Science
Teacher Courses
Bond, Kimberly AP Environmental Science, Ecology, Oceanography
Bonheim, Corey AP Physics, Physics
Bradley, Kayla Floriculture, Greenhouse Management, Intro to Horticulture, Landscaping
Davis, Sarah Department Chair, Astronomy, Mentor/Leadership, Teachers for Tomorrow
Sharman, Lindsey Anatomy & Physiology, Pre-AP Biology, AP Biology
Songer, Tim Environmental Science
Stubbs, Ashley Chemistry, Pre-AP Chemistry, AP Chemistry
Tate, Laura Biology, Environmental Science
Tidball, Havana Biology, Pre-AP Biology
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Course Offerings
Biology
Course Description
This course is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of living systems. Emphasis continues to be placed on the skills necessary to examine alternative scientific explanations; actively conduct controlled experiments; analyze and communicate information; and gather and use information in scientific literature. The history of biological thought and the evidence that supports it are explored, providing the foundation for investigating biochemical life processes, cellular organization, mechanisms of inheritance, dynamic relationships among organisms, and the change in organisms through time. The importance of scientific research that validates or challenges ideas is emphasized at this level. Students taking this course will take an end-of-course SOL test in Biology. Students must pass both the course and SOL test to earn a verified credit.
Pre-AP Biology
Course Description
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop a greater depth of biological knowledge through laboratory investigations and research. Among the topics of study are fundamental principles of biology such as the study of the diversity of life, environmental and biological diversity, population and community ecology, cellular reproduction, and principles of genetics. Students taking this course will take an end-of-course SOL test in Biology. Students must pass both the course and SOL test to earn a verified credit.
AP Biology
Course Description
Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be equivalent to a first year college biology course Two main goals of the course are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and an appreciation of science as a process. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the unifying themes that integrate three general areas of biology: Molecules and cells, Heredity and Evolution, and Organisms and Populations, as well as, expand and apply analytical and critical-thinking skills to assess the rapidly changing science of biology as it applies to real-world concerns. Students will gain laboratory skills and an appreciation of science as a dynamic process through designing, implementing, and interpreting complex labs.
Students receive weighted credit for participating in AP classes; they receive college credit only by achieving a high score on the College Board’s Advanced Placement Tests. There are fees for each test, which students will be responsible for paying. Colleges have different criteria for awarding credit for scores on AP tests, and it will be the responsibility of students to contact colleges to ascertain their policies regarding Advanced Placement scores.
Chemistry
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce the basic chemical concepts such as composition of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding, formulas and equations, gas laws, reacting quantities and acid base theory. Students will practice the investigative skills used by practicing scientists when studying these concepts. Students will also learn to use safety precautions with chemicals and equipment. Students taking this course will take an end-of-course SOL test in Chemistry. Students must pass both the course and SOL test to earn a verified credit.
Pre-AP Chemistry
Course Description
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop a greater depth of chemical knowledge and understanding of the interaction of matter and energy by focusing on a qualitative and quantitative study of substances and the changes that occur in them. This interaction is investigated through the use of laboratory techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities, and problem-solving applications. Scientific methodology is employed in experimental and analytical investigations, and concepts are illustrated with practical applications that include examples from environmental, nuclear, organic and biochemistry content areas. Technology, including graphing calculators, computers and probeware, is employed where feasible. Students will also learn to use safety precautions with chemicals and equipment. Students taking this course will take an end-of-course SOL test in Chemistry. Students must pass both the course and SOL test to earn a verified credit.
AP Chemistry
Course Description
Advanced Placement Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to a first year college chemistry course. Students will develop an understanding, appreciation and assimilation in the five major areas of chemistry: Structure of Matter, the States of Matter, Reactions, Descriptive Chemistry, and Laboratory. Topics of study include (but are not limited to): energy, molecular orbital theory, solution chemistry Students will gain laboratory skills and an appreciation of science as a dynamic process through designing, implementing, and interpreting complex labs. Students will communicate with peers and adults through speech, writing, graphics, and presentations.
Students receive weighted credit for participating in AP classes; they receive college credit only by achieving a high score
on the College Board’s Advanced Placement Tests. There are fees for each test, which students will be responsible for
paying. Colleges have different criteria for awarding credit for scores on AP tests, and it will be the responsibility of students to contact colleges to ascertain their policies regarding Advanced Placement scores.
