• Science

    The Science Department @ Brandon High School has a long rich history of excellence in education. We strive to instill and foster critical thinking, productivity, and ethical values in order for our students to reach their highest potential as an active member of society.

  • Science Course Descriptions

     

    Environmental Science Academic

    1 credit                                                    Grade 9

     

    Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of this course.  Students will receive experience in the laboratory, classroom, or the field that provides opportunities to interact directly with natural phenomena or with data collected by others using tools, materials, data collection techniques, and models.

     

    Cambridge (AICE) Environmental Management

    1 credit                                                 Grades 10-12

    Pre-requisite: Biology or Biology Honors

     

    This course aims are to enable students to develop: knowledge of natural systems which make life possible on Earth, an understanding that humans are part of these systems and depend on them, an appreciation of the diverse influences of human activity on natural systems, an awareness of the need to manage natural systems, an understanding of sustainable development to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, a sense of responsibility and concern for the welfare of the environment and all organisms, an awareness of their own values concerning environmental issues, an awareness of the values of others, a willingness to review their own attitudes in the light of new knowledge and experiences, and a sound basis for further study, personal development and participation in local and global environmental concerns.

     

    Biology Academic

    1 credit                                                    Grades 9-10

     

    Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of this course.

     

    Biology Honors

    1 credit                                                    Grades 9-10

     

    While the content focus of this course is consistent with the Biology I course, students will explore these concepts in greater depth. In general, the academic pace and rigor will be greatly increased for honors level course work. Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of this course.

     

    Cambridge (AICE) Biology

    1 credit                                                      Grades 10-12

    Prerequisite: Passed Biology or Biology Honors

     

    In this course, students will learn about the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical exam. The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path.

     

    Anatomy and Physiology Honors

    1 credit                                                     Grades 10-12

    Prerequisite: A/B in Biology or Biology Honors

     

    Interested in a career in a medical field? Want to learn more about the human body and how it works?  Anatomical structures of all body systems and their functions are covered in depth. Observing various tissues microscopically &a detailed dissection of the cat are among the many lab experiences that await you.

     

    Forensic Science 1 Honors

    1 credit                                                  Grades 10-12

     

    Be a real-life investigator!  Discover the world of forensic science. Find out how real crime scene investigators solve crimes! Learn the techniques necessary to identify evidence. Participate in solving a crime each semester.  Learn the genetics that can help identify the perpetrator(s). This course is hands-on with a great deal of research and lab experience.

     

    Chemistry 1 Academic

    1 credit                                                   Grades 10-12

     

    Chemistry I is a laboratory science course in which students investigate the composition of matter and the physical and chemical changes it undergoes. Students use science process skills to study the fundamental structure of atoms, the atoms combine to form compounds, and the interactions between matter and energy. Students explore chemistry concepts through an inquiry-based approach.  Embedded standards for Inquiry and Mathematics are taught in the context of the content standards for Atomic Structure, Matter and Energy, and Interactions of Matter.

     

    Chemistry 1 Honors

    1 credit                                                  Grades 10-12

     

    A rigorous study of the composition, properties and changes associated with matter.  The content includes heat, changes of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, formulas, and equations, mole chemistry, electrochemistry and organic chemistry.

     

    Cambridge (AICE) Marine Science

    1 credit                                                     Grades 11-12

    Prerequisite: Passed Biology or Biology Honors

     

    The Cambridge International Marine Science course provides students with a coherent and stimulating introduction to the science of the marine environment. The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of ideas to new contexts. Marine Science can form part of an ideal subject combination for learners who want to study Marine Biology or Environmental Science at University or to follow a career in shipping, fisheries, tourism or aquaculture.

     

    Physics Honors

    1 credit                                                   Grades 11-12

    Pre-requisite: Passed Algebra 2

     

    Newtonian Physics at its finest! From Galileo, Kepler, Newton to Hawking, we study concrete examples of kinematics, dynamics, energy transformations and the processes involved. You need a good working knowledge of mathematics to enjoy the equation manipulations often necessary to understand these energy transformations. Second semester, we discover concepts about light, heat, sound, magnetism electricity and nuclear particles. Throughout the year, you will have many hands-on lab experiences.

     

    Astronomy Honors

    1 credit                                                   Grades 11-12

     

    The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop and apply knowledge of the universe and compare the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. Emphasis shall be placed on concepts basic to Earth, including materials, processes, history, and the environment. The content should include, but not be limited to, the following: instruments for collection of astronomical data, celestial sphere, planets, asteroids, and comets, effects of the motions of the Earth, effects of the Earth-Moon system, the sun and other stars, cosmology, space flight, and connections between astronomy, technology, and society.

     

    Earth/Space Science

    1 credit                                                   Grades 10-12

     

    The Earth-Space science course supports students in their efforts to become life-long learners, growing in their understanding of the world. The nature of science includes the concepts that scientific explanations are based on logical thinking; are subject to rules of evidence; are consistent with observational, inferential, and experimental evidence/ are open to rational critique; and are subject to refinement and change with the addition of new scientific evidence. Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of this course.