Science

Course Code:  TBD               Fees (if applicable):n/a

Offered at:  WOHS                Grade(s): 10,11,12

Prerequisite(s):  Earth and Environmental Science and Biology 

Explore the fascinating realm of Anthecology and Apiculture. Unravel the intricate connections between flowers and their pollinators. Covering diverse disciplines such as botany, horticulture, entomology, ecology, agriculture, and apiculture, the curriculum delves into mutualistic interactions between flowers and pollinating animals. From comparing natural histories and understanding honey bee anatomy to mastering colony management techniques and addressing pests and diseases, students gain comprehensive insights to the world of beekeeping. The course extends beyond traditional learning, students will interact with local elementary classes visiting the apiary/education center, where they serve as role models, delivering presentations to different grade levels. The course also encourages summer involvement, urging students to volunteer in the Apiary, take the practical exam and earn a lifetime certification as a North Carolina State Beekeeper. This immersive experience not only imparts knowledge but instills a sense of responsibility in nurturing the next generation's understanding of pollinators and honey bees.

Course Code: 33305X0C                    Fee (if applicable): $5           

Offered at: NHS, RHS, SBHS,            Grade(s): 11,12         

SWHS, WOHS

Recommendation: Biology

This class is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in a medically related field. Topics covered will be the skeletal, muscular, and organ systems of the body, and the effect of both diet and disease on the body.

Course Code: 33202X0C            Fee (if applicable): $5

Offered at: All High Schools      Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Recommendation: None

BIOLOGY-HONORS - Course Code: 33205X0C

The North Carolina Essential Standards for Biology was written to provide deeper understanding of life science content learned throughout Grades K–8. Biology is designed to meet graduation requirements. Emphasis is on the nature of science and scientific inquiry. These are developed by use of process skills and manipulative skills through laboratory activities. Laboratory and content study combine to help the student develop a positive attitude toward science and to understand the contributions of science and technology in shaping society. The course is constructed around three major themes: Chemical and Physical Basis of Life, Continuity of Life, and Ecology. Students are required to take a state EOC exam.

Course Code: 34102X0C              Fee (if applicable): $5       

Offered at: All High Schools         Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Recommendation: Math I

CHEMISTRY-HONORS

Course Code: 34105XOC

Offered at: DHS, JHS, NSH, OVSS, RHS, WOHS

Recommendation: Math 1

The Chemistry curriculum is designed to continue the investigation of the concepts introduced in earlier grades that guide inquiry in the disciplines of Chemistry and Physics. The curriculum includes Forces and Motion, Matter: Properties and Change, Energy: Conservation and Transfer. Inquiry and laboratory activities will be an integral part of the curriculum experience. This is not a required course but can fulfill one of the science credits required for graduation.

Course Code: 3A017X0CAP           Fee (if applicable): $5              

Offered at: NHS, SBHS                   Grade(s): 11,12 Recommendation: Chemistry

Students must be able to work at an accelerated pace independently. Students will be expected to work independently in the laboratory and problem-solving coursework that will add greater scope and detail to topics already covered in Chemistry.  Principles and concepts concerning thermodynamics, kinetics, molecular structure, equilibria, and electrochemistry will be discussed and applied. When scheduling, students should consider the extensive time requirements that accompany a course of this type, including outside review sessions. Students will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam.

Course Code: 35012X0C         Fee (if applicable): $5

Offered at: All High Schools     Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Recommendation: None

EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-HONORS -

Course Code: 35015X0C

This course is designed to expand students’ knowledge of matter, energy, environmental awareness, material availability, and the cycles that circulate energy and material through the earth. The unifying concepts for the earth and environmental curriculum includes: Earth in the Universe, Earth Systems, Structures and Processes, and Human Impact on the Earth and its Systems. In order to develop a greater understanding of the processes that shape our everyday lives, the curriculum will integrate inquiry investigations and a variety of technologies with the study of earth as a system. The results of student investigation should be communicated through presentations and formal laboratory reports. Enrichment and integration with other disciplines is encouraged. Students should design, conduct, and evaluate independent scientific investigations. Earth and Environmental Science is a required course for graduation in the state of North Carolina.

Course Code:  33705X0C                        Fee (if applicable): $5

Offered at:  SBHS                                     Grade(s): 10,11,12

Recommendation: Biology

Students in Microbiology explore the microbial world, studying topics such as pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, laboratory procedures, identifying microorganisms, drug resistant organisms, and emerging diseases.  Students will develop a working understanding of the skills necessary to cultivate and study bacteria.  In this course, students learn microbiological techniques, such as preparation of agar plates, isolation of bacteria from food, serial dilution, and plating.  Focus of study on viruses and bacteria includes a survey of infectious diseases caused by these microorganisms.  Students should expect to develop an understanding of infectious diseases and the prevention/control of its spread.

Course Code:  34102X0C                       Fee (if applicable): $5

Offered at:  All High Schools                  Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Recommendation: Math 1

The Physical Science curriculum is designed to continue the investigation of the concepts as introduced in earlier grades that guide inquiry in the disciplines of Chemistry and Physics.  The curriculum includes Forces and Motion, Matter: Properties and Change, Energy: Conservation and Transfer.  Inquiry and laboratory activities will be an integral part of the curriculum experience.  This is not a required course but can fulfill one of the science credits required for graduation.

Course Code: 34305X0C                      Fee (if applicable): $5

Offered at:  NHS, RHS, SBHS,             Grade(s): 11,12

SWHS, WOHS

Recommendation: Math 3, Chemistry

Honors Physics uses the North Carolina Essential Standards for Physics as a foundation for more challenging and advanced study that enriches key topics and broadens the student’s view of the larger physics community including current research.  Substantial class time should be devoted to student-directed exploration and experimentation, and independent student investigation.  Honors Physics is an appropriate course for students with a strong mathematics and chemistry background.  Success in Honors Physics will require the student to: 1) operate with algebraic expressions to solve complex equations which include trigonometric functions, 2) use exponents to solve problems, and 3) describe graphically, algebraically, and verbally real-world phenomena as functions.  This course will stress problem-solving over a wide range of topics:  Kinematics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves, Optics and Electromagnetism.

Course Code:  3A057X0CAP                 Fee (if applicable): $5

Offered at: WOHS                                  Grade(s): 11, 12

Recommendation: Honors Math III

This course provides instruction in each of the following five content areas: Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.  A knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course; the basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in connection with physical concepts.  Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems should be the major goals of the course.  Consequently, the course should utilize guided inquiry and student-centered learning to foster the development of critical thinking skills.