• SCIENCE

    405   BIOLOGY I 

    Grades 9-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    The State of Indiana requires that all students pass Biology I in order to graduate, regardless of the diploma type.  This is a Core 40 and AHD Life Science course based on Indiana’s Academic Standards for Biology.  Many of the other Core 40 science requirements require a passing grade in Biology I before a student can take that course.  Biology I is a course based on the following core topics: cellular chemistry, structure and reproduction; matter cycles and energy transfer; interdependence of organisms; molecular basis of heredity; genetics and evolution.  Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures.

     

    416   INTEGRATED CHEMISTRY-PHYSICS (ICP)  

    Grades 10-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Prerequisite: Algebra I (may be taken concurrently with this course)

    This is a Core 40 and AHD Physical Science course based on Indiana’s Academic Standards for Integrated Chemistry- Physics.  Integrated Chemistry-Physics is a course focused on the following core topics: motion and energy of macroscopic objects; chemical, electrical, mechanical and nuclear energy; properties of matter; transport of energy; magnetism; energy production and its relationship to the environment and economy. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures.

     

    420   EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE I 

    Grades 9
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    This course is a Core 40 and AHD course based on Indiana’s Academic Standards for Earth and Space Science I.  Earth and Space Science I is a course focused on the following core topics: study of the earth’s layers; atmosphere and hydrosphere; structure and scale of the universe; the solar system and earth processes. Students analyze and describe earth’s interconnected systems and examine how earth’s materials, landforms, and continents are modified across geological time. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures. 

     

    434   ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

    Grades 11-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Prerequisite:  Biology I

    This is a core 40 and AHD Life Science course based on Indiana’s Academic Standards for Anatomy and Physiology.  Anatomy & Physiology is a course in which students investigate concepts related to Health Science, with emphasis on interdependence of systems and contributions of each system to the maintenance of a healthy body. It introduces students to the cell, which is the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms, and covers tissues, integument, skeleton, muscular and nervous systems as an integrated unit. Through instruction, including laboratory activities, students apply concepts associated with Human Anatomy & Physiology. 

     

    437   CHEMISTRY I

    Grades 10-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Prerequisites:  Biology I and Algebra I

    This is a core 40 and AHD Physical Science course based on Indiana’s Academic Standards for Chemistry I.  Chemistry I is a course based on the following core topics: properties and states of matter; atomic structure; bonding; chemical reactions; solution chemistry; behavior of gases, and organic chemistry. Students enrolled in Chemistry I compare, contrast, and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures. 

     

    444H  CHEMISTRY, C101/121 ACP (IU Dual Credit) 

    Grades 11-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Prerequisite: Algebra I

    Students selecting this course should have taken Algebra I and earned a grade of  C or better, have a GPA of 2.70 or above on a 4.00 scale through their most recently completed semester of high school and have completed 9th grade.  This is a Core 40 and AHD Physical Science course that corresponds to Indiana University’s C101 Elementary Chemistry I course. Essential principles of chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, bonding, properties and reactions of elements and compounds, stoichiometry, solutions, and acids and bases. Students must be concurrently enrolled in C121 which covers the basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry, basic mathematical and conceptual principles in atomic structure and periodic properties, molecular structure, chemical bonding, energy (thermochemistry), kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics.

    All students must be accepted and enrolled by Indiana University's Advance College Project.  This is a dual credit course in which students receive two credits toward a high school diploma and may also receive up to five semester hours of college credit through the IU ACP program.  

     

    447   PHYSICS 1 

    Grades 10-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Prerequisite:  Algebra I

    This is a Core 40 and AHD Physical Science course based on Indiana’s Academic Standards for Physics I.  Physics I is a course focused on the following core topics: motion and forces; energy and momentum; electric circuits; vibrations and waves. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures.  This course qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course. 

     

    462H  PHYSICS I: AP ALGEBRA-BASED

    Grades 10-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Prerequisite:  Algebra II (can be taken currently)

    AP Physics I is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. AP Physics I: Algebra-Based is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits.  Students are strongly encouraged to take the Physics I AP exam to potentially earn college credit.  This course qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course. 

