Science

Course

Grade Level

Classic STEM

LCPS

Required Prerequisite

Additional Facts

Earth Science

9^th

None

Basis for all other fields of science. 

Research Earth Science

(weighted 0.5)

9^th

None

25% of the course is based upon lab exercises  and proper research methods

Biology

10^th

None

Students enrolled in life science courses may participate in animal dissection. Students who decline to participate will be offered alternatives to dissection

Research Biology

(weighted 0.5)

10^th

None

Same as above.  Suggestions for students to have 1 year of proper research methods from Research Earth Science prior to taking the course.  25% of the course is based upon lab exercises and proper research methods.

Chemistry

11^th

Algebra I & Geometry

Course is math-intensive.  Suggestion is to have completed Algebra II (or be taking concurrently) for maximum success.

**See Notes at bottom

Research Chemistry (new)

(weighted 0.5)

11^th

Algebra I & Geometry

Same as above.  Suggestions for students to have 1-2 years of proper research methods from Research Earth Science and/or Research Biology prior to taking the course.  25% of the course is based upon lab exercises and proper research methods

Physics

12^th

Algebra II

Course is math-intensive. Lab work includes graphical analysis.

Environmental Science

11^th or 12^th

Completion of 2 lab sciences (Earth Science & Biology suggested)

Students must attain a passing score on 2 science SOL Tests (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry)

Conceptual Physics

12^th

Algebra I

This course is not intended for students who are planning to pursue the sciences in college.

AP Biology

(weighted 1.0)

11^th or 12^th

Biology & Chemistry (Chemistry may be taken concurrently)

Students are encouraged to take the AP Biology examination for possible college credit.

AP Chemistry

(weighted 1.0)

11^th or 12^th

Chemistry

Students are encouraged to take AP Chemistry immediately at the completion of Chemistry and to take the AP chemistry examination at the conclusion of the course.

AP Physics

(weighted 1.0)

12^th

Physics

CO-REQUISITE: Calculus

Students are encouraged to take the AP Physics-C examination at the conclusion of the course

AP Environmental Science

(weighted 1.0)

11^th or 12^th

Earth Science; 2 years of laboratory science (typically biology and chemistry);  Algebra I

Students are encouraged to take the AP Environmental Science examination at the conclusion of the course

Geospatial Technology (GIS)

(weighted 0.5)

11^th or 12^th

None

ELECTIVE SCIENCE.  Dual-Enrollment with JMU.  Mandatory research project.  Expected completion and presentation of their project to school faculty, members of the GIS community, and James Madison University faculty and staff.  $20 registration fee. $540 ($90/credit hour) for tuition.

Independent Student Research (ISR)

(weighted 0.5)

12^th

Completion of 3 lab sciences (from the fields of Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and the AP Sciences)

REQUIRED participation in the LCPS Regional Science & Engineering Fair (RSEF).  GPA requirement of 3.2 in the sciences.