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Courses Offered at El Rancho HS

Science
Code Title Department Description
SC400


Biology, Advanced Placement Science Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Prerequisites: “B” in Biology A & B, “C” or better in Chemistry A & B. “C” or better in Geometry. Overall unweighted GPA of 2.5 or better. Directly from 9th grade, “A” in Biology 9 A & B.
Advanced Biology is a general course designed for college bound students with exceptional ability and selfmotivating qualities. The key concepts and related content that define the revised AP Biology course and exam are organized around a few underlying principles called the big ideas, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories and processes governing living organisms and biological systems. Information covered in this class is equivalent to full year General Biology courses in most colleges and universities. It is a preparatory course for students who wish to pass the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology and subsequently earn college credit for their efforts.



Biology, Honors Science Honor Biology will provide a rigorous overview of biology at a greater depth than regular biology through PowerPoint presentations, class demonstrations, Internet video clips, web searches, class discussions, lab investigations, readings, report writings, projects, and collaborative activities. The Next Generation Science Standards will be used in this course and the topics will include: scientific method, chemistry of life, ecology, cellular biology, evolution, genetics, and human physiology. The course is enhanced by advanced topics including biotechnology and genetic engineering. These topics are presented in a way that promotes critical thinking and problem solving to enable students to make sense of the world and its interactions. Numerous laboratory experiences provide opportunities to work collaboratively; present findings; and actively engage in the scientific process of collecting, analyzing, and sharing data. The labs of this course will promote the scientific process of research and reporting while reinforcing inquiry learning. Honor Biology will give students an understanding and appreciation of the complexity, diversity, and interdependence of life while preparing students for college and careers.This course is also in place to prepare students for an easier transition to be more successful in future in Honors and Advanced Placement classes.
0


Biomedical Innovation Science PLTW Biomedical
In the final course of the PLTW Biomedical Science sequence, students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to work on an independent project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution.
SC410


Chemistry in the Earth System Science Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in Math 2, "C" or better in Living Earth Biology (or Biology or Marine Biology).
Part of the three-course model incorporating the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
This is a laboratory-based course that examines the composition of various substances and the changes they can go through. The periodic table and formation of compounds are covered as well as the basics of Chemistry. Emphasis is on problem solving in chemistry (stoichiometry) using factor label method, ratio proportion, and first order linear equations. Major topics include measurement, chemical changes, atomic structure, periodic law, bonding, gas laws and nomenclature.
0


Chemistry, Advanced Placement Science Fulfills "a - g" requirement.



Forensic Science Science Forensic science is an applied science course that challenges students in a manner that core science classes frequently do not. Forensic science provides students with a chance to actually apply the science they have learned to real world situations. Helping students understand the process and mechanics of science, as well as having them experience how science can be applied to real life situations is a driving force in a forensics classroom. As per popular media, many students are highly interested in Forensic Science and stimulate the students to learn the science behind the media shows. Forensic science is important in many careers in the legal system and in the medical field. Forensic science provides another science opportunity with hands-on labs and project based learning.
SC435


General Science Science 10th - 12th grade only
This course covers the basic concepts of the Physical and Earth Sciences and relates them to Life Science concepts through the use of themes which help students appreciate that the Three Disciplines of Science are interrelated. It qualifies as a physical science to satisfy graduation requirements.
SC433


Health Science Required for 9th grade
This class is designed to help the student be mentally, physically, and socially healthy. It focuses on many aspects of mental health, drug prevention, prevention of disease, family life education, sex education and nutrition. Required for graduation.
AT471


Human Body System Science PLTW Biomedical
Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.
SC478


Introduction to Green Technology Science Introduction to Green Technology develops student awareness of and skills for careers in sustainable STEM fields. Students will gain an understanding of climate science, climate change, and the various technologies associated with them. Students will focus on exploring environmental problems and explore and design solutions to these problems. This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of Earth Science, Physical Science, and technological sciences. Students will relate these concepts to real world situations to demonstrate their understanding. Students will be able to take away from this course a strong interdisciplinary science background necessary to understand, critically evaluate, and mitigate scientific problems.
SC420


Living Earth Biology Science Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Prerequisites: Currently enrolled in C.P. English or higher, completed or currently enrolled in Math 1.
Part of the three-course model incorporating the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
This laboratory course provides for the study of patterns and structure, function and change in living organisms, and patterns of interaction between living organisms and their environment. This course is recommended for students planning careers in any area of biology, medicine, or environmental science. It fulfills the graduation requirement for a life science as well as a year of laboratory science for college admission.
SC424


Marine Biology Science Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Prerequisites: “C” or better in Biology A & B, completed or currently enrolled in Algebra 1, Currently enrolled in C.P. English or higher
Marine Biology is a one-year laboratory based science that builds upon and extends the biological concepts acquired during the first year biology course. Students will continue to cement their understanding of the biology standards but through the lens of marine life. Topics explored include the structure, function, classification, and adaptations of marine protests, plants, and animals. The functioning of the various marine ecosystems, including ecological relationships and energy and matter cycles will also be focused on. Students entering will have previously passed Biology
AT472


Medical Interventions Science PLTW Biomedical
Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.
SC406


Physics 1, Advanced Placement Science Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Prerequisites: “B” or better in Pre-Calculus, concurrently enrolled in calculus or higher, “C” in Biology & Chemistry A & B.
This course forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students. This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, but rarely calculus. It is a preparatory course for students who wish to pass the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics 1 and subsequently earn college credit for their efforts.
SC411


Physics in the Universe Science Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Prerequisites: "C" or better in all previous science classes and "C" or better in Geometry, on track for A-G completion with min 2.5 GPA.
Part of the three-course model incorporating the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
The instructional segments include forces and motion, forces at a distance, energy conversions, nuclear processes, waves and electromagnetic radiation, and stars and the origins of the universe.
0


Principles of Biomedical Science Science PLTW Biomedical
In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems.