Alton High SchoolDepartmentsGuidance |
Course DescriptionsDepartment: ScienceAnatomy and Physiology Honors – 0262H & 0263H Grades: 10 / 11 / 12 Length: Two Semesters Credits: 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 1 and either Chemistry 1 or IPS Honors recommendation form signed by most recent science teacher Recommendation: Health/Intro to Anatomy and Physiology Dual Credit: LCCC Description: Physiology is a detailed and more in-depth study of the structures and functions of the human body. It is structured as a high performance course in utilizing a college textbook. This course is strongly recommended for students going into medicine or other health related fields. This course will include at least two field trips, one to Washington University Medical School and Logan College of Chiropractic. Each student will prepare and present a research paper and a medical career project. Internet access is required. Field trips will require extra cost. Biology 2 Honors AP – 0476H Grades: 11 / 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1 Prerequisite: A or B in Biology 1 and a C in Chemistry Recommendation: High interest in science and self motivated Dual Credit: LCCC Description: This course is the equivalent of a college introductory biology class for biology majors. Laboratory experiments and lectures will provide an in-depth study of the cell, genetics, biotechnology, organic molecules, evolution, ecology, and the adaptations of plants and animals. Additional activities may include individual and group projects, water quality and environmental assessment, field trips, problem based learning projects and community based learning activities. Students will be given the opportunity to earn dual credit with LCCC. Computer and internet access are required. Prospective Biology 2 students must pick up their summer assignment packet during the week of spring finals from Ms. Zerow in room B305. The packet takes approximately twenty hours to complete and is due the first week of school in the fall. Field trips may require extra cost. Biology 1 – 0475T (9th grade only) 04750 (grades 10-12) Grades: 9 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1 Prerequisite: None Recommendation: None Description: This course will introduce the student to living organisms and their role in nature. Students will experience hands-on laboratory activities and lecture presentations. The following major units of study will be covered: the science process, chemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, classification with an overview of the five kingdoms, and ecology. This course is required for graduation. Non-Freshmen students will take Biology 1 during summer school. Biology 1 Honors – 0479T Grades: 9 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1 Prerequisite: Must meet honors criteria Recommendation: High interest in science, possess high order thinking skills and self-motivation Description: This course will introduce the student to living organisms and their sole role in nature: however, the curriculum is more challenging than Biology 1 (non-honors). Students will have many hands-on and problem solving activities. Molecular biology, cells, genetics, evolution, and other areas will be emphasized. Each student will prepare a research paper and a research project. Students will take one field trip. Special projects will require materials and Internet access. Field trips will require an extra cost. Chemistry 2 Honors – AP – 0489H Grades: 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1 Prerequisite: An A or B in Chemistry 1 or Chemistry 1 Honors; C or better in Algebra 2, Geometry Recommendation: Enrolled in Algebra 3/Geometry/Trigonometry or higher level math course Description: A scientific calculator is required for this course along with a composition notebook. This is a college chemistry course intended to prepare students for careers in natural science, health science, and engineering. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, laboratory experiments, and analytical thinking. Additional activities may include special reports, projects, demonstrations, and guest lectures. Chemistry 1 - 04850 Grades: 10 / 11 / 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1 Prerequisite: Sophomores shall have a “C” or better in Algebra 1 or an “A” in Algebraic Concepts 1; Juniors & Seniors shall have a “C” or better in Algebra 1 or Algebraic Concepts 2 Recommendation: Geometry or concurrent enrollment Description: A scientific calculator will be required for this course. The first year introductory course is a study of: (a) the importance of chemistry in the finds of science, health, engineering, and the environment, (b) the organization of chemistry based on the modern theory of matter and energy, (c) the use of laboratory experimentation to achieve understanding of chemical concepts and theory. Students learn through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, audio/visual equipment, reports and lab experiments. Emphasis is placed on achieving problem?solving skills, proper lab techniques, and safety. Chemistry 1 Honors – 04870 & 04880 Grades: 10 / 11 / 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1 Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Biology 1 and Algebra 1. Students with an A in Algebraic Concepts 1 or other students not meeting the above prerequisites may enter the course only with approval of the Chemistry 1 H instructor Recommendation: B or better in Algebra 1 and should be enrolled in Geometry or higher Description: This course will introduce the student to modern chemical theory and practice. Students will have the opportunity to develop a true understanding of chemical concepts through lectures, class discussions, audio/visual materials, and lab experiments. Students will be taught proper laboratory techniques and procedures and the correct use of laboratory equipment. Considerable time will be devoted to the development of problem solving skills. Earth Science - 04910 Grades: 11 / 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 1 and IPS or Chemistry. Sophomores not meeting these requirements may take this course with instructor’s permission. Recommendation: Students electing to take this course must be motivated to explore and learn about the physical processes taking place on our planet. Description: This elective lab course will study minerals, rocks, and economic geology. Additionally, the structure and composition of the earth’s surface, subsurface, and