Science

Length and Credit: Year /1.0 
Grade Level: 9 
The NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) Physics course focuses on the core ideas of physics: motion, forces, momentum, energy, waves, and electromagnetism while simultaneously teaching problem solving skills, innovation, design, and critical thinking. NGSS Physics is a highly engaging, lab-based course where students participate in frequent scientific inquiry and engineering design while emphasizing data collection, analysis, communication which lays the foundation for future high school science courses. Students will use technology to collect and analyze data as well as use data mines and simulations when direct observation or collection of data is not possible. This is the first science class of the three-year science sequence. 

Length and Credit: Year/1.0 
Grade Level: 10 
The NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) Chemistry course focuses on the core ideas of chemistry: atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical reactions, and chemical bonding. Earth science topics relating to weather and climate in the context of chemistry are also explored. Students will develop their problem solving skills, scientific literacy, and evidence-based reasoning. This class is the second science class of the three-year science sequence. Note: If students want to accelerate through the science curriculum, in order to take advanced courses their junior and/or senior year, we recommend students enroll in both chemistry and biology during their sophomore year. 

Length and Credit: Year/1.0 
Grade Level: 11th; 10th (if taken with NGSS Chemistry) 
This NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) Biology lab-based course covers the foundational principles of modern biology (the study of life) and focuses on molecular processes. The course is framed around the themes of structure and function as well as interaction and change. The Next Generation Life Science standards are covered in this course, and students participate in laboratory and engineering practices. Course content will include the studies of biochemistry, cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Technological, historical, political, and environmental aspects of biology will also be addressed. Content learned in NGSS Physics and NGSS Chemistry courses is built upon and expanded on in a biological context. Critical thinking and analysis are emphasized. This class is the third class of the three year science sequence. Note: If students want to accelerate through the science curriculum, in order to take advanced courses their junior and/or senior year, we recommend students enroll in both chemistry and biology during their sophomore year. 

Length and Credit: Year/1.5 
Prerequisite: NGSS Biology & NGSS Chemistry 
Grade Level: 11, 12 
An advanced second year course in biology using a laboratory approach to investigate anatomy, physiology, genetics, microbiology and diversity. Students will be prepared for and encouraged to take the AP exam at the end of this course. This is a dual credit course: Students earn credit at SHS and up to 12 college credits through LCC (General Biology 101, 102, 103) that may be transferable to other colleges and universities. 

Length and Credit: Year/1.0 
Prerequisite: NGSS Biology, NGSS Chemistry 
Corequisite: Algebra 2 
Grade Level: 11, 12 
AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level chemistry course. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics. Students may earn college credit if they pass the AP Exam. 

Length and Credit: Year/1.0 
Prerequisite: Geometry, Algebra 1 and NGSS Physics 
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 
An advanced second year course in Physics that reintegrates the math found in Algebra-based college level physics. This is a lab-based course in which students will discover the fundamental rules that govern our Universe. This includes the relationship between matter, energy, and the mathematics of nature. Major topics include motion, forces, momentum, energy, waves, and electricity. Students may earn college credit if they pass the AP Exam. 

Length and Credit: Year long/1.0 
Grade Level: 11, 12 
Prerequisites: NGSS Physics, NGSS Chemistry, NGSS Biology 
AP Environmental Science explores how the natural world works, the impact of human activities, and potential solutions to environmental challenges. Through case studies, current events, debates, math practice, and inquiry-based labs, students will develop scientific skills and critical thinking. This interdisciplinary course integrates biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and social sciences to analyze and address environmental issues. Students may earn college credit if they pass the AP Exam. 

Length and Credit: Semester/.5 
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 
This course presents a systematic approach to the study of the human body. Students then learn basic anatomy, physiology and terminology of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive. This class uses hands-on activities where students use clay to sculpt body systems on human skeleton models. 

Length and Credit: Year /1.0
Prerequisite: English 10
Grade Level: 11, 12
This is a college-level course offering an in-depth study of poetry, drama, modern literature, and nonfiction. Composition will focus on literary analysis, MLA format, and various modes of academic writing. There is an opportunity to earn college credit in this course.

Length and Credit: Semester/.5 
Prerequisite: Intro Anatomy & Physiology 
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 
Course focuses on human anatomy, physiology and terminology. Using probes/sensors, students collect data, graph and analyze various functions of the human body. It incorporates dynamic activities, inquiry-based projects & real-world experiences with facts that must be understood to pursue any career in healthcare. This course qualifies for 3 College Now credits (HO150). AFF credit if not taught by Science teacher.

Length and Credit: Semester/.5 
Corequisite: Intro Anatomy & Physiology 
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 
Course focuses on human anatomy, physiology and terminology. Using probes/sensors, students collect data, graph and analyze various functions of the human body. It incorporates dynamic activities, inquiry-based projects & real-world experiences with facts that must be understood to pursue any career in healthcare. This course qualifies for 3 College Now credits (HO150). AFF credit if not taught by Science teacher.

Length and Credit: Semester/.5 
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 
The course will take a detailed look at the natural history of Oregon. Students study geography, climate, geology, and biology found in various regions of the state. 

Length and Credit: Semester/.5 
Grade Levels: 11, 12 
Forensic Science is a hands-on investigative class where students learn, apply, and analyze chemistry, biology, and physics concepts as they solve forensic-based mysteries and simulated crimes. Students will act as “Crime Scene Investigators,” using science topics such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, the interactions of matter and energy, cell structure, and genetics, as they investigate and solve realistic forensic mysteries. This class is offered every other school year.