ENGLISHESLCONSUMER SCIENCESARTMUSICMATHEMATICS
PHYS. ED.SCIENCESOCIAL STUDIESTECH-EDTECH CENTERWORLD LANGUAGE
 

McKeesport Area High School
SCIENCE

Marla Hayes, Department Head

 

 



ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Applied Biology or Biology 1 or Honors Biology.

Anatomy and Physiology is a course designed to acquaint the high school student with the structure and function of the human body.  The course begins at the cellular level with a review of the cell and their functions.  The student progresses to cellular division with an in-depth study of DNA fingerprinting using Gel Electrophoresis and karyotyping.  Extensive study of tissues included the types, functions and locations in the body.  The final phase of the course is a study of each of the eleven systems.  Activities, labs, research paper, and guest presenters help the student achieve a better understanding of the human body.



APPLIED BIOLOGY
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Basic Math Skills and Understanding of Metric System.

The highly motivational program in Biology and Biotechnology integrates science and technology with key elements of the human system.  This program focuses on two primary study areas:  (1) a knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts of biology, (2) an understanding of the human body and its associated life processes with an emphasis on health awareness.  A wide variety of instruments and computers are used to physically demonstrate everyday applications of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, ecology, and health related subjects.  This course is designed as a minimum requirement for students planning for post secondary study in an associate degree program.  It may also serve as a final course in biology.



APPLIED CHEMISTRY
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Passed Algebra 1 or CORD Math.

This course prepares students for entrance into an associate degree program and for future employment as a technician in industry or in a medical field.  It may also serve as a terminal chemistry course.  The focus is on the application of scientific concepts through traditional classroom instruction, laboratory demonstrations and selected laboratory experiments that can be safely accomplished in one class period.  The course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge in the following concepts:  The Scientific Method, Mathematical Measurements and Conversions in the following areas:  Matter and Energy, Atomic Structure, Chemical Nomenclature, Formulas, The Periodic Table and Periodicity, Chemical Bonding, The Gas Laws, Solution Chemistry and Nuclear and Environmental Chemistry.



APPLIED PHYSICS
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Passed Algebra 1 or CORD Math.

Applied Physics is a course of science that has a more "hands-on" approach to practical physics.  The course deals with the study of motion, force, heat, simple machines, electricity, energy, and scientific calculations.  The class is used to show (through labs, lecture, and related projects) how physics is related to the real world.



BIOLOGY 1 WITH LAB
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Passed or taking Algebra 1
Prerequisite Requirement for ninth grade:  Must have an overall 85% average.

Biology is the study of the living world and how organisms interact with their environment.  The course offers a balance between textual and investigative material.  The major biological concepts are covered in the following themes:  cell biology, heredity, evolution, classification, microbiology, zoology, and botany.  Historical achievements, present and future impacts of biology and careers are included.  This course is recommended for students planning to pursue a post-high school education.



BIOLOGY 2 WITH LAB
full year
1 credit
7 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Biology 1/Lab or Honors Biology with Minimum grade Average in the 80% or better range.  Chemistry 1/Lab, Instructor recommendation.

This is an advanced academic course designed to present those topics associated with advanced contemporary biological studies.  Major topics for a detailed investigation include:  biochemistry, molecular biology, DNA science, genetics, microbiology, zoology, and botany and contemporary social issues dealing with biological problems as they relate to the developing biotechnology industry, advances in medicine, and current forensic science techniques and procedures.  This course is recommended for the serious student who seeks a career in a science related field such as in forensic science, medicine, biotechnology, or criminal justice.  Laboratory activities involve both short term and long term investigation.



CHEMISTRY 1 WITH LAB
full year
1 credit
6 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Passed Algebra 1.

This course prepares students for entrance into a four year college program for enrollment in science and engineering fields.  The focus is on the application of scientific concepts through traditional classroom instruction and weekly laboratory experiments reinforcing classroom materials.  The course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge and mathematical skills involving differential analysis (the solving of problems using units as a guide) in the following concepts:  the scientific method stoichiometry, matter and energy, atomic structure, electronic structure and molecular geometry, chemical nomenclature, formulas, the periodic table and periodicity, chemical bonding and the gas laws.



