Biology 1-2                                                                                                      Course #3141–3142    

Full Year = 1 credit

Fee: $15 lab fee

This one-year laboratory science course is intended to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of biological science. This course meets the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Science. The course is organized into five main topics: 1) Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems; 2) Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems; 3) Structure and Function; 4) Inheritance and Variation of Traits; 5) Natural Selection and Evolution. The performance expectations for high school life science blend the core ideas with scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing useable knowledge that can be applied across disciplines. In this course, students will use basic mathematical computations and read and write critically to analyze biological investigations.

Physical Science 1-2                                                                                        Course #3101-3102
Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $15.00 lab fee

This one-year course is intended to develop an understanding of fundamental concepts in physical science and is intended as a second-year science course. This course meets the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Science. The areas from the disciplinary core ideas that will be studied are: 1) Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions; 2) Waves and Their Applications in Technology for Information Transfer; 3) Earth’s Place in the Universe as it Relates to Physics; and 4) Chemistry: Matter and its Interactions. The performance expectations for high school physical science blend the core ideas with scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing useable knowledge that can be applied across disciplines.  In this course, students will use basic mathematical computations and read and write critically to analyze investigations.  Students who have successfully completed Physical Science 1-2 may receive credit for taking Chemistry; however, students who have successfully completed Chemistry may not receive subsequent credit for Physical Science 1-2.

Chemistry 1-2 (H)                                                                                           Course # 3203-3204    

Full Year = 1 credit (Honors)   

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Biology 1-2 and Algebra 1.

Requisite: Concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher.

Fee: $20.00 lab fee

This one-year honors laboratory science course is intended to build a deeper understanding of the concepts of chemical science and prepare students for AP Chemistry. Emphasis is placed on developing critical-thinking skills by solving more complex problems and participating in advanced laboratory investigations. This course meets the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Science. The disciplinary core ideas are: 1) Structure and Properties of Matter; 2) Chemical Reactions; and 3) Energy in Chemical Process. The performance expectations for high school chemistry blend Disciplinary Core Ideas with both Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts to support students in developing an understanding of chemistry. Students will use advanced mathematical computations, critically read scientific text, analyze chemical data, and prepare formal written laboratory reports following investigations.

Earth Science 1-2                                                                                            Course #3131-3132

Full Year = 1 credit

Prerequisites:  One year of science; credit earned in Algebra 1.

Fee: $10.00 lab fee

This one-year laboratory science course is intended to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of Earth science. This course meets the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Science. There are five Earth science Disciplinary Core Ideas: 1) Earth’s Systems; 2) Human Impacts; 3) History of Earth; 4) Weather and Climate; and 5) Space Systems. The performance expectations for high school Earth science blend the core ideas with scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing useable knowledge that can be applied across disciplines. In this course, students will use basic mathematical computations and read and write critically to analyze earth science investigations.

Environmental Science 1-2                                                                             Course #3111-3112

Full Year = 1 credit

Prerequisites:  Two years of science and successful completion of Algebra 1.

Fee: $15.00 lab fee

This one-year laboratory science course is intended to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of environmental science. This course meets the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Science. The disciplinary core ideas are: 1) Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics; 2) Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity; 3) Energy; 4) Earth’s Place in the Universe; 5) Earth’s Systems; and 6) Earth and Human Activity.  Performance expectations for this course blend the core ideas with scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing a deeper understanding of how humans interact with the environment.  Students will understand the complex and significant interdependencies between humans and rest of Earth’s systems by reading scientific text and writing critically to analyze data.

Human Anatomy and Physiology 1-2                                                                    Course #3261-3262

Full Year = 1 credit (Honors)

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Biology 1-2 and Chemistry 1-2 and successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Fee: $25.00 lab fee

This one-year advanced level course is intended as a 3^rd year science course and will cover an introduction to the structural and functional aspects of the human body.   This course is for those students interested in medical fields or biological science. The course is designed to cover the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and an in-depth look at body systems.  Demonstrations and laboratory experience, including mandatory dissections are an integral part of the teaching of this course. 
Upon successful completion of Human Anatomy and P

physiology, students will develop: 1) an understanding of the methods and techniques used to study the human body; 2) knowledge of the structure of all systems in the body; 3) an understanding of the functions of all the systems of the human body; 4) an understanding of the role of each body system in maintaining the homeostatic balance of the human body; 5) an awareness of relevant pathologies associated with human body systems; and 6) an awareness of the professional opportunities and requirements in the health sciences and related fields. NOTE: This class may be offered Zero period based upon enrollment numbers. The course numbers for students interested in Zero period are 3013-3014.

Lab Assistant                                                                                                  Course #8091-8092

1/2 credit per semester

Prerequisite:  Formal application counseling or curriculum office and approval.  Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, good attendance record and no discipline issues.  Junior or Senior standing only.

Lab Assistants at SSHS are requested and approved only for “lab type” classes in which student safety, student supervision, and additional assistance is needed by the teacher to help monitor students enrolled in the Lab Class who will be using dangerous equipment, highly specialized equipment, or chemicals or other materials of a dangerous nature.

Zoology 1-2                                                                                                     Course # 3163-3164

Full Year = 1 credit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of two years of science including on year of Biology 1-2.

Fee: $15.00 lab fee

This one-year advanced level laboratory science course is intended for third- and fourth-year students who are interested in exploring the diversity of organisms in the animal kingdom. The course provides an educational opportunity through the infusion of 21st century learning techniques. It is designed to build on prior knowledge of biology and chemistry with an added emphasis on animal taxa, evolutionary relationships, comparative anatomy and physiology of structural and functional adaptations of animals as well as their role and impact on the environment. A high level of understanding in problem solving and the scientific methods is necessary for success. Learning is shaped through a combination of classroom activities, including critical reading and writing, dissection, hands-on experiments, projects, lecture (sometimes from local experts), small and large group discussion, field trips, and the integration of technology.

AP Biology- Advanced Placement                                                                   Course #3149-3150
Full Year = 1 credit (Advanced Placement)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology 1-2 and Chemistry 1-2.

Fee: $20.00 lab fee + AP fee $98.00

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. AP Biology differs from a high school biology course with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students and the time and effort required by the students. Successfully completing the AP Biology exam may allow students to receive advanced placement, college credit, or both, upon entering college. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.  All AP exams have a cost associated with them. NOTE: This class may be offered Zero period based upon enrollment numbers. The course numbers for students interested in Zero period are 3015-3016.

Note:  This course is intended to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam; those who enroll in this class will be required to take that exam in May.  All AP exams have a cost associated with them, currently the cost is $98 for the exam. A $40 deposit is due by November 1^st. This course may not be dropped from a student’s course schedule after the last day of school prior to the year the student plans on taking the course. (Some financial assistance may be available.)

AP Chemistry- Advanced Placement                                                              Course #3211-3212

Full Year = 1 credit (Advanced Placement)

Prerequisites: Completion of Chemistry 1-2 and Algebra 2.
Fee: $30.00 lab fee + AP exam fee $98.00

AP Chemistry is a full-year course that reinforces the basic concepts covered in general chemistry and deals with additional topics not covered in general chemistry. After a brief review of concepts learned in general chemistry, topics covered will include electron structure, Lewis structures, molecular structure and shape, thermochemistry, equilibrium chemistry, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Students must also register for AP Chemistry Lab if it is offered separately; please check with your school’s counseling department to determine if the lab is part of the regular class or if students must register for a separate course.  Students are required to take the AP exam in May. All AP exams have a cost associated with them.

Note:  This course is intended to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam; those who enroll in this class will be required to take that exam in May.  All AP exams have a cost associated with them, currently the cost is $98 for the exam. A $40 deposit is due by November 1^st. This course may not be dropped from a student’s course schedule after the last day of school prior to the year the student plans on taking the course. (Some financial assistance may be available.)

AP Environmental Science- Advanced Placement                                          Course #3115-3116

Full Year = 1 credit (Advanced Placement)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of two years of science; students will be best prepared for the course if they have successfully completed Biology 1-2 and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 1-2.

Fee: AP exam fee $98.00

AP Environmental Science is designed so students use their knowledge of scientific principles and methodologies to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, evaluate the risks associated with current environmental problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing additional problems. Course goals are focused on environmental issues that have a global impact from the scientific, political and sociological viewpoints. Coursework includes rigorous laboratory and field experiences utilizing the tools of the discipline. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.  All AP exams have a cost associated with them.