Marine Science (Divided into two half-year courses)
Invertebrate Marine Biology
(200/300 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Living Environment and one additional core curriculum science.
This portion of the marine science program will focus on marine life in various marine ecosystems, seeking to increase an understanding of the ecological significance, evolutionary relationships and the commercial value of invertebrate organisms and plants. Students will learn how to maintain a salt or freshwater aquarium, learn invertebrate anatomy through dissection and participate in field studies of a local marsh and estuary. This class meets daily for a single period.
Vertebrate Marine Biology
(200/300 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Living Environment and one additional core curriculum science.
This portion of the marine science program will focus on the anatomy and behavior of the marine vertebrate (fish, birds, reptiles and mammals). Students will understand the impact that humans have made on these species and what conservation efforts have been made to preserve the biodiversity of our oceans. This course will include lectures, laboratory activities and field studies to enhance scholars’ understanding of this final frontier of science on Earth. This class meets daily for a single period.
Science Olympiads
(200/300 level)
½ credit
The purpose of this course is for students to use problem solving skills and creativity to compete in 18 academic and engineering events patterned after the National Science Olympiad. Students will be expected to compete at the Regional Science Olympiad in February.
Genetics/Bio Technology
(200/300 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Living Environment and Chemistry.
This course is designed for students interested in gaining additional insight into human heredity. Researchers’ latest discoveries will be incorporated into the curriculum. This rigorous course will combine laboratory activities and lectures to examine the rapidly changing fields of DNA technology and molecular genetics, particularly in medicine, agriculture and the environment. This class meets daily for a single period.
Meteorology
(200/300 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Earth Science and one additional core curriculum science.
This course is designed to teach students the basic principles of atmospheric science, which apply to weather forecasting. Students will develop basic weather forecasting skills. This course can serve as a useful forum to provide background for success in future college level courses. 91Pro is a coastal community and this course provides our students with a practical activity-based background in meteorology which they will be able to apply to their daily lives. This class meets daily for a single period.
Environmental Science
(200/300 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Living Environment and Earth Science.
The impact of humans on our environment, the needs of an expanding human population and the demands of modern society on the management of our Earth’s limited resources are the topics that will be explored in this course. Students will analyze the costs and benefits of societal choices impacting local and global ecosystems. Environmental Science will integrate a variety of science disciplines. This class meets daily for a single period. Prior knowledge of basic ecology is expected.
Everyday Chemistry I and II
(200 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth Science and Living Environment.
These half-year electives are designed for students who are interested in learning how chemistry applies to their daily lives. Students will learn that chemistry isn’t secret knowledge, useless to anyone but a scientist; it’s the explanation for everyday things like why laundry detergent works better in hot water or which materials make the most effective air bag. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop and use chemistry concepts and skills so that they may understand the chemistry behind important issues which impact them and their community.
Medical Careers
Grades 11-12
(200 or 300 level)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology or Living Environment, Chemistry and Physics. Teacher approval is required.
This rigorous program is designed primarily for those students who are planning careers in medicine, nursing, medical technology and other related health fields. Students will explore the anatomy and physiology of the human body in depth, along with the mechanisms to maintain homeostasis. A substantial portion of the program will consist of laboratory activities and research projects. Guest speakers from various medical fields will be featured, along with site visits to Southside Hospital to enhance students’ knowledge of the medical profession.
Small Engines
Grades 11-12
(200 level)
½ credit
In this course you will learn about the basics of simple engines. Students will disassemble and rebuild a small gasoline engine in order to gain an understanding of engine operation. Engine maintenance, repair and tune up will be performed on simple engines. Students will become familiar with ignition systems, compare and contrast marine engines, steam engines and rotary engines, and troubleshoot engine problems.