ASTRONOMY
900901
1 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Algebra 1
This course is designed for students who are curious about the mysteries of the universe. The space program, rocketry, constellations, celestial navigation, life cycle of stars, organization and dynamics of the solar system, galaxies and their interactions, black holes and the warping of time and space. Students who have taken Space Science may not take Astronomy.
SPACE SCIENCE
900903
.5 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
This course is designed for students who are interested in the space program, the solar system, life and death of stars, black holes and the organization for the universe. Students who have taken Space Science may not take Astronomy.
BIOLOGY I - LEVEL 1
900917
1 Credit 1.01 Weight
NCAA
This course is designed for academic students whose future plans require a strong background in science. The level of instruction is rigorous, with the basic concepts developed in depth. It offers the above average student a classical introduction to structure, function, and interactions of living things. This course provides the necessary background for advanced and abstract conceptual study and a practical and relevant understanding of living things. Concepts in this course include the following: cellular biology, physiology, taxonomy, reproduction, biochemistry, evolution, genetics, microbiology, ecological relationships, and energetics. This course satisfies the prerequisites for any Biology II level courses or Advanced Placement Biology.
BIOLOGY I - LEVEL 2
900911
1 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
This course is designed for those students who may be planning to continue their education beyond high school, but whose career plans are in areas outside those normally requiring an intense biology or science background. Less rigorous than Biology I Level 1, this course includes the following: cellular biology, biochemistry, taxonomy, reproduction, evolution, genetics, and microbiology. This course satisfies the prerequisite for Biology II level courses, but not Advanced Placement Biology courses.
BIOLOGY II ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
900919
.5 Credit 1.03 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Biology I, Chemistry I Quantitative or Chemistry I Qualitative
Biology II Anatomy & Physiology is designed for those students with future educational or career plans that require a strong background in biology; or career plans that may include nursing, physical therapy or other related health sciences. This course is a rigorous and comprehension study of the following body systems: digestive, excretory, nervous, skeletal, muscular, circulatory and others. Major content areas include biochemistry, anatomy and physiology. This course will also include a dissection of a fetal pig or a cat.
BIOLOGY II POPULATIONS
900929
.5 Credit 1.01 Weight
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Biology I Level 1 or 2
A continuation of Biology I dealing with the study of life at the population level, Biology II Populations is designed for those student whose future educational or career plans may require a strong background in biology. Major content areas include animal and plant taxonomy, ecology, microbiology, and evolution.
BIOLOGY ADVANCED PLACEMENT (Full Year)
900918
1.5 Credit 1.06 Weight
NCAA AP
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Biology I Level 1 and Chemistry I Quantitative
This challenging course includes studies in biochemistry, cell biology, energetics, molecular genetics, evolutionary mechanisms, plant and animal physiology, taxonomy, and ecology. It is designed for students planning to pursue a career in the sciences. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Exam.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
900958
.5 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Biology I
This course is a laboratory-based course in which students will apply their prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to the popular field of crime investigation. Students will use a structured and scientific approach to the investigation of crime with an emphasis on complex reasoning and critical thinking. Students will engage in lectures, labs, case studies, online activities, and simulations.
AQUAPONICS I
900957
.5 Credit 1.0 Weight
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Biology I
Be part of a new and exciting course in the West Shore as well as a global trend into soilless agriculture. Aquaponics utilizes cutting edge technologies married with ancient concepts of agriculture to engage students in career opportunities including farmer, engineer, marketing specialist, advertising representative, conservationist, and biologist just to name a few. Students will maintain the system in order to grow food crops as well as experiment with varying growing techniques and conditions in order to fully interact with the technology. In addition, students will be expected to market and supply their produce to local markets in a safe and professional manner. Students who have taken Biology 1, have entrepreneurial tendencies, have a strong interest in ecology and the environment, and who are excited to be part of something new and exciting are encouraged to take this course. The course is offered to students from both high schools but is taught at Cedar Cliff.
ADVANCED AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS I
900963
1 Credit 1.06 Weight
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Aquaponics I
Aquaponics is the first step in understanding the possibilities of the modern world of agriculture. From fungal propagation, outdoor grow-projects, and independent research and production projects, students enrolled in this course will work closely with the instructor to develop individualized programs of study. In the past, students have created their own exciting possibilities. Students have collaborated with farmers in other states to experiment and take data within the lab. Students have launched and managed district-wide initiatives involving the tower gardens throughout the buildings of the West Shore School District. Large-scale projects aimed at creating an edible native landscape at a middle school have also served as the core of student learning. Enthusiastic, motivated and energetic students are encouraged to meet with the instructor prior to requesting this class. The course is offered to students from both high schools but is taught at Cedar Cliff.
