1. SHS Science Course Offerings
SHS Science Course Offerings * Information for current 9th-11th grade students as you register for the School Year
IB Biology (HL)
IB Physics (HL)
IB Chemistry (SL/HL)
IB Environmental Systems and Society (SL)
IB Exercise Science (SL)
Chemistry Lab Methods
Physics Lab Methods
Concepts in Advanced Science
Environmental Systems
General Biology
General Chemistry
General Physics
Astronomy (semester)

3. Math Level Recommendations
If you will be in Geometry or Algebra 1 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 Geometry or higher, we recommend that you consider any of the above, plus:
Astronomy
General Chemistry
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
Astronomy
Next year’s 11th and 12th grade only:
IB Chemistry 1
IB Physics 1
IB Biology 1
IB Environmental Systems and Society
IB Exercise Science
We recommend a well-rounded selection of sciences throughout your career at Skyline.
We also encourage you to consider a 2nd year of an IB science, possibly taking more than 1 science in either your junior or senior year.

4. Lab Methods: (Chemistry or Physics )
Who should consider taking these courses?
- Students who have already taken Biology AND who got less than a B in Algebra 1 OR will be enrolled in Algebra 1.
- Incoming freshmen who would like more support before taking upper level chemistry or physics courses.
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.

5. 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
Use of laboratory equipment for data collection and manipulation
Scientific communication through technical writing

6. 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
Scientific communication through technical writing

7. Concepts in Advanced Sciences
Preparation for IB Sciences
This intensive course will cover the contents and skills that will help a student to be more successful in IB Sciences.
1 Semester Course (0.5 cr)
NOT needed for IB Science, but can be good preparation for an IB Science.
Can be taken to offset an elective class (Lab Methods, etc.)
NCAA approved Math & Lab based class
Learning Recommendations:
Algebra 2 or higher

8. General Environmental Systems
What do you learn?
Biodiversity
Earth
Native Ecology
Soil Studies
Ethnobotany
Earthquakes
Ecosystems
Volcanoes
Biomes
Plate Tectonics
Ecological Succession
Climate
Weather
Populations
Climate Change
Water
Energy
Water Quality
Sustainability
Ocean Currents
Tides

9. General Environmental Systems
What do you do?
Lab Based; no Algebra requirement
Lots of hands-on data collection experience in Skyline’s outdoor forest and pond lab
Project-based learning and real-world applications.
Soil / Plant Growth Manipulations
Plant Identification
Real world / Current information
and topics

10. Astronomy (0.5 cr) Why Take It?
Great preparation for upper level sciences OR a great class to take if you love science!
Immediately observable science
Get to know how the universe works!
Great exploration into what its like to be an astronomer, astrophysicist, etc.
Intermediate science course with emphasis in:
Upper level science lab skills
Inquiry investigations
Mathematics applications in science
Team based projects
Critical thinking and problem solving
Communication through scientific reading and writing
Student lead research projects

11. Astronomy You will learn: You are ready for Astronomy if…
What’s in our Solar System
History of Astronomy
Space Exploration and Rocketry
Formation of the Solar System and its Bodies
Characteristics of Stars
Main Sequence Evolution
Post MS Results 
Galaxy Morphology
The History of the Universe and its Evidence
As time allows: special topics and current events in astronomy and astrophysics
You are ready for Astronomy if…
You will be enrolled in geometry or higher
You have successfully completed biology
You have successfully completed physical science/lab methods course

12. 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
Gas Laws
Fun Experiments
Make a GOLD PENNY.
Hot Air Balloons
Chemical Change Lab
Heating Curve for Water
Unknown Puzzle Lab

13. General Chemistry General Chemistry General Description
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.
Learning Recommendations
Chemistry Lab Methods.
General Biology.
A grade of B or better in Algebra 1 and concurrent enrollment in Geometry or Algebra 2.
Proficient in the use of computer software for word processing and spreadsheets.
Proficient in lab technique, problem solving and critical thinking.

14. General Physics WHY TAKE IT? Learn about how physical world works.
Improve critical thinking skills.
Counts as algebra based science credit required by most 4 year colleges.
Research shows that taking high school physics increases success in college.
Students interested in STEM and technical careers benefit greatly from understanding physics
(Engineering, Medicine, Science, Construction, Mathematics, Automotive, Architecture, Programming, and More)

15. General Physics Topics Covered You are ready for Physics if you…
Have completed Algebra 2 OR are concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 AND have strong math skills
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
Like learning about how things work and why.
Topics Covered
Mechanics
Linear Motion
Forces and Interactions
2D Projectile Motion
Momentum, Impulse and Collisions
Work, Energy, and Power
Wave Behavior and Mechanics
Sound and Music
Light and Color
Geophysics
Real World Applications

16. IB Physics (HL) What topics will we study? Year 1: Year 2:
Mechanics
Thermal Physics/Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics
Circular Motion and gravitation
Year 2:
Waves and light
Electricity and Magnetism
AC electricity and energy production
Quantum/Nuclear/Particle Physics
“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.”
“I really wish I had taken Physics in high school! It would have made it SO much easier in college!” ~A Physical Therapist, Olympic PT

17. IB Physics (HL) Learning Recommendations:
Concurrent enrollment, or successful completion of, at least Algebra 2
Successful completion of Physics Lab Methods and Chemistry Lab Methods and/or Concepts in Advanced Science
“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!!

18. IB BIOLOGY (HL) 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.

19. Engineer glowing bacteria!!!
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
COOL LABS!
DNA electrophoresis!!!
Engineer glowing bacteria!!!
Grow fast plants!!!
Use microscopes!!!

20. IB Chemistry (SL/HL) Topics Covered: Learning Recommendations:
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 Chemistry Lab Methods courses
Concurrent enrollment, or successful completion of, Algebra 2

21. From Past & Current Students
“I love the labs”
“It’s math-based. Some people don’t realize that.”
“Since it’s an IB class, it’ll look good on college apps.”
“I really like this class. I like how we get lots of practice with all the worksheets.”
“It’s like Swiftney knows what he’s doing…it’s CRAZY.”
From alumni:
“Hansen and I are consistently the fastest people in our chem. class at doing labs, thanks to you.”
“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 Chemistry
Highlights:
Thermite Demonstration
Alkali Metals Demonstration
Cheeto Lab
M&M (Chromatography ) Lab
Being prepared for College Chemistry Classes
This is a “High Expectations” course:
-You are expected to work hard
-You will learn college level chemistry

22. IB Environmental Systems and Society (SL)
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).

23. 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.

24. IB Exercise Science What We Will Study Basic Info
Muscular & Skeletal Human Anatomy
Exercise Physiology
Energetics/Metabolism
Body Motion and Analysis
Psychology of Sport and Competition
Basic Info
One year course (SL)
Students should have previously taken and passed Biology
2 years of previous science recommended
Recognized as a lab based science

25. IB Exercise Science
Very unique opportunity, the course is not offered at many high schools
Great intro to the world of Anatomy and Physiology
Early experience if you are interested in a medical profession or athletics
Learn very practical information that you can use and see all the time in the real world