Science Courses

The Science offerings at Davenport high schools provide unique learning experiences dealing with the technology and understandings necessary for survival in a changing society. These course offerings are designed and arranged to allow student movement from a basic general level to one which provides a broader and deeper experience in the sciences.

FIRST YEAR BIOLOGY COURSES

Students may elect only one (1) of the following first year/entry level Biology courses for credit.

Molecular Biology (171131/171132) (two-term)This molecular approach emphasizes an in-depth consideration of biology involving laboratory activities which stress both concrete and abstract biological concepts. Concepts such as cellular structure and function in plants and animals, and heredity are included.

Investigative Biology (171121/171122) (two-term)This systems approach to biology emphasizes basic biological themes and their scientific interrelationships, which lead to an understanding of technological society. The laboratory activities are designed to prepare scientifically literate citizens.

SECOND YEAR BIOLOGY COURSES

AP Biology (171511/171512/171513) This three-term course emphasizes in-depth studies and laboratory experiences. Current biological science research and literature about topics such as biotechnology and molecular genetics are studied. Students are provided an opportunity to design experiments in areas of interest. Student may elect to take the National CEEB Advanced Placement Exam.

Physiology I (171311) This is a one term systematic study of the functions and processes of the human body emphasizing the organization of the body, the systems that cover, support, and move the body, and the systems that control and regulate the body through communication. Laboratory investigations and group activities are used to enhance understanding.

Meteorology (170131) This one term course will cover many aspects of meteorology including the mechanics of weather, the chemistry of weather, the impact of weather, and forecasting. It will help students understand the fast-moving world of meteorology. Students will be able to look far beyond the basic TV news descriptions and will develop an ability to forecast the weather using very simple techniques.

Physiology II (171312) This one term course is a one term systematic study of the functions and processes of the human body emphasizing the systems that transport and protect the body, the metabolic processing systems, and the systems of reproduction and development. Laboratory investigations and group activities are used to enhance understanding.

Invertebrate Zoology (171411) This one term course is a study of the animal kingdom involving laboratory activities with live and preserved specimens. Emphasis is placed on animal development, relationships, structures, behavior and natural history.

Vertebrate Zoology (171442) This one term course would provide students with detailed study of and laboratory activities concerning the study of animals with a backbone, taking into consideration their physical characteristics and adaptations, habitat, nutritional needs, lifestyles, and the diversity within each of the five vertebrate groups.

EARTH SCIENCES

Earth Materials (170121) This one term course is an investigation into earth history and the natural chemical and physical processes affecting the earth.

Weather, Climate & Space (170122) This one term course is an investigation of the factors which influence earth's weather and climate, and how we use those factors in weather forecasting. The science involved in space exploration, including the principles of astronomy, is one of the special features of this course.

CHEMISTRY

General Chemistry (172111/172112) This two-term course is a laboratory-oriented approach to the entry-level study of chemistry. Basic laws, theories, and relationships of unit analysis; structure of matter and energy; periodic law; chemical nomenclature; chemical reactions; kinetic molecular theory; the mole concept and solutions will be some of the topics studied. Completion of this course will provide a critical thinking background and a basic understanding of the principles of chemistry

Organic Chemistry (172331) This one-term course will provide a more in-depth study of hydrocarbon compounds and the various areas within this overall field. This will provide a solid fundamental foundation for the student thinking of majoring in science in college.

Physics (173111/173112) This two-term course is an investigation of matter and energy with a laboratory centered emphasis on the basic laws and theories related to mechanics, heat, light, sound, magnetism, electricity, and modern physics.

Science Applications (174211) This one-term course will be a lab-oriented and student directed course that will follow the basic outline of the Chemistry curriculum. Students will study the structure of the atom, properties of elements and the applications these have to common materials found outside the classroom. Students will also be introduced to other community applications to physics, physiology and ecology.

SECOND YEAR CHEMISTRY COURSE

AP Chemistry (172511/172512/172513) This is a three-term, college level course that expands topics covered in General Chemistry, as well as introduces new areas of study such as Electrochemistry and Organic Chemistry. It provides students a wide opportunity to develop and improve their investigative skills. Basics concepts of chemistry are reviewed then developed into increasingly sophisticated ideas that are useful in other physical, biological, and applied sciences such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, and consumer sciences. Students in AP Chemistry conduct research projects on topics of their choice and may elect to take the National CEEB Advanced Placement Exam.

