Blue Springs School District

Course # HS0408
1 credit hour | Grade 9

Credit Type: Science

This course is designed to develop a strong conceptual framework between middle school science and specialized high school courses.  Students will strengthen content knowledge and develop analytical problem-solving skills needed for success in biology, physics, and chemistry. Students will examine atomic structure and investigate chemical reactions using real-world examples to understand conservation of mass, reaction types, and the role of energy in chemical processes.  Based on their understanding of matter, students will use data collection and hands-on investigations to apply concepts of force, motion, energy, and waves to practical situations and solutions.
 

Course # HS0425S1 & HS0427S2
1 credit hour | Grades 9, 10 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Successful Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in Algebra I
Recommended: A or B in 8th Grade Science or Teacher Recommendation.

This course is for students who plan to take advanced science courses later in high school.  This rapidly paced class will provide exposure to the same topics covered in Biology I, but with increased depth and breadth of coverage. Lab activities require advanced application of content and more independent inquiry.  Topics include biochemistry, cellular processes, genetics, energy interactions, biodiversity, and ecology, culminating with a small mammal dissection. One (1) honor point will be earned at the end of the year for the successful completion of this full-year course.  At the end of this course, students will take the state-required end-of-course exam.
 

Course # HS0416
1 credit hour | Grade 10 

Credit Type: Science

This course provides a foundation for students to make good decisions related to health, occupation, and future education.  Course topics include biochemistry, cellular processes, genetics, energy interactions, biodiversity, and ecology, culminating with a small mammal dissection. Multiple lab activities within each unit of study require students to apply course content to solve problems and communicate claims supported by evidence and reasoning. At the end of this course, students will take the state-required end-of-course exam.
 

Course # HS0428
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Science

This course provides a solid science foundation with chemistry and physics topics.  Students will perform experiments, make predictions, collect and analyze data, and formulate conclusions.  Course topics include force and motion, atomic structure, chemical reactions, types of matter, compounds, elements, periodic table, and acids.  This satisfies the Physical Science graduation requirement.  
 

Course # HS0426
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Science
Fees: AP Examination Fee $99
Prerequisite: Biology I or Pre-AP Biology
Recommended: Completion of or Concurrent enrollment in Chemistry I or PreAP Chemistry

This course is the equivalent of 2 semesters of college biology for science majors. It will focus on four big ideas: Evolution, Energetics, Information Storage and Transfer, and Systems Interactions. Students who take AP Biology will use advanced inquiry and reasoning skills. Students will be expected to devote time outside of the normal class period to work on this course. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. College credit can be earned by achieving an acceptable score on the AP exam. All students are expected to take the AP exam and pay the examination fee.
 

Course # HS0439
0.5 credit hours | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Biology I or Pre-AP Biology

Astronomy/Meteorology is a semester course designed to help students better understand the forces of the atmosphere and universe.  The goal of this course is to provide students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand structure, composition, and the physical basis of the atmosphere and the universe.  Topics covered during the semester will include: forecasting weather, understanding climate, properties of the Earth-Moon-Sun system, principles of the solar system, stellar evolution, galaxy structures, and the cosmological model for the universe.
 

Course # HS0434
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Geometry or Concurrent Enrollment

This course deals with the substances making up our environment and the changes these substances undergo.  The principles of Chemistry are studied in a logical way with laboratory work helping to reveal these principles.  The content of the course includes the following: atomic structure, solids, liquids, gases, the periodic table, chemical reactions, and molecular structure.
 

Course # HS0445
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Biology I or Pre-AP Biology

This is a laboratory-based course in which students explore topics in biology, chemistry, and physics as they pertain to the criminal justice system through inquiry and active investigations.  Students will be immersed in current, relevant topics through hands-on experiences.  Working in a laboratory environment, students will utilize the scientific method, along with modern forensic techniques, to address various legal situations. Please note that some colleges and universities do not count this course as a third science credit. 
 