     

    464H   BIOLOGY: ADVANCED PLACEMENT

    Grades 11-12

    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits
    Prerequisites:  Biology I and Chemistry I 

    AP Biology is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. The major themes of the course include: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life, Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis, Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes, Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. This qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course.

     

    466   ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE I

    Grades 11-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Prerequisite:  two credits of a Core 40 science course

    Environmental Science I is an interdisciplinary course that integrates biology, earth science, chemistry, and other disciplines. Students enrolled in this course conduct in-depth scientific studies of ecosystems, population dynamics, resource management, and environmental consequences of natural and anthropogenic processes. Students formulate, design, and carry out laboratory and field investigations as an essential course component. Students completing Environmental Science acquire the essential tools for understanding the complexities of national and global environmental systems. Labs include outdoor collection of data, and are geared toward problem solving and understanding issues associated with environmental problems often found in headlines.

     

    467H   ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ADVANCED PLACEMENT

    Grades 11-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry I  

    AP Environmental Science is a course based on content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. Students enrolled in AP Environmental Science investigate 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. Labs will be drawn from those suggested by the College Board, including outdoor collection of data and data analysis, and those which are geared toward problem solving and understanding issues associated with environmental problems. This qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course. 

     

    468 Biology 101/101L VU 

    Grade 9
    2 Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Biology I is a course based on the following core topics: cellular structure and function, matter cycles and energy transfer; interdependence; inheritance and variation in traits; evolution. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation, by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory, and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures

    469 Biology: Connections and Impacts 100/100L VU

    Grade 10-12

    1 Trimester, 1 Credit

    3 Credit Hours

    Prerequisite: Biology or Biology 101/101L

    Hands-on, inquiry methods will be used to investigate characteristics, processes, and phenomena common to humans and their environment; writing and testing hypotheses, analyzing results, drawing conclusions, and communicating results clearly to others will be emphasized. The importance and role of ethics in science will also be discussed. This course is a transferIN course. 3 lecture hours.

     

    644  PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

    Grades 10-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    PLTW Principles of the Biomedical Sciences provides an introduction to this field through “hands-on” projects and problems. Student work involves the study of human medicine, research processes and an introduction to bioinformatics.  Students investigate the human body systems and various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases.  A theme through the course is to determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person.  After determining the factors responsible for the death, the students investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life.  Key biological concepts included in the curriculum are: homeostasis, metabolism, inheritance of traits, feedback systems, and defense against disease.  Engineering principles such as the design process, feedback loops, fluid dynamics, and the relationship of structure to function will be included where appropriate.  The course is designed to provide an overview of all courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and to lay the scientific foundation necessary for student success in the subsequent courses.  This counts as a core 40 science requirement for all diplomas. 

     

    648 HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS

    Grades 10-12
    Two Trimesters, 2 Credits

    Human Body Systems is a course designed to engage students in the study of basic human physiology and the care and maintenance required to support the complex systems. Using a focus on human health, students will employ a variety of monitors to examine body systems (respiratory, circulatory, and nervous) at rest and under stress, and observe the interactions between the various body systems. Students will use appropriate software to design and build systems to monitor body functions.

    Prerequisite:  Principles of Biomedical Science

     

    5217 Medical Interventions

    Grades 11-12

    One Trimester, 2 periods, 2 Credits

    Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Science

    Medical Interventions is a course that studies medical practices including interventions to support humans in treating disease and maintaining health. Using a project-based learning approach, students will investigate various medical interventions that extend and improve quality of life, including gene therapy, pharmacology, surgery, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and supportive care. Students will also study the design and development of various interventions. Lessons will cover the history of organ transplants and gene therapy with additional readings from current scientific literature addressing cutting edge developments. NOTE: This course aligns with the PLTW Medical Interventions curriculum. Use of the PLTW Curriculum may require additional training and membership in the PLTW network.