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. Courses in BOLD do not satisfy college entrance requirements as a laboratory science.

Consulting and/or Direct Services through Student Support Services are available through an IEP for: 
Life Science, Physical Science, & Biology           

Life Science
Grade Level:  9^th grade
Credit:1(full-year)
Life Science is an introductory course in the biological sciences. This course is a good preparation for students who are concerned about doing well in biology or passing the gateway test. This course is not designed for students with credit for Biology I.

Physical Science
Grade Level:  9^th  
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Recommend enrollment 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.  Lab fee required.

Physical Science Honors
Grade Level: 9^th grade
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Recommend co-enrollment in Algebra I
This course covers the same topics as Physical Science but concepts are developed mathematically and the class moves at a faster pace. Above average math skills and dedication to homework are expected from students who enroll in this course. Students taking Physical Science in the 8^th grade with an A average, but who did not pass the credit test should take this course.  Physical Science or Chemistry is required for graduation.  Lab fee required.   

Biology I 
Grade Level: 9^th, 10^th 
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Successful completion of Physical Science or
Teacher Recommendation required. 
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 are required to pass the Biology I Gateway examination to graduate.  The Biology Gateway is the final examination for the second semester grade for this course.

Biology I Honors
Grade Level: 9^th (see note) or 10^th 
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Recommended A average in Physical Science
Honors (or 8^th grade Physical 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 are required to pass the Biology I Gateway examination to graduate.  The Biology Gateway is the final examination for the second semester grade for this course.

Biology II Honors
Grade Level:  11^th or 12^th
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Successful completion of Chemistry & Biology and  recommendation of Biology Teacher
Biology II is a lab-based course that introduces students to major specialty areas of biology including Comparative Anatomy and Zoology, Embryology, Genetics, Immunology, Micro-biology, and Botany.  Students planning on taking Biology in college will benefit from this course.

Biology II AP
Grade Level:  11^th or 12^th
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Successful completion of Biology & Chemistry
Honors and co-enrollment of Biology II Honors
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^th, 11^th, or 12^th 
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Successful completion of Physical Science and
Algebra I, min. B avg. in both courses
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.   Either Chemistry or Physical Science is required for graduation.  Lab fee required.   

Chemistry I Honors
Grade Level: 10^th, 11^th
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Must be enrolled in Honors math program, 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^th or 12^th
Credit:  1 (full-year)
Recommendation of Chemistry I Teacher required
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^th or 12^th 
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Approval of AP teacher required.
AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of freshman college chemistry.  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.  Lab fee required. 

 
Ecology
Grade Level: 11^th or 12^th 
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Successful completion of Biology I, Algebra I, and
either Physical Science, Chemistry I, or Physics      
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^th – 12^th
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.  Lab fee required. 

Anatomy & Physiology Honors
Grade Level: 11^th, or 12^th 
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Successful completion of Biology with a B,
Chemistry & teacher recommendation
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.  Anatomy & Physiology is a college level course.  A lab fee is required.

Physics
Grade Level:  10^th, 11^th, or 12^th
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Successful completion of  Algebra II with a B avg.
or Algebra II Honors with a C+ avg. or higher
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^th, 11^th, or 12^th 
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Successful completion of Algebra II with a 90 or Algebra II Honors with an 80
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^th, or 12^th 
Credit: 1 (full-year)
Successful completion of Physics & Teacher
approval required
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)
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.