Incoming Freshmen
Rockwood freshman should consider core courses that will meet their learning needs, allow them to explore a variety of subjects, and prepare them for college, career and citizenship.
Please select a course in Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science. Once you have reviewed these core classes, you may also consult the remaining classes in other content areas.
Language Arts
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | Credit Recover, First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Language Arts |
Course Description
09 English Language Arts lays the foundation for successful high school reading and writing and satisfies the Ninth Grade Language Arts graduation requirement. This course consists of instruction in composition, reading fiction and informational text, grammar, speaking/listening, research and vocabulary development.
Course Prerequisite
Completion of 8th Grade English Language Arts
Expected Course Outcomes
- Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
- Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
- Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
- Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
- Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
- Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
- Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
- Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
- Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
- Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
-
Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims,
evaluating the speaker’s point of view,
reasoning,
and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Language Arts |
Course Description
09Accelerated English Language Arts lays the foundation for successful high school writing and analysis of literatureand satisfies the Ninth Grade Language Arts graduation requirement.Studentswho possessboth a strong ability and interest in the study of English and are ready to make the transition to more independent learning should consider this course. This course prepares students for Advanced Placement English coursesbut is not required for future AP enrollment. Student expectations reflect AP guidelines:faster paced, more rigorous, extended reading requiredoutside of class,and more independent learning than that of 09English Language Arts.
Course Prerequisite
Completion of 8th Grade English Language Arts
Enrollment Notes
A grade of “A” or “B” in 8th Grade Compacted Challenge or 8th Grade Language Arts is recommended. This course does not receive a weighted grade.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
- Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
- Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
- Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
- Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
- Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
- Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
- Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
- Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
- Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
-
Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims,
evaluating the speaker’s point of view,
reasoning,
and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Credit | 2.0 |
Credit Type | Language Arts |
Course Description
09 EnglishLanguage Arts RE lays the foundation for successful high school reading and writing and satisfies the Ninth Grade Language Arts graduation requirement. This course consists of instruction in composition, reading comprehension of fiction and informational text, grammar, speaking/listening, research, word study, and vocabulary development.
Course Prerequisite
Completion of 8th Grade English Language Arts
Enrollment Notes
This course is a two-hour block and satisfies the language arts requirement for ninth grade and one elective credit. The course numbers for the elective credit are EL028S and EL029S. Placement in this course is based on
various assessments and teacher recommendations.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
- Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
- Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
- Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
- Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
- Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
- Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
- Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
- Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
- Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
-
Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims,
evaluating the speaker’s point of view,
reasoning,
and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Language Arts |
Course Description
9 Advanced Language Arts Research & Presentation is designed to lay the foundation for successful high school writing and analysis of literature while also emphasizing independent research skills and oral presentation skills. While not required for AP enrollment, the purpose of this course is to prepare the student for AP English courses. In addition to the skills students learn in 9 Accelerated Language Arts, students should expect that most assigned reading will be done outside of class and that most books will be analyzed as a whole rather than chapter by chapter. Students will complete process and AP-style timed writing pieces in a variety of modes (analytical, argumentative, expository, narrative and informative) on a regular basis. They will compose essays and presentations as a major part of the course grade. Students will select a research topic that will evolve into multiple large presentations that may span up to 25 minutes. Student capstone projects will focus on a national issue which will be presented to a panel of judges; this capstone will be part of students’ final exam scores.
Enrollment Notes
Students may be required to complete summer homework for this course.
This course receives a weighted grade because of the independent out-of-class research in preparation for the extended capstone.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
- Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
- Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
- Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
- Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
- Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
- Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
- Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
- Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
- Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
-
Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims,
evaluating the speaker’s point of view,
reasoning,
and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.
Math
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | Credit Recover, First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Math |
Course Description
Algebra 1 engages students in the critical thinking and problem-solving skillsrequired for future success in high school mathematics. Students practicetransferringconcrete mathematical knowledge to more abstract algebraic generalizations.Technology will be used throughout the course as students explore and make sense of problems in real-world contexts.
Course Prerequisite
Completion of Math 8 or equivalent
Expected Course Outcomes
- Compare the properties of two functions.
- Use function notation to evaluate functions for inputs in their domains, and interpret statements that use function notation in terms of a context.
- Explain how each step taken when solving an equation or inequality in one variable creates an equivalent equation or inequality that has the same solution(s) as the original.
- Explain how the meaning of rational exponents extends from the properties of integer exponents.
- Solve problems involving quadratic equations.
- Choose and produce equivalent forms of a quadratic expression or equations to reveal and explain properties.
- Create and graph linear, quadratic and exponential equations in two variables.
- Solve problems involving quadratic equations.
- Write arithmetic and geometric sequences in recursive and explicit forms, and use them to model situations, and translate between the two forms.
- Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear or exponential functions.
- Translate between equivalent forms of a function to reveal and explain properties of the function and interpret these in terms of a context.
- Solve a system of linear equations algebraically and/or graphically.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Credit | 2.0 |
Credit Type | Math, Career and Technical Education |
Course Description
AMPED engages students in the critical thinking and problem-solving skillsrequired for future success in high school mathematicsin an authentic business setting.The contextual learning experience combines all Algebra 1 standards and Business Entrepreneurship standards through relevant, interactive, career-centered projects.Students taking this course must also enroll in Business Management Processes and willreceive both an Algebra 1 and a CTE credit.
Course Prerequisite
Completion of Math 8 or equivalent
Enrollment Notes
Students must be concurrently enrolled in BMA001S/BMA002S Business Management Processes.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Explore functions including linear, exponential and quadratic;compare characteristics of these functions, and translate between graphical, numerical and symbolic representations of them.
- Create and solve linear equations, linear inequalities, and systems of equations involving both linear and quadratic equations.
- Use the laws of exponents tosimplify expressions involving rational exponents and radicals.
- Classify and perform operations with polynomials, including factoring
- Use regression techniques to describe linear relationships between quantities.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | Credit Recover, First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Course Description
Geometry provides an analysis of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry. Students explore bothabstract mathematical concepts as well as real-world applications. Technological tools and manipulatives will be used to discover and explore more complex geometric situations and deepen students understanding of geometric relationships as they move toward formal mathematical arguments.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Algebra 1 or Algebra1-AMPED
Expected Course Outcomes
- Prove theorems and solve problems about triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons.
- Prove triangle congruence criteria based on analyses of rigid motions and formal constructions.
- Apply similarity in right triangles to understand right triangle trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Investigate and solve real-world problems involving area and volume.
- Prove basic theorems about circles and derive the equation of a circle.
- Compute and interpret theoretical and experimental probabilities.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Math, Career and Technical Education |
Course Description
Geometry in Construction provides students an opportunity to explore complex geometric applications and deepentheir understanding of geometric relationships in the context of a construction project.This contextual learning experience combines all Geometry standards and construction standards allowing students to see a variety of geometry concepts used in a real-world setting.Students taking this course must also enroll in Construction;they will receive both a Geometry and a CTE credit.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Algebra 1 or Algebra 1-AMPED
Enrollment Notes
Students must be concurrently enrolled in CMA001S and CMA002S Construction.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Prove theorems and solve problems about triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons.
- Prove triangle congruence criteria based on analyses of rigid motions and formal constructions.
- Apply similarity in right triangles to understand right triangle trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Investigate and solve real-world problems involving area and volume. Prove basic theorems about circles and derive the equation of a circle.
- Compute and interpret theoretical and experimental probabilities.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Math |
Course Description
Honors Geometry is a rigorous, proof-based course designed to develop spatial concepts and insight into geometric relationships. Complex algebraic principles such as systems of equations, factoring and solving quadratic equations are consistently applied to geometric problems. This course prepares students for the rigor of Honors Algebra 2.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Algebra 1
Enrollment Notes
A grade of "B" or better is recommended in Algebra 1.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Prove theorems and solve problems about triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons.
- Prove triangle congruence criteria based on analyses of rigid motions and formal constructions.
- Apply similarity in right triangles to understand right triangle trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Investigate and solve real-world problems involving area and volume.
- Prove basic theorems about circles and derive the equation of a circle.
- Compute and interpret theoretical and experimental probabilities.
- Derive and apply various advanced geometric theorems.
- Write inverse and contrapositive statements for conditionals and determine the truth value for these statements.
- Solve problems involving relationships between parts of a right triangle when an altitude is drawn from the right angle.
