JCS Science Department Course
Catalog
Life Science
Life Science is a freshman level science class designed to accomodate those students entering Alg. 1B during their freshman year. The class is meant to parallel Biology while not requiring the mastery of detail required in biology. Upon completion of this class, students should plan to go DIRECTLY into biology the following year. Parents should be aware that while life science does count toward TN graduation requirements, some colleges / universities do not accept it as part of entrance requirements. This is critical in planning your child's course of study because the only time a student may take life science is during their freshman (9th grade) year. When your student completes life science he/she must go to biology.
Physical Science
Students enrolled in physical science will be exposed to the basic concepts involved in the study of light, sound, waves, chemistry, and physics through hands-on lab experiments. Special emphasis is placed on collection of, graphing of, and relationships between various types of data. Physical science will no longer be a prerequisite for chemistry.
General Biology
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra I or Administrative approval
Biology is a freshman level survey class in which students are introduced to the basic principles of cytology, biochemistry, genetics, taxonomy, ecology, botany,and anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on the comparison of the various forms of living organisms and Man's obligation to maintain synergy within the ecosphere. Biology will be required for graduation. Students who have completed life science and biology are encouraged to enroll in physical science the following year. Beginning with the class of 2005 all students wishing to recieve a state approved diploma will be required to pass the Gateway Assessment. This test will be administered the last few weeks of the school year and in addition to being a graduation requirement, the student's score on the test will be figured into the student's semester grade.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry I
As the name implies, this class will focus on the various anatomical and physiological characterics of the human body. Emphasis is placed upon the various roles of each system and the cooperation among the systems to maintain homeostasis for the individual.
Ecology
Prerequisites: Biology
Students enrolling in ecology will be exposed to the many factors influencing the maintenance of balance within our ecosphere. Students will participate in several lab experiences to help them gain an understanding population dynamics and other ecological phenomena. Students will also be expected to compose research papers and give several technology based presentations. Students who have had ecology will be given preference when choosing team members for the various environmental competitions.
General Chemistry
Students enrolled in general chemistry learn the use of significant figures in measurement, atomic structure theories, periodic properties of elements, stoichiometry, the chemistry of electrolytes, gas laws, and electrochemistry are all probed using hands-on laboratory experiences to enhance student learning. General chemistry is a terminal class in the chemistry track.
Advanced Chemistry
Advanced chemistry is a prerequisite to AP Chemistry. Students will be working at an in-depth level, very similar to that experienced in AP Chemistry. Students enrolling in advanced and AP chemistry are usually those who will be majoring in the sciences in college.
AP Chemistry
Prerequisites: Advanced Chemistry
Students who have shown themselves to be exceptional chemistry students may opt to take AP chemistry. This class is designed to parallel the subject matter required for a college level chemistry class. The material covered is mandated by the College Board. Students are URGED to take the AP exam in the spring. Honors credit will be recieved for AP chemistry.
Physics
Prerequisites: Algebra II with Trigonometry
Physics, an honors class, introduces students to the concepts of kinematics, dynamics of motion (which includes vector analysis,and one and two dimensional motion), universal law of gravitation, momentum, and thermodynamics. Students utilize calculator based lab units (CBL's) to collect and analyze data.
