Pilot Grove C-4 Course Descriptions
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Zoology (Weighted)
(Offered in alternating years.)
Prerequisite: Biology/Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
This course is intended as a broad overview of animal biology including
invertebrates and vertebrates using both discussion and laboratory techniques.
The course emphasizes the diversity of living organisms and adaptations to their
environment. Comparative anatomy and physiology of selected body systems will be
included. (1/2 unit)
Botany (Weighted)
(Offered in alternating years.)
Prerequisite: Biology or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
This course introduces students to the fascinating organisms we know as plants.
It stresses the relationships between structure and function in plant cells,
tissues, organs, and individual organisms. Botany uses both discussion and
laboratory techniques to emphasize the diversity of plants and reproduction in
plants. (1/2 unit)
Anatomy/Physiology (Weighted)
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
This course introduces concepts and principles important to an understanding of
the human body. It has two primary goals: 1.) Building a
foundation for later courses dealing with specific topics in human anatomy or
physiology; and 2.) Providing a framework for the organization,
interpretation, and application of related information obtained outside the
classroom. May be taught over ITV. (1 Unit)
Physical Science (Required)
Prerequisite: none
Grade: 9, 10, 11, and 12
Basic 9th Grade science required of all ninth grade students. This course
explores the different branches of science with an emphasis on inquiry, critical
thinking, ad problem-solving that students need for solid science instruction.
(1 Unit)
Biology (Required)
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 10, 11, and 12
Basic 10th Grade science required of all tenth grade students. Biology is
a course which emphasizes the basic concepts of biological principles, cell
structure and function, genetics, evolution and ecology. (1 Unit)
Chemistry (Weighted)
Prerequisite: Algebra I/Completed or enrolled in Algebra II or Consent of
Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
Designed to introduce the student to the nature of chemistry and chemical
concepts using both lecture and lab techniques. This course deals with the five concepts: measurement, organizations of chemistry, chemical formulas and
equations, phases of matter, and solutions. May be taught
over ITV. (1 Unit)
Chemistry II (Weighted) (Elective)
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Grade: 12
Chemistry II is a further study of the principles underlying the structure of
matter and the changes it may undergo. Materials are presented through
class discussion, problem solving, and laboratory investigations. Among
the topics included are atomic structure, chemical bonding, formula and equation
writing, physical states of matter, and the properties of chemical compounds.
(1 Unit)
Ecology (Weighted)
(Offered in alternating years.)
Prerequisite: Biology or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
This course offers students the opportunity and the guidelines for acquiring the
knowledge necessary to understand their place in the biosphere and their
biological heritage. Students will learn the following during the exploration of
ecology: 1) The aspects of an organism’s environment and how energy flows
through an ecosystem; 2) What determines where species live and the different
biomes of Earth; 3) What controls population growth and issues in human
population growth; and 4) What diversity is and how it is endangered and
conserved. (1/2 unit)
Microbiology (Weighted)
(Offered in alternating years.)
Prerequisite: Biology or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
This is a comprehensive course covering the study of bacteria, fungi, and
viruses. Students will gain an appreciation for the vital roles microbes
perform; an awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of microbiology; an
understanding of the comprehensive history of microbiology; and an introduction
to diseases, vaccines and drugs used for medical treatment. (1/2 Unit)
Physics (Weighted) (Elective)
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry or Consent of
the Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
Gives the student a solid understanding of classical physics and an up-to-date
introduction to modern physics. Topics include mechanics, thermodynamics,
waves, optics, electromagnetisms, and quantum, atomic, nuclear, and relativistic
physics. Taught via ITV. (1 Unit)
Earth Science
Prerequisite: Biology or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
This course is designed to provide students with an Earth Science background.
Students will develop and apply their scientific literacy by studying the
interrelationship of humans to Earth's interior, land, sea, air, and space.
Earth Science concentrates on four main areas of study: Geology (Earth and
its rocks and minerals, and how our planet was formed); Oceanography (Earth's
oceans and their characteristics); Meteorology (Earth's atmosphere, weather
patterns, and climate conditions); and Astronomy (space and everything in it).
(1 Unit)