- Use indirect proofs to prove theorems.
- Derive and identify the relationships between segments created by chords, secants, and tangents in circles to find segment lengths.
- Understand radians and use radian measure to find the arc length and area of a sector.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | Credit Recover, First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Math |
Course Description
Algebra 2 builds upon the curriculum from Algebra 1 and extends students' repertoire of function families to include polynomial, rational and radical functions. Technology will be used as an instructional tool throughout the course.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Algebraic Geometry, Geometry or Honors Geometry.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Create and solve equations and inequalities, including those that involve absolute value.
- Solve equations involving rational exponents and/or radicals and identify situations where extraneous solutions may result.
- Identify and interpret key characteristics of functions represented graphically, with tables and with algebraic symbolism to solve problems.
- Describe the effects of transformations algebraically and graphically.
- Identify zeros of polynomials when suitable factorizations are available, and use the zero to sketch the function defined by the polynomial.
- Create new functions by applying the four operations and composition of functions (modifying the domain and range as necessary).
- Describe and explain the purposes, relationship to randomization and differences among sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies.
- Use data from a sample to estimate characteristics of the population and recognize the meaning of the margin of error in these estimates.
- Use the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms to solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
- Use properties of logarithms to solve equations or find equivalent expressions.
- Create functions and use them to solve applications of quadratic and exponential function model problems.
- Solve rational equations where numerators and denominators are polynomial and where extraneous solutions may result.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Math |
Course Description
Honors Algebra 2 with Trigonometry builds upon the topics included in Algebra 2 and introduces Trigonometric skills and concepts essential for success in calculus courses. Itis an accelerated course recommended for the college-bound student who intends to follow a math-related curriculum.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Geometry or Honors Geometry
Enrollment Notes
A grade of “B” or better in Honors Geometry and Eighth grade Algebra 1 or a grade of “A” in Geometry and Ninth grade Algebra 1 is recommended.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Solve equations and inequalities, including those that involve absolute value, radicals, quadratic equations over the set of complex numbers, exponential equations using the properties of logarithms, and rational equations.
- Create, graph and analyze functions and systems of equations given real-world context.
- Identify and interpret key characteristics of functions represented graphically and algebraically to solve problems.
- Describe the effects of transformations of functions graphically and algebraically.
- Simplify rational expressions.
- Perform arithmetic operations involving complex numbers and polynomial functions.
- Develop strategies for analyzing data that are collected from the result of an experiment or survey.
- Explore the unit circle to define the 6 trig functions and how they correlate to the special right triangles to evaluate the 6 trig functions and find the angle for a given trigonometric ratio.
- Graph the six trig functions, apply transformations to their graphs and write trig equations that model periodic phenomena.
- Use various identities to complete trigonometric proofs and solve trigonometric equations including those arising from real-world context.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Math |
Course Description
Precalculus is a rigorous study in advanced functions and trigonometry in preparation for AP Calculus. The graphing calculator is an integral part of the analysis of functions; however, students will be required to graph and calculate without the aid of any calculator to prepare for AP Calculus, where use ofcalculators islimited.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Honors Algebra 2 or Algebra 3 and Trigonometry is required.
Enrollment Notes
A grade of B or better in Honors Algebra 2 or Algebra 3 and Trigonometry is recommended for success in this course.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Analyze and graph functions.
- Perform operations on polynomial and rational expressions.
- Simplify trigonometric expressions using trig identities and/or unit circle values.
- Solve rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic equations.
- Perform basic operations on vectors.
- Use sequence and series to model and solve real-world situations.
- Understand the graphs and conversions of conics, polar and parametric.
- Understand the basic limit process.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Semester |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | Credit Recover, First Time Credit |
Credit | 0.5 |
Credit Type | Math |
Course Description
Math in Careers introduces students to specific occupations while reinforcing foundational mathematics content.Students will apply concepts through real-life scenarios in the context of relevant career opportunities,personalized instruction and a project-based framework. Students will collaborate to complete their chosen occupational mission.
Enrollment Notes
Math in Careers serves as credit for high school graduation, but does not meet requirements for college entrance.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
- Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
- Model with mathematics.
- Use appropriate tools strategically.
- Attend to precision.
