GCSD -Science Classes

Science

4 Credit Requirement

Integrated Science- Mr. Tulloch & Ms. Givens

Instruction will involve reading material that covers specific areas of science. Learning will be as “hands on” as possible; however, students will need to appreciate the necessity to commit factual knowledge to memory and to be able to demonstrate a deeper understanding of principles discussed in class.

Topics to be covered include:

The Solar System
Rock Dynamics
Weather Systems
Classification (Linnaean Taxonomy)
Adaptations
Human Body Systems
Matter (Components of)
Electrical Current
Laws of Force and Motion
Scientific Inquiry and Interpretation of Data
Science and Modern Society

► Course Credits: 1
► Course Length: One Year
► Description: 9th grade science course that meets GCSD science graduation requirements

Environmental Science- Mr. Tulloch

The Environmental Science course provides students with a hands-on approach to exploring the complex relationships between the environment and the biomes of the earth, and key elements of the environment, including water resources and soil, and the myriad actions of humans. In each unit students will apply key concepts to exploring, testing, and analyzing local issues related to the course.

Topics to be covered include:

Human Population Dynamics
Environmental Hazards to Human Health
Environment and Human Activities
Aquatic Environment
Soil
Ecological Biomes
Mapping
Ecology
Research and Inquiry
Nature and History of Science
Application of Science to Daily Life

► Course Credit: 1
► Course Length: One Year
► Description: Counts towards GCSD science graduation requirements

Geology- Mr. Tulloch

Instruction will involve reading material that covers specific areas of geology. Learning will be as “hands on” as possible; however, students will need to appreciate the necessity to commit factual knowledge to memory and to be able to demonstrate a deeper understanding of principles discussed in class.

Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

How the Earth was formed
Parts of the Earth
Volcanic activity
How the Earth has changed over time
Plate tectonics
How mountains are formed
Rock and precious stone identification and formation
Earthquakes

► Course Credits: 1
► Course Length: One Year

► Description: 9th – 12th grade elective that counts towards GCSD science graduation

Chemistry- Ms. Givens

In this course students will focus on the physical science by studying atoms, chemical reactions, properties of objects, motion of objects, matter, chemical substances, energy, light, heat, electricity, magnetism, and force.

Students will also learn how this field uses the process of “scientific inquiry” to do research, how knowledge of chemistry has improved living conditions, and what careers options they might explore.

Topics to be covered include:

Atoms:
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Chemical Reactions
States of Matter
Formation of Compounds
Periodic Table

► Course Credits: 1
► Course Length: One Year

► Description: Counts towards GCSD science graduation requirements

Biology- Ms. Givens

In this Biology course, the focus of the learning will be based upon students acquiring knowledge of living organisms, the processes of life, what sustains life, and what impacts the living. Students will learn factual knowledge and be expected to demonstrate an understanding that goes deeper than mere facts, revealing an understanding and appreciation of biology.