Science Courses at

Walkersville High School

Requirement for Graduation: 3 science credits

Suggested Course Sequence

Advanced Curriculum

Ambitious students are encouraged to take multiple science courses each year.

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Chemistry and Physics

This course introduces the student to basic concepts in chemistry and physics. This course is highly recommended for ALL students planning to take biology, chemistry, and physics later in high school. Introductory Chemistry includes units on measurement, atomic theories and models, physical and chemical changes, writing chemical formulas and equations, and acids, bases, and salts. Introductory Physics includes concepts relevant to mass, force, machines, and forms of energy. The use of the scientific method and the metric system of measurement will be stressed in all laboratory experiments. Depending on the specific academic level selected, written communication of lab results will be included as a course requirement.

This is a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taken by first semester 9^th grade students. Taught at the Honors, Merit, and Directed levels, academic rigor is differentiated through the use of increasingly sophisticated mathematical skills (up to Algebra I for Honors) and through increased requirements for written, formal communication of laboratory results.

 

Students typically follow this course with either Biology or Chemistry or both.

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Biology

Biology concentrates on five basic areas: diversity of organisms, ecology, cell biology, the five kingdoms of organisms , and the human body. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the curriculum with students preparing laboratory reports to clarify and communicate their findings.

Two state mandated goals are addressed in this course. The state environmental education mandate includes required participation in an environmental action project. This course also includes a state mandated unit on drug education. Because state mandates are studied in this course, biology is a required course for all students.

This is a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 9th grade students at the Honors level and 10th graders at the Merit level. Taught at the Honors, Merit, and Directed levels, academic rigor is differentiated through the use of increasingly more complex laboratory experiences, the number and complexity of biological concepts covered, and the level of sophistication used in communicating laboratory results.

Students typically follow this course with Chemistry and/or Environmental Science.

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Chemistry I

This is a college preparatory course in chemistry. Topics covered include changes and classification of matter, energy, chemical nomenclature, mole concept, chemical equations, stoichiometry (chemical mathematics), gas laws, atomic theory, periodicity, chemical bonding, solution chemistry, and acid-base theory. Through student directed laboratory and classroom experiences, students will be expected to use critical thinking and communication skills, record and analyze data, and present laboratory reports in an organized format.

 

This is a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 10th grade students at the Honors level and 11th graders at the Merit level. Taught at the Honors and Merit levels, academic rigor is differentiated through an increasing requirement for strong mathematical skills (through Algebra I for Honors), the use of open-ended laboratory experiences, and the level of sophistication used in communicating laboratory results. At the Honors level, students are expected to complete independent reading and some project work.

Students typically follow this course with Chemistry II, AP Biology, Physics, and/or Environmental Science.

 

Prerequisites: Algebra I (Honors), Algebra I or Essentials of Algebra (Merit)

 

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Chemistry in the Community (ChemCom)

The primary emphasis is on explaining chemistry's role in modern society. The course consists of eight instructional units. Within each unit the student will learn necessary chemical information about the topics affecting their life and the functioning of their communities. Each unit has a series of activities designed to help students understand how chemistry relates to the topic(s) being studied. The course is a hands-on study of chemistry which requires a student to have a strong chemistry foundation from the Introductory Chemistry/Introductory Physics course.

 

This is a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 11th and 12th grade students. ChemCom is designed for the college bound student whose math background is Algebra I or less.

 

If students continue in science following ChemCom, typical courses to consider would be Chemistry I, Physics (Merit), and/or Environmental Science.

 

Prerequisites: Algebra I or Essentials of Algebra

 

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Environmental Science/Science and Societal Issues

 

This course will provide a comprehensive study of ecological concepts and environmental issues which will extend the State of Maryland's Environmental Education Bylaw. This course helps create knowledgeable and environmentally active citizens. Instruction will include lecture, discussion, cooperative study, guest speakers, labs, field trips, and individual/group research. Major topics include ecological principals/ecosystems, water resources and quality, land management, air quality, natural resources and resource management, and noise pollution. During the second part of the course the following topics will be covered: human population, politics and economics of pollution, the Chesapeake Bay, and our environmental future.

