Viola School District

Welcome to the Science Course Catalog

Welcome to the Science Course Catalog page. We trust that you will find this page useful in your search for information about our school's Science program. On this page you will find the name of each course that is offered, and a description of that course. Please use the navigation menu to go back to the Academic Home page to check out the rest of Viola High School's other academic offerings.

7th Grade Science

This class is a full year course for students in the 7th grade. Students shall demonstrate and apply knowledge of living systems, life cycles, reproduction and heredity, populations and ecosystems, matter, including properties and changes, motion and forces, energy and transfer of energy, Earth’ structure and history, and objects in the universe using appropriate safety procedures, equipment, and technology.

8th Grade Science

This class is a full year course for students in the 8th grade. Students shall demonstrate and apply knowledge of living systems, life cycles, reproduction and heredity, populations and ecosystems, matter, including properties and changes, motion and forces, energy and transfer of energy, Earth’ structure and history, and objects in the universe using appropriate safety

Physical Science

A full year course for students in grades 9-12. Physical science should begin the study of higher-level physics and chemistry and continue educating the student in the nature of science. A student who masters these Student Learning Expectations should transition smoothly into other science courses. Students should be expected to use suitable mathematics and collect and analyze data. Instruction and assessment should include both appropriate technology and the safe use of laboratory equipment. Students should be engaged in hands-on laboratory experiences at least 20% of the instructional time.

Anatomy and Physiology

A full year course for students in grades 10-12 that follows the Arkansas Science frameworks for anatomy and physiology. Anatomy and Physiology will develop an understanding of the organization of the human body through studies of body systems, tissues and the cell and its chemistry. Students will spend time dissecting and viewing body systems as well as collect and analyze data. Organization of the human body, cellular chemistry, anatomy and physiology of the cell, tissues, the eleven body systems, and the nature of science will be studied.

Pre AP Biology

A full year course for students in grades 10-12 that is designed to train students in more rigorous and challenging classes. Students will engage in active, high-level learning; thereby developing the skills, habits of mind and concepts they need to succeed in college. In addition to the field of study described in Biology, the Pre-AP course will differ with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required by students.

Biology

A full year course for students in grades 10-12 that investigates the chemistry and role of cells in life processes, genetics, evolution and the diversity of life. Students will learn about the world through the study of behavioral relationships, ecology and the global impact of ecological issues. Biology will incorporate the nature of science and will spend time viewing and classifying life forms. Field studies will be an integral part of the course as well as the process of collecting and analyzing data. Instruction and assessment will include both appropriate technology and the safe use of laboratory equipment. Students will be engaged in hands-on laboratory experiences at least 20% of the instructional time.

Environmental Science

A full year course for students in grades 10-12 that examines the physical and biological dynamics of Earth. Students will analyze the impact of human activities on the environment. This course will directly apply to everyday and world problems, including global warming, pollution, water quality and soil deficiencies. Field studies, as well as the process of collecting and analyzing data, will be an integral part of the course. Approximately 80% of the course is hands-on in the field problem solving experiences. The WET project will be the major course of study. A textbook, equipment supplied by the WET project, soil test kits, microscopes, computers and other various consumable materials will be utilized.

AP Environmental Science

A full year course for students in grades 11 and 12 designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the inter-relationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.

Students in this class will prepare for and take the AP Environmental Science Exam and those receiving a 3 or higher will receive college credit in addition to their high school credit.

Prerequisite: Physical Science; Chemistry; Algebra 1

Chemistry

A full year course for students in grades 11 and 12 that explores the composition of matter through its properties, its atomic structure, and the manner in which it bonds and reacts with other substances. Students will be expected to use suitable mathematics and collect and analyze data. Instruction and assessment will include both appropriate technology and the safe use of laboratory equipment. Students will be engaged in hands-on laboratory experiences at least 20% of the instructional time.

Physics

A full year course for students in grades 11 and 12 that covers the five traditional areas of Physics (Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics) as well as the nature of science. It should provide the knowledge base needed for many college programs. Students will be expected to use higher-level mathematics and collect and analyze data. Instruction and assessment will include both appropriate technology and the safe use of laboratory equipment. Students will be engaged in hands-on laboratory experiences at least 20% of the instructional time