Courses for Students

Biology A introduces students to the scientific method and the major concepts of biology from an historical and practical viewpoint. The three major themes of this course are the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, and the interdependence of organisms. Students who take this class will have a deeper appreciation for the complexities of living organisms. Life on this planet, unlike anywhere else in the observable universe, is complex and highly organized. Whether examining life on the molecular or the planetary level, it exhibits a highly organized structure that inspires awe by its genius and complexity. In the last 50 years, discoveries have launched new branches of biology that have transformed the daily routine, from conception to death. New challenges await, such as the current crisis in ecology, global warming, and the resurgence in viral disease. To make rational choices in the 21st century, the citizen must have a basic understanding of biological concepts and the reasoning behind them. Biology A is presented in a multimedia format using interactive modules, labs, narrated animation, text, and videos to present the study of life on this planet.

Biology B is a continuation of the basic course in biology, Biology A. The major concepts covered are population dynamics and evolution. Students explore population dynamics through the study of mutualism, predation, parasitism, and competition. The theory of evolution is presented, along with the many evidences and details that make evolution the backbone of modern biology. From biochemistry to evolution, biology fascinates people. Biochemists first astounded the world by showing that life obeys the same chemical principles as all creation, but that life engineers chemistry to its own needs. Decades later, Darwin shocked the world by suggesting that life evolves according to the conditions of the environment it inhabits. Evolution, often debated and derided, has survived to become a key concept of biology. This second course in biology examines the wonder of life and its mechanisms.

Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. Matter is all the “stuff” around us. In this first semester class you will learn about atomic structure, physical and chemical change, chemical bonding, naming compounds, percentage composition and molecular geometry. Since chemistry is a laboratory based course, each unit will include a lab simulation and/or a kitchen lab experience.

The second semester of chemistry will cover a whole set of new topics, using the skills mastered in the first semester. The major units will be Stoichiometry, nuclear reactions, reaction rates, acids, bases and salts and thermochemistry. Again, a working knowledge of algebra and geometry will aid the student at being successful in Chemistry!

Earth Science A is the first-semester in a two-course sequence designed to expose the student to the scientific study of the Earth. Students will learn how observation and experimentation are used to gain knowledge about the Earth’s past and present and used in making predictions about Earth’s future. Students will gain an understanding of the inner workings of Earth systems, including water and rock cycles, and how they influence the environments on the planet.

This is the second course in a two-course sequence. Earth Science B is the second-semester course designed to expose the student to the scientific study of the Earth. Students will learn how observation and experimentation are used to gain knowledge about the Earth’s past and present and used in making predictions about Earth’s future. The course emphasis is on astronomy, meteorology, and hydrology. The course will include outside readings, labs and the application of learned material to everyday problems.

Environmental science is an integrated science course that continues to develop conceptual understanding of the interactions in Earth science, physical science, and life science systems. The standards for environmental science engage students in the core ideas, scientific and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts to support the development of knowledge that can be applied to understanding, explaining,and improving human interactions with Earth systems and resources. There are strong connections to mathematical practices of analyzing and interpreting data with creating mathematical and computational models.

Environmental science is an integrated science course that continues to develop conceptual understanding of the interactions in Earth science, physical science, and life science systems. The standards for environmental science engage students in the core ideas, scientific and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts to support the development of knowledge that can be applied to understanding, explaining, and improving human interactions with Earth systems and resources. There are strong connections to mathematical practices of analyzing and interpreting data with creating mathematical and computational models.

This course provides students with a basic introduction to the field of forensic science. Students will discover the various roles and responsibilities associated with a career in forensics. Students will learn basic crime scene analysis skills used by investigators in both the field and lab. In addition, students will be given an overview of the various forms of evidence left by criminals at the scene of the crime as well as the opportunity to apply this knowledge to hypothetical situations. Special focus will be placed on real world application of the knowledge presented to allow students a chance to experience some of what forensic scientists experience on a daily basis. Please note: In some lessons, students will be asked to use household items to recreate the content in the lesson. In such cases, multiple options will be available in an attempt to accommodate the diverse situations of our students. Some examples of materials that may be needed could include but are not limited to, modeling clay, tape, hand tools, etc. Additionally, since this is an online course, students may be asked to provide documentation of their work to ensure authenticity. Typically, this is accomplished by having students provide a digital image of their work. Therefore, students will need to have access to a camera or some form of image capturing device (cell phone, webcam, etc.). Graphic content notification: Due to the nature of this course, some content may be disturbing to some students. Images of dead and decaying bodies, as well as content that involves murder cases, drug overdoses, and sexual assault, will be addressed.

This is semester one of a two-semester course in Oceanography. Students receive an introduction to oceanography including the history of marine science, a discussion of the origin of life (including the Big Bang Theory) and its connection to the ocean, an exploration of the energy of life, and an introduction to ocean life including simple life, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Students explore these topics through a variety of content including an etextbook, videos, and interactives. Each lesson includes a quiz or assignment and each unit culminates in a unit project and unit test. Through the lesson assignments and unit projects, students will demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways including presentations, creative projects, hands-on activities, writing and more.

This is semester two of a two-semester course in Oceanography. Students continue the survey of Oceanography begun in Oceanography A course by exploring such topics as air and sea interaction, ocean currents, tides, ecosystems, ocean resources, pollution and conservation. Students explore these topics through a variety of content including an etextbook, videos, and interactives. Each lesson includes a quiz or assignment and each unit culminates in a unit project. Through the lesson assignments and unit projects, students will demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways including presentations, creative projects, hands-on activities, writing and more.