 

 

This is a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 11th and 12th grade students. Environmental Science is designed for the college bound student who is not planning to major in science following high school or as an elective interest for science majors in addition to a strong background in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

 

If students continue in science following Environmental Science, typical courses to consider would be ChemCom, Chemistry I, Physics, and/or AP Biology.

 

Prerequisites: Biology, Introductory Chemistry/Physics or concurrent enrollment in either ChemCom or Chemistry I

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Agri-Science Plants/Animals

This course is designed for the nonscience major with interests in the area of agricultural science. This course is a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule and covers topics in both plant and animal science using agricultural applications. Laboratory work will be emphasized and agricultural science careers related careers will be explored.

Topics in Agri-Science Plants include: ecology, microbiology, soil science, plant growth, disease, and plant structure. Greenhouse activities will be involved.

Topics in Agri-Science Animals include: animal anatomy, physiology, genetics, reproduction, and health care. Laboratory experiences with animals will be involved.

If students continue in science following Agri-Science Plants/Animals, typical courses to consider would be Environmental Science, ChemCom, Chemistry I,and/or Physics.

 

 

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Physics

Topics in this course include graphically, and algebraically described motion, motion as explained by Newton's Laws, wave behavior as represented by coil springs and ripple tanks, light behavior's wave aspects, electrically and static charges and currents, and magnetism and electric currents. Lab experience and the use of mathematics in problem solving are stressed. Mathematical analysis of concepts will be supplemented by descriptive explanations. In addition, the impact of physics on society will be stressed.

 

This is a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 11th and 12th grade students at both the Honors and Merit levels. Academic rigor between the honors and merit level is differentiated through an increasing requirement for strong mathematical skills (through Calculus for Honors), the use of open-ended laboratory experiences, and the level of sophistication used in communicating laboratory results. At the Honors level, students are expected to complete independent reading and some project work.

 

Students typically follow this course with AP Physics or other AP level courses.

 

Prerequisites: Algebra II (Merit), Pre-calculus (Honors)

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Applied Physics

This course is designed as a less mathematically rigorous physics course. This course is more activity based with emphasis placed on "real world" activities and applications. Topics in this course include graphically, described motion, motion as explained by Newton's Laws, wave behavior as represented by coil springs and ripple tanks, light behavior's wave aspects, electrically and static charges and currents, and magnetism and electric currents. In addition, the impact of physics on society will be stressed.

 

This is a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 11th and 12th grade students.

 

Students typically follow this course with Chemcom or Environmental Science.

 

Prerequisites: Algebra I

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Chemistry: Selected Topics-Organic and Inorganic (Chemistry II)

This is a second year, lab oriented chemistry course. Topics may include the gas laws and gas law stoichiometry, acid-base reactions, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, metathesis reactions, physical and chemical equilibria, oxidation-reduction chemistry, kinetics, and organic chemistry. Students will be expected to use critical thinking and communication skills in laboratory and classroom experiences. Although this course is not an official prerequisite of AP Chemistry, it is strongly recommended.

 

This is a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 11th and 12th grade students. This is a college preparatory course for students with a strong interest in chemistry and students planning to major in science after high school.

 

Students typically follow this course with AP Chemistry, Physics or other AP level courses.

 

Prerequisites: Chemistry I

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Advanced Placement Env. Science (1 semester)

This course can be taken in place of regular Environmental Science by students who are more ambitious. This course will cover the advanced placement outline for environmental science as defined by the College Board. This course provides students with the conceptual framework, knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with environmental science. Both short and long term laboratory investigations are an integral part of the curriculum. In addition, independent or small group research activities are a requirement of this curriculum. Designed to be the equivalent of introductory college environmental science, students may earn college credits by examination.

Prerequisites: Biology

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Advanced Placement Biology I & II

These two courses will cover the advanced placement outline for biology as defined by the College Board. These courses provide students with the conceptual framework, knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the science of biology. Both short and long term laboratory investigations are an integral part of the curriculum. In addition, independent or small group research activities are a requirement of this curriculum. Designed to be the equivalent of introductory college biology, students may earn college credits by examination.

