Science

Classes

SC 4105: Science 6

Subject Area
Level
Middle School

In this inquiry course, students study the life, physical, earth, and space sciences. Through hands-on activities, they learn about the natural and technological world, improve their inquiry skills and abilities to solve problems, and develop an understanding and appreciation of the limits and possibilities of science and technology.

 

VDOE Grade 6 Standards

SC 4106: Advanced Science 6

Subject Area
Level
Middle School

This physical science course involves students in the exploration of chemistry and physics concepts. They utilize science and engineering practices to conduct small group and individual research projects related to real world problems. Major topics of study include matter, energy, and earth systems. A variety of instructional approaches are used to help students develop an understanding of the role of science in their lives. This course is recommended for highly motivated students with strong mathematics, reading, and writing skills.

VDOE Grade 6 Standards

VDOE Physical Science Standards

Prerequisites

Successful completion of fifth-grade science and a teacher recommendation.

SC 4116: Life Science 7

Subject Area
Level
Middle School

This course provides students with a foundation in the biological sciences. Laboratory investigations and activities are the primary means for developing problem-solving skills and for understanding scientific concepts and principles. Students develop inquiry and problem-solving skills through research projects. Research and decision-making skills are further developed through the investigation of local or national issues and concerns that result from the interaction of science, technology, and society.

VDOE Life 7 Standards

SC 4118: Advanced Science 7

Subject Area
Level
Middle School

This rigorous life science course encourages students to address real world science issues. The instructional program incorporates technology, community resources, laboratory experimentation, and field-based activities to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each student conducts an approved science research project. Students enrolled in this course will take the grade 8 Science Standards of Learning test at the end of grade 7. Students who successfully pass the test may be recommended for Earth Science in grade 8.

VDOE Grade 6 Standards

VDOE Life 7 Standards

Prerequisites

Advanced Science 6 or successful completion of the Physical Science modules.

SC 4126: Physical Science 8

Subject Area
Level
Middle School

This physical science course involves students in the exploration of chemistry and physics concepts. They utilize science and engineering practices to conduct small group and individual research projects related to real world problems. Major topics of study include matter, energy, and earth systems. A variety of instructional approaches are used to help students develop an understanding of the role of science in their lives.

VDOE Physical Science Standards

SC 4210: Earth Science 8

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
Middle School

This course involves the study of the features and forces of our planet and its place in the universe. It includes topics in astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography, and physical geography. Environmental concerns, energy, earth processes, and the influence of science, technology, and society are significant parts of the program. Students enrolled in this course will take the Earth Science Standards of Learning End-of-Course test at the end of the course

VDOE Earth Science Standards

Prerequisites

Advanced Science 7 or successful completion of the Physical Science modules, as well as take the grade 8 Standards of Learning test.

Notes
Students earn standard units of credit upon successful completion of the course.

SC 4210, SCC210: Earth Science

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12

Earth Science involves the study of the features and forces of our planet and its place in the universe. It includes topics in astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography, and physical geography. Environmental concerns, energy, earth processes, and the influence of science, technology, and society are significant parts of the program.

VDOE Earth Science Standards

SC 4250, SCC250: Oceanography

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12

Oceanography is the study of the physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of the oceans. Topics include oceanographic instruments, the chemistry of seawater, ocean sediments, weather and climate, waves, tides and currents, life in the ocean, habitats, maritime heritage, and current issues created by the interaction of science and technology.

VDOE Oceanography Guidelines

Prerequisites

Earth Science

SC 4260, SCC260: Astronomy

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12

Astronomy is the study of the solar system, sun, and stars, structure of the universe, and the dynamic nature of the cosmos. The course includes investigations of the physical world, studies of new astronomical discoveries, hypotheses and conclusions regarding new and evolving ideas, and key scientific principles of a vast universe.

VDOE Astronomy Guidelines

Prerequisites

Earth Science, Geometry

SC 4270: Advanced Placement Environmental Science

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12

This college-level course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand and analyze the interrelationships of the natural world. The course is designed in accord with the requirements of the College Board. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

College Board Course Description

Prerequisites

Biology and Chemistry

SC 4275: ESP AP Environmental Science

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11
This college level course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. It is designed in accord with the requirements of the College Board. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
Prerequisites

Biology and/or Chemistry and one additional high school credit science

SC 4280: ESP Natural Resources Management

Subject Area
Credits 0.5
Level
High School
Grades
11
This course will expose students to sustainability and renewable resource management in the Hampton Roads Area. Students will evaluate sustainable practices and explore the dimensions of "sustainability" and "sustainable development."
Semesters
1

SC 4285: ESP Watershed Hydrology

Subject Area
Credits 0.5
Level
High School
Grades
11
Students will study the interrelationships of the various phases in the water cycle, principles governing that cycle and the influence of human activity on natural circulation of water at or near the Earth's surface. This course will survey the major topics of the water cycle, water use, management of water resources, water quality and lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs, wetlands and groundwater as ecosystems. The main physical, chemical and biological processes in our local waters as well as human impact on inland waters will be discussed.
Semesters
1

SC 4290: ESP Sustainability: Core Concepts and Environmental Systems

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11
This course will focus on the three interacting systems: Social, Economic and Environmental, which will introduce students to a wide variety of domestic and international environmental policy and sustainability issues. Students will explore how political processes, scientific evidence, ideas and values affect environmental policymaking.
Corequisites

