2013 lhs course selection guide - Longview Independent School ...

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
Grade Placement: 11 – 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Student must have completed biology and chemistry.
This class is one of the optional classes for the fourth year science requirement for the
Recommended and Distinguished graduation plans. This class is not recommended for students
planning to graduate on the Minimum plan. In Environmental Systems, students conduct field and
laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed
decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics
that include: biotic and abiotic factors in habitats; ecosystems and biomes; interrelationships
among resources and an environmental system; sources and flow of energy though an
environmental system; relationship between carrying capacity and changes in populations and
ecosystems; and changes in environments.
GEOLOGY, METEOROLOGY, OCEANOGRAPHY (GMO)
Grade Placement 11 – 12
Prerequisite: Two units of High School Science
1 credit
In Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use
scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and
scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: characteristics and
conditions of the Earth; formation and history of the Earth; plate tectonics; origin and composition
of minerals and rocks and the rock cycle; processes and products of weathering; natural energy
resources; interactions in a watershed; characteristics of oceans; characteristics of the
atmosphere; and the role of energy in weather and climate.
Astronomy
Grade Placement: 11 – 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Student must have completed biology and chemistry. Completion of physics
or concurrent enrollment in physics is recommended.
This class is one of the optional classes for the fourth year science requirement for the
Recommended and Distinguished graduation plans. This class is not recommended for students
planning to graduate on the Minimum plan. In Environmental Systems, students conduct field and
laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed
decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics
that include: biotic and abiotic factors in habitats; ecosystems and biomes; interrelationships
among resources and an environmental system; sources and flow of energy though an
environmental system; relationship between carrying capacity and changes in populations and
ecosystems; and changes in environments.
AP BIOLOGY
Grade Placement: 11 – 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: The three basic science classes of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (at least
concurrently) with at least one class at the Pre-AP level
Recommend: 80 average in Pre-AP Biology, Pre-AP Chemistry and Pre-AP Physics or 90
average in regular biology, chemistry and physics.
AP Biology is a college course offered at the high school level. Students will study advanced level
laboratory investigation of chemical reactions that occur in organisms. The study will also include
investigation of the biological systems of plants and animals, their economic importance, and
factors that influence their development. Mammalian physiology and gross anatomy will be
studied. Considerable time outside of class is necessary to be successful. This course prepares
students to take the Advanced Placement exam for college credit in biology.
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