SCI71 - Science 7 and 1 year
SCI81 - Science 8 1 year
The Middle School Science Program is designed to allow students to explore key areas of science (Life, Physical, Earth, and Chemistry) through a thematic approach. The seventh grade's theme for the year is the major cycles that occur on our planet: The Life Cycle, the Geological Cycle, and the Atmospheric Cycle. Some of the topics covered during the year are evolution, biology, ecology, geology and weather. The eighth grade's theme is water. Some of the topics covered during the year are properties of matter, atomic structure, properties of water, the water cycle, water environments, ocean motions and zones, and aquatic animals. This course of study emphasizes hands-on examination of the world with the scientific method serving as the basis for inquiry. This method leads to the reinforcement of the following skills: classification, observation, hypothesizing, analyzing, graphing, interpreting, concluding, contrasting and comparing. Students investigate science using a variety of tools including written lab reports, simulations and models, problem solving and dissections. Research and class presentation projects on relevant science issues enhance computer skills as well as deepening science knowledge.
SCI101 - 9th Grade Physics 1 year
1 credit
Physics is required of all ninth grade students as a preparation for further scientific study. Students will identify all the major ideas of Physics, including forces, motion, energy/heat, light, electricity, magnetism, waves and sound, and show their applications in the world and universe. The course is laboratory oriented with emphasis placed upon discovery and understanding, rather than memorization of facts. Students will learn to use inductive and deductive reasoning along with cause and effect relationships to solve problems. The class discussions will apply these concepts to the practical events of everyday life and our technological society. The foundation will be laid for scientific principles that will continue in their following science courses.
SCI102 - Honors 9th Grade Physics 1 year
(Prerequisites: A- in eighth grade Science and A- in Algebra, 1 credit
and recommendation by eighth grade science teacher)
Honors 9th Grade Physics is an introductory course to a formal study of the physical sciences, with emphasis on mathematical problem solving, and serves as the prerequisite for AP Physics. Students will develop major concepts in motion, forces, energy, electricity and wave motion. Students will learn to develop conceptual scientific models to describe the physical world by analyzing the results of laboratory experiments. The skills of experimental design, data collection, and graphical analysis will be emphasized, enabling students to express these models in words, in diagrams, graphically and algebraically. This course moves at an accelerated pace and it requires excellent reasoning skills and well-developed work and study habits. Fluency in the application of algebra is essential. Students will build a laboratory portfolio, which includes results of each of the major investigations throughout the year. The foundation will be laid for scientific principles that will continue in their following science courses.
SCI201 - Biology I (10-12) 1 year
1 credit
Biology I introduces students to the basic concepts and principles important to the study of living things. Areas of focus include major fields of biology, such as cytology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, microbiology, botany, zoology, and natural history of Missouri. Class discussions, laboratory exercises and investigations, required dissections, and research projects are the primary methods used to increase each student's knowledge and understanding of the natural world. Laboratory activities are also designed to develop basic science skills and provide opportunities for students to explore technologies important to the field of biology. This course can help prepare students to take the SAT II and is available to tenth through twelfth grade students.
SCI301 - Chemistry (10-12) 1 year
(Prerequisite: C in Algebra or consent of the instructor) 1 credit
This introductory course is presented by means of an integrated computer and print curriculum and includes the following major concepts: classification of matter, reaction types, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, atomic structure, periodic table and periodic properties, bonding, states of matter, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases. Nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and oxidation-reduction reactions are introduced as time permits. The laboratory exercises, accompanied by written reports, are designed to relate specifically to each module's concepts and to develop skills in the safe and proper use of laboratory equipment. This course can help prepare students to take the nationally normed SAT II Test in Chemistry.
SCI302 Honors Chemistry (10-12) 1 year
(Prerequisite: B in Advanced Algebra and/or consent of the Chemistry instructor) 1 credit
This first year course will cover the same topics as SCI301 Chemistry, but it will proceed at a more rapid pace with some more depth. In addition, some of the accompanying laboratory work will be more rigorous.
SCI303 - Anatomy and Physiology (11-12) 1 year
(Prerequisite: B- in Biology or permission from instructor) 1 credit
Anatomy & Physiology is a specialized science course designed to explore the major organ systems of the human body. The course uses an inquiry-based approach to learning with emphasis on two major conceptual themes: the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms within the body. Several dissections will be required. Health issues and diseases will be researched and discussed throughout the course.
SCI305 - Honors Physics (11-12) 1 year
(Prerequisite: B in Advanced Algebra and B in Integrated Physics 1 credit
OR approval of the instructor)
This course is designed as an extension of the concepts learned in Integrated Physics. The fundamentals of physics are emphasized with topics chosen from among the following: kinematics, dynamics, wave motion, and light. The course is laboratory based as students will build physics concepts through laboratory investigations. Students will be expected to gather data, interpret data, summarize the results and draw conclusions. Emphasis will be placed on the graphical analysis of experimental data. Experimental results will be documented in laboratory reports and organized as a laboratory portfolio. Solving physics problems using Algebra and Trigonometry will be a significant component of the course. A scientific calculator capable of performing scientific notation and trigonometric functions is required. This course is excellent preparation for students considering the study of science or medicine in college. Successful completion of the course will prepare students for success on the SAT II in physics.
SCI310 - ECO-ACT (11-12) 1 year
(Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructors) 1 credit
This course is offered in conjunction with the Missouri Botanical Garden which provides the training for the students. Students undergo intensive training/outdoor education for three weeks in the summer on a variety of topics relating to the environment and human stewardship of our planet. This training, along with monthly meetings during the school year, prepares the high school student for taking on the role of instructor in ecology and environment for fourth grade students on a regular basis throughout the school year. Villa teachers will supervise the high school students. Enrollment in this course requires commitment to the training and to the instruction of the younger students. Students will pay a fee of $500 for the summer training program. Enrollment will be limited to 12 high school students.
SCI401 - Advanced Placement Biology (12) 1 year
(Prerequisite: B- in Biology I, B- in Chemistry, and permission of the instructor ) 1 credit
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college general biology course. The cognitive content of this course is divided into three major areas: biochemistry and cytology (first quarter), genetics and evolution (second quarter), and population biology (second semester). This content is related to the organizational levels of the cell, the organism, and the population. The laboratory activities, including required dissections, are designed to emphasize specific content objectives. Written laboratory reports are required. This course can prepare the student to take the nationally normed Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.
SCI402: Advanced Placement Chemistry (11-12) 1 Year
(Prerequisites: B average in mathematics courses, B in Honors 1 Credit
Chemistry or B+ in Chemistry, and/or permission of the instructor.)
This is a second year chemistry course that covers the material usually found in a first year general chemistry course in college. The course is designed around the AP Chemistry syllabus provided by the College Board. AP Chemistry will revisit a number of topics from the first year but at a deeper level and will introduce topics that the first year course may not cover-redox reactions, acid-base equilibria, introductory organic chemistry, thermodynamics, etc. More sophisticated lab work will be performed by the students. This course, along with individual work by the student, can help the student be ready for the Advanced Placement test in Chemistry, administered each spring by the College Board.
SCI405 - Science Instructional Assistant (12) 1 year
(Pre-requisite: permission from science department) ½ credit
This pass/fail course is a full year course designed for the science oriented student who is interested in gaining experience working in a science/laboratory science course. Duties include organizing inventory, cleaning, storing and maintaining equipment and teaching material, preparing materials for laboratories and courses, similar activities. (Specific duties will vary with each science course. However, these duties will be confined to the school day.) There are a limited number of positions for this course, therefore applicants will be screened and the position filled based on review of pre-registration materials.