ESP AP Environmental Science

SC 4291: ESP Internship and EcoSummit

Subject Area
Credits 2
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
12
Students will be provided with ongoing research support by the course instructor on the Senior Independent Study project and design of the investigation.
Corequisites

ESP Topical Research

SC 4292: ESP Topical Research

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
12
Students will engage in their independent research project in conjunction with our community partners. Students will solve sustainability issues in our local community through the design thinking learning model: Discovery (I have a challenge, how do I approach it?); Interpretation (I learned something, how do I interpret it?); Ideation (I see an opportunity, how do I investigate it?); Experimentation (I have an approach, how do I put it into practice?); Evolution (I have results, how do I communicate and evolve it?).
Corequisites

ESP Internship and EcoSummit

SC 4310, SCC310: Biology

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12

Biology involves the study of life and focuses on the basic characteristics and interactions of plants, animals, and microorganisms in our environment. Topics include the history of biology, the cell and cell processes, genetics and heredity, cycles in nature, photosynthesis and respiration, ecology, and continuity of life.

VDOE Biology Standards

SC 4320, SCC320: Environmental Science

Subject Area
Credits 1
Level
High School

Environmental Science is the study of the effects of natural and unnatural processes, and interactions of the physical components of the planet on the environment. Hands-on investigations are stressed throughout the course as students investigate such topics as the physical world, the living environment, resource conservation, humans' impact on the environment, and legal and civic responsibility.

VDOE Environmental Science Guidelines

SC 4340: Advanced Placement Biology

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12

This college-level course provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. It is designed in accord with the requirements of the College Board. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

College Board Course Description

Prerequisites

Biology and Chemistry

SC 4410, SCC410: Chemistry

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12

Chemistry involves the study of the structure, composition, properties, and reactions of matter. Topics include laboratory safety and techniques, history of atomic theory, periodicity of elements, balancing of equations, bonding of atoms to form compounds, chemical reactions, gas laws, acid/base theory, and kinetic theory of heat, nuclear chemistry, and chemistry's relations to other areas of science.

VDOE Chemistry Standards

Prereq or Coreq

Algebra II

SC 4440: Advanced Placement Chemistry

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12

This college-level course deals with advanced concepts in chemistry and allows students to attain a depth of understanding and competence in dealing with complex chemistry topics. It is designed in accord with the requirements of the College Board. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

College Board Course Description

Prerequisites

Chemistry

SC 4510, SCC510: Physics

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12

Physics involves the study of properties and interactions of matter and energy. Problem-solving skills are stressed throughout the course as students investigate such topics as the historical development of physics, force and motion, work, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and physics applications in everyday activities.

VDOE Physics Standards

Prereq or Coreq

Algebra II/Trigonometry

SC 4530: Advanced Placement Physics 1

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12

This college-level course motivates students with a systematic development of the main principles of physics, emphasizing problem-solving and a depth of understanding of physics concepts. The course is designed in accord with the requirements of the College Board. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

College Board Course Description

Prerequisites

Algebra II/Trigonometry

SC 4531: Advanced Placement Physics 2

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12

This college-level course motivates students with a systematic development of the main principles of physics. Topics include fluids; thermodynamics; electrostatics; magnetism; optics; and modern physics. The course is designed in accord with the requirements of the College Board. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

College Board Course Description

Prerequisites

AP Physics 1 and Algebra II/Trigonometry

SC 4541, SCC542: Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12

This calculus-based, college-level course motivates students with a systematic development of the main principles of physics, emphasizing problem-solving and a depth of understanding of physics concepts. The course is designed in accord with the requirements of the College Board. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

College Board Course Description

Prerequisites

Algebra II/Trigonometry and Calculus

SC 4543, SCC543: Advanced Placement Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12

This calculus-based, college-level course motivates students with a systematic development of the main principles of electricity and magnetism.
 The course emphasizes problem-solving and a depth of understanding of physics concepts. The course is designed in accord with the requirements of the College Board. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

College Board Course Description

Prerequisites

Physics or AP Physics 1

SCO 210: Online Earth Science

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
Online Earth Science contains the same content, and bears the same credit, as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, which is part of this course. Information about the nature of Online Learning, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.

SCO 250: Online Oceanography

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
Online Oceanography contains the same content, and bears the same credit, as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.
Prerequisites

Earth Science

SCO 260: Online Astronomy

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
Online Astronomy contains the same content, and bears the same credit, as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, which is part of this course. Information about the nature of Online Learning, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.
Prerequisites

Earth Science and Geometry

SCO 310: Online Biology

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
Online Biology contains the same content, and bears the same credit, as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, which is part of this course. Information about the nature of Online Learning, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.

SCO 410: Online Chemistry

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
Online Chemistry contains the same content, and bears the same credit, as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.
Prereq or Coreq
Algebra II

SCO 510: Online Physics

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
Online Physics contains the same content, and bears the same credit, as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.
Prereq or Coreq
AlgebraIIl/Trigonometry

TC 4111/TC 4112: Dual Enrollment Oceanography

Subject Area
Credits 0.5
VBCPS credit
TCC Credits
4
Level
High School

Oceanography I (GOL 111) & Oceanography II (GOL 112) are both one-semester courses providing the successful student with four college semester credits each and one-half Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) elective credit each. These courses examine the dynamics of the oceans and ocean basins and apply the principles of physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography.

Prerequisites

Earth Science

Semesters
1