Five units of science may include one of the following groupings: Animal Science/Advanced Animal Science; Horticulture/Advanced Horticulture; or Agricultural Precision Technology/Soil & Conservation. Also, each ‘group’ of courses above is worth 5 units of science; each individual course above is worth 2.5 units of science.
SC001 General Science (grade 9) Fall and Spring: 2 semesters: 10 units
This course is recommended for freshmen. It will consist of 18 weeks of introductory chemistry; the second 18 weeks will be focused on environmental and life science. Students will perform chemistry labs and explore the world around us by observing our local environment and the organisms that cohabitate in that environment.
SC002 General Biology (grade 9 or 10) Fall and Spring: 2 semesters: 10 units
This course is required for graduation. It is recommended in the sophomore year, but is open to freshmen with a strong interest in science. First semester topics: The common characteristics of living things and molecular processes of biology from atoms to cells. How cells divide, obtainnutrients and capture the energy from the sun. Inheritance patterns and genetic diseases. Second semester topics: The discovery of the genetic material. How information is passed from DNA to RNA to proteins and how mutations sometimes occur in that process. The variety of species on Earth from bacteria to humans. Plant growth and development. Ecology and how all living things are dependent on the natural cycles of nature and a healthy environment. Differing views on the creation and the origins of life will be examined.
SC003 Chemistry (grade 10, 11 or 12) Fall and Spring: 2 semesters: 10 units
An elective course covering the principles, methods, concepts, and applications of chemistry, employing a discovery approach. The nature of matter and reactions thereof are studied based on observations and data taken experimentally. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Integrated Algebra I
SC004 Physics (grade 10, 11 or 12) Fall and Spring: 2 semesters: 10 units
This is an elective course covering the classical physics areas of mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, and light. Some time is also given to the modern physical areas of atomic and nuclear physics. Pre-requisite/Co-requisite: Successful completion of Integrated Algebra II
SC201 Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry (grade 11 or 12) Fall and Spring: 2 semesters: 10 units
Students who are planning to study chemistry in college will benefit from this class, which will expose them to areas of chemistry that could not be adequately covered in the first year. Topics include stoichiometry, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. The AP exam fee is $84. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Chemistry
SC102S Anatomy and Physiology (grade 11 or 12) Spring: 1 semester: 5 units
This is a college preparatory course for students with an interest in life science careers, particularly in the health care field.. It includes readings and labs in human anatomy and physiology, DNA and genetic technology, the chemistry of living organisms, cell physiology, organ systems and two or more field trips. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of General Biology & consent of instructor Co-requisite: Successful completion of or progress in Chemistry
AG201S Animal Science Spring: 1 semester: 5 units
The student will be introduced to the U.S. livestock industry. This course will focus on the types of livestock breeds, environmental concerns, nutritional needs, and management systems of livestock. Students will raise poultry in the classroom (depending on the year) and tour local animal production businesses. Students will have the opportunity to continue their leadership and career development through FFA. This course meets the IMS graduation science requirements but may not meet college admission requirements. Pre-requisite: Ag Science and Leadership
SC202 Advanced Placement (AP) Physics (grade 11 or 12) Fall and Spring: 2 semesters: 10 units
This is for students considering engineering or physics in college. Topics are covered in more depth than in first year physics. Topics include: mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics. The AP exam fee is $84. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Physics
AG208F Horticulture Fall: 1 semester: 5 units
This course will explain the basic plant systems and the careers in the popular horticultural industry. Field trips will be taken to local horticultural businesses. Students will study the growth and production of flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables. Students will also learn about growing media, propagation, germination, transplanting, and maintenance practices. Students will be instructed in practical floral and landscape design. Students will design the floral arrangements for the annual Appreciation Banquet. Leadership and communication skills will be emphasized through the FFA. This course meets the IMS graduation science requirements but may not meet college admission requirements.
AG208S Advanced Horticulture Spring: 1 semester: 5 units
This course will focus on the advanced areas of horticulture such as landscape design, arrangement of flowers in floriculture and the landscape, and the identification of flowers, foliage plants, bedding plants and woody plants used in the horticulture industry. Practical landscaping on the school grounds or a residential area will be one of the hands-on activities in this course. This course meets the IMS graduation science requirements but may not meet college admission requirements. Pre-requisite: Horticulture
AG209F Advanced Animal Science Fall: 1 semester: 5 units
Types of livestock breeds, management practices, small companion animals, alternative livestock and livestock marketing techniques will be studied in this advanced animal science course. Students will visit various local livestock farms to experience what they are learning. Learning activities will include special group projects such as a “how to” animal science video. This course meets the IMS graduation science requirements but may not meet college admission requirements. Pre-requisite: Animal Science