SHS Science Course Offerings
* Information for current 9th-11th grade students
as you register for the 2013-14 School Year
• Chemistry Lab Methods
• Physics Lab Methods
• Concepts in Advanced
Science
• Environmental Systems
• General Biology
• General Chemistry
• General Physics
• IB Biology
• IB Chemistry
• IB Environmental
Systems and
Society
• IB Physics
Math Level Recommendations
• If you WILL NOT be in
Algebra 2 next year, we
recommend that you
consider one of the following
choices:
•
•
•
•
Biology
Lab Methods: Chemistry
Lab Methods: Physics
Environmental Systems
• If you will be in Algebra 2 or higher,
we recommend that you consider one of
the following choices:
Next year’s 10th-12th grade:
• Concepts in Adv. Science (next year’s 10th)
• General Chemistry
• General Physics
• Environmental Systems
Next year’s 11th and 12th grade only:
• IB Chemistry 1
• IB Physics 1
• IB Biology 1
• IB Environmental Systems and Society
Chemistry or Physics Laboratory
Methods
 Who
should consider taking these
courses?
- Incoming freshmen who are interested in
taking upper level chemistry, biology, or physics
courses
- Students who have already taken Biology as
freshmen who will have a math level that is at
least Algebra 1 as sophomores.
Tidbits
• Each course is a one semester, 0.5 credit course.
However, it is recommended that they be taken
together in the same year to fulfill one full credit
of a laboratory based science course.
• These courses fulfill college prep requirements as
outlined by the Higher Education Board of the
State of Washington (HEC board) as a lab-based
science course.
CHEMISTRY LABORATORY METHODS

What will I learn in this course?
CONTENT:
Fundamental concepts of chemistry, such as…
…relationship between atomic structure and periodic trends
…chemical bonding
…chemical and nuclear reactions
SKILLS:
• Fundamental laboratory techniques and lab safety
• Increased use of metric units and conversion techniques
• Graphical analysis and interpretation fundamentals
• Use of electronic tools for data collection and manipulation
• Scientific communication through technical writing
PHYSICS LABORATORY METHODS
 What
will I learn in this course?
Content:
Fundamental concepts of physics, such as…
…kinematics
…dimensional analysis
…applications of Newton’s Laws and energy transformation
Skills:
• Fundamental laboratory techniques and lab safety
• Increased use of metric units and conversion techniques
• Graphical analysis and interpretation fundamentals
• Use of electronic tools for data collection and manipulation
Concepts in Advanced Sciences
Preparation for IB Chemistry
• This intensive course will cover the contents and skills
necessary to be successful in IB Chemistry.
• 1 Semester Course
• It is recommended that Lab Methods: Physics is taken the
other semester, OR that general Chemistry is taken
concurrently.
• NCAA approved Math & Lab based class
• Learning Recommendations:
• Algebra 2 or higher

Microbiology
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Microscope
Cells and organelles
Biochemistry (fats, sugars,
nucleic acids)
DNA
Genetics
Macrobiology
Evolution
 Ecology
 Populations
 Human Impact

Prepares you for the biology end of the course
exam. You must pass this exam for graduation.
Lab-based college-recognized science course.
Prepares you for advanced coursework in
IB Environmental Systems and IB Biology.
Gives you lab skills that prepare you for all upper
level coursework
General Environmental Systems
• What do you learn?
• Native Ecology and
Ethnobotany
• Earth Science
• Earthquakes
• Volcanoes
• Plate Tectonics
• Ecosystems
• Biodiversity
• Populations
• Biomes
• Aquatic Ecosystems
• Human Impact
• Global Climate
• Land and Air Pollution
• Climate Change
• Water Quality
• Soil Studies
• Energy Sustainability
Practices
What do we do?
• Hands-on data collection in Skyline’s
outdoor lab!!
• Identify local plant and animal species.
• Discuss environmental current events.
• Observe and document animal behavior.
• Environmental computer simulations
–Project-based learning and real-world
applications!
–Manipulate Duckweed environmental
conditions to study populations. (timepermitting)
GENERAL
CHEMISTRY
General
Chemistry
Topics Covered
Fun Experiments
•Atomic Structure and
Compounds
• Chemical Reactions.
•Stoichiometry—quantitative
relationships in chemical
reactions.
•Energy Relationships
•Chemical Equilibrium
•Solution Chemistry
•Acids and Bases
•Gas Laws
•Make a GOLD PENNY.
•Hot Air Balloons
•Filtration and Evaporation
•Heating Curve for Water
•Titrations (fun but
aggravating!)
General
Chemistry
GENERAL CHEMISTRY
General Description
Learning Recommendations
•Emphasis on lab skills and
scientific inquiry.
• Emphasis on critical thinking
and problem solving.
•Chemistry is a quantitative
science and students do a
significant amount of math.
•This is a lab-based and
algebra based science course.
•Chemistry gives the “WHY” of
what happens in our world.
•Chemistry Lab Methods.
•General Biology.
•A grade of B or better in
Algebra 1 and concurrent
enrollment in Algebra 2.
•Proficient in the use of
computer software for word
processing and spreadsheets.
•Proficient in lab technique,
problem solving and critical
thinking.
GENERAL PHYSICS
WHY TAKE IT?
1) Learn about how physical world works.
2) Improve critical thinking skills.
3) Counts as algebra based science
credit required by most 4 year
colleges.
4) Research shows that taking high
school physics increases success in
college.
5) Students interested in technical
careers benefit greatly from
understanding physics
(Engineering, Medicine, Science,
Construction, Mathematics,
Automotive, Architecture and More)
GENERAL INFORMATION
You are ready for Physics
if you…



