A total of three years of science is required for graduation.  Earth & Space Science, Biology and Physical Science are graduation requirements.  To meet the Physical Science requirement students may take either (1) Chemistry and Physics, or (2) Physical Science-C and Physical Science-P, or (3) Physical Science-C and Physics, or (4) Chemistry and Physical Science-P.  Physical Science-C & Physical Science-P are each a semester long, while Chemistry and Physics are EACH year long courses.   

Parents and students need to be aware that admission to a Regents university (Iowa, Iowa State, and Northern Iowa), in general, requires two years from Biology or Chemistry or Physics.  Students planning to attend a Regents’ school need to take one year of either Chemistry or Physics instead of two semesters of Physical Science.  There may be higher requirements for admission to more specialized areas, such as engineering and health sciences.  Students should address all questions to their college/university of choice.  More information can be found at: 
http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/building-your-future-pdf1833C832.pdf.   

After completion of Earth & Space Science, students may take two classes at a time.  While enrolled in Biology, students may also enroll in Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Environmental Science, Physical Science-C, or Physical Science-P concurrently.  Students may continue to take any other electives listed below during their 11th and 12th grade years while completing the Physical Science Requirement. Advanced Anatomy/Physiology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Advanced Physics cannot be taken before a student’s junior year due to prerequisites.

Additional Science Electives:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
• AP Chemistry
• Advanced Physics

EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE: Grade 9, Year=2 CR, No Prerequisite, RAI Approved

• This interdisciplinary course consists of studying the Earth, space, and the environment. It is the first required course in the science sequence and should be taken by all 9th graders. Topics covered include the universe and its stars, history of the Earth and Earth systems, weather and climate, and human sustainability. Throughout this course, students will learn about and practice skills, such as: obtaining and using evidence to engage in scientific argument and developing and using models to explain and test scientific ideas. #5700

EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE HONORS: Grade 9, Year=2 CR, No Prerequisite, RAI Approved

• Earth and Space Science is the first required course in the science sequence and should be taken by all 9th graders. The honors section will be taught at an accelerated pace and at a deeper level. Pace will be determined by content placement pre-assessments. Topics covered include: the universe and its stars, history of the Earth and Earth systems, weather and climate, and human sustainability. Throughout this course, students will learn about and practice skills, such as: obtaining and using evidence to engage in scientific argument and developing and using models to explain and test scientific ideas. The addition of unit topics and project based learning will be determined by student achievement. # 5701

BIOLOGY: Grade 10, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Earth & Space Science, RAI Approved

• Biology is the second required course in the science sequence and should be taken by all 10th graders. Topics covered include: cells, genetics, evolution, ecology. Students will engage in laboratory investigations to analyze data to develop and support scientific explanations using evidence. The course will also have students use and develop models to explain scientific phenomena and concepts. #5104

AP BIOLOGY: Grade 10, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Earth & Space Science, RAI Approved
Note:  The Advanced Placement program provides willing and academically prepared high school students with the opportunity to study and learn at the college level.  AP courses are taught at the college level incorporating both college level reading and writing.  The College Board does not deny any student from taking an AP course; however, students should be academically prepared.  OHS strongly recommends that students who wish to enroll in an AP course have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

• The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two semester college introductory biology course for biology majors.  This course is intended for students with exceptional strength and interest in the biological sciences. There will be hands-on laboratory work, emphasizing inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply science practices.  The course is designed to develop students’ reasoning skills including designing experiments, analyzing data, applying mathematics, modeling systems and interactions, and justifying arguments using evidence.  This course will cover the same 4 big ideas as our introductory biology course (Cell processes and energy, genetics, evolution, and ecology) but include greater depth of content and application of information while meeting the expectations of the  Next Generation Science Standards.  This rigorous course meets the biology graduation requirement. #5103

PHYSICAL SCIENCE-C: Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite= Biology (or concurrent enrollment), RAI Approved

• This semester of physical science focuses in a basic manner on fundamental chemistry topics such as heat, atomic theory, scientific measurement and calculations, and properties of waves. All topics will be supported by hands-on, minds-on laboratory experience. This course meets the same graduation requirements as the yearlong Chemistry course in a less rigorous format. #5002

PHYSICAL SCIENCE-P: Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite= Biology (or concurrent enrollment), RAI Approved

• This semester of physical science focuses in a basic manner on fundamental physics topics such as motion, forces, energy and momentum. Students will also investigate basic wave, electrical, and magnetic phenomena. All topics will be supported by hands-on, minds-on laboratory experience. This course meets the same graduation requirements as the yearlong Physics course in a less rigorous format. #5003

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: Grade 10-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Biology or a minimum grade of B in Earth & Space Science and concurrent enrollment in Biology, RAI Approved

