The Cherokee County Secondary Science curriculum reflects national science goals, the Georgia Department of Education’s Performance Standards and Cherokee County Student Performance Standards. The study of science in Cherokee County is approached from the fundamental view that science is a dynamic discipline. Technology, laboratory experiences, current science issues and real life problem-solving are an integral component of the science program.
For graduation, students shall earn at least four (4) units of credit in laboratory based science courses consisting of one unit of a physical science or physics, one unit of biology, one unit of either chemistry, earth science, environmental science or an AP course and one additional science unit. The fourth science unit may be used to meet both the science and elective requirements.
Science Courses
Physical Science
Motion and forces, waves, electricity and magnetism, atomic theory, matter, chemical changes, solutions and heat.
Honors Biology
Cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, classification, diversity of life, and ecology.
Biology I
Cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, classification, diversity of life, and ecology.
Honors Chemistry
Periodicity, bonding, compounds, reactions, matter, acids/bases, chemical dynamics and equilibrium, research skills, and lab safety.
Chemistry I
Atoms, periodicity, bonding, compounds, reactions, matter, acids/bases, chemical dynamics and equilibrium.
Physics I
Kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, impulse and momentum, motion, energy transformations, waves, electricity.
Human Anatomy/Physiology
Body organization, chemistry of life, cells and tissues, homeostasis, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, metabolism, urinary system, integumentary system, and reproduction system.
Environmental Science
This course integrates the study of many components of the human impact on our planet.
Advanced Placement Biology
Conforms to the College Board topics for the Advanced Placement Chemistry Examination. Covers biological chemistry, cells, energy transformations, molecular genetics, heredity, evolution, taxonomy and systematics, Monera, Protista, fungi, plants, animals, and ecology.
Advanced Placement Chemistry
Conforms to the College Board topics for the Advanced Placement Chemistry Examination. Covers atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry, gases, liquids, solids, solutions, types of reactions, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics.
Advanced Placement Physics B
Conforms to College Board topics for the Advanced Placement Physics B Examination. Covers kinematics, Newton's Laws of Motion, work, energy, power, systems, linear momentum, rotation, oscillations and gravitation, temperature and heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetostatics, electromagnetism, waves and optics, atomic physics and quantum effects, nuclear physics and special relativity.
Earth Systems
Covers all aspects the layers of the earth and atmosphere as well as astronomy, oceanography, geology, paleontology, biogeochemical cycles and meteorology.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
This course integrates the study of many components of the human impact on our planet.