Are concurrently
enrolled in or have
completed Algebra 2
Are ready to work hard,
think hard and interact
positively with your
fellow classmates.
Have the ability to solve
problems and create
projects as part of a
team
Topics Covered

Mechanics (forces,
interactions and motion)

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Linear motion
Forces and Dynamics
Projectile Motion
Momentum and Collisions
Work, Energy, and Power
Wave Behavior and
Mechanics
Sound and Music
Light, Color, and Optics
Geophysics and/or Model
Rocketry
IB BIOLOGY
•Lab based science.
•Deepen your understanding of the
science of life while having fun.
•Recommend B or better in general
biology.
•Test to earn college credit.
See www.biologyforlife.com for
a video testimonial from past IB
BIO students!
IB BIOLOGY I TOPICS
• Biochemistry
• Cell structure and function
• DNA and biotechnology
• Biology of Cancer
• Human reproduction
• Genetics
• Evolution
IB BIOLOGY II TOPICS
• Diversity of Life
• Ecology
• Botany
• Cell respiration
• Photosynthesis
• Human anatomy &
physiology
IB Chemistry
Topics Covered:
•Quantitative Chemistry
•Atomic Structure
•Periodicity
•Bonding
•Energetics
•Kinetics
•Equilibrium
•Acids & Bases
•Redox Reactions
•Organic Chemistry
Learning Recommendations:
• Familiarity with basic
chemistry principles, such
as those taught in the Lab
Methods courses
• Concurrent enrollment, or
successful completion of,
Algebra 2
From Past & Current Students
IB Chemistry
•“I love the labs”
•“It’s math-based. Some people don’t
realize that.”
Highlights:
•“Since it’s an IB class, it’ll look good on
• Thermite Demonstration
• Alkali Metals Demonstration college apps.”
•“I really like this class. I like how we get lots
• Cheeto Lab
of practice with all the worksheets.”
• M&M (Chromatography ) Lab
•“It’s like Swiftney knows what he’s
doing…it’s CRAZY.”
This is a “High Expectations”
From alumni:
course:
-You are expected to work hard •“Hansen and I are consistently the fastest
people in our chem. class at doing labs,
-You will learn college level
thanks to you.”
chemistry
•“I just wanted to let you know how much
your class has been helping me out in intro
chemistry. I have an understanding of most
of the topics and it’s helping me transition
better! Just wanted to say thank you for
your teaching last year.”
IB Environmental Systems and Society

What will you learn?
 Environmental Ethics
 Ecology
 Ecosystems
 populations
 biodiversity
 Human
Impact
 Pollution of air, water,


soil
Includes climate change
Includes both indoor and outdoor data
collection (we collect data in our outdoor
classroom behind the Skyline fence).
Tidbits
• Recognized as a lab science.
• Standard Level only which means you can take
the test as a junior or senior.
• Group 4 project is not a requirement.
• For IB Diploma Candidates you can get dual
credit—one for a lab science and one for
social science, thus freeing up your schedule
to take an additional course.
IB Physics 1
• What topics will we
study?
– Mechanics
– Thermal Physics
– Nuclear and Atomic
Physics
– Oscillations and Waves
– Astrophysics
– Amusement Park Physics
– Intro to Electricity
“From sub-atomic to
astronomical, I
guarantee you, every
step of the way, your
mind will be blown!”
“You will finally
understand how our
world works. Plus, it’s
crazy interesting.”
IB Physics 1
• Learning
Recommendations:
– Concurrent enrollment, or
successful completion of,
at least Algebra 2
– Successful completion of
Physics Lab Methods and
Chemistry Lab Methods
• “Physics has an
application for
everything; that’s why it’s
amazing!”
• Other “tidbits”:
– “IB Physics will introduce
you thoroughly to concepts
you’ll see again in college”
– “Physics can be applied to
many jobs in the future.”
– “…plus, Silverwood will be
great!”
Memorable Labs:
- Create a radioactive isotope
- Wave machines
- Collisions and Roller
Coasters
- And so many more!!