SCIENCE DEPARTMENT / Department Head: Bahja Ali
The Arizona State Board of Education requires that a Science AIMS test is to be administered to 8th grade students and at the end of a high school Biology course (9th or 10th grade). Note: Courses that will meet the entrance/competency requirements for Arizona universities are marked with an asterisk.*
SUBJECT AREA GOAL:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods of inquiry and apply them to the study of various branches of science, as well as to life situations.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
The student will:
• Solve simple, everyday problems using a variety of methods
• Interpret, synthesize, and apply information provided by data tables, charts and graphs
• Set up and carry out biological, Earth science, chemistry or physics experiments
• Relate an aspect of the science studied in terms of practical implications for everyday life
*SC 49 Biology Difficulty: Average 2 Blocks. — 1 Science Credit
This course of study is designed to cover major areas of cell structure, function and processes, genetics, lassification, and ecology. This course includes the topics of human reproduction and evolution.
NOTE: This course may include dissection, biotechnology concepts and research techniques. Students who have successfully earned credit for AG 30 cannot earn credit for this class.
*SC 55 Human Anatomy and Physiology
Difficulty: Average-High 2 Blocks. — 1 Science Credit
Prerequisites: 1 year Biology
A rigorous lab-oriented course providing students a better understanding of their bodies and exposure to health care career opportunities.
NOTE: This course involves the detailed study of the human reproductive system. This course will include dissection.
SC 93 & SC 94 IB Biology Higher Level I & II
Grades: 11-12
Difficulty: High 4 Sem. — 2 Science Credit
Prerequisites: SC 49 & SC 71 or SC 72
This is a comprehensive two-year pre-university course that is designed to allow students to obtain a secure knowledge of a limited body of facts and at the same time, a broad understanding of biology. Students will be introduced to the way scientists work and communicate with each other by performing laboratory experiments, using the scientific method, and writing laboratory reports. Students will spend approximately 60 hours or 25% of the class performing these laboratory experiments. These courses are part of the IB Diploma Program. Life Science
NOTE: These are weighted courses.
SC 100 Forensic Science Higher Level I & II Grades: 11-12
Difficulty: High 4 Blocks. — 2 Science Credit Prerequisites: SC 49 & SC 55 or SC 93
This course is designed to help students prepare selections for the competitive forensic program. Forensic Science Students study the details of a crime and report their findings. To do this, forensic scientists perform physical and chemical analyses on criminal evidence. The physical evidence may be found at the scene of a crime, on a victim, or both. Regardless, forensic scientists use a variety of problem-solving methods, mathematical principles, complex instruments, and microscopic examining techniques to explain the intricacies of each piece of evidence from a case.
SUBJECT AREA GOAL:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods of inquiry and apply them to the study of various branches of science, as well as to life situations.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
The student will:
• Solve simple, everyday problems using a variety of methods
• Interpret, synthesize, and apply information provided by data tables, charts and graphs
• Set up and carry out biological, Earth science, chemistry or physics experiments
• Relate an aspect of the science studied in terms of practical implications for everyday life
*SC 49 Biology Difficulty: Average 2 Blocks. — 1 Science Credit
This course of study is designed to cover major areas of cell structure, function and processes, genetics, lassification, and ecology. This course includes the topics of human reproduction and evolution.
NOTE: This course may include dissection, biotechnology concepts and research techniques. Students who have successfully earned credit for AG 30 cannot earn credit for this class.
*SC 55 Human Anatomy and Physiology
Difficulty: Average-High 2 Blocks. — 1 Science Credit
Prerequisites: 1 year Biology
A rigorous lab-oriented course providing students a better understanding of their bodies and exposure to health care career opportunities.
NOTE: This course involves the detailed study of the human reproductive system. This course will include dissection.
SC 93 & SC 94 IB Biology Higher Level I & II
Grades: 11-12
Difficulty: High 4 Sem. — 2 Science Credit
Prerequisites: SC 49 & SC 71 or SC 72
This is a comprehensive two-year pre-university course that is designed to allow students to obtain a secure knowledge of a limited body of facts and at the same time, a broad understanding of biology. Students will be introduced to the way scientists work and communicate with each other by performing laboratory experiments, using the scientific method, and writing laboratory reports. Students will spend approximately 60 hours or 25% of the class performing these laboratory experiments. These courses are part of the IB Diploma Program. Life Science
NOTE: These are weighted courses.
SC 100 Forensic Science Higher Level I & II Grades: 11-12
Difficulty: High 4 Blocks. — 2 Science Credit Prerequisites: SC 49 & SC 55 or SC 93
This course is designed to help students prepare selections for the competitive forensic program. Forensic Science Students study the details of a crime and report their findings. To do this, forensic scientists perform physical and chemical analyses on criminal evidence. The physical evidence may be found at the scene of a crime, on a victim, or both. Regardless, forensic scientists use a variety of problem-solving methods, mathematical principles, complex instruments, and microscopic examining techniques to explain the intricacies of each piece of evidence from a case.
