DHS SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Required Course of Study
9th grade
10th grade
11th/12th grade
All 9th grade students at
DHS are required to earn
1 credit of Earth Science.
All students must earn
one credit of biology to
graduate.
11th/12th grade
Students must earn one credit
in any of the following
subjects.
Earth Science: This class
covers materials outlined
in the state MME.
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Electives by Grade
9th grade
National Parks
Environmental
Science
10th grade
Dangerous Earth
National Parks
Anatomy/Physiology
Environmental
Science
Plant Science
Freshwater Biology
11th grade
Dangerous Earth
National Parks
Astronomy
Anatomy/Physiology
Environmental
Science
Plant Science
Freshwater
Biology
Advanced Biology
Behavioral Gen.
Adv. Bio. Ecology
Adv. Bio. Zoology
IB Biology
AP Biology
Physics
IB Physics
AP Physics
12th grade
Dangerous Earth
National Parks
Astronomy
Anatomy /Physiology
Environmental
Science
Plant Science
Freshwater Biology
Adv. Bio. Ecology
Adv. Bio. Zoology
IB Biology
AP Biology
IB Chemistry
Physics
IB Physics
AP Physics
Lab Technician
EARTH SCIENCE A & B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length: Year long class
Prerequisite: None
Earth Science: introduces the study of astronomy, geology, meteorology, and
oceanography. Students learn through labs, projects, individual and group study.
Students investigate the relationships between the following: water cycle, rock cycle,
plate tectonics, seismic events, and the earth in its solar system. Students will also
investigate how human interactions have changed the earth and what this means for the
future.
1 DHS SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIOLOGY A & B
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: Year long class
Required class
Prerequisite: Required prerequisite ES
Biology investigates biochemistry, cell theory, cell structure, cell function,
photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cell reproduction, genetics, DNA technology,
evolution theory, taxonomy, ecology, microorganisms, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates.
Biology is recommended for students contemplating college.
IB BIOLOGY SL/HL
Grades: 11, 12
Length: SL One Year, HL Two Year
Required: One biology course is required for graduation in the State of Michigan
Prerequisite: Admittance into the IB Diploma Programme, B or better in Earth Science,
Chemistry or Physics.
International Baccalaureate Biology is a class offering you the analytical tools to learn
about the biological sciences . Topics in the class are developed as problem solving
issues where students will explore the role of a biologist through experimentation and
problem solving skills. Every activity is meant to develop students as critical thinkers
engaging in real world issues such as cloning, bio-terrorism, environmental protections,
global perspectives, and most importantly the biologists role in these issues. This two
year curriculum will challenge you to make educated decisions about our society and
world in response to ecological issues. You will obtain the skills necessary to make
educated decisions about policy and your role as a living citizen in our biological world.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
Grades: 11, 12
Length: Year long class
Prerequisite: B or better in Accelerated Chemistry, Advanced Algebra, and World
Literature & Composition or teacher permission.
Advanced Placement Biology provides the equivalent of introductory college biology
course taken by biology majors. The course includes rigorous information dissemination
through presentations, discussions, laboratory experiences, research, intensive study,
essay writing, and testing. Knowledge of chemistry, mathematical computation skills,
and strong writing skills are a must. This two term course is designed primarily for
students interested in obtaining college credits through the Advanced Placement
Program sponsored by the College Board; however, the course is open to all interested
students who meet the prerequisites.
ADVANCED BIOLOGY: ZOOLOGY
Grades 11-12
Length: One semester
Prerequisite: C or better in Biology
Advanced Biology gives the student an opportunity for in-depth research and study of
some specific biological concepts, uses the inquiry method in learning biological science
and provides opportunity for use of scientific equipment. This lab oriented course will
focus on taxonomy, comparative anatomy and structural adaptations and evolution of
animals using virtual and real dissections, field studies and simulations to investigate the
animal world. Essay writing, lab reports, research, mathematical models and
discussions will be the tools for learning the information.
2 DHS SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CHEMISTRY A & B
Grades: 11, 12
Length: Year long class
Required Physics or Chemistry class for graduation
Prerequisite: Algebra, C or better in Biology or permission of the teacher.
Accelerated Chemistry is the study of how matter interacts and the characteristics of
those interactions. Through laboratory experiments, class discussions, and math based
problem-solving activities, students develop the ability to observe and measure changes
in matter and draw logical conclusions leading to generalizations about the behavior of
matter. This class provides the recommended High School Content Expectations in
chemistry and is recommended for college bound students interested in science.
AP Chemistry
Grade: 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Earth Science & Biology
Length: One full year
The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support
future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of
chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic
structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics,
thermodynamics, and equilibrium.
PHYSICS A & B
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: One semester each
Required Physics or Chemistry for graduation
Prerequisite: Algebra C- or better or permission of the teacher.
