Tabb High School Science Department
Course Offerings

4210 Earth Science
Major topics of study in this course include plate tectonics, the rock cycle, earth history, the oceans, the atmosphere, weather and climate, and the solar system and the universe. The objectives connect the study of earth’s composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, freshwater, and oceans; and its environment in space. Historical contributions in the development of interpretation of maps, charts and tables, and profiles; the use of technology to collect, analyze, and report data; and the science skills in systematic investigation are stressed. Applications, problem solving, and decision-making are an integral part of the standards, especially as they relate to the costs and benefits of utilizing the earth’s resources.
Grade 9
1 credit/year

46103 Ecology
This application lab science teaches the relationship between the people and their environment. The course stresses the significance of ecosystems, food, water, air, soil, minerals, and energy resources. Laboratory experiences provide a study of air, soil, and water pollution, food webs, endangered animals and habitats, energy resources, and recycling.
Grade 9 - 12
1 credit/year

4310 Biology I
This course is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of living systems. Emphasis is placed on the skills necessary to examine alternative scientific explanations, actively conduct controlled experiments, analyze, and communicate information, and acquire and use scientific literature. The history of biological thought and the evidence that supports it are explored and provide the foundation for investigating biochemical life processes, cellular organization, mechanisms of inheritance, dynamic relationships among organisms, and the change in organisms through time. The importance of scientific research that validates or challenges ideas is emphasized at this level. Selected organisms are dissected.
Grade 9 - 12
1 credit/year

4320 Biology II/Mammalian Anatomy & Physiology
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the anatomy and physiology of the vertebrate, using the cat as a representative animal for dissection.
Grade 11 - 12
1 weighted credit/year
Prerequisite: Biology I

4321 Biology II/Marine Science
This course offers a study of the physical, geological, and chemical characteristics of the oceans of the world as well as a survey of the marine life of the mid-Atlantic region. Representative organisms are dissected.
Grade 11 - 12
1 weighted credit/year
Prerequisite: Biology 1

4370 Advanced Placement Biology
This course is designed to prepare studetns for the Advanced Placement Biology exam and to meet the objectives of general biology courses at the college level. A series of 12 required experiments for the Advanced Placement Exam are used along with an additional enrichment experience. Summer assignments are required. Students taking this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. Students who do not take the AP Exam will NOT receive credit for the course.
Grade 11 - 12
1 weighted credit/year
Prerequisite: Biology 1

4410 Chemistry I
This course is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the interaction of matter and energy. This interaction is investigated through the use of laboratory techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities, and problem-solving applications. Scientific methodology is employed in the experimental and analytical investigations and concepts are illustrated with practical applications. Technology, including graphing calculators and computers, are employed where feasible. Students understand and use safety precautions with chemicals and equipment. The objectives emphasize qualitative and quantitative study of substances and the changes that occur in them. In meeting the chemistry SOLs, students are encouraged to share their ideas, the use of language in chemistry, discuss problem-solving techniques, and communicate effectively.
Grade 10 - 12
1 credit/year
Prerequisite: "C" or better in Algebra I and one other lab science

4510 Physics
Key areas in this course include force and motion, kinetic molecular theory, energy transformation, wave phenomena and the electromagnetic spectrum, electricity, fields, and non-Newtonian physics. The course emphasizes a complex understanding of experimentation, the analysis of data, and the use of reasoning and logic to evaluate evidence. Students build on physical science principals through in-depth exploration of nature and characteristics of energy and its dynamic interaction with matter. The objectives stress the practical application of physics with other areas of science and technology and how physics affects our world. Students will use many tools such as graphing calculators, computer-aided sampling, and stopwatches to measure the physical processes around them as well as build devices to demonstrate the principals they learn.
Grade 11 - 12
1 credit/year
Prerequisite: Trigonometry or Math Analysis