ADVANCED AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS II
900964
1 Credit 1.06 Weight
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Advanced Agricultural Systems I
The course is offered to students from both high schools but is taught at Cedar Cliff.
ADVANCED AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS III
900965
1 Credit 1.06 Weight
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Advanced Agricultural Systems II
The course is offered to students from both high schools but is taught at Cedar Cliff.
ECOLOGY
900956
.5 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
This course examines all areas of science related to
ecology. Students will study biomes and
their biotic and abiotic factors. Other
areas of study will include population dynamics, biodiversity, conservation and
evolution. This course is designed for
the student who is interested in learning about organisms in their
natural environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE900946
.5 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
This course examines all areas of science related to the environment. Students will study how living things interact with each other and with their surroundings. They will gain a better understanding of human impacts on ecosystems. Areas of study include ecology, populations, energy sources, biomes, the human population, biodiversity, climate change and environmental issues.
CHEMISTRY I – QUALITATIVE
900931
1 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Algebra I
Qualitative Chemistry covers basic chemistry concepts using both descriptive and mathematical skills. This course is designed for the academic student who needs or desires a laboratory science but whose career plans are in areas other than those requiring an analytical science background. Chemistry I – Qualitative is not designed to fulfill prerequisites for Chemistry II Inorganic, Advanced Placement Chemistry, or Advanced Placement Biology.
CHEMISTRY I – QUANTITATIVE
900937
1 Credit 1.01 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Algebra I
This course is designed for those students whose career plans may include engineering, chemistry, nursing, medicine, physics, biochemistry, dentistry, biology, or other fields requiring a background in quantitative chemistry. This course is taught with considerable emphasis placed upon algebra skills. Topics include atomic structure, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, and acid-base chemistry. Students who plan to take Chemistry II Inorganic, Chemistry II Organic, Advanced Placement Chemistry, Advanced Placement Biology, or Biology II Anatomy and Physiology should select Chemistry I – Quantitative.
CHEMISTRY II INORGANIC
900944
.5 Credit 1.03 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Chemistry I - Quantitative and Algebra II
This rigorous course is designed to meet the needs of those students planning a science-based study in college including such areas as medicine, nursing, engineering, physics, biology, dentistry, or chemistry. Chemistry II Inorganic includes an extensive sequence of laboratory activities and permits the student to apply the generalizations learned in Chemistry I – Quantitative. The skills and knowledge gained in Chemistry I – Quantitative are improved and refined to allow the students to carry out carefully selected quantitative investigations. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, ionic reactions, and equilibrium.
CHEMISTRY ADVANCED PLACEMENT (Full Year)
900943
1.5 Credit 1.06 Weight
NCAA AP
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Algebra II and Chemistry I Quantitative
This rigorous course is designed to meet the needs of those students planning a science-based study in college including such areas as medicine, nursing, engineering, physics, biology, dentistry, or chemistry. This course includes thermodynamics, bonding, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and electrochemistry. Appropriate labs reinforce information. This class requires summer assignments of review material to ensure all students are prepared to begin the Advanced Placement class. Course content follows the Advanced Placement curriculum and is intended for those students who plan to take the Advanced Placement Test in Chemistry.
CHEMISTRY II ORGANIC
900951
.5 Credit 1.03 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Chemistry I - Quantitative or Qualitative and Algebra II
This rigorous course is designed to meet the needs of those students planning a science-based study in college including such areas as medicine, nursing, engineering, physics, biology, dentistry, or chemistry. Students take an intensive look at such topics as organic nomenclature, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, functional groups, aromatics, polymer chemistry, and organic reactions. Chemistry II Inorganic and Chemistry II Organic may be taken in any order. Students planning to take college level chemistry should plan to take both courses.
GEOLOGY
900966
.5 Credit 1.00 Weight
NCAA
Every rock has a story. Geology students will study the processes that shape and reshape the Earth’s surface. Mineral and rock identification and formation will be covered in a lab setting. Plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes and hydrology along with their natural disaster impact will be explored.
