SCIENCE

BIOLOGY

This laboratory-based, inquiry-driven course is the foundational step in the science sequence, utilizing real-world phenomena to drive student questions and facilitate the sense-making of core biological concepts, aligning with the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science (KASS). The curriculum addresses key domains: Ecosystem Interactions & Dynamics, Matter, Energy, and Organisms, Inheritance and Variation, and Evolutionary Change. Skill development involves consistent application of the Science and Engineering Practices—including investigation design and data analysis—to construct rigorous, evidence-based explanations for biological systems.

1 Credit, Grade 9

CHEMISTRY

This laboratory-based, phenomenon-driven course is the second step in the science sequence, utilizing real-world chemical events to drive student questions and facilitate the sense-making of core concepts, aligning with the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science (KASS). The curriculum addresses key chemical domains: Structure and Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Energy in Chemical Processes, and Nuclear Processes. Skill development involves consistent application of the Science and Engineering Practices—including modeling chemical phenomena and analyzing reaction data—to construct rigorous, evidence-based explanations for the behavior and transformation of matter.

PREREQUISITES: Biology
1 Credit, Grade 10

PHYSICS

This laboratory-based, phenomenon-driven course is typically the third step in the science sequence, utilizing observable physical events to drive student questions and facilitate the sense-making of core concepts, aligning with the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science (KASS). The curriculum addresses key physical domains: Forces and Motion, Energy, Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation, and Stability and Change in Technological Systems. Skill development involves consistent application of the Science and Engineering Practices—including planning investigations, developing mathematical models, and analyzing system behavior—to construct rigorous, evidence-based explanations for the interaction of matter and energy.

PREREQUISITES: Biology & Chemistry
1 Credit, Grade 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 lens 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.

Offered at NCHS for NCHS & TNHS students

1 Credit, Grade 9

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.

1 Credit, Grade 9-10

AP CHEMISTRY

AP Chemistry is designed as the equivalent of a rigorous, first-year college general chemistry course. The course focuses on the atomic and molecular interactions that result in the observable properties and changes of matter, emphasizing a foundational understanding of chemical principles and quantitative analysis. Topics are studied through the lens of fundamental physical laws and mathematical relationships. The class will utilize the scientific inquiry approach, which integrates extensive, hands-on laboratory experiences requiring students to apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and advanced mathematical routines. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on the official AP exam.

PREREQUISITES: AP Biology
1 Credit, Grade 10-11

AP PHYSICS 1

AP Physics 1 is designed as the equivalent of a rigorous, algebra-based college physics course. The course focuses on applying fundamental physical principles to analyze systems and solve complex problems, emphasizing conceptual understanding and quantitative reasoning. Topics are studied through the application of algebraic reasoning, graphical analysis, and logical models. The class will utilize the scientific inquiry approach, integrating hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory experiences that require students to apply critical thinking skills, mathematical routines, and data analysis to construct and defend scientific arguments. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on the official AP exam.

PREREQUISITES: AP Chemistry
1 Credit, Grade 11-12

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 9

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.

PREREQUISITES: Agribiology
1 Credit, Grade 10

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.

PREREQUISITES: Agribiology & Agriscience

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*