IHS Science Courses

 

300      BIOLOGY (basic)   (10th and 11th grades)              full year                                                    1.00 credit

The course examines major concepts in biology with special emphasis on practical applications of biology to everyday life.

*Teacher or counselor recommendation required.

 

302      BIOLOGY (10th and 11th grades)                          full year                                                      1.00 credit

This biology course deals with investigation centered upon four major themes:  unity, diversity, continuity, and interaction of living

things.  Throughout the course, the students are exposed to applications of biological knowledge in the investigation of current

problems, shown how biology relates to everyday life and given a foundation for future studies in science-related areas.

 

303      ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (11th and 12thgrades)  full year/weighted  7periods/week     1.2 credit

The AP Biology course is designed for students who have highly achieved in Biology 302 and Chemistry 312 (a 3.0 or better in both courses) and 

are interested in college Biology or related fields.  AP Biology is a full year course, with lab periods, and is comparable to Introductory Biology 

courses in colleges and universities.  Through labs, lectures, readings, essays and other assignments students will study cells, cellular metabolism, 

genetics, ecology, evolution and physiology in depth.  All members of the class are expected to take the AP exam given in May at their own 

expense (approximate $80.00 fee).  There will be no final examination requirement for this course.  This course will include a summer assignment.  

*Teacher or counselor recommendation required.

 

304      SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY I   (11th and 12th grades) 1st semester                         .50 credit

            Students will examine applications of science and technology in everyday life.  Content includes units on introductory Chemistry, solutions,

            polymers, food and pharmacy, gases, structures and the automobile.  Students should have completed or be currently taking Biology.

                *Students who have passed Chemistry are not permitted to take STS I.

 

305       SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY II   (11th and 12th grades) 2nd semester                      .50 credit

Topics will focus on environmental issues including population growth, endangered species and extinction, pollution, waste management, and

energy use and conservation.  Students do not have to take STS I to enroll in this class.  Completion of Biology is recommended.

 

311     GENERAL CHEMISTRY (10th - 12th grades)           full year/7periods week                                   1.20 credit

             The General Chemistry course is designed for students planning careers outside the fields of science, engineering,

             mathematics or the health related professions and those that will not require future coursework in chemistry.  The emphasis

             of this course will be everyday applications of chemistry and related conceptual issues.  Topics include: Measurement,

             Atomic Theory, Bonding, States of Matter, Solutions, Chemical Reactions, Acids and Bases, Pollution, and Modern

             Materials.  Laboratory sessions as well as a number of project-type assignments will be required. Students must have

             successfully completed Biology, junior high course 390 or senior high course 302, in order to enroll in this course.  

312       ACADEMIC CHEMISTRY (10th and 11th grades)    full year/7 periods week                                  1.20 credit

              The Academic Chemistry course is designed for college bound students who are planning careers in science, engineering,

              mathematics, or the health related professions and will require advanced coursework in the sciences. This course is also

              the prerequisite for AP Chemistry, course 313.  The focus of Academic Chemistry will be to prepare students to be

              successful in future science related courses, specifically chemistry.  Topics include:  Measurement, Atomic Theory,

              Periodicity, Nuclear Chemistry, Bonding, The Mole Concept, Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry, Gas Laws, Phase

              changes, and Energy.  Laboratory sessions will be conducted and project-type assignments will be required.  A minimum

              3.0 average in Biology, junior high course 390 or senior high course 302, is recommended in order to schedule this course. 

              Students should have successfully completed Advanced Algebra before enrolling in this course.

 

313      ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY  (11th and 12th grades)  full year/weighted  7 pds/week 1.20 credit 

             This course is comparable to “Freshman Chemistry” at the college/university level.  Topics will be selected based on the

             content of Advanced Placement Examination and will include the following:  Modern Atomic Theory, Spectroscopy,

             Periodicity, Bonding Theories, Molecular Interactions, Kinetics, Equilibria, Acids and Bases, Electrochemistry,

             Thermodynamics, Basic Organic Chemistry, and Chemical Equations.  A number of college level laboratory sessions are

             included in this course.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in at least two laboratory sessions at Indiana

             University of Pennsylvania.  Students should have completed Chemistry 312 with a minimum of a 3.0 average. A brief

             summer review assignment is required in this course.  All members of the class are required to take the AP Chemistry Exam

             given in May at their own expense (approximately $80 fee).  There will be no final examination requirement for this course.

             *Teacher recommendation is required.

 

318     GENERAL PHYSICS (10th - 12th grades)                 full year                                                             1.00 credit

           Basic concepts of measurement, matter, energy, heat, optics, light, and electrostatics will be covered during the year.  

             Emphasis will be on concepts and problem solving.  This course is recommended for all students, especially college bound

             students.  Those students planning careers in engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, math, medicine, nursing or other

             related sciences and those who plan to attend  academically demanding universities should enroll in Physics, course 319,

             and not this course.

 

319     ACADEMIC PHYSICS  (10th – 12th grades)             full year   7 periods/week                                    1.20 credit

             Basic and intermediate concepts of measurement, matter, energy, heat, optics, and electrostatics will be covered during the

             year.  The laboratory will consist of two double periods per week.  Emphasis will be placed on problem solving skills,

             analysis, and concept development.  Students should have excellent Algebra skills. This course should be taken by all

             college bound students contemplating a career in engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, math, medicine,

             nursing or other related sciences.

 

320      ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS (11th and 12th grades)   full year/weighted        7 periods/week   1.20 credit

             This course follows the AP Physics/B curriculum. Algebra is used as the primary tool for problem solving.  Strong math

              skills are essential.  The course curriculum includes mechanics, energy, wave motion, thermodynamics, electricity,

              magnetism, optics, relativity, quantum theory, and nuclear physics.  Students must pass Physics, course 318 or 319, prior

              to enrollment. Teacher recommendation is required for students who took Physics, course 318.  Many homework

              assignments including summer assignments will be given.  All members of this class are expected to take the AP/B Physics

              Exam in May at their own expense  (approximately $80.00 fee).  There will be no final examination required for this course.

 

321      ASTRONOMY  (10th - 12th grades)                        1st semester                                                     .50 credit

            This is a one semester introductory course dealing with features and relationships of the various parts of the physical

              universe.  Emphasis will be on the celestial sphere, stellar astronomy, constellations, members of the solar system, and the

              tools and methods of the astronomers.  A multitude of audiovisual materials will be employed.  Laboratory experiences and

              night sessions using several small telescopes and binoculars will be part of the course.

 

322      GEOLOGY   (10th - 12th grades)                            2nd semester                                                    .50 credit

            This is a one semester laboratory centered introductory course dealing with the forces and processes which shape planet

              earth.  The primary objective of the course is to develop an appreciation and understanding of the complex interplay of

              various physical agents that shape the surface of our planet.  Topics will include:  plate tectonics, rock formation and

              recognition, structural geology, mapping and orienteering, fossils, and geologic time.  Supplementing the course will be

              outdoor mapping field activities.