Science
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The 2010 Mississippi Science Framework is comprised of three content strands: Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science. The five process strands are Science as Inquiry, Unifying Concepts and Processes, Science and Technology, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, and the History and Nature of Science. The three content strands along with the five process strands combine to provide continuity to the teaching of K-12 science. Even though the process strands are not listed throughout the framework, these strands should be incorporated when presenting the content of the curriculum. The content strands and process strands overlap and should be integrated and embedded throughout teachers' daily lesson plans.
Science
COURSE SEQUENCE - course sequence is tied to mathGrade 9 Biology Grade 10 Chemistry (Algebra II pre- or co-requisite) or Physical Science
(Algebra I as a Pre- or co-requisite)Grade 11 Select a Physical Science, Life Science or Earth Space Science Grade 12 Select a Physical Science, Life Science or Earth Space Science Life Science Electives: Biology I: Genetics; Botany; Zoology; Human Anatomy and Physiology
Physical Science Electives: Physical Science; Physics; Chemistry
Earth Space Science Electives: Earth and Space SciencePhysical Science
Description: Physical Science is an introductory course that will investigate basic chemistry and basic physics. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of consumable materials.Credit Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Biology I; Algebra I is desired
Length of Class: 2 semestersBiology I
Description: Biology is designed to give the student a precise understanding of the basic concepts of biology. The course also stresses the underlying and unifying principles in biological form. It begins with molecular and cellular biology, from which it logically moves into reproduction and genetics. From there it moves to evolution and then into classification, thus providing the basic structure of biological principles on which to build further concepts and facts. Culminating the course, the student should be aware of interrelationships of the importance of life to human welfare. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of consumable materials.Credit Unit: 1
Prerequisite: none
Length of Class: 2 semestersHuman Anatomy and Physiology
Description: The course will deal exclusively with the anatomy and physiology of the systems in the human body. Laboratory work, including dissection of a representative vertebrate specimen, is an integral part of this course. there is a laboratory fee to cover the cost of consumable materials.Credit Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Biology I and Algebra I
Length of Class: 2 semestersChemistry I
Description: This course includes an application of quantitative reasoning, the metric system, the mole concept, chemical equations and calculations, atomic structure, periodic chart, periodicity of the element, introduction to the Quantum theory, chemical bonding, chemical energy, kinetics and equilibrium, electrolytes and solubility, and introduction to organic chemistry. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of consumable materials. It is strongly recommended that a student possess a high level of abstract reasoning and competency in mathematical skills.Credit Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Biology I are required. It is highly recommended that students be in Algebra II or have completed Algebra II
Length of Class: 2 semestersAdvanced Placement Chemistry
Description: The AP Chemistry course is designed to closely parallel the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Students in such a course should attain a depth of understanding of the fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course should contribute to the development of the students' ability to think clearly and to express their ideas orally and in writing with clarity and logic. The topics covered emphasize chemical calculations, the mathematical formulation of principles, and laboratory work. Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics treated, the time spent on the course by the students, and the nature and variety of experiments done in the laboratory. During the final portion of the course, emphasis is placed on qualitative analysis in the laboratory. Students are required to take the AP Chemistry Exam in May. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of consumable materials.Credit Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra II; Pre-Calculus; Calculus is desired
Length of Class: 2 semestersHonors Physics
Description: This course is a scientific and mathematical exploration of the physical laws and principles. Topics covered in this course include motion in one and two dimensions, forces, vectors, universal gravitation, momentum and its conservation, work, power, simple machines, energy and its conservation, waves, sound, light, reflection and refraction, mirrors and lenses, static electricity, electric currents, series and parallel circuits, and magnetic fields. Students in this course should be able to think logically and be able to use inductive and deductive reasoning. They should also be able to express their ideas with clarity, both orally and in writing. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of consumable materialsCredit Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra II, Geometry, and Trigonometry
Length of Class: 2 semestersAdvanced Placement Biology
AP Lab
Description: AP Biology is a college-level course designed for those interested in Biology. Upon successful completion of the course, the student is required to take a national advanced placement exam in biology. A successful score on the exam will enable the student to receive credit for freshman Biology at most universities. The course requires an extensive amount of outside study time compared to most courses, and the amount of work required is comparable to that in a freshman college Biology class. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of consumable materials.Credit Unit: 1/2
Prerequisite: Biology I and one other Biology course, with Chemistry recommendation or taken concurrently.
Length of Class: 2 semestersZoology
Description: Zoology is a laboratory-based course that will survey the nine major phyla of the Kingdom Animalia. Morphology, taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology will be investigated. Students will be required to participate in dissections of various animals. Comparative studies may be addressed during laboratory observations and dissections. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of consumable materials.Credit Unit: 1/2
Prerequisite: Biology I
Length of Class: 1 semesterGenetics
Description: Genetics is a laboratory-based course that will explore the principles of classical genetics including the relationship between traits and patterns of inheritance within organisms. Population genetics, genetic variations among individuals, and applications of modern advances in genetics will be investigated. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of consumable materials.Credit Unit: 1/2
Prerequisite: Biology I
Length of Class: 1 semesterEarth Science
Description: Earth Science covers topics related to the structure of the earth, oceans, atmosphere, and universe. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of consumable materialsCredit Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Biology I
Length of Class: 2 semestersAllied Health Cluster I (Medical Technology)
Description: The course will cover careers in the board areas of dentistry, medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, funeral services and other related health careers. Second-year students will participate in a work experience internship programs at local health service institutions, clinics, and offices. This program is both academically and technically challenging. To be successful in this program, an overall average of "C" is required. Allied Health Cluster I introduces the student to the health careers field, the basic health science, and the basic skills in the laboratory. Upon completion of the first year, the student should be competent as a general basic health assistant. Allied Health Cluster I exposes the student to advanced skill in the various health occupations. Students will apply these skills during clinical experience rotations in selected healthcare facilities.Credit Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I with a "C" average or better; completion of Biology I with a "C" average or better.
Length of Class: 2 semesters