Credits: 1 / Grade: 9 / NCAA Approved

In Biology, students learn about ecology and the native environment, cells, DNA, genetics, basic internal anatomy, and evolution. The course involves field and lab inquiry, microscope work, dissections, research, hands-on projects and tests. Biology is a prerequisite for all other science courses at SHS.

Credits: 1 / Grade: 10-12 / College Credit: Yes, AP Exam / NCAA Approved
Prerequisites/Requirements: Biology, Algebra

In Chemistry, students learn about safe handling of chemicals and laboratory equipment, atoms and molecules, molecular bonding, chemical reactions and equations, compounds and mixtures, gasses, and the periodic table of the elements. This class is highly recommended for college bound students. Good algebra skills are necessary for an understanding of this class. Students will learn through chemical laboratory inquiry, book work, projects, problem solving and tests.

Credits: 1 / Grade: 10 / NCAA Approved

Physical World emphasizes introductory concepts and processes for science topics including chemistry and earth science. The course will focus on scientific inquiry, labs, and experiential learning. The properties of matter will be investigated, with an emphasis on the interactions of matter, Other topics include learning about the geology of our area and beyond,, natural resources, natural hazards and how changes in climate have influenced human activity. This course is designed for sophomores who have successfully passed Biology.

Credits: 1 / Grade: 11-12 / NCAA Approved
Prerequisites/Requirements: Algebra, Biology, Geometry

Physical World emphasizes introductory concepts and processes for science topics including chemistry and earth science. The course will focus on scientific inquiry, labs, and experiential learning. The properties of matter will be investigated, with an emphasis on the interactions of matter. Other topics include learning about the geology of our area and beyond, natural resources, natural hazards and how changes in climate have influenced human activity. This course is designed for sophomores who have successfully passed Biology.

Credits: .5 / Grade: 11-12
Prerequisites/Requirements: Biology and Physical World or Chemistry

In order for each individual to be given a fair trial it is important for all of the jury members to be familiar with the methods of the police and forensic analysts. The course allows students to study how crimes are solved using the scientific method. Topics covered include, identifying illegal drugs using drug analysis, fingerprinting, hair analysis, DNA evidence, bullet comparisons, carbon dating, looking at skeletons of determined age, race, gender, and how he/she dies, and many more exciting topics.

Credits: 1 / Grade: 11-12 / College Credit: Yes (AP Exam) / NCAA Approved
Prerequisites/Requirements: Biology, Chemistry

AP Biology offers students the opportunity to participate in an internationally recognized program of study. This program has high standards that are widely known and regarded. The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The course will unite the major content areas of molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. It will cover laboratory activities, book work, and tests. College credit is based on exams scores and varies based on the specific requirements of particular universities.

Credits: 1 / Grade: 11 / NCAA Approved
Prerequisites/Requirements: Submittal/acceptance of program application

This integrated studies course is composed of a community of learners working together to gain a balanced, in depth understanding of the natural environment. Using an integrated course model, students will be provided with the educational experience and opportunity to study and learn about the natural environment through a hands-on format. Students will learn experientially by applying knowledge and skills to their immediate environment. Students will be given the opportunity and the necessary tools to create positive change within the school and surrounding environs. The science aspect of this course links knowledge, concepts, and skills learned in biology and chemistry and applies them to an exploration of the local flora, fauna, and ecosystems that students encounter in Central Oregon.

Credits: .5 / Grade: 10-12
CTE Program of Study: Health Sciences

This course will cover topics in biology in more detail than in general biology and also some topics that were not covered. The focus will be on the organ systems of the human body along with some review of biochemistry, cells, DNA and protein synthesis. Laboratory activities, especially dissections, are a major component of this course.

Credits: .5 / Grade: 10-12

In Astronomy, students will gain basic knowledge of astronomy and the universe as we currently understand it. Students will build a greater appreciation of the stars, sun, solar system, and moon, and in turn become more cognizant of the world around them. Students will learn the concepts of spectroscopy and how to use a telescope to identify different celestial bodies. They will become fluent in the fundamental vocabulary. Through addressing the history of astronomy and the findings of famous astronomers, students will learn how we have reached the knowledge we now have of the universe. The class will be projected-based and will include required star-gazing sessions.

Credits: .5 / Grade: 10-12

Food Science is what it sounds like: an exploration of the science that goes into food preparation. This includes elements that relate to chemistry and physics and biology associated with the processes that make food fit for consumption. This also includes how the consumption of different types of foods impacts the human body as well as how the composition of food impacts the senses, and, as a result, food preferences. Part of the curriculum includes experiments that demonstrate the science involved.

Credits: .5 / Grade: 10-12 / College Credit: Yes, COCC / NCAA Approved

A survey course in atmospheric science that is offered through COCC as AV 108. This course covers weather basics and atmospheric circulations. Included is a systematic development of the following: the atmosphere,
energy and temperature, wind, atmospheric moisture, horizontal and vertical pressure patterns, clouds, atmospheric circulation, stability, air masses, fronts, fog, icing, thunderstorms, jet streams and turbulence.
Students will study surface weather observations, routine weather reports and forecasts, surface maps and
constant pressure maps.

Credits: .5 / Grade: 10-12
Prerequisites/Requirements: Biology

This course will look at the history of agriculture and its importance to our environment, economy and health. It will introduce students to basic plant physiological processes and help them develop the decision making skills needed to design, supervise and maintain a greenhouse. This greenhouse will eventually provide food for our schools and businesses in our Sister’s community.