METEOROLOGY
900967
.5 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Algebra I
Students will start with the atmosphere and how the different layers interact and create weather. From there, we will begin to learn how to forecast weather and interpret weather maps. Students will learn about all the major storms, which includes thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards. The course will end on the topic of climate, which will include topics such as the greenhouse effect and climate change. We will also focus on current weather conditions both locally and nationally on a daily basis.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - LEVEL 1
900970
1 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
This course is designed for the student who did not take Biology I in 9th grade. This course focuses on the practical, physical and chemical applications in daily living. Units include Newton’s Laws of Motion, simple machines, waves, electricity, atomic structure, the periodic table and chemical reactions. It is designed for students whose plans for post-secondary education include college.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - LEVEL 2
900972
1 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
This course is similar in content to Physical Science Level 1. It focuses on the practical, physical and chemical applications in daily living. Units include Newton’s Laws of Motion, simple machines, waves, electricity, atomic structure, the periodic table and chemical reactions. It is designed for those students who may be planning to continue their education beyond high school but whose career path may not require an intense science background.
PHYSICS I SURVEY
900982
.5 Credit 1.0 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Algebra 1
This is a general physics course. It is designed to be a mathematical analysis of the physical laws which govern our universe. The material and concepts covered make it a suitable course for students of average ability who have diverse academic interests. Laboratory experimentation with computer application is used, as needed, to reinforce and verify basic principles and concepts. Topics include: mechanics, light, waves and electricity.
PHYSICS I MECHANICS
900983
1 Credit 1.01 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Algebra II and Teacher Recommendation
Physics I Mechanics focuses on the properties of motion. It is designed for those students planning to continue their education in science related fields. It is assumed these students possess a strong mathematical background and logical thinking skills. Course work is similar to the first semester of a college non-calculus physics course. Topics include: Kinematics, dynamics, forces and momentum. The topics to be covered in depth are statics and dynamics.
PHYSICS II ELECTRICTY & MAGNETISM
900987
.5 Credit 1.03 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Physics I Mechanics or Physics C: (Mechanics) AP
Physics II Electricity and
Magnetism in designed for those students planning to continue their education
in the fields of applied science or engineering. It is assumed these students possess a strong
mathematical background and logical thinking skills. This course work is similar to the second
semester of a college non-calculus physics course. This course covers electricity, magnetism,
and related topics. Laboratory
investigations, light and wave theory, and sound are used to reinforce concepts.
PHYSICS C: (MECHANICS) ADVANCED PLACEMENT
900994
1.5 Credit 1.06 Weight
NCAA AP
Prerequisites(s): Satisfactory Completion of Pre-calculus
This course is designed for students planning to continue their education in the field of applied science or engineering. It is assumed these students possess an exceptional mathematical background and logical thinking skills. Course work is similar to the first semester of a college calculus-based engineering physics course. Students are not assumed to have any prior knowledge of calculus. Topics include: Kinematics, dynamics, rotation, work and energy and momentum and forces. Course content follows the Advanced Placement curriculum and is intended for those students to take the Advanced Placement-C Mechanics test in Physics.
PHYSICS C: (ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM) ADVANCED PLACEMENT
900998
1 Credit 1.06 Weight
NCAA AP
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Completion of Physics I Mechanics or Physics C: (Mechanics) Advanced Placement
This course is designed for students planning to continue their education in the field of applied science or engineering. It is assumed these students possess an exceptional mathematical background and logical thinking skills. The course work is similar to the second semester of a college calculus-based engineering physics course. Students are not assumed to have any prior knowledge of calculus. Topics include: electrical charge, energy storage, resistance, circuits and sources of magnetic fields. Course content follows the Advanced Placement curriculum and is intended for those students to take the Advanced Placement-C Electricity and Magnetism test in physics.
DAVINCI PROGRAM (SCIENCE)
900502
.5 Credit 1.0 Weight
900503
1 Credit 1.0 Weight
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory completion of Geometry and Algebra II
This course offers students the opportunity to develop personalized projects that align with PA Core Standards in Science, Technology, and Engineering (STEM). Students will participate in problem-based and project-based learning activities that develop the skills of problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, judgement, and service orientation as they are guided to produce original ideas, objects, and structures. The course provides an interdisciplinary approach to integrating STEM into practice while offering field and/or real-life experience to students. A minimal lab fee of $20 is required for this course.