CHEMISTRY 2 WITH LAB
full year
1 credit
7 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Minimum Chemistry 1 Grade Average in the 80% or above range.  Minimum overall grade average in the "good" range, Instructor recommendation.

This course is a second course in chemistry that studies in greater depth selected chemical topics and concepts.  The course utilizes available chemical technologies in the required laboratory period.  Chemistry 2 is recommended for students who plan to major in a science field, medical field, or other related professional fields.*  Emphasis is placed on quantum mechanics, stoichiometry, modern bonding theory, modern acid-base theory, thermodynamics, chemical systems at equilibrium, solution chemistry, and acid-base titrations.

*Such as a chemist, chemical engineering, nursing, X-ray technology, pre-med, pharmacy, laboratory technologies, environmental sciences, etc.



ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Biology, Chemistry 1 & Lab, or Applied Chemistry.

Environmental Science is designed to expand the students knowledge of the environment and the impact of humans on the environment.  The course has a balanced approach to the diverse study of our environment.  Emphasis is placed on the study of science and development of thinking and decision-making skills.  The course is separated into three units.  The first is a basic knowledge of the biosphere, biomes, populations, and interactions of ecosystems.  Second, an extensive study of limnology, soil, and air composition.  Finally, the impacts of human activities on the environment is explored.  The goal is to provide students with the science background they need to analyze many of the issues concerning our environment.



HONORS BIOLOGY
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Minimum overall grade point average in the 90% or better range, "A" average in Science.  Successful completion of or currently taking Algebra I.

Biology is the science that seeks to understand, explain and even control the living world by observing, asking questions and forming hypotheses that can be tested by experimentation.  The course offers a balance between textual and investigative material.  Honors Biology is taught in a series of units grouped into six basic themes:  cytology, genetics, evolution and classification, microbiology, zoology, and botany.  Historical achievements, career paths and future impacts of biology are included.  Special projects beyond class time are required.



ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Chemistry 1 or Applied Chemistry with Teacher recommendation.

This course is a study of carbon compounds and its derivatives.  Carbon chemistry has application in related areas such as molecular biology, biochemistry, and medical (professional and technical) fields.  Emphasis is placed on nomenclature, structure, preparation, and selective reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatics.



PHYSICAL SCIENCE
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week

Physical Science is a science that deals with matter and energy and their relationships.  The course is taught in three major units.  The introductory unit includes lab measurements and an introduction to applying tech writing to laboratory exercises scientific calculations.  The physics unit includes the study of motion, heat, simple machines, light and electricity.  The chemistry unit includes the nature of matter, chemical bonds, the periodic table, chemical reactions, acids, bases, salts, and solutions.



PHYSICS 1 WITH LAB
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Passed Algebra, and a "70%" or better in Geometry.

Physics is the study of how items in our world work.  The course deals with the study of motion, force, vectors, simple machines, energy, wave motion, and scientific calculations.  The class is used to show how physics is related to the real world through labs, lecture/demonstrations and related projects.  The focus of the class is algebra based calculations.



PHYSICS 2 WITH LAB
full year
1 credit
5 periods/week
Prerequisite Requirement:  Grade of "80%" or better in Physics 1.  Had or currently enrolled in Trigonometry.

An advance continuation of Physics 1.  This course covers the principals of density, fluids, simple harmonic motion, waves and sound, electricity, magnetism, light, lenses and mirrors, relativity, and Modern Physics.  The class demonstrates the theory of these principals through lecture and related activities.  Lab demonstrations and projects relate Physics to real world applications.  Physics 2 is recommended to students who plan to major in Physics, engineering or other related scientific fields.  The majority of calculations are Algebra based with Trigonometry and Calculus applications.

This science course follows the recommended science sequence and specifically related science concepts to the student's apprenticeship experience.



 



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