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Science

Charles County’s science program is that component of the school curriculum where student inquiry and discovery can develop and flourish. Science instruction encourages examining, probing, questioning, and exploring. It allows students to cultivate personal strategies for learning and problem solving. Each student must earn a minimum of three credits in science as a requirement for graduation. The recommended sequence for science includes Earth Systems, Biology, and Chemistry. Levels of classes are offered to meet a variety of instructional and educational needs. Advanced Placement courses are also offered.

  • Advanced Placement (AP) courses are provided for the student who has demonstrated the ability to move beyond enrichment level content and skills acquisition based on achievement and interest. AP science courses are fast-paced and support students in cultivating important skills and habits of mind that are essential for college and career readiness through hands-on immersion into the content.
     
  • Honors courses are designed for students who have an interest in science, the ability to move beyond grade level in content, and the willingness to work independently on projects.
     
  •  A Level courses are designed for students whose career choices may require skills and content knowledge in science and who have demonstrated mastery of appropriate basic skills.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
047310                                      1 credit             Grades 11, 12                           Code: W*

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination. This course involves an intensive study of college-level biology. Advanced mathematics may be employed in the solution of problems and laboratory analysis.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
047110                                      1 credit             Grades 11, 12                           Code: W*

Prerequisite: Chemistry; Algebra II is recommended and may be taken concurrently

This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination. This course involves an intensive study of college-level general chemistry. Advanced mathematics may be employed in the solution of problems and laboratory analysis.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
044510                                      1 credit             Grades 11, 12                           Code: W*

Prerequisite: Algebra I, Biology, and Chemistry (may be taken concurrently)

This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination. This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

Advanced Placement Physics 1: Algebra-Based
047220                                      1 credit             Grades 11, 12                           Code: W*

Prerequisite: Algebra II (may be taken concurrently)

This course is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. This course helps students to develop a deep understanding of introductory physics content and focus on applying their knowledge through inquiry labs. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. This course will also introduce students to electric circuits. Students will be able to apply their knowledge through inquiry labs.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 2: ALGEBRA-BASED
047221                                      1 credit             Grade 12                                  Code: W*

Prerequisite: AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based or Honors Physics with PreCalculus concurrently and instructor’s approval

This course is the equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. This course helps students to develop a deep understanding of physics content through inquiry-based learning and focus on the development of scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. The course covers fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C
047230                                      1 credit             Grade 12                                  Code: W*

Prerequisite: Concurrently taking AP Calculus and completion of AP Physics 1

This course forms the first part of the college sequence for students planning to major in the physical sciences or engineering. Methods of calculus are used whenever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. This course is more intensive and analytic than the B course. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. The subject matter of the C course is principally mechanics and electricity and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis on these two areas.

BIOLOGY (HONORS)
042510                                      1 credit             Grade 10                                  Codes: EOC, W

Prerequisite: Earth Systems or concurrent enrollment in Biomed, CNA, PLTW Engineering

This course provides an in-depth investigation of biological principles and concepts with a special emphasis on open-ended laboratory investigations. Higher-level process skills (i.e. analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating data) are emphasized.

BIOLOGY (A LEVEL)
042511                                      1 credit             Grade 10                                  Code: EOC

Prerequisite: Earth Systems

This course provides an investigation of biological principles and concepts, and emphasizes an interpretative method of investigation utilizing process skills such as organizing, analyzing, and graphing. Class activities include numerous laboratory exercises.

BIOLOGY (INDIVIDUALIZED)
04982V or W                            1 credit             Grade 10                                  Code: EOC

Prerequisite: Earth Systems

This course increases the student’s information about life processes, plant and animal life, human systems, communicable diseases, and health. This course is available to students upon recommendation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) committee and the development of an IEP.

CHEMISTRY (HONORS)
043010                                      1 credit             Grades 10, 11, 12                     Code: W

Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I

This course provides an in-depth investigation of the concepts and principles of chemistry. Topics to be studied include chemical bonding, the nature of matter, periodicity, electrochemistry, quantitative relationships, and oxidation-reduction. Higher-level process skills such as analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating data will be emphasized. Class activities will also include numerous laboratory investigations.