deep interior processes (both gradual and catastrophic) that alter the observed structure of the earth: rock transformations, mountain building, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanism. Finally, students will study the rock cycle, weathering, erosion, landforms, and isotope dating. Students will experience field trips, field studies, and laboratory work in this course along with class work. Fee: $15.00 to cover field trip expenses Environmental Science - 04900 Grades: 10/ 11 / 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2 Prerequisite: IPS or Chemistry 1 and Biology 1 Recommendation: Above average interest in science and environmental issues Description: Environmental Science is the study of interrelationships between humans and the natural world. This interdisciplinary course surveys: environmental science, ecosystems, biodiversity, and human impact. Current issues and sustainable solutions will be discussed and debated, with a focus on scientific problem-solving skills. Students with a wide range of science and social studies interests will benefit. Field Ecology - 04950 Grades: 12 Length: 1 Semester - Class meets 2 hours daily Credits: 1 Dual Credit: LCCC Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 1 with a C or better; successful completion of Chemistry 1 or IPS Recommendation: A field course based on field research. Approximately one?third of the course is held outdoors. Students must be willing to participate in all class activities in various weather conditions. Description: Field Ecology offers the student an in?depth study of the natural environment with considerable emphasis upon his/her role in nature. This study is based on several field research studies to nearby aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Laboratory work and scientific writing, both in the classroom and in the field, is emphasized. Students will participate in group projects, individual research project, and community based activities. Some student expense is involved. Fee: $15.00 to cover field trip expenses. Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology – 0266H Grades: 10 / 11 / 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2 Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in Health and successful completion of IPS, Chemistry 1 and Biology 1 Recommendation: Biology Description: This elective course will introduce students to the systems of the human body. Focus will be primarily on the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. This course is designed as a lab class including many dissections, inquiry labs and use of the microscope to identify tissues. A $5.00 lab fee will be charged. Meteorology and Astronomy - 04920 Grades: 10 / 11 / 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 1, and IPS or Chemistry. Sophomores not meeting these requirements may take this course with instructor’s permission. Recommendation: Students electing to take this course must be motivated to learn more about meteorology and astronomy. Description: This elective lab course will study the structure and composition of the atmosphere, the elements of weather and climate, weather patterns and storms, and Oceanography relating to weather systems. Additionally, the course will study the Earth’s relationship to the Sun, moon and other bodies in our Solar System as well as Earth’s place in the Cosmos. Students will experience field studies, and laboratory work in this course along with class work. Fee: $15.00 to cover field trip expenses. Physics 2 Honors – AP – 0517M & 0518M Grades: 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 2 (Course meets for the entire 4th hour lunch period. Students must bring their own lunch to class) Prerequisite: A or B in Physics 1 Honors and Algebra 1, concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus. Students not meeting these requirements may still be considered to take the course after a meeting with the Physics 2 Honors teacher. Recommendation: Above average interest in science; problem solving skills Description: In this course, students will study matter, energy, and the relationship between mass and energy. Students will experience hands-on, college-level laboratory activities, and lecture presentations. Problem solving and increasing problem solving ability will be emphasized. Guest lectures, field trips, and individual research will be offered. Students will be encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test in the spring. Field trips may require extra costs. Physics 1 - 05210 Grades: 11 / 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1 Prerequisite: Biology 1, Algebra 1 and Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2/Geometry Recommendation: Problem?solving skills and Chemistry 1 Description: This course will introduce the student to the relationship between matter and energy. Students will experience hands?on laboratory activities and lecture presentations. Field trips may require extra costs. Physics 1 Honors - 05250 Grades: 11 / 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1 Prerequisite: Biology 1, concurrent enrollment in Algebra2/Geometry, and must meet Honors criteria. Students not meeting these requirements may still be considered to take the course after a meeting with the Physics 1 Honors teacher. Recommendation: Problem?solving skills and Chemistry 1 Description: This course will introduce the student to the relationship between matter and energy. Students will experience hands?on laboratory activities and lecture presentations. Problem solving, increasing problem solving ability and acquisition of a working physics vocabulary will be emphasized. Field trips and guest lectures will be provided. Field trips may require extra cost. Zoology - 04800 Grades: 11 / 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2 Prerequisite: Grade of C in Biology 1, successful completion of either Chemistry 1 or IPS Recommendation: None Description: This elective lab course will study diversity of animal life including adaptations, behavior, and anatomy and physiology of several animal phyla. Animal phyla will include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and arthropods. Students will experience field trips, field studies, and laboratory work in this course along with class work. A lab and field trip fee of $15.00 will be charged per course (semester). |
Alton School District: 550 Landmarks Blvd. Suite A, Alton, IL 62002 | Phone: 618-474-2600 Fax: 618-463-2126
Alton High School: