Science

The Centennial High School Science Department offers a wide range of courses designed to meet the academic needs of all students regardless of education or career goals.  The following shows the course offerings available by grade level.

Consulting and/or Direct Services through Student Support Services are available through an IEP for Biology 

Anatomy & Physiology Honors

Grade Level: 11-12 (Advanced Course)

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommended Prerequisite: 91% regular  Biology & Chemistry or an 85% in Honors level

Science teacher recommendation required

Anatomy & Physiology is a college level course.  It is an introduction into the studies of the human biology and includes the basic structure and function of the human organism from the cell to the individual body systems.  Animal dissections are a required part of the course; no exceptions will be granted. 

Biology I 

Grade Level: 9^th 

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Science teacher recommendation 

Biology I is a study of the science of life, including cell structures and processes, genetics and inheritance, evolution, and classification and characteristics of members of the five kingdoms. Labs are required.  Students prior to the class of 2013 are required to pass the Biology I Gateway examination to graduate.  The Biology Gateway or  End of Course Test is the final examination for the second semester grade for this course.

Biology I Honors

Grade Level: 9^th

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommended A average in 8^th Grade Science

This course is a more in-depth study of the topics covered in Biology I.  There is a significant lab component to this course as well as extensive outside reading. Dissections are required.  Students prior to the class of 2013 are required to pass the Biology I Gateway examination to graduate.  The Biology Gateway or the End of Course Test is the final examination for the second semester grade for this course.

Biology II AP

Grade Level:  11-12 (Advanced Course)(odd yrs)

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommended Prerequisite: An 85% avg. in both

Biology Honors & Chemistry Honors

Science teacher recommendation

A very rigorous course designed to be the equivalent of a 1^st year college course in Biology.  The large curriculum requires independent work by the student in addition to class assignments. Because of the large amount of material that must be covered in this course, students may have scheduled pre-announced labs outside of the regular school day. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.

Chemistry I

Grade Level:  10-12

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion

of both Biology and Algebra I & Ability to solve

one-variable equations

Science teacher recommendation

Chemistry I is a college preparatory course with high learning expectations.  Above average mathematical understanding and analytical thinking are required.  Topics such as atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, moles, states of matter, behavior of gases, solutions, acids and bases are covered.  

Chemistry I Honors

Grade Level: 10 – 11 (Advanced Course)

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommended Prerequisite: A 91% avg. in both

Biology & Algebra or 81% avg. in both Biology

Honors & Algebra I Honors, must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II

Science  teacher recommendation required

Chemistry I Honors is a rigorous course designed for students who may major in a science related field in college.  Strong mathematical ability, analytical thinking skills and dedication to homework are required.  Topics such as atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, moles, states of mater, behavior of gases, solutions, acids and bases, thermo chemistry, and equilibrium are covered.

Chemistry II Honors

Grade Level: 11-12 (Advanced Course)

Credit:  1 (full-year)

Recommended Prerequisite:  An 85% average in

Chemistry I or Chemistry I Honors

Science Teacher recommendation

Chemistry II Honors is an advanced, laboratory-oriented course.  It is both a continuation of Chemistry I and a more in depth study of topics covered in Chemistry I.  Topics studied include the fundamental makeup of matter, the interactions of matter, and the energy of such interactions.  Students planning on taking chemistry in college will benefit from this course.

Chemistry II AP  

Grade Level: 11-12 (Advanced Course)

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommended prerequisite: A 91% average in

Chemistry Honors & Algebra II Honors

Science teacher recommendation

AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of freshman college chemistry, and is designed for students intending to pursue a science, engineering, or medical degree in college.  In-depth topics focus on thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid base theory, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry to prepare students for the AP exam.  Strong math ability and analytical thinking skills are required.  Students should be self-directed learners. Some time before or after school will be required to complete lab work.  Students will be prepared to take the College Board AP exam in May for the chance of earning college credit. 

Ecology

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Successful completion of Biology I      

Ecology is the study of ecological principles and the bio-diversity of life.  This lab-oriented, college-preparatory course is aimed toward the study of the interactions between organisms and their environments.

Environmental Science AP

Grade Level:  11-12 (Advanced Course)

Recommended Prerequisite: A 91% avg. in

Biology & Chemistry or an 81% avg. in honors

Science Teacher Recommendation

The goal of Environmental Science AP is to reflect what is found in many introductory college courses in environmental science.  The main topic to be covered are energy, the earth, the human impact on natural systems, and environmental problems.  The course provides an opportunity for students to enroll in a more advanced laboratory course as well as fulfill a basic college science course requirement.  Students will be prepared to take the College Board AP exam in May for the chance of earning College credit. 

Physical Science

Grade Level:  10-12

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommend Prerequisite: Enrolled in Algebra I

Physical Science is an introductory course into chemistry and physics.  Students will study the structure and properties of matter and the forms and properties of energy.  Physical Science or Chemistry is required for graduation. 

Physics

Grade Level:  10-12

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommended Prerequisite:  an 81% average in

Algebra II or 76% average Algebra II Honors

Science teacher recommendation

Physics is the study of matter and energy and the relationship between them. Topics include mechanics and electricity. Laboratory and strong algebra skills required.

Physics Honors

Grade Level: 10-12 (Advanced Course)

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommended prerequisite:  91% avg. Algebra II

Honors & Science teacher recommendation  

Physics is the study of matter and energy and the relationship between them. The topics include mechanics and electricity. Laboratory and strong algebra skills required.    

Physics AP

Grade Level:  11-12 (Advanced Course)

Credit: 1 (full-year)

Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion 

of Physics & Science teacher approval

Physics AP is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college course in trigonometry based physics.  This course is designed for students intending to pursue a science/engineering degree in college.  Strong math ability and analytical thinking skills are required.  Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.

ACT Review Science (pending State approval)

Credit:  .5 (fall semester)

Recommended Prerequisite:  Science teacher recommendation

This course provides students with skills and competencies needed to be successful on the Science ACT.  Students will become familiar with the format and the scoring of the ACT, cover science standards useful for the ACT, learn test taking skills, and receive individualized instruction to improve success.

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Williamson County Schools in its employment of personnel and in its educational activities with students does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disabilities.