Physics A/B is a fundamental science about the nature of basic things such as motion,
forces, matter, heat, magnetism, electricity, waves and light. This conceptual physics
class, Physics A/B, enables students to build their understanding through exploration,
develop their comprehension through demonstrations and thought-provoking
questioning, and then apply what they have learned through inquiry based
activities. This course is designed to meet all the requirements for high school
Physics. It is a good alternative for students who do not plan to pursue a study in precollege science courses.
This course does not qualify as a senior math class.
AP Physics B
Grades: 11, 12
Length: One Year
Required: physics or chemistry for graduation
Prerequisite: pre-calculus (may be concurrently enrolled)
AP Physics 1 is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics.
The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular
momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also
introduce electric circuits. The ability to develop and use physics knowledge by applying
it to the practice of scientific inquiry and reasoning is at the heart of the new physics
courses and exams. Students will spend approximately 25% of their course time engaged
in the practice of science through experimenting, analyzing, making conjectures and
arguments, and solving problems in a collaborative setting, where they direct and
monitor their progress toward an academic goal.
3 DHS SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
IB Physics SL, IB Physics HL
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II (Concurrent enrollment in pre-calculus & trig or
HL Math 1, Math SL 1)
Grade: 11, 12
Length: 1-2 years
This course serves as the first course in the two-year IB HL physics curriculum or as
the complete course for IB Physics SL. The course will include in-depth examination of
themes involving laws of physics, experimental skills and the social and historical aspects
of physics. Basic features of the natural world will be explained in terms of interactions
between matter and energy. Students will hypothesize, design, and carry out
investigations and theorize models. Topics will include measurement, mechanics,
thermal physics, electricity, magnetism, fluid mechanics, waves and optics, atomic
physics and nuclear physics. The course will be complemented with extensive laboratory
work and individual and small-group research projects. Course objectives include
advanced problem solving in physics, in-depth study of the basic principles of physics,
improvement of critical thinking skills through problem solving, and
sharpened laboratory skills.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (Offered in school years ending with odd
numbers)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: One semester
Prerequisite: Biology
Environmental Studies gives students an opportunity to investigate ecological
relationships and structures, destruction of habitats, depletion of resources, pollution,
alternative energy sources, current energy sources limitations, wildlife management,
forestry and forestry management and invasive species, endangered species, energy
relationships and conservation. Students will keep field journals, and do lab activities,
simulations, field experiences, projects and tests and quizzes.
INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (IAP)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: One semester
Prerequisite: Biology required--concurrent or completed.
IAP introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Each body
system is highlighted in relation to structure, function, disease, and disorder. Organ and
body systems are investigated through lab work, group work,dissection and class
discussions. Students learn and use medical terminology. They are encouraged to apply
concepts to their own lives.
PLANT SCIENCE (Offered in school years ending with even numbers)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: One semester
Prerequisite: Biology, Practical Biology or may be taken concurrently with Biology
Plant Science teaches the structure, function and uses of plants in career orientations:
agriculture, green housing, landscaping, and flower retailing. Students determine the
needs of plants, where they grow, how to maintain their freshness and design, how to
force flowers, and genetic manipulation. Class activities include: lecture, labs, projects,
field trips, and collaborative group studies and discussions.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY (Offered in school years ending with odd
4 DHS SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
numbers)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: One semester
Prerequisite: Biology or may be taken concurrently with Biology
Freshwater Biology develops awareness of the value of freshwater resources: ponds,
lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. Students investigate the chemical nature of water
environments, their living organisms, the impact of human uses of water environments
and their adjacent watershed land masses, the effects of weather systems and seasons,
and career opportunities in fields related to freshwater biology. Class activities include:
lecture, labs, projects, field trips, and collaborative group studies and discussion
DANGEROUS EARTH (Offered in school years ending with odd numbers)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: One semester
Prerequisite: Earth Science
Dangerous Earth begins with a brief introduction to fundamental geologic principles
including the rock cycle and plate tectonics. The remainder of the course concentrates
on the origin/causes, history and impacts of various natural hazards.
ASTRONOMY (Offered in school years ending with odd numbers)
Grades: 11, 12
Length: One semester
Prerequisite: B or better in AGS II or Geometry
Astronomy introduces the concepts of astronomy to students. The class consists on
lecture and observations covering the concepts of astronomical history, light &
telescopes, solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe. Students will explore through
computer activities, night time observations, and extra credit opportunities with local
astronomy organizations.
NATIONAL PARKS (Offered in school years ending with even numbers)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length: One semester
Prerequisite: none
Students will investigate the geologic processes that shape the Earths surface, using
different National Parks as a focus for specific natural processes.
SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Grade: 12
Length: One semester class
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation and permission
Science Laboratory Technician provides 12th grade students the opportunity to acquire
practical lab skills for future careers in science and technology. Working under a
“contract” with a science teacher, an technician learns correct practice for lab
preparation, materials/equipment inventory, chemical preparation and disposal,
calibration techniques for lab equipment, and storage and upkeep of lab tools.
Technicians learn and use safe lab practices and proper responses to lab accidents.
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