Dansville High School Course Selection Guide
2003-2004 School Year

Science Courses





Course Number: 409
Course Title: PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisites: None
Credits: 1

Course Description:

Physical Science/Earth and Space Science: A course that includes the study of the motion of objects, waves and vibrations, geosphere hydrosphere, atmosphere and weather, and solar system, galaxy, and universe.
Topics include:


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Course Number: 403
Course Title: BIOLOGY I
Grade Level: 10
Prerequisites: Physical Science
Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course covers the basic principles of the chemistry of living things and relates biochemical processes to the structure of individual cells. A systemic development of the relations between structure and function in the organization of higher plants and animals, stresses the similarities and differences between the physiology of plants and animals and the relations of both to the physiology of cells. This is a college prep level class. Homework is required and expected. Plan on 4 hours per week outside of class.


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Course Number: 405
Course Title: CHEMISTRY
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Physical Science, Algebra I
Credits: 1

Course Description:

Chemistry is intended for students interested in learning about the composition of and interactions of matter. Topics of study include the description of and classification of elements and compounds, mole relationships, chemical equation writing, chemical reactions, the behavior of solids, liquids, and gases, electrochemistry, and acids and bases. A background in Algebra is required.


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Course Number: 404
Course Title: ADVANCED BIOLOGY
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology I
Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course is a continuation of Biology I with emphasis on laboratory skills and research skills on the college level. Must be able to work independently. Biology I and/or consent of the instructor is required. Plan on 5 hours per week outside of class.


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Course Number: 406
Course Title: PHYSICS
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Algebra I
Credits: 1

Course Description:

Physics is intended for students interested in how the world works. Topics of study include waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, quantum physics, motion, vectors, Newton's laws, momentum, and energy. Students will be expected to complete independent study projects. A background in Algebra is required.


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Course Number: 407
Course Title: CRIME SCENE SCIENCE
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Physical Science
Credits: 1

Course Description:

How do we investigate crime science? How about applying every day real-life science applications? This course will allow students to do science through the eyes of a crime scene investigation. The course is divided into four sections.
  1. Critical Thinking
  2. Physical Science Lessons
  3. Life Science Lessons
  4. Earth Science Lessons
This is a hands on Science course and you need to want to get involved.


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Course Number: 410
Course Title: BIOLOGY/CHEMISTRY
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Physical Science
Credits: 1

Course Description:

The first 9 weeks is Biology, which will include an introduction into cells, genetics/heredity, life cycles, ecosystems, and taxonomy. This will acquaint all of the students to all MEAP objectives (these include laboratory projects).
The second 9 weeks of Chemistry would include the introduction to matter, change, energy, scientific measurement, problem solving, atomic structure, chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, acid, bases, and pH of solutions (this includes laboratory projects).
This program is part of a two-year science program to ensure that all high school students are exposed to all of the science areas covered by the MEAP and to ensure all students are exposed to the minimum state requirements. This class is not recommended for college prep students, as they will need a full credit each of Biology I and Chemistry. Biology and Chemistry are interrelated and are easily taught together. Topics include:

Biology Chemistry


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Course Number: 408
Course Title: NATURAL SCIENCE
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: None
Credits: 1

Course Description:

This is a hands on course with in-depth field study and lab work - including taxidermy. The goal of this course is to gain an understanding of how organisms interact with their environment. The course will include an overview of basic ecological concepts, animal indentifications, skeletal mounts, and an introduction to taxidermy.


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Course Number: 402
Course Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Grade Level: 9-10
Prerequisites: None
Credits: 1

Course Description:

Research problems in ecology today and the short and long-term effects on man. This would include possible laboratory research of water pollution, ground water, waste treatment, toxic wastes, wildlife, soils, forestry, and alternative energy sources. All students in this class must have an experience program or an experience project.


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Course Number: 412
Course Title: ZOOLOGY
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Biology I
Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course will involve many phases of agriculture. Areas most common will be animals, crops, horticulture, agribusiness, record keeping, and management. This class project will be the FFA broilers and other animal projects when possible. All students enrolled in Zoology must have an experience program or an experience project.


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Course Number: 411
Course Title: BOTANY
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Biology I
Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course will provide an overview of the plant kingdom. Students will learn to identify plant materials and parts, as well as developing an understanding of the process of growth. The major project for this class involves learning to make maple syrup. Students will have the opportunity to learn about career opportunity through interaction with industry professionals. Students are encouraged to join FFA to build leadership skills and use information in the class during competitions.


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Course Number: 417
Course Title: WILDLIFE/WOODLOT MANAGEMENT
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Biology I
Credits: 1

Course Description:

This course will focus on local wildlife care and management. We will study the basics of animal management including indentification and population control. We will also study woodlot management through our maple woodlot. This will include identification of local trees and the process of making maply syrup. Students will have the opportunity to meet and interact with industry professionals and learn about possible career opportunities in both areas. Students are encouraged to participate in the FFA to apply information learned in class.


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