Common courses
High school science courses are best described in each high school's course catalog. There are five common courses across the District's three conventional high schools.
- Biology—Biology (McDougall Littell, © 2008)
- Chemistry Lab Methods (semester course); Physics Lab Methods (semester course)—Explorations in Conceptual Physical Science (Addison Wesley © 2003)
- Chemistry—Chemistry (Prentice Hall © 2008)
- Physics—Physics Principles and Problems (Glencoe © 2009) and Principles of Physics Kinetic Books (electronic format)
- Biodiversity and Lab Concepts—Curriculum under development
High School Science flow chart, Paths in High School Science, and Science–Math Correlation table
Learning Recommendations
In our continuing efforts to provide a more meaningful, challenging, and optimal learning experience for our high school students, the language in the high school Common Course Catalogue has been altered. "Prerequisites" have become "Learning Recommendations." Learning Recommendations will allow students to have a better understanding of the skills and content knowledge that our teachers believe is important in predicting the likelihood of success in a given course. In the past, "pre-requisites" sometimes created a barrier by using a grade in a previous class or a test score on a proficiency test that prevented students from taking a course that they may have actually been capable of taking. By clearly articulating and communicating these "Learning Recommendations," our students and families will be able to make more informed decisions when registering for courses.
It is everyone's shared goal that students have meaningful, relevant, challenging, learning experiences, not only in science classrooms, but in all classes across our district. Appropriate placement is an important step in that process.
Chemistry Lab Methods and Physics Lab Methods online assessment tool
We recommend that students take advantage of the online Chemistry/Physics Lab Methods Self-Assessment. This is intended to test your student's knowledge of Physical Science and use the results to make informed decisions about selecting the most appropriate high school science courses. (Note: The self-assessment tool requires a Flash player. Download a free Flash player here.)
Because of the foundational nature of the Chemistry Lab Methods and Physics Lab Methods courses and the role they play in preparing many students for chemistry, physics, and portions of biology, we encourage all students who do not have the recommended content knowledge, lab skills, and math comprehension to take one or both of the Lab Methods courses.
We encourage students and families to carefully study the high school course guide for specific language on College Academic Distribution Requirement, lab science, and algebra-based designations.
Resources
Questions?
Contact Secondary Science Curriculum Specialist (grades 6-12) Debbie Nye at 425.837.7618 or email her at nyed@issaquah.wednet.edu.