Thurston High School

Science Course Catalog

The following are courses offered by the science department. Student should refer to the
recommendation page to see how these courses fit into your graduation and post graduation plans.
 

 

500 - Science 9

Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level(s): 9
A laboratory approach to the study of mass, density, volume
and heat. The course also investigates the basic principles of chemistry.
 
 
 
503 - Earth Science
Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: First Semester Biology
Grade Level(s):11, 12
A study of the earth. Topics are geology, oceanography and the solar system.
 
 

504 - Biology

Length of Class: year
Prerequisite: Science 9
Grade Level(s): 10
Biology explores areas ranging from the study of microorganisms to exploring the ecology of the world. Biology is a lab based class that allows for many hands-on opportunities to help relate biological concepts to the real world.
 
 
 
508 -Anatomy and Physiology
Length of Class: Semester (offered every other year)
Prerequisite: Biology
Grade Level(s): 11,12
A study of the physiological systems that make up the human organism. Included is an examination of how and why these systems function and break down.
 
 
 
 
509 - Animal Behavior
Length of Class: Semester (offered every other year)
Prerequisite: Biology
Grade Level(s): 11,12
A study of how animals live and survive in their habitat. Topics include animal courtship, communication, migration, hibernation, and fighting behaviors.
 
 
 

 

513 - Chemistry in the Community
Length of Class: Year
Prerequisite: Biology; Enrolled in Integrated Math 1
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Chemistry in the community is a laboratory course designed to allow students to apply and use chemical knowledge in real-life decision making strategies. Students interested in natural resource systems and health service careers are encouraged to enroll. Topics covered will include water, fossil fuels, food, nuclear chemistry, and the chemical industry. While covering many of the same concepts as Chemistry, this is less mathematically challenging.
 
 
 
514 - Chemistry
Length of Class: Year
Prerequisite: Integrated Math 1, Biology
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
A college preparatory study of the elements and their compounds. Topics include chemical reactions, bonding, oxidation reduction, atomic theory, kinetics, and acid-bases. Chemical principles are illustrated and enhanced by laboratory experiments.
 
 

515 - Physics

Length of Class: Year
Prerequisite: Enrolled in or completed Integrated Math 2
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
A college preparatory course studying matter, energy and mathematical relationships in nature. Included are classical mechanics (forces, motion and Newton's laws) and heat, sound, light, nuclear energy, electricity, etc.
 
 
 
517 - Meteorology
Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
An introduction to atmospheric science through the analysis of the elements of weather and weather forecasting.
 
 

518 - Biology 2

Length of Class: Year
Prerequisite: Biology 1 with minimum of grade B in Chemistry; and teacher recommendation.
Grade Level(s): 11,12
An advanced second year course in biology using a laboratory approach to investigate anatomy, physiology, genetics, microbiology and diversity. Students have the option of taking the A.P. test in biology with the potential of earning college credit at student expense.
 
 
 
521 - Chemistry 2
Length of Class: Year
Prerequisite: Chemistry/Integrated Math 2 and teacher recommendation
Grade Level(s): 11,12
A more intense look into the field of chemistry, emphasizing kinetics, equilibrium, and environmental chemistry. College credit may be earned (at additional student expense) through the College High program or Advanced Placement test.
 
 
 
 
 
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