Physical Science (9)

• Prerequisite: None

Physical Science 9 is an introductory science course for freshman students only. This course is aimed at gaining foundational understanding of physical and chemical properties and interactions to prepare students for Biology and Chemistry courses. 

Biology I (10)

• Prerequisite:  Agriscience, Environmental Science, Physical Science, or CP Conceptual Physics
• Preparation for Exam: TN Ready Assessment 

The goal of Biology I is to develop an understanding of basic life processes.  The Tennessee State Standards /State Performance Indicators (SPIs) require students to understand concepts that encompass several key unit themes including Inquiry, Technology, Engineering, and Math; Cells; Heredity; Interdependence; Biodiversity and Change; and Flow of Energy and Matter. Students explore Biology through an inquiry-based approach.

Honors Biology I (10)

• Prerequisite:  Grade of an A in Agriscience, Environmental Science, Physical Science, or a B< in Honors Physical World Concepts
• Preparation for Exam:  TN Ready Assessment 
• Expectations: Complete class projects.  Accelerated pace

The goal of Honors Biology I is to develop an understanding of basic life processes.  The Tennessee State Standards /State Performance Indicators (SPIs) require students to understand concepts that encompass several key unit themes including Inquiry, Technology, Engineering, and Math; Cells; Heredity; Interdependence; Biodiversity and Change; and Flow of Energy and Matter. Students explore Biology through an inquiry-based approach. Honors students have a semester-long project to complete before the end of the term and will be assigned one of the following: 

• reading one nonfiction, science-related novel paired with a research report on a current event linked to the book’s topic
• an inquiry based, student led, science research experiment with a trifold science board. 

Chemistry I (10-12)

• Prerequisites: Algebra I and Physical Science 

The goal of Chemistry is to develop an understanding of the properties of matter and the interaction of matter and energy. Course content includes the properties and structures of matter in its various states, chemical calculations and quantitative relationships, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, energy, solutions, gas laws, acids and bases and laboratory techniques and safety procedures. The ability to make mathematical computations using fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and exponents is required. 

Honors Chemistry I (10-12)

• Prerequisites: An A or B in Algebra I; an A in Physical Science and a B> in Honors Physical World Concept

The goal of Honors Chemistry I is to develop an understanding of the relevance of chemistry as it relates to standards of living, career choices, and current issues in science and technology.  Course content includes the properties and structures of matter in its various states, chemical calculations and quantitative relationships, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, energy, solutions, gas laws, acids and bases and laboratory techniques and safety procedures. The ability to make mathematical computations using fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and exponents is required.  This course is designed to meet the needs of the student who prefers academic challenges. All students will complete a project as part of the curriculum. 

Honors Chemistry II (11-12)

• Prerequisites: C or above in Honors Chemistry I
• Offered: Fall only

Honors Chemistry II represents the first half of the AP Chemistry curriculum as outlined by College Board (www.collegeboard.com).  It is designed to investigate in greater depth the interactions of matter and energy.  Topics include solution stoichiometry, gasses, thermodynamics, atomic structure and bonding, intermolecular forces, and equilibrium.

AP Chemistry / Advanced Placement (11-12)

• Prerequisites: C or above in Honors Chemistry II
• Offered: Spring only
• Preparation for Exam: Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam offered by the College Board in May. 

AP Chemistry represents the second half of the AP Chemistry curriculum as outlined by College Board (www.collegeboard.com). Topics include equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, kinetics, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and descriptive chemistry. Summer assignments are required for AP courses. 

Honors Physics (11-12)

• Prerequisites: C or higher in Honors Chemistry I and Precalculus or B or higher in Honors Algebra II 

The goal of Honors Physics is to develop an understanding of the relationships between matter and energy, with an emphasis on the fundamental laws governing the universe.  Physics is recommended for juniors and seniors who are considering careers in the health sciences, veterinary medicine, engineering, architecture, or computer science. 

Honors Physical World Concepts (9)

• Prerequisite: None
• Expectations: Completion of a project focused on developing and conducting a lab activity working at an accelerated level. 

Honors Physical World Concepts is an introductory science course for highly motivated 9th grade students. This course is aimed at gaining an understanding of the role of matter and energy in the world around us using hands-on experiments and graphical analysis. 

Environmental Science (9)

• Prerequisite: None

Environmental Science is a lab science course that enables students to develop an understanding of natural and man-made environments and environmental problems the world faces. Students explore environmental science concepts through an inquiry-based approach. Embedded standards for Inquiry and Technology & Engineering are taught in the context of the content standards for Earth Systems, The Living World, Human Population, Water and Land Resources, Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution and Waste Production, Global Change, and Civic Responsibility. 

Biology / Dual Enrollment (11-12)

• Prerequisite: GPA of 3.0; ACT reading of 19 or GPA of 3.6

Introduction to the study of Biology, Biological Chemistry, Cell Structure and Function, Cell Reproduction, Genetics and Inheritance. Each student is assessed a lab fee for this course. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 

Roane State General Education course approved and designed for transfer.

Chemistry / Dual Enrollment (11-12)

• Prerequisite: GPA of 3.0; ACT reading of 19 or GPA of 3.6

Introductory chemistry deals with the basic principles such as atomic structure, periodic law, states of matter, chemical bonding, types of compounds, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, equilibria. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.  Roane State General Education course approved and designed for transfer.

Physics 1 / Dual Enrollment (12)

• Prerequisite: GPA of 3.0; ACT reading of 19 or GPA of 3.6; Mechatronics Focus

An introductory study of physics involving study of measurement, forces, motion, energy and power, heat, gas laws, hydraulics, and electromagnetism, 3 hours lecture/2 hours lab per week. Course availability determined by the dean. 

Course designed for transfer and part of the TN Transfer Pathway. Roane State General Education Course approved and designed for transfer (TTP Course).

AP Biology 2 (web) / Advanced Placement (11-12)

• Prerequisites: Honors Biology II
• Offered: Spring only
• Requirement: Lab Fee ($$$)
• Preparation for Exam:  AP Biology Exam in May

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the “Big Ideas” in Biology: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. A minimum of twenty-five percent of instructional time is devoted to hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations. This course follows the Campbell Biology Concepts and Connections, 10th edition college level text and requires good attendance and participation for successful completion of the coursework. This course has a lab fee. The AP program enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college level studies – with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both – while still in high school. Students who earn a qualifying score on an AP Exam are typically eligible to receive college credit and/or placement in advanced courses in college. 

Environmental Science (web)  / Advanced Placement (11-12)

• Prerequisite: See Counselor if interested

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. 

Agriscience (9-10)

• Prerequisite: None
• Note: This course does NOT fulfill a science credit requirement with the NCAA Clearinghouse. 

Agriscience is an introductory laboratory science course that prepares students for biology, subsequent science and agriculture courses, and post-secondary study. This course helps students understand the important role that agricultural science and technology serve in the 21st century. It serves as the first course for all programs of study in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster. 

Scientific Research (Elective) (9-12)  

• Offered: Fall Semester

The main purpose of the Scientific Research course is to introduce students to quantitative and qualitative methods for conducting meaningful inquiry and research. Each student will apply their research toward preparing for events in the National Science Olympiad organization’s regional and state competitions.  Participating in these events will help students’ chances for college acceptance and scholarships.  The student will gain an overview of research methodology and technique, format and presentation, and data management and apply this research in the design, building, and testing of projects of the students’ choice. The course will develop each student’s ability to use this knowledge to become more effective at conducting, communicating, and using original and applied research.