Science Department

The SDHS Science Department is actively trying to engage its students in Expeditionary Learning Experiences. We are doing this by taking our students into the community as well as bringing the community into our school. Some of the activities we have planned are:

Expedition Science which is an event hosting guest speakers with a wide variety of science-related backgrounds
A community garden in conjunction with the Environmental Science students at Sequoyah High School
Georgia Adopt a Stream program which enables citizen scientists to track the health of local streams by collecting data on water quality
and numerous content-specific field trips.

Halloween Science Image

4th-graders at Daisy Middle School got to participate in #HalloweenScience with the SDHS science students. Activities included life cycles, articulated hands, chemical vs. physical changes, making slime, inferring about organisms, and using senses to make different observations.

Science Department on Halloween Image

All the science teachers get together for their Halloween Science event. Teamwork is part of the success of our science department!

Course: Physical World Concepts

This class is a designed to investigate the interactions between matter and energy. Students will explore the physics concepts through an integrated science problem solving and algebra based mathematics. This course should be selected by students who have mastered physical science concepts and algebra I concepts. This is a challenging course with laboratory experiences. Topics to be covered will include the laws and properties of mechanics, the principles and laws of thermodynamics, wave behavior related to sound and light, force and energy concepts related to the interplay between magnetic fields and the generation of electricity, and particle physics in nuclear science.

Course: Environmantal Science

This course is designed to increase knowledge and skills in all areas of science through real world
applications. Students Investigate fundamental ecological principles, earth’s natural resources, energy sources
and their uses, population dynamics, and human interactions with the environment. The concepts studied
relate to future classes in both biology and other college courses in natural sciences.

Course: Biology

This course will emphasize the Tennessee standards which include the following topics: cells, interaction, photosynthesis, respiration, genetics and biotechnology, and diversity and biological evolution. Scientific method will be used in all laboratory activities. Tennessee EOC required.

Course: Honors Biology

This course is a more challenging course that will cover the Tennessee biology standards including concepts of cell biochemistry, cell processes, heredity, natural selection, environmental issues and diversity. There is an emphasis on critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities. To earn three extra points added to the course average, students will have assessments beyond those required in a non-honors course. These additional multiple assessments will include such things as open-ended investigations, research based writing assignments, integration of technology, problem solving with an emphasis on critical thinking and one science related novel. Tennessee EOC required.

Course: Marine Biology

This course offers the student a study of freshwater and marine ecosystems. The topics covered include water quality, habitats, organisms, and environmental problems, both man-made and natural.

Course: Chemistry

This course explores the properties of matter and energy, and involves the concepts that include: stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic theory, chemical reactions, periodic table, acid and bases and solutions. Math skills are important for success in this course. State standards are followed.

Course: Honors Chemistry

This is a challenging course for students with a high interest in science. This course is designed to explore chemistry in greater depth than in a non-honors course. It is a college preparatory course where math processes are stressed. There will be an emphasis on the atomic theory, chemical families, chemical bonding models, molecular composition and structure, formula and equation writing, equilibrium and energy relationships. To earn three extra points added to the course average, students will have assessments beyond those required in a non-honors course. These additional multiple assessments will include such things as performance-based tasks, critical thinking exercises and inquiry labs, integration of technology, and authentic products (multi-media, electronic or print).

Course: Physics

Classical Physics taught from a practical perspective. The course emphasizes the applications of physics and mathematics concepts and investigates a wide range of classical physics topics: mechanics, electricity, optics, waves, etc. It will also assist with the interdisciplinary projects associated with the Engineering Academy but is notlimited to Engineering Academy students.

Course: Honors Physics

AP Physics guidelines are followed as provided by College Board, however, the topics listed on the AP guidelines cannot be covered in one semester. In other words, AP depth will be taught, but this course will not cover the scope of AP Physics. Students will use various experiences from reading to lab work to problem solving in order to learn about Physics. A strong mathematical background is important for success in this course. The goal of this course is to prepare college bound students by providing a solid background in classical physics and will include some modern physics concepts, as well.

Course: Human Anatomy and Physiology

This course is a very challenging senior science course. There is an in-depth study of the human body with emphasis placed on the anatomy and physiology of the major body systems. Lab dissection involves the cat and comparison of the anatomy of the cat with the human. There is extensive time in lab studying tissues, muscles, and bones.

Soddy Daisy High School

Science Department