SCIENCE

The Oregon University System has adopted a two-year science requirement for all college Freshmen. You, as a high school student, must complete a minimum of two years of a laboratory science before you graduate. It is strongly recommended that all 9th grade students enroll in a semester of Physical Science and a semester of Earth Science. As a Sophomore, we unanimously suggest you enroll for a full year of biology. Simply remember that you need two complete years of science for graduation. Once the two-year requirement is completed, any additional science class will complete a student's requirements for career, fine and applied arts and/or elective credit.

Science courses are not just for the college bound student. These courses are designed for those students with a natural curiosity about science and will help students gain job-entry skills. Closely check the following list of courses as you plan your future. There are courses with prerequisites and/or teacher recommendations that must be completed before you can enroll. We look forward to seeing you in our classes during the school year. Your science experience will be the basis for an exciting future.

AP CHEMISTRY (IB)
SC 1.0 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry 231 (or equivalent) with an ‘A’ average, or teacher recommendation, Math- Introduction to Analysis

This course is a college level chemistry course. It will prepare students who have finished the regular Chemistry courses 231 for the Advanced Placement Chemistry test in the spring. A college text and laboratory manual will be used in investigating the following topics: structure of matter, states of matter, reactions, descriptive chemistry, chemical calculation and organic chemistry.

AP COLLEGE BIOLOGY (IB)
SC 1.0 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, one year of Chemistry and Biology

This college level biology course is for the serious science student. It will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Biology exam given in the spring for those who choose to take it. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, structure and function of cells, plant and animal tissues and organs, energy transformation in cells, chromosomal basis of heredity, evolution and origin of life, behavior, embryology and ecology. Students should be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time on study outside of class.

BIOLOGY
SC 1.0 Credit
9, 10, 11, 12
(9th grade recommendation only)

This is a one-year course that provides students an opportunity to find success in science. Students are evaluated by numerous "hands on" laboratory experiences, written assignments, lab write-ups and individual projects which are valued more than rote memory skills. This biology class includes technology, health issues, careers, human physiology, ecology and emphasizes English communication skills. This course allows the students the opportunity to experience the relevant and intra-curricular nature of modern science.

GENERAL SCIENCE
SC 1.0 Credit
10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: A recommendation by appropriate counselor is needed before entering this program

This is a one-year course that will integrate Science and Technology to provide students with an understanding in the relationships between scientific and technical theory and application. Using modern lab equipment, students will explore the physical, biological, and environmental areas by hands-on labs and other student activities. Students will gain an understanding of how applications are used in our local industry so they may some day be a part of our technical work force.

CHEMISTRY
SC 1.0 Credit
10, 11, 12
First Semester
Prerequisite: Elements of Algebra, ‘C’ grade average

This course will start with an introduction to chemistry and chemical laboratory equipment. Laboratory experiences will be used to teach chemical observation, search for chemical regularities and to teach communication skills used by chemists. The Atomic Theory and the Mole concept are explored by experimentation. Principles of chemical reactions and equations will be studied using the Mole concept.

Second Semester
Prerequisite: Chemistry first semester

The Kinetic Theory will be used to explain the three states of matter: gases, liquids, and solids. Laboratory experiences will be used to examine and develop theories of solutions, solubility and ions. The study of order is investigated among atoms such as atomic structure and chemical bonding. Theories of chemical reactions such as energy rates, equilibrium, acids and bases and oxidation and reduction are developed. An introduction to carbon (organic) chemistry will be given.

EARTH SCIENCE
SC .5 Credit

There is not other planet in the solar system like planet Earth. Find out why Earth is unique, how its systems work and interact, and the human impacts that are causing problems for our planet, at home and throughout the world. The focus of the course is geology, the study of solid Earth, astronomy, and the study of the universe beyond Earth.

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
SC, HE 1.0 Credit
11, 12

Human anatomy includes learning about the structure, foundation and components of the body. Physiology addresses how these systems work together to maintain the health of the entire person. In this class, we will look at the healthy individual as well as what happens when the systems don’t function properly. The learning in this course will be linked to Medical Foundations I and II, and Personal Wellness.