Ecology
Course Description
This course focuses on an investigation of the relationship between living communities and their chemical and physical environments. Major topics of study include energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, biotic and abiotic influences on communities of living things, population dynamics, and a study of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem pollution. There is no SOL test for this course.
AP Physics
Course Description
Advanced Placement Physics is designed to be equivalent to a first year college physics course. Students will develop an understanding, appreciation and assimilation in the major areas of physics: Physics knowledge, Problem solving, Student attributes and Connections. Major topics of study include: mechanics, fluid dynamics, waves, optics, magnetism, electricity and modern physics. Students will gain laboratory skills and an appreciation of science as a dynamic process through designing, implementing, and interpreting complex labs.
Students receive weighted credit for participating in AP classes; they receive college credit only by achieving a high score on the College Board’s Advanced Placement Tests. There are fees for each test, which students will be responsible for paying. Colleges have different criteria for awarding credit for scores on AP tests, and it will be the responsibility of students to contact colleges to ascertain their policies regarding Advanced Placement scores.
AP Environmental Science
Course Description
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Unlike most other introductory-level college science courses, environmental science is offered from a wide variety of departments, including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. Depending on the department offering the course, different emphases are placed on various topics. Some courses are rigorous science courses that stress scientific principles and analysis and that often include a laboratory component; other courses emphasize the study of environmental issues from a sociological or political perspective rather than a scientific one. The AP Environmental Science course has been developed to be most like the former; as such, it is intended to enable students to undertake, as first-year college students, a more advanced study of topics in environmental science or, alternatively, to fulfill a basic requirement for a laboratory science and thus free time for taking other courses.
The AP Course Description and AP Exam have been prepared by environmental scientists and educators who serve as members of the AP Environmental Science Development Committee. In both breadth and level of detail, the content of the course reflects what is found in many introductory college courses in environmental science. The exam is representative of such a course and therefore is considered appropriate for the measurement of skills and knowledge in the field of environmental science.
Students receive weighted credit for participating in AP classes; they receive college credit only by achieving a high score on the College Board’s Advanced Placement Tests. There are fees for each test, which students will be responsible for paying. Colleges have different criteria for awarding credit for scores on AP tests, and it will be the responsibility of students to contact colleges to ascertain their policies regarding Advanced Placement scores.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology is a science course designed for those interested in the human body and especially those who wish to pursue careers in the health sciences. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses. Laboratory investigations, biological engineering STEM challenges and dissections compliment the course work. The goal of the class is for students to experience and do science while focusing on how the human body reacts to internal and external changes.
Oceanography
Our ocean is a HUGE contributor to the health of our planet and even influences our own state significantly. In this course students will do an in-depth, laboratory-based study of the physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects of the ocean and how each of these contribute to the health of the planet. Students also explore the relationships between oceanography to their own interests, to career opportunities and to the historical contributions of science. Problem-based learning activities and hands-on learning opportunities are a must in this class.
Environmental Science
The Environmental Science Course is designed to continue the student investigations that began in grades K-8. The course integrates the study of many components of our environment, including the human impact on our planet. The content focus of the class will be on scientific inquiry, the physical world, the living environment, resource conservation, humans’ impact on the environment, and legal and civic responsibility. Students will learn how to collect and analyze data through laboratory experiences and field work - often including short field trips, guest speakers and guest scientists.
Astronomy
Course Description: The goal of the BHS astronomy course is to provide students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the historical significance of astronomical discoveries, our planet, our solar system, the Milky Way and beyond, and the future of space travel. Astronomy is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study - history, math, physics and English. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the course.
Astronomy: In Astronomy, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study the following topics: the history of astronomical discovery, how humans are impacted by space, patterns and objects in the sky, our place in space and Earth’s unique properties, other planets, the sun, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and space exploration. While in class, students will acquire knowledge within a conceptual framework, conduct observations of the sky, work collaboratively, and develop critical-thinking skills.
Nature of science: Science, as defined by the National Academy of Sciences, is the "use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this process." This vast body of changing and increasing knowledge is described by physical, mathematical, and conceptual models. Students should know that some questions are outside the realm of science because they deal with phenomena that are not scientifically testable.
Scientific inquiry: Scientific inquiry is the planned and deliberate investigation of the natural world. Scientific methods of investigation can be experimental, descriptive, or comparative.
Science and social ethics: Scientific decision making is a way of answering questions about the natural world. Students should be able to distinguish between scientific decision-making methods and ethical and social decisions that involve the application of scientific information.