Science Courses

Science for High School Completion

Science is the systematic study of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. It encompasses many different disciplines, like biology, chemistry, and physics.

The science classes below are offered through High School Transfer Credit. Some are only offered in one semester, so check out the table to see when the class you want is offered and what format you can take it in. Below the chart, you’ll find course descriptions for each.

Classes (Semesters offered) Online Correspondence
Biology (S-1 & 2) X X
Chemistry (S-1 & 2) X
Earth Science (S-1 & 2) X X
Life Science (S-1 & 2) X
Physical Science (S-1 & 2) X X
Physics (S-1 & 2) X
Science Foundations (S-1 & 2) X

Course Descriptions

Online

Aligned to the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA), this course helps students develop a mastery of basic biological skills, concepts, and models that are important for everyday life. Students begin with a study of cell and molecular biology.  From there, students also study chemistry and the biochemical basis of life; cell structure and function; basic metabolism; and genetics. This class also offers exploration of evolution, biodiversity, organismal biology, and ecology. This is not a lab course.

Correspondence

Using "Biology," by Leonard Bernstein, ©1990 by Globe Book Company, students will study the nature of living things, simple organisms, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates in the first semester. In the second semester, students will study human biology, human health, heredity, genetics, changes through time, and ecology.

Online

The first semester of this online course, aligned to the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) standards, will offer students an introduction to the concept of chemistry. In the second semester, students are required to submit lab work as well. Topics covered are the nature of matter; the structure of atoms and molecules; bond formations; the qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical reactivity; the physical and chemical properties of solids, liquids, and gases; the states of matter; phase transitions; equilibrium; kinetics; thermodynamics; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; and an introduction to organic chemistry. Semester 2 is a lab course and requires a $15 lab book fee.

Online

This lab based course focuses on Earth’s composition, structure, processes and history; its atmosphere, freshwater and oceans; and its environment in space.  Aligned to the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA), topics include the major cycles that affect every aspect of life, including weather, climate, air movement, tectonics, volcanic eruptions, rocks, minerals, geologic history, and Earth’s environment, sustainability, and energy resources. This is a lab course and requires a $15 lab book fee.

Correspondence

Through the use of "Concepts and Challenges in Earth Science," by Bernstein, Schachter, Winkler and Wolfe, ©1998 by Globe Fearon, Inc. students will study the earth and the universe around it. Students will independently learn about geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. In the second semester, students will learn about weathering and erosion; water and rock; water and ice; shorelines, sea water, and motions of the sea; view of Earth’s past; air and its movement; water in the atmosphere; and weather and elements of climate.

Correspondence

Students use the textbook "Concepts and Challenges in Life Science," by Bernstein, Schacter, Winkler and Wolfe, ©1998 by Globe Fearon, Inc., to study areas of science dealing with all living things. Topics in the first semester include the basic unit of life, simple chemistry, protoplasm, photosynthesis, reproduction, heredity, mutation and adaption, environment, conservation, bacteria, algae, protozoa, and fungi. In the second semester, students independently study body systems, including digestive, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems; health; reproduction; genetics; and evolution.

Online

This course offers students the opportunity to learn about critical components of physical science based on the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) standards. Topics include an introduction to kinematics, including gravity and two-dimensional motion; force; momentum; waves; electricity; atoms; the Periodic Table of Elements; molecular bonding; chemical reactivity; gases; and an introduction to nuclear energy. For more information, visit Apex Learning. This is a lab course, but does not use a lab book.

Correspondence

This correspondence course serves as an introduction to chemistry and physics. Students use "Modern Physical Science," by Tropp and Triedl, ©1991, to study measurement, matter, kinematics, nuclear reactions, and atmospheric gases in the first semester. In the second semester, students independently learn about motion, force, momentum, electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics.

Online

The content of this course is based on the American Associate for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Project 2061 benchmarks and the National Science Education Standards. Students engage in labs and discussions to help them further their understanding of the nature of science. Topics include the nature of science, math for physics, energy, kinematics, force and motion, momentum, gravitation, chemistry for physics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, nuclear physics, quantum physics, and cosmology. For more information, visit Apex Learning. Dry labs are included in this course.

Online

This course is based on the National Science Education Standards for middle school science and is appropriate as a bridge to high school science courses or as a path of remediation for high school students. Each semester contains 10 units comprised of three lessons per unit. Students will study earth science, physical science, life science, scientific inquiry, and apply critical thinking skills. For more information, visit Apex Learning.