Science
The high school science course of study centers around an in-depth investigation into the specific disciplines of science through inquiry and application of concepts. Success in high school science depends on strong math, writing and reading comprehension skills. Students build upon earlier science knowledge from their middle grades to prepare them for post- secondary opportunities and workforce opportunities. In a world filled with the products of scientific inquiry, scientific literacy has become a necessity for everyone. Many of the problems and issues faced by society will require citizens who are scientifically literate to develop solutions.
In order to graduate from Orange County Schools, a student must earn a minimum of three credits in science. The three required sciences are Biology, a physical science, and an earth/environmental science.
Science Course Options
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Earth/Environmental Sciences
- Science Electives
- AP Sciences
- IB Sciences (CRHS Only)
Life Sciences
Students are required to take Biology as part of their NC Graduation Requirements. Students may choose from the two courses below:
Biology - 33202X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
The Biology course uses a conceptual approach to teach students about the world of living things and includes topics such as Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Evolution and Ecology. Investigations, activities, and projects will emphasize living organisms and the special challenges all living things face. The NC End-of-Course test is required at the completion of the course.
Biology Honors - 33205X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
Biology Honors uses a conceptual approach to teach students about the world of living things and includes topics such as Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Evolution and Ecology. Investigations, activities, and projects will emphasize living organisms and the special challenges all living things face. This course demands a high degree of independence and responsibility on the part of the students due to the increased rigorous pace and outside readings and assignments. The NC End-of-Course test is required at the completion of the course.
Physical Sciences
Physical Science -
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None; recommended NC Math 1
Physical Science covers the basic principles of chemistry and physics. The student will build a conceptual understanding of the structure of matter and energy. Topics include atomic structure, chemical reactions, motion, work, and electricity.
Chemistry - 34202X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None; recommended Biology
Chemistry is the study of matter: its composition, structure, behavior, and interactions, from atoms to complex molecules. This course expands the student’s lab skills and problem-solving skills and is very dependent on algebra skills.
Chemistry Honors - 34205X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None; recommended Biology
Chemistry Honors is the study of matter: its composition, structure, behavior, and interactions, from atoms to complex molecules. This course expands the student’s lab skills and problem-solving skills and is very dependent on algebra skills. Topics will be discussed in detail beyond the NC Essential Standards for Chemistry. Students should have a strong reading and mathematical background.
Chemistry II Honors - 34215X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Chemistry
Chemistry II is an advanced second year college level course that incorporates the knowledge obtained in the prerequisite chemistry class. Advanced levels of chemical concepts such as equilibrium, stoichiometry, periodicity, chemical reactions, atomic structure, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, nuclear and organic chemistry will be taught. This course will prepare students to take AP Chemistry in the spring and is a prerequisite for that course. Offered in alternating years with Honors Biology II.
Physics Honors - 34305X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None; Recommended: Chemistry and current enrollment in Math 3
Physics Honors provides a survey of the basic concepts of motion, forces, momentum, energy, light, sound, electricity and magnetism. Emphasis will be placed on scientific inquiry and experiments.
Earth/Environmental Sciences
Students are required to take Earth/Environmental Science as part of their NC Graduation Requirements. Students may choose from the courses below:
Earth/Environmental Science - 35012X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
The Earth/Environmental Science curriculum focuses on the functions of Earth’s systems. Emphasis is placed on matter, energy, plate tectonics, origin and evolution of the earth, solar system, and universe, environmental awareness, weather and climate, human population
dynamics and sustainable living, and the cycles that circulate matter and energy through the earth system.
Earth/Environmental Science Honors- 35015X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
Honors Earth/Environmental Science is designed to allow highly motivated students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. Students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their
learning. In order to develop a greater understanding of the processes that shape our everyday lives, the curriculum will integrate inquiry investigations and a variety of technologies with the study of earth as a system.
Science Electives
Anatomy & Physiology Honors - 33305X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Anatomy & Physiology provides an introduction to the study of the structure and function of the human body. This course is well-suited for students interested in pursuing a career in medical/health fields. Topics will include anatomical terminology, homeostasis, cytology, histology and physiology. Multiple specimen dissections are a required part of lab work in this class. The required work for this course will be advanced in level in both thinking skills and products, and may include research papers and outside projects.
Botany & Zoology Honors -
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
Botany & Zoology will support all students, including those who are considering future careers in life or health sciences. Students will study animals and plants, learning about how they compare in their structures and functions. This course will provide a strong honors level foundation for future high school life sciences. Students will explore this content through laboratory activities including dissections, models, research, projects, and field work.
