SCIENCE 4000s |
*‡Advanced Placement Biology
The A.P. Biology course is designed by the College Board to help students develop critical thinking skill in the areas of Chemistry, Cell Structure, Genetics, Evolution, Taxonomy and Ecology, as well as the relationships between biological structures and functions. Major themes include Science as a Process, Interdependence in Nature, and Technology. Students who wish to receive college credit must register for the A.P. Exam and pay their own exam fee. Students must maintain a C or better each term to continue in the course. Fees will be used for consumable chemicals, lab kits, live organisms, indicators, dialysis tubing, and foods.
GRADE LEVEL: 11-12 CREDIT 1.00
FEES: $30 and students will purchase their own text and lab manuals. LENGTH: Year
PREREQUISITE: Genetics, plus application and teacher consent.
*‡Advanced Placement Chemistry
The chemistry syllabus is for a full-year course in advanced general chemistry. Students who successfully complete this course will be well-prepared to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry test in order to place themselves in a second semester chemistry course when they enter college. Students will complete advanced labs using more advanced analytical equipment. Students must earn a “C” or better each term to continue in the course. Credit of .33 given at the end of each trimester. $88 exam fee. Fees will be used for chemicals, lab ware, lab kits.
GRADE LEVEL: 11-12 CREDIT: 1.00
FEES: $30 and students will purchase own books. LENGTH: Year
PREREQUISITE: Chemistry and previous or concurrent enrollment in pre-calculus plus application & teacher consent.
*‡Advanced Placement Physics
The physics syllabus is for a full-year course in advanced general physics. Students who successfully complete this course will be well-prepared to take the Advanced Placement Physics test in order to place themselves in a second semester physics course when they enter college. Students must earn a “C” or better each term to continue in the course. A credit of .33 will be given at the end of each trimester. $88 exam fee.
GRADE LEVEL: 11-12 CREDIT 1.0
FEES: students will purchase own book LENGTH: Year
PREREQUISITE: Requires pre-calc honors Physics, or teacher consent.
*Astronomy
In astronomy, we increase your understanding about our amazing universe and to make predictions about astronomical events. We will build models that will enable us to try out our ideas. This course will capture the students’ imaginations and introduce them to the fundamental ideas of science and math. The main concepts studied will be the moon’s and sun’s cycles, stellar evolution, star constellations, and the solar system. This is a lab oriented class in which the students will keep astronomical journals and use the Starlab Planetarium. Fees are for supplies-consumable items, project supplies, & media supplies.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 (recommended 9-10 CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $12 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE:
*Astronomy II
This class is an advanced exploration of higher level concepts in astronomy. Students will actively explore and discuss these concepts through research, computer software, internet, field experiences and videos. Fees will be used for observation facility fees, transportation, entrance fees, lab equipment and materials
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $15 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE: Astronomy
*Biology Concepts
Biology Concepts studies Biochemistry, Cellular Structure and Function, as well as Evolution. These topics include an understanding of organic compounds, photosynthesis and respiration, transport mechanisms, enzyme systems, and changes in species throughout time. Fees will be used for chemicals, indicators, and examples of food types.
GRADE LEVEL: 9 required CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $12 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE:
*Botany
Botany is the study of the fungi and plant kingdoms. Students will study the structure and function of fungi, algae and the higher green plants. Students will perform a variety of experiments with living plants independently and in groups. Students will use a greenhouse to grow seedling crop plants. Additional activities include planting trees to construct a windbreak. Fees will be used for plant hormones, seeds, consumable chemicals, seedling trees, soil. Moss, hand shovels, gloves, potting material.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $30 pending Board approval LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE:
*Chemistry
Using the computer to explore this topic will not only give you some computer skills but your perspective on chemistry will be personal to you. You will have the opportunity to explore chemistry the way you learn. This will give you a better understanding of the subject as you truly learn how matter works rather than trying to memorize formulas. Each topic is also orchestrated with many hands-on laboratory activities to make the subject come alive.
GRADE LEVEL: 10-12 CREDIT: 1.00
FEES: $24 LENGTH: Year
PREREQUISITE: Algebra B or AB
npConceptual Physics (formerly titled Introduction to Physical Science)
This is a one trimester hands on introductory required course for freshmen. In this course you will use hands on activities and computer programs to analyze the world around you. Using the computer to explore the topic of how the physical world works will not only give you some computer skills but your perspective on science will be personal to you. You will have the opportunity to explore the world around you the way you learn. This will give you a better understanding of the subject as you truly learn how matter works rather that trying to memorize formulas. Each topic is also orchestrated with many hands-on laboratory activities to make the subject come alive.
GRADE LEVEL: 9 required CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $15 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE:
*Earth Systems
This one trimester course will give the student an overview of the dynamic systems which create our Earth. Both the non-living (geologic, hydrologic, atmospheric) and living (biologic) components will be explored utilizing computers, media, labs, and field experiences. Fees will be used for activities/lab supplies and field trips.
