High School Online Program of Studies

Science Department

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that science is a way of making sense of the universe through careful observation. Science is a dynamic process that relies on healthy skepticism and curiosity, where assumptions can be modified or abandoned when new evidence is discovered. Students will develop confidence in science, an appreciation of scientific discovery, and a sense of awe and wonder of the world around them. Students will use active inquiry, hands-on activities, field studies, individual research and experimentation to transfer their knowledge and skills to new situations. Students will solve problems, attain a high degree of scientific literacy and appreciate the importance of becoming responsible caretakers of our planet.

 

 

DEPARTMENTAL STANDARDS

The following standards are process-oriented standards that the high school science department feels all of our students need to achieve. In addition to these standards we also have content-oriented standards and benchmarks for each course.

  • Students will be able to develop effective strategies for problem solving.
  • Students will be able to further their own knowledge of science through critical analysis of a wide range of media.
  • Students will become competent in handling a wide assortment of laboratory equipment.
  • Students will be aware of, sensitive to, and evaluate current socio-scientific issues.
  • Students will develop an awareness of how their behavior and choices affect their own well-being and that of others.
  • Students will communicate a broad knowledge of the sciences.

 

 

Science Courses Offered 2023-2024

INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCE 9

INTEGRATED LIFE SCIENCE 10

BIOLOGY IB SL I

BIOLOGY IB SL II

BIOLOGY IB HL I

BIOLOGY IB HL II

CHEMISTRY IB SL I

CHEMISTRY IB SL II

CHEMISTRY IB HL I

CHEMISTRY IB HL II

PHYSICS IB SL I

PHYSICS IB SL II

PHYSICS IB HL I

PHYSICS IB HL II

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS (New course)

ASTRONOMY

TOPICS IN LIFE SCIENCE (New Course 2024/2025)

(To be offered in 24/25 School Year)

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 

(Offered in 24/25 School Year)

 

 

 


ASTRONOMY
 

Course Description:

SEMESTER SCIENCE ELECTIVES

(Grades 11 & 12)

Starting with the 2023/24 school year, the Science Department will offer two semester elective courses.  The 2023/24 semester courses will focus on the physical sciences: Astronomy and Conceptual Physics.  The semester courses for 2024/25 are yet to be determined but will focus on subjects in the life sciences.

This is a semester physical science course that is open to 11th and 12th grade students.  It is a course that offers the student a survey of the structure of the physical universe across both space and time. Students will become intimately aware of the cause and effect relationships that exist in the universe and will be asked to become involved in discussions regarding some of the last big unanswered questions in science. Topics include a survey of objects in the universe, the search for extraterrestrial life, a history of astronomy/cosmology, astrophysics, stellar evolution, big bang cosmology.  Considerable energy will be spent communicating clearly in different media with various audiences, collaborating effectively, and exploiting a wide range of resources while reinforcing the positive attitudes and values of curiosity, optimism, humility, self-confidence and skepticism.  Please Note: This course may not be considered a lab-science by some universities. Check with your counselor for more information. 

 

  
 

Prerequisites:

Integrated Physical Science 9 and Integrated Life Science 10

 

  
 

Credit:

0.5 Credit

  
 

Length of Course:

1 semester

  
 

Recommendations:

A sincere interest in science is required along with a curiosity in how we know what we know about the universe.

  
  Requirements: