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- 25-26 Course Catalog
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Spanish Springs HS
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Biology 1-2
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.
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Physical Science 1-2
Physical Science 1-2 Course #3101-3102
Full year = 1 creditFee: $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.
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Conceptual Physics 1-2
Conceptual Physics 1-2 Course #3235-3236
Full year = 1 credit
Fee: $15 lab fee
Prerequisite: Successful completion of one year of science and Algebra 1.
This one-year laboratory science course is intended as an introductory course in physics that sets out to develop a well-rounded understanding in students of physical principles ranging from classical mechanics to modern physics. With this strong conceptual foundation, students are better equipped to understand the equations and formulas of physics and to make connections between the concepts of physics and their everyday world. This course meets the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Science, focusing on the physical science standards related specifically to physics.
Emphasis is on vocabulary, mental imagery, and engaging thought experiments that relate to things and events students are familiar with in their surrounding environment. The same principles will also be extended to describe phenomena at the very large and very small ends of the scale in our universe such as motion of atoms and galaxies. Special areas of emphasis include mechanics, properties of matter, energy, sound, light, wave theory, electricity, magnetism, atomic theory, and nuclear physics. Demonstrations and informal experiments will be used to teach key concepts and reinforce big ideas. Students will be able to use the ideas of physics to develop their critical thinking skills, improve their problem-solving skills, and experience an enhanced perspective of their environment which will allow them to better understand and explain the everyday world.
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Oceanography
Oceanography Course #3165-3166
Full year = 1 credit
Fee: $15 lab fee
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of science.
This course provides students with a comprehensive exploration of Earth’s oceans. Students will gain a profound understanding of ocean circulation, waves, tides, marine ecosystems and the intricate relationships between living organisms and their ocean habitats. This course also covers human impacts such as pollution, overfishing and climate change. By the end of this course students will have applied critical thinking skills and developed a solid foundation in oceanography, enabling them to appreciate these vital ecosystems.
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Astronomy 1-2
Astronomy 1-2 Course #3267-3268
Full year = 1 creditFee: $15 lab fee
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of science and Algebra 1.
Astronomy is a one-year laboratory science course intended to introduce students to the observations and investigations of the universe from the ancients through classic cosmology. The course investigates life cycles of stars, evolution of the universe, and its structure. The performance expectations for high school space science blend the Disciplinary Core Ideas with Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts to support students in developing a deeper understanding of how humans study the universe. Students will evaluate measurements of cosmic systems and develop models to explain current phenomena. This course is intended for students who express an interest in space exploration and Earth’s place in the universe.
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Earth Science 1-2
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.
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Environmental Science 1-2
Environmental Science 1-2 Course #3111-3112
Full Year = 1 credit
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of one year of science and 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.
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Chemistry 1-2 (H)
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.
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Human Anatomy and Physiology 1-2
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 3rd 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 (including cats) are an integral part of the teaching of this course.
Upon successful completion of Human Anatomy and Pphysiology, 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.
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Lab Assistant
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.
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Zoology 1-2
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.
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AP Biology- Advanced Placement
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 1st. 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.)
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AP Chemistry- Advanced Placement
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 $98.00AP 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 1st. 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.)
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Environmental Science (ENV) 101- Concurrent Enrollment UNR
Environmental Science 101 Course #14255-14256
Introduction to Environmental Science
Full year = 1 credit (Advanced Dual Credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of science and mathematics through Algebra 2. UNR prerequisites will be followed.
This college course explores the fundamental components and interactions of earth's natural systems, the relationships between humans and the environment, and solutions to current and potential environmental problems. Expectations for this course are determined by the partner University/College. To be enrolled in the class, students must maintain consistent attendance.