OTHER ELECTIVES

Environmental Science 1 (175111) and Environmental Science 2 (175121) This course may be taken for one term (1 or 2) or for 2 terms (1 and 2). Students will explore bioethics, ecological concepts, population dynamics, various sources of and solutions to environmental pollution, use of natural resources, energy production and alternatives, environmentally sustainable lifestyles, and those economic values used in developing environmental regulations and policies. Students will experience job shadowing, exploring the Internet, cooperative learning, use of computer simulation, communicating research findings, designing experiments, communicating with community resources, and exploring career opportunities in environmental technology.

Science Technology 1 (178111) and/or Science Technology 2 (178121) This course may be taken for one term (1 or 2) or for 2 terms (1 and 2). This course allows the student to experience all areas of science such as earth, life, and physical but has an emphasis on library and laboratory research of topic ideas. Students work in small groups, or individually, while pursuing various topics of interest. Current technology as well as technology of the past and of the future is woven into the content of this course.

Genetics (171431) (one-term course) Genetics is the investigation of the principles, lab methodology, and applications associated with the study of inheritance of traits. The science of genetics is briefly touched upon in Molecular Biology and Investigative Biology. This course would provide the opportunity for detailed study and lab activities in genetics. It would also promote an understanding of gene therapy and treatment, bioengineering, environmental mutagens and teratogens, and a host of other cutting-edge issues.

Directed Independent Study in Science (DISS) (179921/179922) This course is designed for the science able, inventive, talented and/or gifted student who wishes to pursue specialized study and research in science. A student may enroll in this course for a total of eight terms. The student in this course will develop a project of his or her own choosing.

Science Laboratory Assistant (179931/179932) This course emphasizes the technical role of an assistant in the biological/physical sciences with preparation of materials and supplies. It is an independent study experience for those students interested in technological opportunities.


