only
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Chemistry is an introductory high school chemistry course which gives students a basic foundation in the field of chemistry. Students study and learn the fundamental concepts of chemistry and use algebra and laboratory skills to help them explore different aspects of chemistry. Topics include SI units of measure, atomic structure, periodic table and trends, physical and chemical properties of matter, bonding, chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, and gas laws. Laboratory activities provide the students with an opportunity for hands on exploration of the chemical theories and concepts they have learned.

913894—Honors Chemistry
Prerequisite: “A or B” in previous Science class and an “A or B” in algebra I or II and teacher recommendation
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12L
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester (Honors)
Advanced Chemistry is an accelerated introductory high school chemistry course which gives students a basic foundation in the field of chemistry and prepares them for College/AP Chemistry. Students study and learn the fundamental concepts of chemistry and use algebra and laboratory skills to help them explore different aspects of chemistry. Topics include SI units of measure, atomic structure, periodic table and trends, physical and chemical properties of matter, bonding, chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, gas laws, acids and bases, and electrochemistry. Laboratory activities provide the students with an opportunity for hands on exploration of the chemical theories and concepts they have learned.

913225—Earth and Space Science
Prerequisite: None
Grade Placement: 10,11,12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Earth and Space Science is the study of the world around you. Our topics will include: The origin of the universe and our solar system, How Earth’s resources are recycled in the rock cycle, How we use the resources the Earth provides and How geologic activity influenced migration to Missouri. This course will use hands-on experimentation, activities, and direct instruction. Students will learn the ‘how’ and ‘why’, not just the ‘what’ of science. We will show how Earth and Space Science is relevant in your everyday life.

913904—Ecology/Environmental Science
Prerequisite: “C” or better in Biology
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2
Ecology/Environmental Science gives a brief introduction to the basic biosphere and its parts. The conservation of soil, air, water, forest and wildlife, particularly in Missouri, is emphasized. Current Environmental issues will be explored.

913711—Human Anatomy and Physiology
Prerequisite: “B” or better in Biology (full-year); teacher recommendation required for 10th graders. Chemistry recommended but not required.
Grade Placement: 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a college preparatory course investigating the structures and functions of the human body. An introduction to the study of the body is followed by in-depth studies of selected organ systems; the student is expected to complete dissection of preserved organs and animals. This course is designed to be academically rigorous and teach independent learning. It is best suited for students interested in the healthcare/ medical field.

913655—Independent Scientific Research
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Grade Placement: 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Independent Science Research is a project based course designed to allow students to explore science topics through both group and independent work. Students in collaboration with the instructor will determine a variety of science topics to explore throughout the semester. Students will come up with questions to explore, develop a plan for investigating their questions, and perform research. Upon completion of the research students will present their project to the class and other interested parties. Throughout the class multiple science topics will be investigated including: astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, and more. Students in this class must be self motivated and be able to work in groups and independently. any and all scientific skill levels are welcomed in this class where they are encouraged to explore science in a variety of manners.

913101—Physical Science
Prerequisite: None
Grade Placement: 9th grade ONLY unless approved by department chair
Length of course: 1 year
Credit: ½ per semester
Physical Science is the study of matter and energy, which includes two main areas of focus - chemistry and physics. Chemistry is the science of matter and its changes, while physics is the science of force and energy. Emphasis is placed on inquiry based learning and the development of skills such as observing, inferring, data collection, and graphing.

913611—Physics
Prerequisite: “C” or better in Algebra II or passed or currently enrolled in Trigonometry; Teacher recommendation for 10th graders
Grade Placement: 9*, 10, 11, 12 (*9–Only for those who have a full credit of Algebra I)
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Physics is a mathematical approach to the fundamental physical notions of time, space and matter. Mechanics, energy, momentum, heat, light, electricity and magnetism and some modern physics are covered. A working knowledge of algebra and geometric relationships is required.

913811—Zoology
Prerequisite: “C” or better in Biology; teacher recommendation is required for 10th grade
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1 /2 per semester
Zoology is the study of the ancestral relationships and evolutionary advancements between animals from the simplest to the most complex: from sea sponges to humans. The taxonomic groups and their structural and functional differences and similarities are presented. The main focus is on what adaptations each group of animals has to allow it to survive so well, and how each group has evolved in a way that has led to who humans are today, as the "most advanced animals".  There is also a large focus on how each group of animals impacts their environment, including ourselves, both positive and negative. Lab work includes the dissection of many species, the majority of which are during our second semester. Students should be prepared to be an active participant in these labs: either in performing dissections or as an active observer who reads directions and records the findings of the dissections for their partner. This is an advanced course that will require studying from the student outside of class time to be fully successful.