High school science is made up of chemistry, biology, and physics. Chemistry and biology are usually completed during the first two years and then physics the third year of high school. The courses build on one another, especially chemistry and biology.
Core Disciplines
High school science typically revolves around three core disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics.
Biology and chemistry are take the first two years of high school followed by physics.
Here is a brief overview of each class.
a. Biology: The study of living organisms, biology encompasses topics ranging from genetics to ecology. Students explore the intricacies of life, from the microscopic world of cells to the complex ecosystems that make up our planet. Biology is taken the first or second year of high school.
b. Chemistry: Focused on the composition, properties, and changes of matter, chemistry provides insights into the building blocks of the universe. Students learn about chemical reactions, the periodic table, and the fundamental principles governing the behavior of atoms and molecules. Chemistry is take the first or second year of high school.
c. Physics: Physics explores the fundamental laws governing the physical universe. From the study of motion and forces to the principles of electricity and magnetism. Physics is usually taken the third year of high school.
There is also the possibility of taking an honors course, this article that I wrote explains honors chemistry.
Practical Application
High school science isn’t just about memorizing facts; it’s about applying knowledge to real-world phenomena.
Labs and experiments are integral components of science education, allowing students to develop critical thinking skills and hands-on experience.
Much of what is done in high school science courses are project based.
The days of just memorizing information are long gone.
Interdisciplinary Connections
High school science courses are connected.
Students discover how biology, chemistry, and physics overlap and complement each other.
This is most obvious in chemistry and biology.
The high school in the school district I teach eighth grade in start off ninth grade with chemistry.
In chemistry students learn about matter that are the building blocks of life.
The following year, in biology, students apply what they learned in chemistry to things like natural selection and genetics.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
High school science cultivates essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
Students learn to analyze data, draw conclusions, and formulate hypotheses.
These skills extend beyond the classroom, preparing students for the challenges they may encounter in higher education and their future careers.
One more thing that students will encounter are CER’s.
CER stands for Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning.
It is a systematic approach when addressing a claim or what used to be called a hypothesis.
You can read all about the CER in this article I wrote.