GRADE LEVEL: 9 required CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $15 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE:
*Ecology
An analysis of the relationships and impact of animals, plants, and humans on ecological systems. Ecological concepts will be related to environmental issues. Students will do many group and independent experiments and projects. All Students will submit an independent research project. Fees will be used for owl pellets, nets, chemicals, ecology kits, live organisms.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $12 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE:
*From Magic to Science
This course deals with major conceptual revolutions throughout history and the experimental affect upon society. Students will perform experiments from the Bronze Age through the development of the genetic code. Relevant cross-curricular aspects of culture and society will be stressed to form a context for each scientific milestone. Specific topics will include a survey of life science, Galileo and the Planets, Newton and Physical Theory, and the History of Chemistry. Fees will be used for chemical supplies, craft supplies, and lab ware.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $30 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE:
*Genetics
A study of how DNA is related to cell growth, protein synthesis, and genetics with implications to life in the future. Inheritance, genetic diseases and disorders, genetic engineering, finger printing, and the genome project will be emphasized. Many independent and group hands-on lab activities and projects are included. Fees will be used for genetic seeds, genetic kits, materials for models.
GRADE LEVEL: 10-12 (9 w/ instructor’s consent) CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $12 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE: Biology Concepts
*Geology-Earth Materials
This section of geology begins with a general overview of the earth and its environment in space. Rocks and minerals are studied as to their origin, composition and characteristics. The focus becomes specific with the study of Colorado's mineral resources. Students will also study the use and interpretation of both topographical and geological maps. This section of geology will be studied through the use of labs, projects, library work and field studies. This class is the suggested prerequisite for all other geology classes. Fees will be used for activities-transportation, field studies, supplies-replacement, updates of lab consumables and media.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 (recommend 9) CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $12 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE:
*Geology-External
This section of geology courses, the external processes study, includes those external forces that affect the surface of our planet Earth, specifically, weathering mass-wasting, ground water, running water, glaciation, wind action and oceanography. Not only are the processes studied but also their effects on people in their physical and biological environments. These concepts will be taught through the use of labs, discussions, the internet, CD ROMS and other computer models. Geology: Observing the Earth & Its Materials is the suggested prerequisite for this course. This class is a prerequisite for Water Exploration. Fees will be used for activities-transportation, field studies; supplies-project supplies, software updates and lab consumables.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 (recommend 9) CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $25 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE: Geology-Earth Materials
*Geology-Internal
This section of geology courses deals with the internal processes of the earth, some of which result from heat generated in the earth's interior. The processes include plate tectonics, earthquakes, faults, volcanic activity, mountain building, and plains & plateaus. The interrelationships of these processes are stressed throughout this study. This course will be taught through the use of labs, discussions, the internet, CD ROMS and other computer models. Geology-Observing the Earth and its Materials is the suggested prerequisite for this course. Fees will be used for activities-transportation & fees for field study equipment & entrance fees; supplies-replacement & updates of lab consumable and software.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 (recommend 9) CREDIT: 0.33
FEES:$12 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE: Geology-Earth Materials
*Human Anatomy
An introductory course in human anatomy and physiology which emphasizes the relationship between body structure and function as well as survey of all body systems. The laboratory portion includes microscopic study of tissue and selected dissections. This course is designed for individuals interested in health care and includes 40 hours lecture and 30 hours lab.
GRADE LEVEL: 11-12 CREDIT: 0.66
FEES: $18 LENGTH: 2 Trimesters
PREREQUISITE: Any Life Sciences Class
*Introduction to Engineering
What do engineers do and why do they do it? In this course you will be introduced to the principles of electrical and computer engineering in an understandable hands on way. In this course you will design and build electrical circuits and digital circuits. These principles and circuits that you design and build are the basic components in any microprocessor or computer. This is a one year course that will not only introduce you to these principles but should get you ready for Digital System Design, Introduction to Microprocessors, and VLSI System Design at Colorado State University or Associate Degree and Certification Programs at Front Range College. Fees will be used for wires, breadboards, analogue components and digital components of electrical circuitry that students will be able to take home at the end of the course.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 CREDIT: 1.0
FEES: $35 LENGTH: Year
PREREQUISITE:
*Meteorology & Climate
In our study of ever-changing and exciting weather patterns, we will investigate current weather maps through the use of newspapers, the internet, and television. Climate, past and future, its unique aspects, and its geographical controls will be explored. Each day we will observe conditions and collect data such as temperature, air pressure, precipitation, humidity, clouds, and winds. The students will conduct a wide variety of learning activities to help them understand the "why" and "how" of their environment. Fees will be used for activities-transportation; supplies-weather reporting instruments, project supplies & lab consumables.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $15 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE:
*Microbiology
A study of bacteria and viruses and their effects on the environment and the body. Students will become proficient in aseptic and staining techniques. Students will design their own experiments and identify an unknown. Many hands-on activities and projects. Fees will be used for bacteria cultures, culture media, stains, consumable chemicals and lab ware.
GRADE LEVEL: 10-12 CREDIT: 0.33
FEES: $12 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE: Any Bio class
*Physics
Explore the forces of nature and the limits of the universe. Topics include motion, energy, sound, light, and relativity. Hands-on activities are limited only by your imagination and initiative. Topics will be explored conceptually and computationally. If you are planning on any kind of college technical degree, this class is a must.
GRADE LEVEL: 10-12 CREDIT: 1.0
FEES: $30 LENGTH: Year
PREREQUISITE: Previous or concurrent enrollment in Pre-calculus.
*Zoology
A study of similarities and differences among animal types. Students will review cell and tissue structure and function. Taxonomy and speciation will also be emphasized. Students will dissect various animals for a comparative perspective. Students will conduct a variety of activities. Fees will be used for live organisms, preserved organisms, kits, and dissecting equipment.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12 CREDIT: 0.33FEES: $18 LENGTH: Trimester
PREREQUISITE: