Science

Department Chair: Dolores Biggerstaff

Two years of science credits are required for graduation in FUSD, and these credits may be earned by taking any combination of our course offerings. The AIMS Science Test will be given starting in 2008, so a solid foundation of science courses is recommended during the first two years at FHS. The Arizona University system requires three different lab science courses taken amoung the four areas (biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science) for entrance.

CLASSES OFFERED
2007 - 2008

SCI1000 - General Science Intro to Physics/Chemistry (9 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation
Prerequisites: None
Open To Grades: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: This class is designed to introduce students to the basic fundamental science skills, focusing on physics and chemistry concepts using hands-on lab experiences. The emphasis will be on topics such as: bonding and reactivity from chemistry; and density, motion, mechanics of simple tools, and energy from physics. The curriculum will balance physics and chemistry at 9 weeks each. Arizona Science Standards strands 1, 2, 3, & 5 (especially as related to AIMS) will be covered in the class. This course meets high school graduation requirements, but not college admission standards.

SCI1010 - General Science Intro to Biology/Geology (9 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation
Prerequisites: None
Open To Grades: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: This class is designed to introduce students to basic fundamental science skills, focusing on biology and geology concepts using hands-on lab experiences. The emphasis will be on topics such as: practical applications of concepts such as living organisms, cell structure and genetics from biology; and the materials of the earth (minerals and rocks) and the processes that change the earth’s surface from geology. The curriculum will balance biology and geology at 9 weeks each. This course meets high graduation requirements, but not college admission standards.

SCI1020 - Applied Biological Systems Fall (9 - 12)
SCI1025 - Applied Biological Systems Spring (9 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation, University Lab Science
Prerequisites: None
Open To Grades: 9-12
Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Description: ABS is an integrated laboratory science/vocational course. It is designed to give students much of the broad experience and knowledge normally provided in Bio. I combined with vocational activities such as career exploration, group dynamics, leadership and communication skills associated with the local job market. Skills include resource management, health occupations, and agriculture. This course is a component of the FFA program. Students who successfully complete this course will earn one lab science credit and one vocational education credit.

SCI1110 - Biology I (10 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation, University Lab Science
Prerequisites: Algebra I
Open To Grades: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: This is an introductory course in Biology in which the emphasis is placed on the student learning problemsolving methods through inquiry and laboratory activities. Topics studied include taxonomy, cell anatomy and physiology, genetics, systems, ecology, and evolution. This course is a lab science.

SCI1150 - Honors Biology I (9 - 11)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation, University Lab Science
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Teacher Recommendation
Open To Grades: 9-11
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: This is an introductory course in biology emphasizing laboratory experiences in the fields of ecology, cell biology, evolution, genetics, anatomy, and physiology. It is designed for highly motivated students interested in maximizing their knowledge and skills in biology at this level. This class will include additional reading assignments, oral and written reports, and a research project – all of which should be completed at a level and quality consistent with the higher expectations of an honors program class.

SCI1160 - Agriscience II (10 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: Science Elective
Prerequisites: Biology, Geology, or ABS
Open To Grades: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester, Only Offered in 2008, 2010, 2012

Description: Agriscience II is designed to prepare students for employment in various occupations related to agriculture, fisheries, forestry, wildlife and range management, ecology, and environmental science. Students completing this program will posses the technical knowledge and skills associated with natural resources careers. In addition to the required technical skills, students will posses leadership skills, advanced employability skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills, applied academics and life management skills. This course meets high school graduation requirements and college admission standards (lab science).

SCI1200 - Geology (9 - 11)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation, University Lab Science
Prerequisites: Algebra I or Concurrent Enrollment
Open To Grades: 9-11
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: This laboratory course places an emphasis on physical geology. The Earth’s origin, structure, and composition will be covered, as will dynamic features such as volcanoes and earthquakes. Activities include data collection, modeling, map reading, identifying rocks and minerals. The local geology of the Flagstaff area and the Grand Canyon is also examined.

SCI1240 - Astronomy (10 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation, University Lab Science
Prerequisites: Physics or Chemistry, Geometry
Open To Grades: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: “You are stardust, you are golden!” What does this mean? Learn the origins of the universe, its structure – planets, the solar system, galaxies, constellations, and stellar evolution. Astronomy is applied physics and applied chemistry, so a basic foundation in either subject is essential for this course. We will investigate such fundamental astronomical concepts as a naked-eye observing, Kepler’s Laws of planetary motion, Newton’s Law of Gravitation, optics, the Dopler Effect, Spectroscopy, and electromagnetic radiation. field trips to local observatories and some nightime viewing are mandatory. This course is a laboratory science.