• Anatomy and Physiology deals with the study of the human body.  It is designed for students who may be planning careers in health, the medical sciences, or those who simply have an interest in how the body functions.  A cellular and systems approach is used, with emphasis on learning rather than memorization of terms.  The student also studies the diseases and disabilities that occur when the body does not function normally.  Laboratory situations, cooperative activities, and hands-on activities are all utilized so as to best gain understanding of body processes.  #5400

ADVANCED ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: Grade 11-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Anatomy & Physiology, RAI Approved

• Advanced Anatomy & Physiology continues the study of the human body and is designed for those with a deep interest in the human body or those considering a career in the medical field.  This course will expand on Anatomy & Physiology by continuing with a close look on additional systems and how those systems impact the human body.  In addition to the Endocrine, Digestive, Reproductive and Urinary systems, other topical areas will include cancer, stem cells, microbiology, and bioethics.  Instruction will continue to use patient case studies and lab analysis along with current research information and college seminars.  As scheduling would allow, a trip to a medical school will also be attempted. #5401 

CHEMISTRY: Grade 10-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Algebra 1 & Biology (or concurrent enrollment), RAI Approved 
NOTE: Tenth grade students may take chemistry; however, the level of difficulty makes it more appropriate for 11th and 12th grade students.

• Chemistry deals with the substances that make up our environment and changes that take place in these substances.  Students learn to apply different concepts and processes, by experimenting, discussing, and by using the facts or data that they have gathered.  Chemistry relates chemical and physical changes in substances to changes at the atomic or molecular levels. #5201

AP CHEMISTRY: Grade 11-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Chemistry & Algebra 2 (or concurrent enrollment), RAI Approved
Note:  The Advanced Placement program provides willing and academically prepared high school students with the opportunity to study and learn at the college level.   AP courses are taught at the college level incorporating both college level reading and writing.  The College Board does not deny any student from taking an AP course; however, students should be academically prepared.  OHS strongly recommends that students who wish to enroll in an AP course have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. 

• AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a general chemistry course taken during the first college year.  For some students, this course enables them to undertake, as freshmen, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at college.  This course is intended for students with exceptional strength and interest in chemistry.  Both advanced theoretical aspects of chemistry and rigorous chemical calculations are emphasized.  The topics and intensive depth of study in this course prepares students for the AP Chemistry exam in May or for intensive freshmen college chemistry courses.  Topics will be covered in my depth and with a more mathematical approach than in the first year chemistry course.  All students taking this course should possess excellent algebra skills. #5203

PHYSICS: Grade 10-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Geometry & Biology (or concurrent enrollment), RAI Approved

• Physics is the study of the most fundamental properties of nature.  Topics include motion, forces, energy, and momentum.  Understanding of these topics is gained through laboratory experience and discussion.  Students will also increase their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.  Most four-year colleges recommend physics as a high school science prerequisite, but this course is also open to students who intend to pursue two-year technical degrees.  #5301

ADVANCED PHYSICS: Grade 11-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Physics & Algebra 2 (or concurrent enrollment), RAI Approved

• Advanced Physics is a course designed to transition students to a college level physics course.  Students can expect to develop a deep understanding of simple harmonic motion, optics, electricity, magnetism, and features of modern physics.  This course is designed for students who are interested in the advanced study of the physical sciences. #5303

SCIENCE SKILLS: Grade=9-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite = IEP Team Decision

• Students will focus on essential science skills including biological, environmental, and physical science components. Students will engage in laboratory investigations that include inquiry, problem solving skills, critical thinking, collaboration, communicating scientific information, and using technology as a learning and communication tool.  #339, 3392

INTRODUCTION TO EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE: Grade=9, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite = IEP Team Decision

• This interdisciplinary course consists of studying the Earth, space, and the environment. It is the first required course in the science sequence. Topics will include geology, astronomy, and human interactions with the environment. Throughout this course, students will engage in laboratory investigations that include inquiry, problem solving skills, critical thinking, collaboration, communicating scientific information, and using technology as a learning and communication tool. #43100, 43102

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY: Grade=10-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite = IEP Team Decision

• At the end of Intro to Biology, the student will understand that all life is based on underlying principles. Some of these principles are: all life is based on a genetic code; the environment selects the genetic codes that allow the organism to be successful; the cycles that create and use energy within organisms; the energy flow within an ecosystem; and that all life is made up of cells.  #43200, 43202

INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL SCIENCE: Grade=11-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite = IEP Team Decision

• One semester of Introduction to Physical Science focuses on fundamental physics topics such as motion, forces, energy and momentum. Students will also investigate basic wave, electrical, and magnetic phenomena. All topics will be supported by hands-on, minds-on laboratory experience. 
• One semester of Introduction to Physical Science focuses on fundamental chemistry topics such as heat, atomic theory, scientific measurement and calculations, and properties of waves. All topics will be supported by hands-on, minds-on laboratory experience. This course uses modified curriculum from Physical Science-P and Physical Science-C. #43400, 43402