- Look for and make use of structure.
- Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Social Studies
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | Credit Recover, First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Social Studies |
Course Description
US History is a survey of the second half of American History from the late 1800s to the present and provides continuity with the curriculum of 8th-grade American History class. The course includes studying political, economic, geographic and social developments from the modern era by exploring multiple perspectives on complex issues. The course emphasizes inquiry-based learning and critical thinking skills designed to prepare students for college, career and civic engagement. Course work will include developing historical thinking skills including reading and analysis of primary and secondary sources, gathering and organizing of information into useful forms, and construction of written responses and arguments.
Course Prerequisite
This course fulfills the United States History graduation requirement.
Students will take and must pass the Missouri Civics Education Initiative Test as a part of the course as required for graduation.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Determine the kinds of sources that will be helpful in answering compelling and supporting questions, taking into consideration multiple points of views represented in the sources, the types of sources available, and the potential uses of the sources.
- Analyze change and continuity in historical eras.
- Evaluate public policies in terms of intended and unintended outcomes, and related consequences.
- Analyze multiple and complex causes and effects of events in the past.
- Evaluate citizens’ and institutions’ effectiveness in addressing social, economic and political problems at the local, state, tribal, national, and/or international level.
- Construct arguments using precise and knowledgeable claims, with evidence from multiple sources, while acknowledging counterclaims and evidentiary weaknesses.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Social Studies |
Course Description
WG Honors US History course is designed to challenge advanced students and to prepare them for college-level work in AP social studies courses.The curriculum focuses on the study of American History from the late 1800s to the present, with a high level of academic rigor.Instruction incorporates inquiry-based learning with greater depth and complexity than the non-weighted US History course. Students will be required to analyze, interpret and critique primary and secondary sources and will be assessed based on their ability to make complex connections and draw logical conclusions, as well as on their ability to engage in rigorous historical thinking and argumentation.
Course Prerequisite
Guidelines for Success in Honors US History: Students in the Honors course should be able to read and write above grade level, and also have an interest in or aptitude for advanced process skills including research, analysis, inquiry and problem solving. Due to the demanding nature of this curriculum, an intellectual curiosity for the subject matter and a dedicated work ethic are recommended assets for students of this course. Students considering enrollment are strongly encouraged to seek input from the Middle School counselor and/or current SS teacher regarding course expectations prior to enrollment in this course.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Analyze change and continuity in historical eras.
-
Construct explanations using sound reasoning, correct sequence (linear or non-linear), examples, and details with significant and pertinent information and data, while acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of the
explanation given its purpose (e.g., cause and effect, chronological, procedural, technical).
- Analyze multiple and complex causes and effects of events in the past.
- Evaluate social and political systems in different contexts, times, and places, that promote civic virtues and enact democratic principles.
- Evaluate public policies in terms of intended and unintended outcomes, and related consequences.
Science
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus |
Online Course Type | Credit Recover, First Time Credit |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Science |
Course Description
Biology is the study of the living world. Studentsengage in inquiry-based investigations to explore how organisms live and grow and how they interact with their environment. Students utilize science and engineering practices to study how characteristics of one generation are passed to the next and to explain how different species are related.
Enrollment Notes
All Missouri high school students are required to take a Biology end-of-course exam prior to graduation.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
- Investigate scientific questions and solve engineering problems using the science and engineering practices, appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
- Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
- Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms
- Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.
- Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.
- Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
- Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations
- Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in: (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.
- Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
- Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
- Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy.
Course Details
Grade Levels | 09, 10, 11, 12 |
---|---|
Course Length | Year |
Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Credit | 1.0 |
Credit Type | Science |
Course Description
Honors Biology is an accelerated study of the living world. Students engage in inquiry-based investigations to explore how organisms live and grow and how they interact with their environment. Students utilize science and engineering practices to study how characteristics of one generation are passed to the next and to explain how different species are related.
Enrollment Notes
All Missouri high school students are required to take a Biology end-of-course exam prior to graduation.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Investigate scientific questions and solve engineering problems using the science and engineering practices, appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
- All living organisms have shared characteristics.
- Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
- Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.
- Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
- Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
- Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.
- Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
- Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.
- Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.
- Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
-
Evaluate the claims,
evidence,
and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions,
but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.