CTE1270 - Agriscience III (11 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: Career & Techical Ed.
Prerequisites: ABS or Biology, Agriscience II
Open To Grades: 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: The Agriscience III class is designed to teach students the skills necessary for greenhouse construction and production horticulture and aquaponics. The students will gain the technical skills necessary for employment in various occupations related to horticulture, fisheries, forestry, ecology, and construction. In addition to the academic and technical skills, the student will gain leadership, public speaking, critical thinking, and applied academics through FFA.

SCI1310 - Chemistry (10 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation, University Lab Science
Prerequisites: Algebra I, One Previous Lab Science
Open To Grades: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: This is a laboratory course dealing with the information, concepts, and principles of chemistry. This course will cover an in-depth curriculum including: atomi and molecular structures, chemical reactions, structures and states of matter, solutions, rates of chemical reactions, and acids and bases. Opportunities to experience these concepts will come through a variety of learning techniques, such as laboratory experiments, problem solving, lectures, and film. The course is designed to give the student a functional background and develop an awareness of opportunities for further growth in the sciences and related fields.

SCI1350 - Honors Chemistry (10 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation, University Lab Science
Prerequisites: Algebra II and Honors Biology or Teacher Recommendation
Open To Grades: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: This is a laboratory course designed for the highly motivated college-bound student looking to deepen their knowledge in the sciences. This course will cover an in-depth curriculum including: atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, structure and states of matter, solutions, rates of chemical reactions, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction. Opportunities to experience these concepts will come through a variety of learning techniques, such as laboratory experiments, problem solving, lectures, and film. The curriculum will also include a research component (must be approved by the instructor) at a level of achievement equal to that of a student in an honors program.

SIC1360 - Environmental Science (11 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: Science Elective
Prerequisites: Chemistry Second Lab Science
Open To Grades: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester, Only Offered in 2007,2009, 2011

Description: This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to gain knowledge and skills necessary to understanding ecological relationships, environmental problems, and their societal implications. This interdisciplinary approach examines the role of humans and how they interact and impact the earth’s ecology. In this class the student will be able to do lab work to profile different ecosystems. Alternative energy, hybrid cars, recycling, and population dynamics are just some of the topics addressed in this course. the role of politics, economics, ethics, and philosophy will also be used to evaluate environmental issues. If the student is interested in taking the AP Environmental Exam there is an option to supplement this class with online computer studies.

SCI1420 - Physics (10 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: HS Graduation, University Lab Science
Prerequisites: Algebra II, One previous Lab Science
Open To Grades: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester

Description: Physics is the fundamental science dealing with matter and energy and the ways in which they move and change forms. The focus of this continuous-movement course is to discover and understand the underlying rules that govern the world around us, and then apply those rules to real-life situations. Students will learn about the fundamentals and motion, force, mechanical energy, thermodynamics, electricity, circuits, sound, and more. Opportunities to experience these concepts will come through a variety of learning techniques, such as laboratory experiments, problem solving, lectures and film.

SCI1460 - Biology II Anatomy and Physiology (11 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: Science Elective
Prerequisites: Biology I or ABS, Chemistry, and Geometry
Open To Grades: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester, Only Offered 2008, 2010, 2012

Description: This course emphasizes the study of the structure and functions of organs of the human body, but will also include some comparative study of other organisms to investigate how their anatomy/physiology is adapted to function in their habitats. It is designed for students who want a one-semester course in anatomy and physiology and those interested in pursuing careers in the health sciences. Once again, the emphasis is placed on the student learning process and problem-solving methods through inquiry and laboratory activities.

SCI1511 - College Physics I Fall (11 - 12)
SCI1512 - College Physics II Spring (11 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: Science Elective, Dual- Enrollment
Prerequisites: FT, Recommended: Physics
Open To Grades: 11-12
Length of Course: 2 Semesters, Only Offered in 2008, 2010, 2012

Description: This yearlong dual-enrollment course is a college level algebra-based study of motion, static and dynamic mechanics, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, light optics, and atomic structure. Upon successful completion of the course students will earn college credit through Coconino Community College. Students wishing to take the AP exam to earn AP credit for either algebra- or calculus-based physics may elect to take the AP Physics exam in May.

Homework: Daily, expect ~8 hours per week.

SCI1520 - AP Chemistry (11 - 12)

Graduation Requirements: Science Elective
Prerequisites: FT and Chemistry
Open To Grades: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 Semester, Only Offered in 2007, 2009, 2011

Description: AP Chemistry will cover: Basic Review of Chemical concepts, Atomic Theory and Structure, Periodic
Relationships, Nuclear Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, Heat of Reaction, States of Matter and Chemical Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, and Oxidation-Reduction relationships. Students will be expected to take the AP exam in the spring.

Homework: Daily, expect ~ 8 hours per week.