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BACK TO DEPARTMENTS Teachers Courses Flowchart		Science Courses The Science offerings at Davenport high schools provide unique learning experiences dealing with the technology and understandings necessary for survival in a changing society. These course offerings are designed and arranged to allow student movement from a basic general level to one which provides a broader and deeper experience in the sciences. FIRST YEAR BIOLOGY COURSES Students may elect only one (1) of the following first year/entry level Biology courses for credit. Molecular Biology (171131/171132) (two-term)This molecular approach emphasizes an in-depth consideration of biology involving laboratory activities which stress both concrete and abstract biological concepts. Concepts such as cellular structure and function in plants and animals, and heredity are included. Investigative Biology (171121/171122) (two-term)This systems approach to biology emphasizes basic biological themes and their scientific interrelationships, which lead to an understanding of technological society. The laboratory activities are designed to prepare scientifically literate citizens. SECOND YEAR BIOLOGY COURSES AP Biology (171511/171512/171513) This three-term course emphasizes in-depth studies and laboratory experiences. Current biological science research and literature about topics such as biotechnology and molecular genetics are studied. Students are provided an opportunity to design experiments in areas of interest. Student may elect to take the National CEEB Advanced Placement Exam. Physiology I (171311) This is a one term systematic study of the functions and processes of the human body emphasizing the organization of the body, the systems that cover, support, and move the body, and the systems that control and regulate the body through communication. Laboratory investigations and group activities are used to enhance understanding. Meteorology (170131) This one term course will cover many aspects of meteorology including the mechanics of weather, the chemistry of weather, the impact of weather, and forecasting. It will help students understand the fast-moving world of meteorology. Students will be able to look far beyond the basic TV news descriptions and will develop an ability to forecast the weather using very simple techniques. Physiology II (171312) This one term course is a one term systematic study of the functions and processes of the human body emphasizing the systems that transport and protect the body, the metabolic processing systems, and the systems of reproduction and development. Laboratory investigations and group activities are used to enhance understanding. Invertebrate Zoology (171411) This one term course is a study of the animal kingdom involving laboratory activities with live and preserved specimens. Emphasis is placed on animal development, relationships, structures, behavior and natural history. Vertebrate Zoology (171442) This one term course would provide students with detailed study of and laboratory activities concerning the study of animals with a backbone, taking into consideration their physical characteristics and adaptations, habitat, nutritional needs, lifestyles, and the diversity within each of the five vertebrate groups. EARTH SCIENCES Earth Materials (170121) This one term course is an investigation into earth history and the natural chemical and physical processes affecting the earth. Weather, Climate & Space (170122) This one term course is an investigation of the factors which influence earth's weather and climate, and how we use those factors in weather forecasting. The science involved in space exploration, including the principles of astronomy, is one of the special features of this course. CHEMISTRY General Chemistry (172111/172112) This two-term course is a laboratory-oriented approach to the entry-level study of chemistry. Basic laws, theories, and relationships of unit analysis; structure of matter and energy; periodic law; chemical nomenclature; chemical reactions; kinetic molecular theory; the mole concept and solutions will be some of the topics studied. Completion of this course will provide a critical thinking background and a basic understanding of the principles of chemistry Organic Chemistry (172331) This one-term course will provide a more in-depth study of hydrocarbon compounds and the various areas within this overall field. This will provide a solid fundamental foundation for the student thinking of majoring in science in college. Physics (173111/173112) This two-term course is an investigation of matter and energy with a laboratory centered emphasis on the basic laws and theories related to mechanics, heat, light, sound, magnetism, electricity, and modern physics. Science Applications (174211) This one-term course will be a lab-oriented and student directed course that will follow the basic outline of the Chemistry curriculum. Students will study the structure of the atom, properties of elements and the applications these have to common materials found outside the classroom. Students will also be introduced to other community applications to physics, physiology and ecology. SECOND YEAR CHEMISTRY COURSE AP Chemistry (172511/172512/172513) This is a three-term, college level course that expands topics covered in General Chemistry, as well as introduces new areas of study such as Electrochemistry and Organic Chemistry. It provides students a wide opportunity to develop and improve their investigative skills. Basics concepts of chemistry are reviewed then developed into increasingly sophisticated ideas that are useful in other physical, biological, and applied sciences such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, and consumer sciences. Students in AP Chemistry conduct research projects on topics of their choice and may elect to take the National CEEB Advanced Placement Exam. OTHER ELECTIVES Environmental Science 1 (175111) and Environmental Science 2 (175121) This course may be taken for one term (1 or 2) or for 2 terms (1 and 2). Students will explore bioethics, ecological concepts, population dynamics, various sources of and solutions to environmental pollution, use of natural resources, energy production and alternatives, environmentally sustainable lifestyles, and those economic values used in developing environmental regulations and policies. Students will experience job shadowing, exploring the Internet, cooperative learning, use of computer simulation, communicating research findings, designing experiments, communicating with community resources, and exploring career opportunities in environmental technology. Science Technology 1 (178111) and/or Science Technology 2 (178121) This course may be taken for one term (1 or 2) or for 2 terms (1 and 2). This course allows the student to experience all areas of science such as earth, life, and physical but has an emphasis on library and laboratory research of topic ideas. Students work in small groups, or individually, while pursuing various topics of interest. Current technology as well as technology of the past and of the future is woven into the content of this course. Genetics (171431) (one-term course) Genetics is the investigation of the principles, lab methodology, and applications associated with the study of inheritance of traits. The science of genetics is briefly touched upon in Molecular Biology and Investigative Biology. This course would provide the opportunity for detailed study and lab activities in genetics. It would also promote an understanding of gene therapy and treatment, bioengineering, environmental mutagens and teratogens, and a host of other cutting-edge issues. Directed Independent Study in Science (DISS) (179921/179922) This course is designed for the science able, inventive, talented and/or gifted student who wishes to pursue specialized study and research in science. A student may enroll in this course for a total of eight terms. The student in this course will develop a project of his or her own choosing. Science Laboratory Assistant (179931/179932) This course emphasizes the technical role of an assistant in the biological/physical sciences with preparation of materials and supplies. It is an independent study experience for those students interested in technological opportunities.
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