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Napoleon Junior/Senior High School

Lead, Learn and Live in Pursuit of Excellence

Science Department

Science Department

Various beakers and flasks filled with colorful liquids are arranged in a row.

  • Image with the words 'PHYSICAL SCIENCE' over a background of lightning.
     

    Grade Levels:9
    Course Length:Full Year Course
    Credits:1.0 Science Credits

    Required Course

    Physical Science is designed as an intermediate study of the relationships between matter and energy.  Applications of physical laws and chemical processes are introduced.  This course is to develop an awareness of the interdependence of science and technology and the relationship between the process and product of science.   Included is the study of matter, energy, forces, machines, heat, electricity, and light.

  • A colorful sign promoting biology, featuring the word 'Biology' with nature-themed imagery.
     

    Grade Levels:10-12
    Course Length:Full Year Course
    Credits:1.0 Science Credits

    Required Course

    In this course, students will explore the characteristics and process of life. Basic principles of cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and the kingdoms of life will be investigated.

  • A colorful sign promoting biology, featuring the word 'Biology' with nature-themed imagery.
     

    Grade Levels:10
    Course Length:Full Year Course
    Credits:1.0 Science Credits
    Prerequisites:Teacher Recommendation in place of Biology

    Required Course

    Honors Biology is a first year biology course that is tailored to the academically talented and motivated student.  Students will experience increased depth, breadth, and pacing of biology material.  Students are expected to understand biological process more completely as they learn the intricacies of the content.  Students will benefit from a more comprehensive lab experience that will provide an excellent basis for future experimental scientists.

  • A colorful illustration of Earth with the sun, moon, and stars.
     

    Grade Levels:11-12
    Course Length:Full Year Course
    Credits:1.0 Science Credits
    Prerequisites:Physical Science and Biology
    Prerequisites: 2 Semesters Physical Science and 2 Semesters Biology

    Earth Science is a comprehensive study of Earth/Sun relationships and presents students with a better understanding of the internal and external forces that drive our planet. In addition, students will explore all the related branches of Earth Science, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, and ecology. Experimental labs will be implemented to further the students understanding of the course whenever possible. Students may be required to go out of doors for “hands on” examination of geological structures.

  • A hand cradles a small plant growing from soil.
     

    Grade Levels:11-12
    Course Length:Full Year Course
    Credits:1.0 Science Credits
    Prerequisites:Physical Science and Biology
     
    The term “conservation” implies the wise use of our natural resources in order to prevent their depletion in future generations.  This ecology course attempts to make the student more aware of their environment and of the role mankind plays as stewards of the natural world.  Environmental issues such as overpopulation, air and water pollution, and endangered species are explored and possible solutions are discussed.  Major objectives of this course are to understand the science of ecology and develop a respect for nature preservation.  Outdoor activities are an important aspect of this course and prospective students should possess an interest in nature an concern for the environment.

  • Colorful cubes with mineral symbols arranged in a stair-step pattern.
     

    Grade Levels:11-12
    Course Length:Full Year Course
    Credits:1.0 Science Credits
    Prerequisites:Biology and Algebra 1
     
    Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra I

    This course is designed to give the student an overall exposure to the fundamentals of chemistry and its applications to the world around you. Topics will include fundamental measurement of matter, basic atomic structure, element properties, compound formation and properties, mixture and solution properties, and the fundamentals of common chemical reactions. Students will be involved in a wide variety of labratory experience activities and projects. We will cover the essential topics to give you a firm foundation for classes you may take later and for the chemistry you experience in everyday life. The course will give you a deeper understanding of the scientifice processes that go on around you and the interconnections among the sciences, technology, society, and the environment. 

  • The words 'Advanced Chemistry' are displayed above various scientific illustrations.
     

    Grade Levels:12
    Course Length:NSCC - CHEM201 (1st Semester) and NSCC - CHEM202 (2nd Semester)
    Credits:2.0 Science Credits on HS Transcript (and 10 College Semester Hours from NSCC)
    Grading:Honors Grading Scale
    Prerequisites:MTH 109 (College Algebra) and completion of the College Credit Plus process
     
    CHEM 201
    THIS IS THE FIRST PART OF A TWO-SEMESTER PROGRAM FOR TECHNICALLY ORIENTED STUDENTS NEEDING A SOLID FOUNDATION IN GENERAL CHEMISTRY.  TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE AN IN-DEPTH TREATMENT OF MEASUREMENT, ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURES, IONIC BEHAVIOR IN SOLUTIONS, AND INORGANIC CHEMICAL NOMENCLATURE.  ALSO, THE TYPES OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS ARE REVIEWED, ALONG WITH STOICHIOMETRIC PRINCIPLES, THE BEHAVIOR OF GASES AND THERMOCHEMISTRY.  ADDITIONAL TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE, PERIODIC LAW, CHEMICAL BONDING AND MOLECULAR GEOMETRY.  LAB WORK REINFORCES BASIC PRINCIPLES, SUPPLEMENTS LECTURES AND EMPHASIZES ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES. A SUMMER ASSIGNMENT INCLUDES A REVIEW OF FIRST-YEAR CHEMISTRY TOPICS. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR.
     
    CHEM 202
    A CONTINUATION OF CHM201, THIS IS THE SECOND PART OF A TWO-SEMESTER GENERAL CHEMISTRY PROGRAM.  TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE A DETAILED TREATMENT OF STATES OF MATTER, INTERMOLECULAR FORCES, AND THE PROPERTIES OF SOLUTIONS.  CHEMICAL KINETICS, CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM AND CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS ARE COVERED AS WELL.  STUDENTS ARE ALSO INTRODUCED TO ELECTROCHEMISTRY, NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY, AND THE CHEMISTRY OF SELECTED ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS INCLUDING POLYMERS AND ORGANIC SUBSTANCES.  LAB WORK REINFORCES BASIC PRINCIPLES, SUPPLEMENTS LECTURES, AND EMPHASIZES ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES.

  • A pencil drawing depicts a human skull flanked by two detailed facial studies.
     

    Grade Levels:11-12
    Course Length:Full Year Course
    Credits:1.0 Science Credits
     
    This course is designed for students with a good background in science.  The course covers human anatomy and physiology.  Selected topics in current biological and medical science are covered.

  • A whiteboard displays handwritten notes, diagrams, and calculations.
     

    Grade Levels:12
    Course Length:Full Year Course
    Credits:1.0 Science Credits
    Prerequisites:"B" average minimum in Algebra 2
     
    This is a college preparatory course dealing with the fundamentals of mechanics, atomic and nuclear structure, optics, theories of heat and molecular motion, forces, vectors, work, power, energy, machines, wave motion, spectra, the atom, and the nucleus. Other topics are light, other forms of radiation, temperature, change of state, and specific heats. Also covered are gas laws, thermodynamics, solid, state, D-C, A-C, static electricity, electromagnetic induction, and electronic equipment. Many useful problems are solved. Applications to everyday life and to other science, such as astronomy are investigated.

  • Text from a document, likely a course syllabus, is displayed.

  • Text describing vocational agriculture courses, including pneumatics and energy system management.