SCIENCE

 

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Three (3) credits in science are required for graduation.  In addition, effective with students entering the ninth (9th) grade in the fall of 2001, a score at the proficient level on the Biology 1 Gateway test is required of any student receiving a regular high school diploma.

 

Gateway Biology 1                              (3280)             1 credit

An intervention option for students which will enhance the opportunity for success on the Tennessee Gateway Test for Biology 1.  Elective credit only; will not substitute for required science credit.

Focuses on those areas necessary for success on the Tennessee Gateway Biology 1 test, including cells, interactions, photosynthesis and respiration, genetics and biotechnology, diversity, and biological evolution.

 

LIFE SCIENCE                                        (3208)             1 credit

Open to grade 9; not open to students who have passed   Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Ecology, or Physics.

An introduction to living things and their relationship to the environment.  Focuses on cells, ecological interactions, energy production and use, reproduction and genetics, classification, and environmental diversity.

NOTE: Does not meet entrance requirements for the University of Tennessee or Tennessee Board of Regents schools

 

SCIENCE 1A (AGRISCIENCE)                 (5171)             1 credit

Open to grade 9.  Fundamentals of Agriculture may not be taken with/after this course.  Meets science credit requirements for high school graduation and college entrance.

A course designed to provide agriscience education for students considering higher education, with a focus on biological environmental chemical, and physical sciences.  Includes leadership and personal development skills through FFA membership.

 

NUTRITION SCIENCE                              (5615)             1 credit

Open to grades 10, 11, and 12. 

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, or Physical Science

This course will fulfill the requirement of either a science course OR a Family and Consumer Sciences elective.

Focuses on the science of the production, processing, prepa4ration, evaluation, and utilization of food and relates scientific concepts and processes to practical applications in nutrition.  Students use scientific methods in laboratory experiments to facilitate the understanding of the human body, nutrition, and science.  Academic integration and Gateway reinforcement are integral parts of the curriculum.

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE                              (3202)             1 credit

Prerequisite: 77 average in previous science course

Corequisite: Algebra 1 or Algebra 1B

An introduction to the physical area of general science dealing with matter and energy; prepares students for an in-depth study of chemistry and physics.

 

BIOLOGY 1                                           (3210)             1 credit

Prerequisite: A minimum stanine score of five (5) on the Science section of the seventh (7th) grade TCAP Terra Nova and successful completion of eighth (8th) grade science

Introduces students to the world of living things, including basic life processes at the molecular, cellular, systemic, organismal, and ecological levels of organizations within the biosphere; interdependence and interactions within the environment to include relationships, behavior, and population dynamics; cultural and historical scientific contributions of men and women; evidence that supports biological evolution; and current and future technologies.  Students will investigate the world around them and will develop the knowledge, prerequisite skills, and habits of mind needed for daily living and ethical decision making on issues including biotechnology and the environment, as well as provide a background for advanced biological studies and personal career choices.

 

HONORS BIOLOGY 1                             (3210H)           1 credit

Prerequisite: A minimum stanine score of seven (7) or above on the Science section of the seventh (7th) grade TCAP Terra Nova AND an A average in eighth (8th) grade science or B in eighth (8th) grade Honors Science

Designed to develop an understanding of the diversity and unity in living things.  Concepts include interactions of organisms, transfer of energy in organisms, cell structure and function, continuity and change in living things, and biology-related career opportunities.  Places increased emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY 2   (3217) 2 credits (full year)

Open to grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 AND one (1) of the following criteria:  A PLAN score of 19 or higher or an ACT composite score of 22 or higher; PSAT or SAT verbal and numerical score at 50th percentile or higher; recommendation from previous Biology teacher; 85 average in Honors Biology 1 or 90 in Biology 1

A college-level course which includes the study of the interactions of organisms, transfer of energy in organisms, cell structure and function, continuity and change in living things, vertebrate physiology, entomology, and botany.  Emphasis on lab, independent study projects, written evaluation, and outside reading.  Students will take the national Advanced Placement Examination in the spring; those scoring high enough may receive college credit.

 

GEOLOGY                                  (3205)             1 credit

Open to grades 10, 11, and 12

Prerequisite: Biology 1

Recommendation: Physical Science

Designed to develop an understanding of the earth's physical resources and to investigate relative dating techniques; the earth's structure; landform evolution; paleoenvironments; rock, hydrological, geochemical cycles; and geologic maps.

 

 

CHEMISTRY 1                                       (3221)             1 credit

Prerequisite:  Algebra 1

Recommendation:  Physical Science

An introductory study of the composition and structure of matter, including atomic structure, chemical composition, solutions, equations, and the application of chemistry to everyday life.  Approaches chemistry through laboratory experiments, independent research and reporting techniques, classroom discussions, and follow-up independent activities.

 

CHEMISTRY 2                                      (3224)                1 credit

Prerequisites:  Biology 1, Chemistry 1,  Algebra 1

Recommendation:  Algebra 2

A lab-oriented course that includes organic and analytic laboratory experiences.  Also includes physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.  A research project and paper required.

 

ECOLOGY                                              (3255)             1 credit

Prerequisite:  Biology 1 AND Physical Science, Chemistry 1, or Physics

The study of interactions between organisms and their living and non-living environments. Includes ecological and environmental issues as well as hands-on projects. 

 

PHYSICS                                              (3231)             1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Recommendation:  Physical Science and Trigonometry

A study of the basic physical theories and concepts of matter and energy through various laboratory and mathematical procedures.  Uses problems, questions, and examples to explain physical occurrences in everyday life.