* This course is required for Heath Services Pathway students.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE
SC .5 Credit
9, 10

In this introduction to Physical Science, the basic skills used in science will be introduced. These skills will include a working knowledge of the metric system, safe use of equipment and correct science laboratory techniques. The physical concepts of matter will be developed by the study of the properties of mass, volume, inertia, and density. The chemistry part of the course will include the structure of the atom, an understanding of the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical changes. The physics part of the course will include motion, work, energy, power, machines.

PHYSICS
SC .5 Credit
11, 12
First Semester
There is no prerequisite; however, students who feel they have a weak math background should consult with instructor prior to registration.

A brief introduction to the necessary mathematical concepts is followed by a study of motion, forces, gravitation, momentum, energy and waves.
Second Semester
Prerequisite: Physics first semester

Waves, sound, light, optics, relativity, electricity, and magnetism.

AERONAUTICS I
SC, AA .5 Credit
10, 11, 12

DO YOU LIKE AIRPLANES?

Learn to fly! This course qualifies you to take the FAA Ground School Flight Exam for a Private Pilot's License. Independent flight projects/ proposals of study are encouraged—see instructor.

AERONAUTICS II
SC, AA .5 Credit
10, 11, 12

This is an independent class open only by teacher invitation. Make all class arrangements with the instructor, Dr. Wigmore.

RACHEL CARSON HIGH SCHOOL

NATURAL RESOURCES FIELD STUDIES
(Environmental Science)
SC .5 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Natural Resources Seminar

This course will provide students with hands-on learning experiences outside the school walls in local natural areas. The focus will be on learning and applying the skills and concepts used by professionals in assessing, monitoring and restoring natural areas. It is expected that all participants in this course will make a positive contribution to Lane County’s environmental health through active involvement in team-orientated field experiences and action projects. Students should expect to spend a large portion of their time outdoors during the class time.

ECOLOGY/BOTANY
SC 1.0 Credit
11, 12

This course has a dual focus. It will include the in-depth investigation of the relationships and interactions between of living things with one another and with their environment, and the study of plants and their relationship to the environment. Topics to be covered include:

• Population studies involving native plants and animals
• Energy and nutrient flows in the ecosystem
• Detailed study of local freshwater and forested environments
• Plant structures
• Classification
• Growth and development
• Ecology
• Diseases

This is a cybercourse. Students should expect to spend the majority of their class time working independently. Much of the course will be delivered over the internet.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROJECT
SC, SS .5 Credit
11, 12

This project period provides Rachel Carson students the time needed for independent research and development of a final project. Project topics related to natural resources and/or environmental studies will be chosen by each student. The end result will be a significant product with written, visual and verbal components. Presentation of the final projects will be showcased at the spring term Watershed Summit. The majority of the work in this class will be completed independently with the guidance of the Rachel Carson teachers.

SLC PROGRAM COURSES

SCIENCE & HUMANITIES INTERDISCIPLINARY PROJECT (SHIP) SLC
SC 1.0 Credit
9, 10

The science component of SHIP will integrate Earth Science, Physical Science and Biology. Areas of study include: the Nature of Science and Scientific Inquiry, Electricity and Magnetism, Force, Atomic Theory, Plate Tectonics, Astronomy, Geologic History of Earth, Classification, The Scientific Method, Animal and Plant Physiology, Cells, Microbiology, Genetics, Evolution, Population Ecology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. Students will have the opportunity to design their own experiments as well as acquire the skills necessary for scientific inquiry and research. For more information on the SHIP SLC program, see page 29.

WELLNESS INTEGRATED NETWORK (WIN) SLC
SC 1.0 Credit

WIN Science is a two-year curriculum that will integrate Earth Science, Physical Science, and Biology as well as Space Science, General Chemistry, and Technology. Students will use systematic observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural events.

The interrelated areas of scientific study attempt to answer questions about the physical and living universe. The specific areas of study will include, but not limited to: physical concepts such as matter, atomic theory, physical and chemical reactions, energy, and motion; biological concepts such as structure and function, cell theory, systems, genetics, classification, ecology, anatomy and physiology, health issues, and careers; earth and space concepts such as Earth's structure, geologic history, meteorology, and planetary systems.

Throughout the integrated curriculum, students will acquire the skills necessary for scientific inquiry and research. They will be given an opportunity to design a scientific investigation using appropriate methodology to address questions, examine scientific relationships, and test hypotheses. For more information on the WIN SLC program, see page 30.