Topics covered in AP Biology I include: cell structure and function, biochemistry, molecular genetics, heredity, and evolution.

Topics covered in AP Biology II include: microbiology, botany, zoology, anatomy and physiology, and ecology.

Each of these courses is designed to be a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 11th and 12th grade students. Although these courses can be taken in any order, students are strongly encouraged to take AP Biology I prior to taking AP Biology II and must have permission of the science department to take AP Biology II before taking AP Biology I. Students may elect to take only one of these two courses but should realize they will not be adequately prepared for the annual AP Biology examination without taking both courses.

 

Students typically follow this course with other AP level courses.

 

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry (Chemistry may be taken concurrently)

Course	Registration Number	Course Number
AP Bio I	069	193111
AP Bio II	070	194111

Link to the AP page of the College Board

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Advanced Placement Chemistry I & II

These two courses will cover the advanced placement outline for chemistry as defined by the College Board. These courses provide students with the conceptual framework, knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the science of chemistry. Both short and long term laboratory investigations are an integral part of the curriculum. Special arrangements may be necessary to complete some laboratory activities during non school hours. In addition, independent or small group research activities are a requirement of this curriculum. Designed to be the equivalent of introductory college chemistry, students may earn college credits by examination.

Topics covered in AP Chemistry I & II include: atomic theory, quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structures, chemical bonding, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, solution chemistry, periodicity, and the laws for phases of matter.

Each of these courses is designed to be a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 11th and 12th grade students. Students may elect to take only one of these two courses but should realize they will not be adequately prepared for the annual AP Chemistry examination without taking both courses.

 

Students typically follow this course with other AP level courses.

 

Prerequisites: Chemistry I . Chemistry II recommended but not required.

Additionally recommended: Algebra II

Link to the AP page of the College Board

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Advanced Placement Physics I & II

These two courses will cover the advanced placement outline for physics as defined by the College Board. These courses provide students with the conceptual framework, knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the science of physics. Both short and long term laboratory investigations are an integral part of the curriculum. In addition, independent or small group research activities are a requirement of this curriculum. Designed to be the equivalent of introductory college physics, students may earn college credits by examination.

Topics covered in AP Physics I include: concepts of motion, force, and energy stressing mathematical analysis.

Topics covered in AP Physics II include: concepts of electricity and magnetism stressing mathematical analysis.

Each of these courses is designed to be a one semester course on the 4 x 4 block schedule, typically taught to 11th and 12th grade students. Students may elect to take only one of these two courses but should realize they will not be adequately prepared for the annual AP Physics examination without taking both courses.

 

These two courses are also offered in a single semester condensed version when enrollment does not support a two semester offering. In the condensed course offering, the advanced placement outline will be covered but not in the depth of detail reached in the two semester version.

 

Students typically follow this course with other AP level courses.

 

Prerequisites: Physics, Pre-calculus (AP Physics I), AP Physics I or permission of instructor (AP Physics II)

Course	Registration Number	Course Number
AP Physics I		194181
AP Physics II		194191
AP Physics I/II (single semester)	080	194121

 

Link to the AP page of the College Board

Science Mentor Intern Program

This optional course is designed to involve students in specific, competitively awarded placements in actual scientific laboratory settings under the direction of private sector, university or governmental scientists. Students will be exposed to real life laboratory science with the opportunity to design and implement their own scientific research. Current programs participating in the course include the Werner H. Kirsten Student Intern Program coordinated through the facilities of the National Cancer Institute - Frederick Cancer Research and Development Corporation. Students may earn from one to three credits for this course depending on the amount of time dedicated to the laboratory experience. Students will generally be granted an Administrative Waiver releasing them from classroom time for a portion of the school day.

Students must complete an application for programs in this course offering. Participating programs in this offering are usually competitively selected.

Prerequisite: Approval of the Science Department as part of the application process

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Independent Research

This is a new course offered to allow juniors and seniors the opportunity to conduct scientific research on topics of their own choosing. Students will enter into a contract with the supervising teacher to set down guidelines for grading. Students will be expected to present their findings in a public showing such as the county science and engineering fair.

Prerequisites: ICP and/or Biology, Algebra I

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Last updated: 1/10/2000