Forensics - 30202X0C
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
Forensics is a course which will introduce students to the application of science to law. Scientific methods will be used to examine physical evidence. An overview of the forensic analysis of firearms, fingerprints, drugs, blood, hair, fibers, paint, glass, arson debris and other topics will be covered in this course. Students will have a wide range of hands-on learning experiences, from collection of evidence at the crime scene to taking the stand as an expert witness in a mock court of law.
AP Sciences
AP Biology - 3A007X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Biology or Chemistry
Advanced Placement Biology is equivalent to a college biology course that includes eight major themes: science as a process, evolution, energy transfer, continuity and change, relationship of structure to function, regulation, interdependence in nature, and science, technology, and society. At the completion of the course, students take the Advanced Placement Exam and may receive college credit based upon their scores and the requirements of the college of their choice.
AP Chemistry - 3A017X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Biology Honors and Chemistry
Advanced Placement Chemistry is equivalent to a college chemistry course. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, descriptive inorganic and organic chemistry, stoichiometry,
thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, the chemistry of aqueous solutions, and basic techniques of qualitative analysis. At the completion of the course, students take the Advanced Placement Exam and may receive college credit based upon their scores and the requirements of the college of their choice.
AP Environmental Science - 3A027X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors
Advanced Placement Environmental Science is equivalent to a college course that includes the following major topics: the origin and structure of the Universe, the interdependence of Earth Systems, human population dynamics, renewable and nonrenewable resources, air, water and soil quality, global changes and their consequences, and environmental decision making. At the completion of the course, students take the Advanced Placement Exam and may receive college credit based upon their scores and the requirements of the college of their choice.
AP Physics I: Algebra-based - 3A057X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None; Recommended that students are concurrently enrolled in NC Math 3 or Higher
Advanced Placement Physics 1: Algebra Based is equivalent to a college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. At the completion of the course, students take the Advanced Placement Exam and may receive college credit based upon their scores and the requirements of the college of their choice.
AP Physics 2: Algebra-based - 3A067X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1: Algebra-based; Recommended that students are concurrently enrolled in NC Math 3 or Higher
Advanced Placement Physics 2: Algebra-Based is the equivalent to a college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; atomic and nuclear physics. At the completion of the course, students take the Advanced Placement Exam and may receive college credit based upon their scores and the requirements of the college of their choice.
AP Physics C: Mechanics - 3A047X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Physics Honors and AP Calculus
Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics is equivalent to a college physics course and should provide instruction in each of the following six content areas: kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation and oscillations and gravitation. Calculus is used to develop concepts. One part of the Physics C examination covers mechanics; the other part covers electricity and magnetism. Students are permitted to take either one or both parts of this examination, and separate grades are reported for the two-subject area. At the completion of the course, students take the Advanced Placement Exam and may receive college credit based upon their scores and the requirements of the college of their choice.
IB Sciences (CRHS Only)
IB Biology SL YR1 - 3I008X0A
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Biology
IB Biology SL YR2 - 3I008X0B
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: IB Biology SL YR1
Through the study of DP biology, students are empowered to make sense of living systems through unifying themes. By providing opportunities for students to explore conceptual frameworks, they are better able to develop understanding and awareness of the living world around them. This is carried further through a study of interactions at different levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to ecosystems and the biosphere. Integral to the student experience of the DP biology course is the learning that takes place through scientific inquiry. With an emphasis on experimental work, teachers provide students with opportunities to ask questions, design experiments, collect and analyze data, collaborate with peers, and reflect, evaluate and communicate their findings.
IB Chemistry HL YR1 - 3I038X0A
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry
IB Chemistry HL YR2 - 3I038X0B
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: IB Chemistry HL YR1
DP chemistry enables students to constructively engage with topical scientific issues. Students examine scientific knowledge claims in a real-world context, fostering interest and curiosity. By exploring the subject, they develop understandings, skills and techniques which can be applied across their studies and beyond. Integral to the student experience of the DP chemistry course is the learning that takes place through scientific inquiry both in the classroom and the laboratory.
IB Sports Exercise and Health SL YR1- 3I088X0A
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
IB Sports Exercise and Health SL YR2 - 3I088X0B
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: IB Sports Exercise and Health SL YR1
Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) is an experimental science course combining academic study with practical and investigative skills. SEHS explores the science underpinning physical performance and provides the opportunity to apply these principles. The course incorporates the disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition. Students cover a range of core and option topics, and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. The course offers a deeper understanding of the issues related to sports, exercise and health in the 21st century and addresses the international dimension and ethics related to both the individual and global context.