Science
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The science curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all students. Research has shown the more rigorous a science class, the higher the ACT/SAT score(s) tends to lend toward a higher GPA in college.
- 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.
- Preparation for Exam: EOC at conclusion of course
The goal of Biology I is to develop an understanding of basic life processes. The Tennessee State Standards require students to understand concepts that encompass several key unit themes including Inquiry, Molecules to Organisms, Cells, Heredity, Interdependence, Biodiversity and Change, and Flow of Energy and Matter. Students explore Biology through an inquiry-based approach.
- Prerequisite:
- Preparation for Exam: EOC at conclusion of course
- 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 require students to understand concepts that encompass several key unit themes including. Students explore Biology through an inquiry-based approach.
Biology II / Dual Enrollment (11-12)
- Prerequisite: Biology I
- Preparation for Exam: EOC at conclusion of course
- Expectations: Complete class projects. Accelerated pace
Evolutionary history of biological diversity, microorganisms and viruses, plants and fungi, mechanisms of evolution, and animals. Each student is assessed an $80 lab fee for this course. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory)
Roane State General Education course approved and designed for transfer. This course is fast-paced and college-level. It requires strong time management, independent study skills, and consistent effort. Students should expect a heavy workload and academic expectations.
- Prerequisites: Algebra I
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.
- Prerequisites: An A or B in Algebra I; an 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.
- 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 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.
Honors Physics (11-12)
- Prerequisites: 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.
AP Physics 1 (Algebra-Based) (11-12)
Full year, first-semester college equivalent. Focuses on mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, simple harmonic motion).
AP Physics 2 (Algebra-Based) (11-12)
Full year, second-semester college equivalent. Covers fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and molecular physics.
Physics 1 / Dual Enrollment (11-12)
- Prerequisite: GPA of 3.0; ACT Math of 19 or GPA of 3.6; plus one DE Math course
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).
Environmental Science (web) / Advanced Placement (11-12)
- Prerequisite: See Counselor if interested in this class
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. This is an online course available through AP Access for All. (APAA)
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.
