This course reviews and strengthens comprehension of basic concepts in life, earth, and physical science topics. The course will meet one of the science requirements for graduation and is offered to students considering college or technical training beyond high school.

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Course Name: Earth Science
Prerequisites: None
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 9

This course is offered to students entering 9th grade who have experienced problems in middle school science and/or math. It is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the earth, its materials, the relationship between earth and the solar system, the atmosphere, weather and climate, the ocean, the earth's surface and the earth's geological history. Earth science will also address environmental concerns. This course is not recommended for those students who plan to study chemistry and/or physics and is not accepted as a science prerequisite for college by the Tennessee Board of Regents or the UT system.

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Course Name: Physical Science
Prerequisites: None
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 9-10

Physical science is the study of matter and energy and their relationship to the environment. Emphasis is placed on the scientific methods, forms, and changes in matter, energy, electricity, waves and technology. This course is recommended for those students who plan to study chemistry and/or physics.

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Course Name: Life Science
Prerequisites: None
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 10-11

This course includes a study of the treatment of cells, plants, animals, heredity, the human body and ecology. Both process skills and thinking skills are stressed to help develop a wide range of learning in life science. This course is not accepted as a science prerequisite for college by the Tennessee Board of Regents or the UT system.

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Course Name: Biology I
Prerequisites: 1 unit of 9th grade science
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 10-11

Biology I is the study of all living things. This course focuses on major life processes in the five kingdoms while also stressing interaction among organisms and adaptation to their environments. Laboratory work is included. This is a GATEWAY course.

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Course Name: Chemistry
Prerequisites: Algebra I
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 11-12

This course includes the chemical properties of matter and the change which takes place during interactions. It includes the chemistry of matter and energy, atomic theory and atomic structure as they apply to organic and inorganic chemistry. The student's ability to reason and understand written problems is essential.

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Course Name: Ecology
Prerequisites: Biology I
Semesters: 2
Credits:1
Grade:11-12

Ecology is the study of the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. Topics to covered in the course include cycles in nature, population dynamics, ecological succession, people and the biosphere, and pollution and environmental health.

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Course Name: Physics
Prerequisites: Algebra I and II, Geometry
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 11-12

This course is a study of the physical properties of matter including the science of measurement and the relationship between matter, energy and momentum. This course also includes the study of wave motion, light ,heat and electricity.

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Course Name: Biology II
Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Grade: 11-12

Biology II provides students with advanced studies in the biological sciences. This course is designed to give students interested in a medical related career or biological research a broader background and to strengthen their competency in the life sciences. This course involves extensive laboratory work, major dissections, and comparative anatomy in animal phyla.

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Course Name: AP Biology
Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1

The AP Biology is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course of high school biology as well as chemistry. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of bilogy. Topics covered include molecules and cells; heredity and evolution; and organisms and populations. This class prepares studnet for the AP test which is prepared and grades by the College Board. A passing grade in the class does not guarantee a passing grade on the AP exam. A fee for the AP test is required. While the AP test results are accepted at most colleges, the student is responsible for determining its acceptability at the college of choice.
Registration requirements/prerequisites for AP Biology:

1. Complete the application form by the assigned deadline.
2. Receive positive recommendations for the Biology or Chemistry instructor and the principal/principal's designee
3. Parent and student attend an orientation meeting with the AP instructor
4. Parent and student sign a performance contract

**9th grade students will be placed in science courses based on 8th grade TCAP and EXPLORE results.

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