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 Chemistry (SL/HL)
IB Physics (HL)
IB Environmental Systems and Society (SL)
IB Exercise Science (SL)
Chemistry Lab Methods
Physics Lab Methods
General Biology
General Chemistry
General Physics
Environmental Systems
Astronomy
Forensic Science

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:
General Chemistry
Astronomy
Forensic Science
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:
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. General Biology—Topics
Microbiology
Microscope
Cells and organelles
Biochemistry (fats, sugars, nucleic acids)
DNA
Genetics
Macrobiology
Evolution
Ecology
Populations
Human Impact

5. Tidbits Lab-based college-recognized science course.
Prepares you for advanced coursework in:
IB Environmental Systems,
IB Biology, and
IB Exercise Science
Gives you lab skills that prepare you for all upper level science coursework

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Astronomy (Now a Year Long Class)
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

12. 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

13. 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.
Chemical Change Lab
Heating Curve for Water
Unknown Puzzle Lab

14. General Chemistry General Chemistry Learning Recommendations
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
General Biology.
Chemistry Lab Methods.
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.

15. General Physics WHY TAKE IT? Learn about how physical world works.
Improve critical thinking skills.
Physics accounts for many topics on the WCAS (State Science Assessment)
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)

16. General Physics Topics Covered You are ready for Physics if you…
Have successfully 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

17. 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
“Physics has an application for everything; that’s why it’s amazing!”

18. IB Physics (HL) Memorable Year 1 Labs:
Learning Recommendations:
Have successfully completed Algebra 2 OR are concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 AND have strong math skills
Successful completion of Physics Lab Methods and Chemistry Lab Methods
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.”
Memorable Year 1 Labs:
Free-Fall
Collisions and Roller Coasters
Heat Engines
Amusement Park Physics
And so many more!!
Labs to look forward to 2nd year:
Wave machines
Rotational motion
Electric Motors
Create a radioactive isotope

19. For more information, visit
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.
For more information, visit

20. Engineer glowing bacteria!!!
IB BIOLOGY I TOPICS
Learning & memory
Biochemistry
Cell structure & function
DNA & biotechnology
Biology of Cancer
Genetics
IB BIOLOGY II TOPICS
Diversity of Life
Ecology
Evolution
Botany
Metabolism
Human anatomy & physiology
COOL LABS!
DNA electrophoresis!!!
Engineer glowing bacteria!!!
Grow fast plants!!!
Use microscopes!!!

21. 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
Have successfully completed Algebra 2 OR are concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 AND have strong math skills.

22. IB Chemistry Highlights: Thermite Demonstration
Alkali Metals Demonstration
Cheeto (Calorimetry) Lab
Candy (Chromatography ) Lab
Being prepared for College Chemistry Classes
(Increase personal learning skills to be an independent, active learner)
This is a “High Expectations” course:
-You are expected to work hard
-You will learn college level chemistry – can test for college credit

23. 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).

24. 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.

25. IB Exercise Science Muscular & Skeletal Human Anatomy
What We Will Study
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

26. 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

27. Forensic Science
This Lab-based course explores the scientific basis of forensics. 
It utilizes the scientific method and knowledge from diverse fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology to collect and analyze evidence, re-create the crime scene, and determine the perpetrator. 
In this course, you will study a number of sub-fields within forensics in order to examine a wide variety of crimes. 

28. Forensic Science Topics:
Crime Scene and Physical Evidence
Properties of Matter and Glass Analysis
Drugs and Forensic Toxicology
Forensic Serology
DNA Evidence
Hair and Fibers
Metal, Paints, and Soil
Fire Investigation
Explosions
Fingerprints
Firearms, Tool Marks and other Impressions
Document Examination
Careers in Forensic Science