Course Offerings - Grade 10

Chemistry - Course No.: 9020

GRADES: 10, 11 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 

Chemistry is a laboratory-oriented approach for investigating chemical concepts. Example concepts include chemical bonding, physical and chemical properties, naming compounds, chemical quantities, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Decision-making skills based on chemical knowledge are included. Connections to relevant societal and technological issues are discussed.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra (placement for grade 10)

Chemistry Honors - Course No.: 9022

GRADES: 10, 11 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II is recommended.           

Chemistry Honors is a laboratory-oriented course that moves at a faster pace and includes more math than chemistry.  The course investigates fundamental chemical concepts such as atomic structure, periodic properties, chemical bonding, mass and energy changes in chemical reactions, physical and chemical equilibrium, and organic and nuclear chemistry. Connections to relevant societal and technological issues are emphasized.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra (placement for grade 10)

Earth Science - Course No.: 9030

GRADES: 10, 11 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0        

Earth Science is a college preparatory, lab-oriented course that is commonly taught during the second year of a four-year science program option including Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics.  This course involves major units in astronomy, geology, meteorology, and physical geography.  Emphasis is placed on the study of natural cycles in each of the above areas and the relationships between them.
PREREQUISITE: None

Emergent Multilingual Biology - Course No.: 9067

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0        

EM Biology is the first core course of the college bound sequence designed for identified Emergent Multilingual students. Important themes stressed are essential biological processes, energy flow through the biosphere, evolution, and genetics. Laboratory activities, group and individual projects, lecture/discussion, and research are all utilized to give each student the essential scientific background and skills for future success with an added emphasis on development of English fluency.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Emergent Multilingual Physical Science - Course No.:  9068

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0        

EM Physical Science is a lab science course designed to give identified Emergent Multilingual students an introduction to principles of chemistry, physics, and earth science. A hands-on approach is followed to allow students to improve lab techniques and problem solving skills, as well as prepare them for future science classes with an added emphasis on development of English fluency.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Physical Science - Course No.: 9064

GRADES: 10, 11 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 

Physical Science is a lab science course designed to give students an introduction to principles of chemistry, physics, and earth science. A hands-on approach is followed to allow students to improve lab techniques and problem solving skills, as well as prepare them for future science classes.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

STEM Capstone - Course No.: 9071

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Semester CREDIT: 0.5 (Semester course that may be repeated) 

This course is intended for science students who are interested in pursuing a higher-level, in-depth study of a science topic of their choosing. Successful students in this course will be self-motivated and independent learners. This program affords students the opportunity to participate in the community of scientific research and scholarship as part of their high school experience. It furthers excellence in performance and achievement, while drawing from and developing scientific capabilities in a broad spectrum of the student body. Students will be paired with a research mentor and will utilize the VHHS STEM Facility.
PREREQUISITE: None