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)

 

 

 


BIOLOGY IB SL I
 

Course Description:

This course is recommended for students who have an interest in Biology. This course can also serve as a one-year stand-alone introduction to biology for students in either 11th or 12th grade.  The program is designed to take students through a conceptual approach as they relate the themes of structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution to the study of life. It allows the application of techniques of an experimental science to the study of living organisms. During this course, all students will complete an extensive independent lab research project called the IB Internal Assessment. This independent project counts as 20% of the total IB Biology score and as at least a test grade in the Semester 2 CAC grade.

 

  
 

Prerequisites:

Integrated Physical Science 9, Integrated Life Science 10, and/or teacher recommendation. 

  
 

Credit:

1.0 credit

  
 

Length of Course:

1 year

  
  Requirements: