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3 credits required for graduation

Course Grade Level Difficulty Level Credit Biology CP 9 College Prep 1 Biology Honors 9* Honors 1 AP Biology 11,12* AP 1 Physical Science 10 College Prep 1 Chemistry CP 10 College Prep 1 Chemistry Honors 10* Honors 1 AP Chemistry 11,12* AP 1 Physics CP 11,12 College Prep 1 Physics Honors 11,12* Honors 1 AP Physics C 12* AP 1 Anatomy & Physiology 11,12 College Prep 1 Astronomy 11,12 College Prep 1 Environmental Science 11,12 College Prep 1 AP Environmental Science 10,11,12 AP 1 MasterClass in Science 11,12 College Prep ½

*Student enrollment based upon specific selection criteria

The courses offered by the Science Department are designed to provide an opportunity for students to engage in scientific inquiry, to develop positive attitudes toward the scientific enterprise, and to make decisions that are evidence based, reflecting an understanding of the relationships among science, technology, and society.

Students will develop analytical, laboratory, and mathematical skills as well as explore career opportunities in science. In each class, the scientific method is developed as a way of solving problems. Note taking skills are stressed, and the writing of laboratory reports is required.

The Science Department encourages students to take four years of science. Students following a strong high school science program will be prepared for higher education and for problems of the future.

BIOLOGY CP

Grade Level: 9 Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year

Description: Biology CP is an active, hands-on college preparatory course that utilizes laboratory exercises. Observation, problem solving, modeling and hands on activities will be emphasized. Lab exercises and fun, relevant activities are often used to support or illustrate concepts presented in the text and lecture. Topics include cells and their functions; introductory biochemistry; genetics: ecology and evolution. Biology emphasizes problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Careful listening, reading, interpretation of data, inference, selfguided learning, and discussion will be important for understanding concepts completely.

Prerequisite: None Fees: $25.00

BIOLOGY HONORS

Grade Level: 9* Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year, weighted grade

Description: Biology Honors is an in-depth introductory lab science course that includes four broad units: cellular biology, genetics, evolution, and population biology This class emphasizes problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, independent learning and delves into a wide variety of topics. The course will be hands-on, and project / lab based. This course is suggested for those who are interested in life sciences and want to graduate with a strong science background.

Prerequisite: * Enrollment based upon specific selection criteria. Fees: $25.00

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY

Grade level: 11,12* Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year, weighted grade

Description: This course builds on topics studied in Biology CP and Biology Honors through in-depth lecture and lab experiments. Emphasis will be placed on molecular and cell biology, genetics and evolution, population biology, biodiversity, and ecosystem dynamics. Students are expected to do independent study and work at an accelerated pace. This is a college level course that will prepare students for taking the AP Examination.

Prerequisites: Biology Honors Fees: $50.00 / $97.00 for the Advanced Placement Biology exam.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Grade level: 10 Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year

Description: Physical science introduces students to key concepts and theories that provide a foundation for further study in other sciences and advanced science disciplines. Physical science comprises the systematic study of the physical world as it relates to fundamental concepts about matter, energy, and motion. A unified understanding of phenomena in physical, living, Earth and space systems is the culmination of all previously learned concepts related to chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science, along with historical perspective and mathematical reasoning.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and recommendation of previous science and math teachers. Fees: $10.00

CHEMISTRY CP

Grade Level: 10,11,12 Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year

Description: This is an introductory course designed to acquaint students with the basic principles of modern chemistry. The course provides for classroom, laboratory, and homework experience in developing concepts of atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, the gas

laws, reaction kinetics, acids, bases, and salts. The course will provide a basic chemistry appropriate for individuals who intend to enroll in a liberal arts program at the collegiate level.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and recommendation of previous science and math teachers. Fees: $20.00

CHEMISTRY HONORS

Grade level: 10* Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year, weighted grade

Description: This is a fast paced, high level introductory chemistry course designed to introduce the student to the fundamental concepts and principles of modern chemistry. The course provides for classroom, laboratory, and homework experience in developing concepts of atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, the gas laws, solution behavior, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, and salts.

Problem solving skills will be stressed in mathematical relationships as well as in the conclusions that can be derived from laboratory observation. The honors chemistry course is designed to provide an excellent chemistry background for those students interested in studying engineering, medicine, or science in college.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and recommendation of previous science and math teachers. Fees: $20.00

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY

Grade Level: 11, 12* Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year

Description: AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. This course is structured around the nine units articulated in the AP Chemistry curriculum provided by the College Board. Students should attain a depth of understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course will also allow students to develop their ability to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. Furthermore, the laboratory work will be equivalent to a first-year college chemistry course and will require a higher degree of technique, analysis, and accuracy than what is expected of high school chemistry students. A special emphasis will be placed on the seven science practices set forth by the College Board, which capture important aspects of the work that scientists engage in, with learning objectives that combine content with inquiry and reasoning skills. Much time will be required outside the class studying, doing homework, writing reports, and finishing lab work if needed.

Prerequisites: Chemistry Honors Fees: $25 plus $97.00 for the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam.

PHYSICS CP

Grade Level: 11,12 Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year

Description: Physics CP is a college preparatory course that presents students with a survey of the core topics in physics. The topics include motion (linear and two-dimensional motion), forces, momentum, energy, waves, light, and electricity. The course utilizes laboratory experiments, investigations, demonstrations, and discussions to conceptually develop and model everyday occurrences. An emphasis is placed on the student’s 50

ability to both conceptually describe and mathematically describe everyday occurrences. Students are expected to be able to apply problem-solving techniques that involve predominately algebra (with some geometry and basic trigonometry). This course is suggested for those students who have been successful in science and math classes and want to graduate with a strong science background. This course is appropriate for students entering any field of study seeking to expand their knowledge in the area of physical science.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of biology, chemistry, geometry, and recommendation of science and math teachers Fees: $10.00

PHYSICS HONORS

Grade Level: 11,12* Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year, weighted grade

Description: Physics Honors is a college preparatory course that presents students with an in-depth introduction to the core topics in physics. The topics include motion (linear and two-dimensional motion), forces, momentum, energy, waves, light and electricity. The course utilizes laboratory experiments, investigations, demonstrations, and discussions to conceptually develop and model everyday occurrences. An emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to both conceptually describe and mathematically describe everyday occurrences. Students are expected to be able to apply problem-solving techniques that involve algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry. This course is suggested for those students who have been highly successful in science and math classes and want to graduate with a strong science background. This course is appropriate for students considering pursuing a technical field such as engineering, architecture, health-related careers, mathematics, and sciences. Students taking this course are encouraged to continue into AP Physics C.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of biology, chemistry, Algebra II, and recommendation of previous science and math teachers. Fees: $20.00

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C

Grade Level: 12* Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year, weighted grade

Description: This is an accelerated college level physics course that provides an in-depth continuation of the principles of physics. This course uses calculus, algebra, and trigonometry extensively in an intensive investigation of kinematics and electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on gaining conceptual understanding and on the extensive use of mathematics to describe aspects of the natural world. This course is designed for students interested in pursuing fields such as engineering, advanced sciences, or other technical fields. This course is equivalent to a first-year college physics course (2 semesters) that would be required of students entering any of these advanced fields. To attain success in this class the students should expect to spend a minimum of one hour daily on challenging homework, test preparation and/or lab work.

Prerequisite: Honors Physics and Calculus, and recommendation of physics teacher Fees: $20.00 / The Advanced Placement exam fee is $194.00. (This fee reflects a $97 fee for the Mechanics exam and $97 for the Electricity & Magnetism exam.)

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Grade Level: 11,12 Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year

Description:

This course will be based on selected experiments and study in the structure and function of the human body systems, including the nervous, skeletal, integumentary, muscular, circulatory, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Lab exercises will include metabolism, heart rate, reflexes, and muscle contraction, among others. Independent reading is required in this course. Tests and exams are based on the college level text.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of biology and chemistry. Fees: $30.00

ASTRONOMY

Grade Level: 10,11,12 Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year

Description: The first semester of Astronomy includes a tour of the solar system. Students begin the year by learning about the nature of science, the history of astronomy, and the composition, formation, and orbits of the planets and their moons. During second semester, students learn about types of stars, including their formation, life cycle, and human uses for stars throughout history, such as navigation and agriculture. Second semester also includes learning about galaxies, astrobiology, and the universe on a grand scale. Independent observations of the night sky and field trips will build on classroom work. Tests and exams are based on required reading, classroom assignments, and laboratory investigations. This course includes some equations and basic algebra.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of biology and physical science or chemistry Fees: $15.00, plus field trip fees when applicable

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Grade Level: 11,12 Course Credit: 1 credit 5 periods/week, full year

Description: Environmental science explores the astonishing and often globally interconnected phenomena around us. Environmental science is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the scientific principles behind the interdependency of biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. This course is a study of the basic principles of ecology including the study of the earth’s biomes and the role and impact of human activities on natural systems. This course also examines the ecological concepts surrounding major environmental problems that threaten biodiversity on local and global levels utilizing a case study approach. Laboratory work will be completed which supports the study of these topics. The aim of this course to increase students’ knowledge of the environmental challenges of today, while continuing to cultivate scientific critical thinking skills.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of biology and physical science or chemistry, and recommendation of previous science teacher Fees: $20.00

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Grade Level: 10,11,12 Course Credit: 1 credit, 5 periods/week, full year

Description: The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the biotic and abiotic components of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human made. Students will evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving or 52

preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study including ecosystems, biodiversity, populations, Earth systems, land and water use, energy resources, atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial pollution, and global change.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Biology, and recommendation of previous science teacher Fees: $20.00 and $97.00 for the Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam

MASTERCLASS IN SCIENCE

Grade Level: 11,12 Course Credit: ½ credit, 5 periods/week, one semester

Description: MasterClass in Science is an opportunity for students to explore areas of science outside of the regular course offerings at Mariemont High School, white being mentored by a science teacher. It is a credit flexibility option that requires the same process as other flex-credit courses. MasterClass is slightly different from a regular flex credit course in that the student is mentored during a specific bell of the day by a science teacher, and at the end of the class makes a final presentation before a committee of teachers detailing their learning. The committee evaluates the student’s work and provides a grade based on a specific rubric. MasterClass is an opportunity for students to turn their interests into a passion by creating their own curriculum, taking ownership of their learning, and reflecting on how they progress as a learner. This class is not a core course or required elective credit but counts as an extra elective credit toward graduation.

Please see your counselor or science teacher for a MasterClass Credit Flexibility Application.

Prerequisite: None Fees: Varies depending on specifics of the area of study in science NOTE: This course may be repeated for credit

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