
Science
Three years of science are required for graduation. Two of the years must be laboratory science. One year must be in Physical Science, and the other year must be in Biological sciences. Courses are offered in the Science Department at two learning levels, regular and honors. All courses listed in this section of the course handbook meet science credit requirements for graduation.
All Schools
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - SCI151/SCI152
Physical Science is the introductory study of matter, energy, and their interactions through space and time. It is a lab-based course that provides the foundation for future science study and is required for all freshman students.
9th Grade
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science
NCAA
BIOLOGY - SCI201/SCI202
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of life on Earth. Topics covered will include: cell biology, genetics and inherited disorders, examination of various life forms including animals, plants, fungi, protists, and bacteria, principles of ecology, and evolution.
9th-10th Grade
Prerequisite: Physical Science
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirement: Biological Science
NCAA
BIOLOGY - HONORS - SCI203/SCI204
This course is designed for students currently in an advanced track who have a high interest and aptitude in science. See course description for “Biology” course content. However, the honors course is an accelerated program that explores the essentials of Biology Science with greater depth and insight.
10th Grade
Prerequisite: Physical Science & teacher recommendation
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirement: Biological Science
NCAA
AP BIOLOGY/CWU BIOLOGY 101 - SCI501/SCI804
Advanced Placement Biology is a second-year biology course designed for college-bound or highly motivated students. It is equivalent to college-entry-level biology in content. The first semester of this course will follow the Advanced Placement curriculum guide and is designed to improve students' ability to analyze and synthesize information. Second-semester CWU Biology 101 is an introductory college Biology course. Acceptance to Biology 101 is based on registration with Central Washington University and a college placement exam. Students who register with CWU and pass will receive 5 quarter credits.
10th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: A-B grades in Biology & Physical Science, PAP Bio or Teacher recommendation
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.5
Location: RAL
Graduation Requirement: Biological Science
NCAA
AP CollegeBoard
Central Washington University
HORTICULTURE - CTE437/CTE438
Learn the principles of growing and caring for plants. Develop skills in horticultural science while working in the greenhouse.
10th-12th Grade
Credit: 1.0
Location: Discovery High School
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science, Biological Science or CTE
ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY AND DRONES - CTE543/CTE544
Students will seamlessly integrate the interdependent disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) into a focused and invigorating real-world application of robotic and drone technology skills utilized in today’s society including predictions of future applications and trends.
9th-12th Grade
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Location: MM
Graduation Requirement: CTE or Lab Science
NCAA
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE - SCI307/SCI308
Earth Systems Science is the study of the processes that form our planet and universe and how the Earth’s systems interact with one another. Students will learn about the solar system, geology, climate, weather, and about the rich resources of our planet.
11th-12th Grade
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirements: Science Elective
NCAA
AP CHEMISTRY - SCI305/SCI306
This course is highly recommended for motivated students planning on specializing in the sciences, medicine, or engineering at the university level. This is an advanced placement course designed to prepare the student for the AP Chemistry exam. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based lab work, as per College Board requirements. Reliable access to the internet outside of class time may be important since the online resources made available are very helpful. Students are encouraged to visit www.collegeboard.org to find out more about the AP Chemistry exam and preview the content that the class will cover.
11th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra II, or teacher permission
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Location: RAL
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science or Elective
NCAA
AP CollegeBoard
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE - CTE431/CTE432
Students investigate forensics, emergency responses, and ethical scenarios along with various health conditions including TBI, heart disease, diabetes, and infectious diseases. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, medicine, and research.
10th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: B or above in Biology and instructor approval
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Location: RAL
Graduation Requirement: CTE or Biological Science
NCAA
PHYSICS I-CWU PHYSICS 111 - SCI805
An integrated experimental and analytical investigation of topics including kinematics and dynamics. This integrated lecture/ laboratory course includes the analysis of physical systems using algebra and trigonometry along with inquiry-based activities and experimental investigation. Students who register with CWU and pass will receive 5 quarter credits.
