Septima P. Clark Corporate Academy

     Physical Science is designed to serve as a foundation course for other high school sciences. This course is a study of pre-chemistry principles (matter, atomic structure and periodic table, and chemical bonds and reactions with some nuclear chemistry) and pre-physics principles (forces and motion, energy and electricity, wave characteristics and behavior including electromagnet/sound/light waves) as given in the SC Science Standards. Meaningful laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course so that the student may grasp an understanding of the experimental nature of science. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving, the development of critical thinking skills, and application of mathematical concepts. Skills for this course are correlated with skills taught in Applied Math or Algebra I. This course serves as a background for Biology 1, Applied Biology 1, Applied Biology 1 and 2, Chemistry 1, and Physics 1 and explores careers in science and technology. An end-of-course exam will be given. A science fair project may be required.

     This course deals with a study of ecology and the impact of humans on the environment. Students investigate environmental concerns, plan and conduct investigations, use problem-based learning strategies, and apply life, earth, and physical science concepts from the South Carolina Science Standards to studies of the environment. Students will be expected to conduct field observations, research, and projects. A science fair project may be required.

     Applied Biology 2 is a laboratory course that emphasizes problem solving, decision-making, critical thinking, and applied learning. Applied Biology 1 and 2 are presented as two-year consecutive, sequential courses that meet the state’s life science standards. Students explore the concepts and principles of biology and apply these concepts and principles to issues in the workplace, in society, and in personal experiences. Concepts developed in Applied Biology 2 includes: biological evolution, interdependence of organisms, behavior, and regulation. Investigative, hands-on lab activities address High School Strand I: Inquiry Standards are an integral part of this course.

     Applied Biology 2 is designed to be both academically rigorous and realistic for students pursuing technical careers and for students planning to continue their education at the technical or collegiate level. Students wishing to pursue a career in health and/or industrial fields should be encouraged to complete a two-year sequence of Applied Biology. Instructors are encouraged to work with occupational instructors and local business/industry to incorporate career and technology applications of life science.

     This introductory laboratory-based course is designed to give students a sound background in the major biological concepts. It builds on the chemical principles learned in physical science. Topics include: the cell; molecular basis of heredity; biological evolution; interdependence of organisms; matter, energy, and organization in living systems; and behavior and regulation. There are also opportunities for independent exploration of topics such as human biology, taxonomy, botany and zoology, depending on teacher and student interest. Laboratory activities provide numerous opportunities for students to develop science process skills, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the nature of science through investigative, hands-on lab activities. A science fair project may be required.

     This course is a sequel to Biology 1 for students who plan to major in biology or medical sciences in college. It includes a study of biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, growth and development, behavior, evolution, and the influence of biology on society. Laboratory study is an integral part of this class. A science fair project may be required.

     This course provides an introduction to major chemistry principles and builds on concepts introduced in Physical Science 1. Through well-designed laboratory experiences students will master concepts, use problem-solving skills, and apply them to real-world situations. Topics include: chemical safety, atomic theory, the periodic system, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions and solubility, calorimetry, acid/base chemistry, and organic chemistry. Investigative, hands-on lab activities that address the SC Inquiry Standards are an integral part of this course. A science fair project may be required. Honors Chemistry I prepares a student for Advanced Placement Chemistry through an in-depth study of the sequential development of major principles with emphasis on a quantitative approach to problem solving, library research and extensive laboratory experiences.

     This course presents a conceptual approach to physics and stresses understanding the application of physical phenomena such as mechanics, momentum, energy, heat, motion, optics, electricity, magnetism, waves, sound, and light. Problem solving is encouraged by the use of relevant physics materials and inquiry-based laboratory activities. The honors level for this course emphasizes a mathematical approach with extensive laboratory experiences, research, and projects. A science fair project may be required.

     This course is designed to teach students the physics concepts, which form a basis for today’s high technology. Students will receive instruction and laboratory experiences in the application of technological principles. During the first year the principles of force, work, rate, and energy are taught as they relate to mechanical systems, fluid systems, thermal systems, and electrical systems, as well as the mathematical concepts behind them. This course in applied physics is for students who plan careers as technicians or who want to keep pace with the advances in technology. It is designed to be both academically rigorous and practical for students planning technical careers. For NCAA certification, units 1-7 must be taught.

     This course is an extension of Physics for the Technologies I. It focuses on the physics concepts, which form a basis for today’s high technology. Students will receive instruction and laboratory experiences in the application of technological principles. During the second year the understanding of momentum, vibrations and waves, energy converters, radiational, transducers, optics and optical systems, and time concepts are taught as they relate to mechanical systems, fluid systems, thermal systems, and electrical systems, as well as the mathematical concepts behind them. This course in applied physics is for the students who plan careers as technicians or who want to keep pace with the advances in technology. It is designed to be both academically rigorous and practical for the students planning technical careers. For NCAA certification, units 8-14 must be taught.