CHEMISTRY (A LEVEL)
043011                                      1 credit             Grades 10, 11, 12                    

Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I

This course focuses on areas of investigation include periodicity, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, etc. Emphasis will be placed on an interpretive method of investigation utilizing process skills such as observing, organizing, analyzing, and graphing. Laboratory experiences are designed to familiarize students with chemical reactions and to develop skills in using laboratory equipment.

CHEMISTRY (INDIVIDUALIZED)
04996V or W                            1 credit             Grades 10, 11, 12                    

Prerequisite: Biology (may be taken concurrently)

This course emphasizes problem-solving and decision-making skills. It explores the impact of chemistry on society by addressing chemistry related technological issues that are relevant to the community and society. Students learn concepts that are needed to understand societal issues through classroom laboratory investigations, demonstrations, and discussions. This course is available to students upon recommendation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Committee and the development of an IEP.

EARTH SYSTEMS (HONORS)
041520                                      1 credit             Grade 9                                    Code: W

This course provides an in-depth investigation of energy systems that exist on Earth. Earth’s history, human impact, stellar evolution, and climate models are covered with a special emphasis on inquiry-based laboratory investigations. Students will engage in the practices of science and engineering to construct their understanding of the natural environment, the processes that bring about change, and the impact of earth and space science on society.

EARTH SYSTEMS (A LEVEL)
041521                                      1 credit             Grade 9                                   

This course will provide a comprehensive study of Earth systems while establishing concepts that will prepare students for physics and chemistry. Students are encouraged to develop problem solving skills, lab techniques, and knowledge pertinent to the science, drawing relevant connections with the physical sciences.

EARTH SYSTEMS (INDIVIDUALIZED)
04152I, V, or W                         1 credit             Grade 9                                   

This course develops each student’s information and problem-solving skills through activities and experiences in the areas of Earth’s history, human impact, stellar evolution, and climate. There will also be an emphasis on relating the content of Earth systems to the everyday life experiences of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
048224                                     1 credit             Grades 11, 12                          

This course introduces students to the basics of human anatomy and physiology. Students will survey the structures and functions of human tissues, organs, and organ systems through hands-on laboratory experiences. Techniques will include dissections, applications of specific medical technologies, and data collection related to physiological processes. The application of concepts covered related to medical and health careers will be explored.

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (HONORS)
043043                                      1 credit             Grade 12                                 

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry

Students will understand the structure and reactivity of organic molecules.  They will predict bonding and three-dimensional structure, including chirality of organic compounds.  Students will be able to predict the reactivity of specific functional groups, and construct efficient, simple mechanistic pathways for the synthesis of a given compound. 

PHYSICS (HONORS)
043510                                      1 credit             Grades 11, 12                           Code: W

Prerequisite: Algebra II (may be taken concurrently)

This course provides an in-depth investigation of concepts and principles of physics. Topics to be investigated include motion, force, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear reaction. Higher-level process skills such as analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating data will be emphasized. Class activities will also include numerous laboratory investigations.

PHYSICS (A LEVEL)
043511                                      1 credit             Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Algebra II (may be taken concurrently)

This course provides an investigation into the interrelationships and physical properties of matter and energy. Topics to be studied through experimentation, discussion, and reasoning are motion, magnetism, force, electricity, and energy. Appropriate demonstrations and investigations will also be included.

PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
043050                                      1 credit             Grades 11, 12                           Codes: CC, W*

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and concurrently enrolled in Honors Chemistry

The course will include anatomy, physiology, and an introduction to pathophysiology in each body system.  There will also be planned laboratory experiences that will include dissections.  This course provides students with an introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the structure and function of human systems, basic chemistry, cell structure and function, tissues, and the skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems.  Students who enroll in this course have the opportunity for dual enrollment at the College of Southern Maryland. 

SCIENCE LAB ASSISTANT I
049940                                      ½ credit            Grades 11, 12

SCIENCE LAB ASSISTANT II
049960                                      ½ credit            Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Biology, Chemistry, or Physics and approval of department chairperson

The purpose of the laboratory assistant program is to provide an opportunity for individual research as well as provide trained personnel to assist in the science department. Students will earn one-half credit for each year of satisfactory performance up to a maximum of one credit.