SCIENCE
INTEGRATED SCIENCE I
This lab-based introductory course is organized based on the topical structure contained in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. Integrated Science I includes those standards listed within the topics of: Structure and Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Structure and Function, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, and Earth's Systems. These topics provide the foundational concepts needed for successive Integrated Science courses to build upon. Students will learn these core ideas within these topics through the use of the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. The science and engineering practices are skills students will use as they investigate the natural world and develop solutions to problems. The crosscutting concepts are conceptual ways of thinking that cross the domains of science.
1 Credit, Grade 9
INTEGRATED SCIENCE II
This lab-based intermediate course is organized based on the topical structure contained in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. Integrated Science II includes those standards listed within the topics of: Forces and Interactions, Energy, Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems, Weather and Climate, and Human Sustainability. These topics build upon and extend the foundational concepts introduced in Integrated Science I. Students will learn these core ideas within these topics through the use of the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. The science and engineering practices are skills students will use as they investigate the natural world and develop solutions to problems. The crosscutting concepts are conceptual ways of thinking that cross the domains of science.
1 Credit, Grade 10-11
INTEGRATED SCIENCE III
This lab-based culminating course is organized based on the topical structure contained in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. Integrated Science II includes those standards listed within the topics of: Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation, Inheritance and Variation of Traits, Natural Selection and Evolution, Space Systems, and History of Earth. These topics unify, extend, and complete the conceptual understandings contained in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. Students will learn these core ideas within these topics through the use of the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. The science and engineering practices are skills students will use as they investigate the natural world and develop solutions to problems. The crosscutting concepts are conceptual ways of thinking that cross the domains of science.
1 Credit, Grade 11-12
FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Food Science and Technology introduces the issues of food production, nutrition, food chemistry and the development of food products in a global society. The government regulations regarding food and the exploration of career opportunities will also be covered. Leadership development will be provided through the National FFA Organization. Each student will be expected to have a supervised agricultural experience program.
1 Credit, Grade 10-12
*THIS COUNTS AS A SCIENCE CREDIT ONLY IF A STUDENT HAS TAKEN OR IS IN THE PROCESS OF COMPLETING AGRISCIENCE & AGRIBIOLOGY*
AGRISCIENCE
Agriscience introduces the scientific agricultural approach to animal science and selection and plant and land science. Agricultural career opportunities will be emphasized in each class. The program will include laboratory experiences relating to basic and current technology. Content may be enhanced by utilizing appropriate computer applications. Leadership development will be provided through the National FFA Organization. Each student will be expected to have a supervised agricultural experience program and keep appropriate records.
This course will count as a Science Credit.
1 Credit, Grade 9-10
AGRIBIOLOGY
This course uses agricultural contexts to present the life science content outlined in the Program of Studies. As students study practical agricultural concepts, they apply scientific ways of thinking and working to real-life problems. During their study of agri-biology, students perform many practical tasks. They create models, extract DNA, analyze DNA fingerprints, construct tables and graphs to classify and analyze data, and test soils. Students also participate in cooperative and collaborative groups, use technology to solve problems, and participate in field trips to apply scientific concepts to agricultural and environmental problems. Students develop an understanding of many concepts such as cell structure and function, morphology and physiology of agriculturally significant animals, heredity principles and inheritance patterns, genetic engineering, animal behavior, biological change, interdependence of plants and animals, and the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems.
1 Credit, Grade 10-11
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
This AP course is designed as the equivalent of a 1st year college course. This course focuses on earth systems & resources, the living world, population and biodiversity, land & water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution and global change. These topics are viewed through the lense of social, economic, legislative and cultural concerns. The classroom will utilize the scientific inquiry approach which uses concrete hands-on experiences that require students to apply critical thinking skills, as well as reading and writing skills. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam.
1 Credit, Grade 9-12
AP BIOLOGY
AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. Essential to this conceptual understanding are the following: a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. AP Biology is representative of the topics covered by the AP exam. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam.
PREREQUISITES: AP Environmental Science or Integrated Science I
1 Credit, Grade 10-12
AP CHEMISTRY
An introductory chemistry course to prepare students for college and beyond. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based lab investigations as they explore the four Big Ideas: scale, proportion, and quantity; structure and properties of substances; transformations; and energy. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam.
PREREQUISITES: AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, and/or Pre-AP Chemistry & Physics
1 Credit, Grade 10-12
AP PHYSICS
An algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam.
PREREQUISITES: AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, and/or Pre-AP Chemistry & Physics
1 Credit, Grade 10-12
PRE-AP CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS
This lab-based culminating course is organized based on the topical structure contained in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. Introduction to AP Chemistry & Physics includes those standards listed within the topics of atomic interactions, chemical reactions, periodic properties, Newton's laws, momentum, atomic attraction, and electromagnetism. These topics unify, extend, and complete the conceptual understandings contained in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. Students will learn these core ideas within these topics through the use of science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. The science and engineering practices are skills students will use as they investigate the natural world and develop solutions to problems. The crosscutting concepts are conceptual ways of thinking that cross the domains of science. The advanced pace and rigor of this class will set students up for success in their future AP Chemistry and/or AP Physics courses.
PREREQUISITES: Integrated Science 1 or AP Environmental Science
1 Credit, Grade 10-12
