Science

Science is a key pillar of our school curriculum because it cultivates critical thinking, drives innovation, and builds the scientific literacy needed to navigate a technology-driven world. It transforms natural curiosity into structured problem-solving skills, preparing students for both everyday life and future careers.

Science Courses Offered

Course Sequence Flow Chart

NGSS Physics A & B

Length and Credit: Year / 1.0 credit – NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None / Required course
Grade Level(s): 9
The NGSS Physics course focuses on the core ideas of physics: motion, forces, momentum, energy, waves, and electromagnetism while simultaneously teaching problem solving skills, innovation, design, and critical thinking. NGSS Physics is a highly engaging, lab-based course where students engage in frequent scientific inquiry and engineering design while emphasizing data collection, analysis, communication which lays the foundation for future high school science courses. Students will use technology to collect and analyze data as well as use data mines and simulations when direct observation or collection of data is not possible. This class is the first science class of the three-year science sequence.

NGSS Chemistry A & B

Length and Credit: Year / 1.0 credit – NCAA Approved
Prerequisites: None / Required course
Grade Level(s): 10
The NGSS Chemistry course focuses on the core ideas of chemistry: atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical reactions, and chemical bonding emphasizing the connections between scientific practices and engineering design. NGSS Chemistry is a lab-based course designed to challenge and further develop problem-solving, scientific literacy and communication skills. This class is the second in the three-year science sequence; content and skills learned in NGSS Physics are built upon during NGSS Chemistry. Students wishing to accelerate are encouraged to enroll in both NGSS Chemistry and NGSS Biology during their sophomore year.

NGSS Biology A & B

Length and Credit: Year / 1.0 credit – NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None / Required course
Grade Level(s): 10, 11
Biology courses will focus on the nature of science in the study of chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, evolution, classification, and ecology. This is a lab-based course which allows many hands-on opportunities to link biological concepts to the real world. This class is the third in the three-year science sequence; content and skills learned in NGSS Physics and NGSS Chemistry are built upon during NGSS Biology. Students may choose to accelerate by enrolling in both NGSS Chemistry and NGSS Biology during their sophomore year.

College Now Biology

Length and Credit: Year / 1.5 Credit (double block Semester 1) – NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: NGSS Biology A&B
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
College Now Biology is a full-year course aligned with LCC's 100-level college biology sequence. Students who successfully complete the course can earn 12 transferable college credits to LCC. The three-course sequence covers these major topics: cell/molecular biology and genetics; anatomy and physiology; and ecology and evolution. Students will learn content through lecture, laboratory analysis, and research projects, with a focus on developing science reading and writing skills and collaborative problem-solving. This is a dual credit course: students earn credit at THS and up to 15 college credits through LCC (Biology 101, 102, 103).

College Now Chemistry

Length and Credit: Year / 1.5 credit (double block Semester 2) – NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: NGSS Chemistry A&B
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
This course offers a rigorous, foundational treatment of atoms, molecules and the energy that is stored and transferred in chemical systems. We study the nature of chemical bonding and how bonding gives rise to the three-dimensional structure of matter. We explore how the macroscopic properties of substances can be interpreted in terms of atomic and molecular structure.

We also learn mathematical and conceptual tools for quantifying chemical equilibrium, with an emphasis on the reactions of acids and bases. We focus on free energy as a powerful tool for predicting physical and chemical behavior. We then apply our understanding of energetics to electrochemical systems and the rates of chemical reactions. This is a dual credit course: Students earn credit at THS and up to 15 college credits through LCC (General Chemistry 227, 228, 229) that may be transferable to other colleges and universities.

Animal Behavior

Length and Credit: Semester / .5 credit
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Students in Animal Behavior will study the taxonomic classification of invertebrate and vertebrates, as well as the physical and behavioral adaptations that enable animals to live in their specific environments. Topics include: migration, hibernation, courtship, mating and parenting, social organization, communication, hunting and defense techniques and the ethical treatment of animals.

Forensic Science

Length and Credit: Semester / .5 credit – NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Forensic Science is hands-on investigative class where students learn, apply and analyze chemistry, biology and physics concepts as they solve forensic-based mysteries and simulated crimes. Students will act as “Crime Scene Investigators,” using science topics such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, the interaction of matter and energy, cell structure, and genetics, as they investigate and solve realistic forensic mysteries.

Advance Water Team Independent Study (Elective Credit Only)

Length and Credit: Year / 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Subject Credit: OS
Students will have the opportunity to develop a research or outreach project based on the in-stream or water that was collected in the field. Students will work closely with the WELL Project Coordinator to develop their project, and will present the project at the end of the semester. This class is designed as an independent study because much of the work will be completed in the field and in the THS Water Lab. Students participating in the credit class will continue to meet monthly with their Advanced Water Team.