11th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: Completed Algebra ll with B or higher and enrolled in a Pre-Calculus or equivalent math course
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Location: RAL
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science or Elective
Central Washington University
PHYSICS ll-CWU PHYSICS 112 - SCI806
An investigation of topics in rotational dynamics, wave mechanics, and conservation principles. This integrated lecture/laboratory course includes the analysis of physical systems using algebra and trigonometry along with inquiry-based activities and experimental investigation. Students who register with CWU and pass will receive 5 quarter credits.
11th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: Completed Physic l with a B or higher
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Location: RAL
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science or Elective
Central Washington University
HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS - CTE433/CTE434
Students examine the interactions of human body systems and explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Students will build organs and tissues on a skeletal manikin, work through real-world cases, and play the roles of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. This course will be supplemented with dissections of a fetal pig, brain, eye, and kidney.
10th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: Biology, Biomed, or concurrent enrollment in Biomed and instructor approval.
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Location: RAL
Graduation Requirement: CTE, Biology, or Lab Science
NCAA
Dual Credit
MEDICAL SCIENCE CAREERS - CTE407/CTE408
This exploratory course is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge and skills related to medical science and potential healthcare careers. Students will experience BLS (Basic Life Support/CPR/First Aid), medical terminology, disease and illness, anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, legal issues, and medical ethics and professionalism.
11th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: Biology, completion of Bio Med preferred, or instructor approval
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Location: RAL
Graduation Requirement: CTE or Lab Science
Dual Credit
Mark Morris Only
PHYSICAL SCIENCE-HONORS - SCI153/SCI154
This course is designed for students currently in an advanced track who have a high interest and aptitude in science. The honors course is an accelerated program that explores the essentials of Physical Science with greater depth and insight.
9th Grade
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Length: Year-long/Semester
Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science
NCAA
CHEMISTRY - SCI301/SCI302
This course is recommended for college-bound students, especially those interested in medicine, forestry, math, nursing, engineering, chemistry, physics, and other related fields. This course covers chemical structures, bonding, gases, mass and volume relationships, solutions, and some basic organic chemistry. Fulfills LCC Chemistry 100 requirements. A scientific calculator is required.
11th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: 1-year Biology, 1-year Physical Science & a C or better in Geometry
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science or Elective
NCAA
HONORS CHEMISTRY - SCI303/SCI304
This is a rigorous/accelerated chemistry course in which successful students can earn college credit through Eastern Washington University. The course covers chemistry equations and stoichiometry, introductory thermochemistry, periodic properties, and chemical bonding. Department permission is required for enrollment. Students who register with EWU and pass will receive 5 quarter credits.
11th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: 1-year Biology-H, 1-year Physical Science; a “B” average in science classes; must have completed or be presently enrolled in Algebra II or higher
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Location: MM
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science or Elective
NCAA
Eastern Washington University
PHYSICS - SCI401/SCI402
Physics is the study of energy and forces, and the relationships between matter and energy. This course is college preparatory in nature but is also recommended for anyone with an interest in physics. Major topics covered in the class include mechanics and dynamics (motion, forces, vectors, universal gravitation, momentum, work, and energy), waves (sound, light, and optics), electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics.
11th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: Enrolled in or have completed Algebra II with a C or better
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science or Elective
NCAA
R.A. Long Only
PRE-AP BIOLOGY - SCI203/SCI204
This course is designed for students currently in an advanced track who have a high interest and aptitude in science. See course description for “Biology” course content. However, the honors course is an accelerated program that explores the essentials of Biology Science with greater depth and insight.
9th-10th Grade
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirement: Biological Science
NCAA
CHEMISTRY - SCI301/SCI302
Chemistry is the study of matter: its composition, properties, and changes over time. It is a college preparatory, lab-based course designed for students interested in the physical sciences, health/life sciences, earth sciences, or engineering. Strong math skills are essential and a scientific calculator is required. Successful completion of this course satisfies LCC Chemistry 100 requirements
10th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: Geometry with Minimum Grade "C", Physical Science or PAP Bio
Length: Year-long
Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirement: Lab Science or elective