9th Grade Science Classes

Teachers:

• Mrs. Ashanti Anderson
• Mr. Ellis Appling
• Mrs. Neodesha Hendley
• Mrs. Kristen Koch
• Mrs. Kimberly Korth
• Mr. Nathan Lancaster
• Mrs. Jessica Newton 
• Mrs. Aimee Michael
• Mrs. Suzanne Williams

CP Biology

This course will provide students, through a variety of learning experiences, with an overview of biological processes, theories and concepts.  Biology is the study of living things, including animal, plant, microorganisms and fungi, and their interactions with the environment. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking through the use of the scientific method and laboratory activities.  In addition, this course will provide students with the skills and information necessary to form opinions and make decisions involving scientific issues.

Honors Biology

Gifted Biology

This is a two-semester introductory biology course for students in the gifted program. First semester concepts include the nature of life, ecology, cell structure and function, energy transformations and photosynthesis, and cellular reproduction. 

10th Grade Science Classes

Teachers:

• Mrs. Kelly Almond
• Mr. Osita Alribe
• Ms. Stacy Butler
• Mrs. Kelly Hart
• Mr. Nathan Lancaster
• Mrs. Amber Lashkiba
• Mrs. Sunshine Meeks
• Mrs. Shanika Smith
• Mrs. Wendy Ross
• Mrs. Miranda Rouk
• Mrs. Kelly Voss
• Mr. Rylan Wade

CP Chemistry

This laboratory-based course involves the following underlying themes as they apply to the study of matter, its composition, and the changes it undergoes:

• problem-solving
• reasoning
• communication

 The goal of the curriculum is to bridge everyday language with scientific language to assist students in making connections to real life situations.  Emphasis will be placed on open-ended exploration, modeling, and investigations.

Honors Chemistry

This laboratory-based course is a rigorous mathematical approach to matter, its composition, and the changes it undergoes.  The overarching goals are as follows:

• scientific and chemical literacy
• problem solving skills
• an understanding of the impact of science and technology on society
• proficiency in oral and written communication
• basic laboratory techniques and safety skills
• a strong foundation in chemistry

The goal of the curriculum is to bridge everyday language with scientific language to assist students in making connections to real life situations. Emphasis will be placed on open-ended exploration, modeling, and investigations.

Gifted Chemistry

This laboratory-based course is a rigorous mathematical approach to matter, its composition, and the changes it undergoes.  The overarching goals are as follows:

• scientific and chemical literacy
• problem solving skills
• an understanding of the impact of science and technology on society
• proficiency in oral and written communication
• basic laboratory techniques and safety skills
• a strong foundation in chemistry

The goal of the curriculum is to bridge everyday language with scientific language to assist students in making connections to real life situations. Emphasis will be placed on open-ended exploration, modeling, and investigations. 

11th Grade Science Classes

Physics is a requirement for graduation in GCPS.  The physical science course from middle school does NOT replace the Physics requirement.

• Mrs. Kelly Hart
• Mr. Colin Hathaway
• Mr. Phil Heier
• Mr. Thomas Lotspeich
• Mrs. Susan Mays
• Mrs. Jennifer Newton
• Mr. Thomas Schmidt
• Mrs. Karen Tolmich
• Mr. Rylan Wade

CP Physics

This course is a rigorous approach to an in-depth study of matter in motion. Emphasis is placed on mechanics, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and modern physics.

Honors Physics

The emphasis of Physics at the Honors level is on problem solving related to all areas of the course.  The student will integrate the fundamental concepts and laboratory experiences with a logical problem-solving approach to gain a clear understanding about the way things work.

AP Physics I

AP Physics I is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits and mechanical waves and sound.

Students in GCPS are expected to take a 4th year of science beyond that of biology, chemistry, and physics.  If students accepted the Carnegie Unit credit for physical science in 8th grade, it does not replace the 4th year science requirement.

Elective Science Classes for Juniors and Seniors

Anatomy & Physiology

Course requirements: completion of Biology & Chemistry.

The course is an in depth study of the structure and function of the major systems of the human body and related disorders.  The class is dedicated for students that anticipate pursuing a career in medicine and other health-related fields.  This class includes labs and dissections of specimens.

Teachers:

• Mrs. Susan Mays

Astronomy

Course requirements: completion of Biology, Chemistry & Physics

This course is an in-depth study of astronomy. Topics studied include the history of astronomy; the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun; and the study of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe. 

Teacher:

• Mrs. Jennifer Newton

AP Biology

AP Biology is a college level biology course taught in high school. This is a demanding course that will cover a large amount of material. It is extremely important that students are organized and keep up with reading, labs, and assignments. Daily reading and studying is required. At the end of the year, students will take the Advanced Placement exam which will determine whether they are eligible to receive college credit for the course. The AP exam stresses the student’s ability to explain, analyze, and interpret biological processes and phenomena—not simply recall specific facts.

The aim of the AP Biology course is to achieve an understanding of the unifying principles of modern biology, an understanding of how biological information is gathered and interpreted, and to introduce the high school student to the scope and demands of college-level work. Included in the course will be lab activities required by the Advanced Placement Program.

Teacher:

• Mrs. Jessica Newton

AP Chemistry

Overview: AP Chemistry is a second year high school chemistry course designed for students who want to earn college credit for work while still in high school. The curriculum is consistent and equivalent to a freshman general chemistry course as established by The College Board.  

Teacher:

• Mr. Rylan Wade

Environmental Science

Course requirements: completion of Biology

This course is an in-depth study of environmental science. Topics studied include ecology; effects of natural and human activity on land, water, and air; energy resources and conservation; food production, preservation, and storage; waste management; pollution and human health; and biotechnology.

Teacher:

• Mrs. Karen Tolmich
• Mrs. Sunshine Meeks

AP Environmental Science

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world; to identify and analyze natural and man-made environmental problems; to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems; and to examine alternate solutions for solving and/or preventing them (College, Board, Advanced Placement Program).

Teacher:

• Ms. Kim Korth

Forensic Science

Course requirements: Successful completion of or concurrent registration in CP Physics and Algebra II

Forensic Science is the study of the application of science to the law.  This integrated science course is designed to explore the scientific and technological aspects of criminal investigations.  Topics will include the study of tools and firearms, DNA, glass, blood, fingerprinting, chemical residues, and evidence collection as they relate to forensic issues as well as applications to court cases, literature, psychology, and criminology.

Teacher:

• Ms. Stacy Butler
• Mrs. Katherine Barker

Microbiology

Course requirements: completion of Biology & Chemistry.

This course is an in-depth study of microbiology. Topics studied include historical microbiology; growth and identification of bacteria; controlling bacterial growth; other microbes and viruses; pathogenic microbiology; and food, soil, and water microbiology.

Teacher:

• Ms. Stacy Butler

Oceanography

This course is an in-depth study of oceanography. Topics studied include historical oceanography; plate tectonics; properties of water; ocean circulation; marine sediments; interactions between air, land, and sea; and marine environments, resources and pollution.

Teacher:

• Mrs. Kelly Voss

AP Physics C: Mechanics/Electricity & Magnetism

Mechanics is a second year, calculus-based physics course.  It is an in-depth examination of solid mechanics similar to the first university physics course taken by physical science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering majors. Electricity & Magnetism is also a second year, calculus-based physics course. It is a separate course from Mechanics, with a separate AP exam.  Students who successfully complete both courses can earn 2.0 Carnegie Units towards graduation and up to 8 hours of credit in college.

Teacher:

• Mr. Phil Heier