Course # HS0440
0.5 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Biology I or Pre-AP Biology
Recommended: Algebra I

Earth Science is a semester course detailing the forces that shape the Earth system.  The goal of this course is to provide students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the past, present, and future behavior of the Earth system.  During the semester, phenomena such as plate tectonics, mountain formation, volcanoes, and earthquakes will be explored.  Earth Science will also provide a window to the past through geologic time.
 

Course # HS0444
0.5 credit hours | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Biology I or Pre-AP Biology

This is a semester class that examines your surroundings.  We will also study how human activities both positively and negatively affect those surroundings.  Science is and should be a hands-on experiment.  This class will focus on hands-on experiences through experiments, activities, and research.  You will leave this class with an understanding and appreciation of the environment.  Group assignments, presentations, research, and assessment projects will help develop study skills that can be used in the future. Ninth (9th) grade students may only take this course with administrative placement second semester.
 

Course # HS0447
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Science
Fees: AP Examination Fee $99
Prerequisite: Biology I or Pre-AP Biology
Recommended: Grade of B or above in Biology course and in Geometry, concurrent enrollment or completion of Chemistry I or Pre-AP Chemistry.

The AP Environmental Science course is a full year course designed to be the equivalent of the introductory college course in environmental science.  This course will provide students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world.  Students will identify risks associated with natural and human-made environmental problems and will analyze benefits and limitations of various solutions and methods of prevention.  One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed.
 

Course # HS0454
0.5 credit hours | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Biology I or Pre-AP Biology

Microbiology is designed as a laboratory and project-based course to challenge students with activities, experiments, critical thinking, and problem solving. Topics include bacteria, viruses, epidemiology, and laboratory techniques. Assessments will include lab reports, accuracy of laboratory techniques, and real-world application projects. 
 

Course # HS0450
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Geometry or Concurrent Enrollment

This course presents the topics of physics and how they will explain the nature of the world that we live in.  The main areas of study include motion, energy, electricity and magnetism, sound, light, and optics.
 

Course # HS0431
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Must have completed Geometry or Algebra I with Teacher Recommendation

An accelerated introduction to physics studying the topics of mechanics, motion, and explaining the nature of the world in which we live. Intended for students interested in enrolling in Dual Credit Physics I or AP Physics C, or for students who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering, medicine, or other fields of science requiring physics.
 

Course # HS0450H
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Science
Dual Credit: 4 College Hours -Missouri State University (MSU) PHY 123 Introduction to Physics
Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry or Current Enrollment of Algebra II

This is a college level algebra-based first year physics course.  Students explore motion, forces, energy, momentum, waves, electricity, and modern physics through a blend of conceptual understanding, mathematical analysis, and hands-on experimentation.  Emphasis is placed on developing scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills using real-world examples and laboratory investigations.  Students will learn how to model physical systems, interpret data, and apply mathematics to explain natural phenomena, the same methods used by scientists and engineers.
 

Course # HS0436S1 & HS0437S2
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Science
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II, or grade of B or above in Algebra I
Recommended: Grade of B or above in Algebra I

This course is for students who plan to take AP Chemistry or Dual Credit Chemistry. This rapid-paced class will cover material that prepares students for advanced science courses. Examples of topics covered include: measurements & conversions, classifying matter, nomenclature, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry (chemical quantities), gases, solutions, thermochemistry, and acids/bases. One (1) honor point will be earned for the successful completion of this full-year course at the end of the year.
 

Course # HS0438
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Science
Fees: AP Examination Fee $99
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Chemistry
Recommended: Grade of B or above in Pre-AP Chemistry and in Algebra II

This course is intended for students who are pursuing a career in a STEM field. AP Chemistry covers the content of two semesters of college chemistry.  Topics covered in this course include chemical reactions, redox equations, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, equilibriums, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Lab experiences are an essential component of the expectations of this course. This course is designed to prepare a student for the AP exam in chemistry in May. All students are expected to take the AP exam and pay the examination fee; college credit can be earned by achieving an acceptable score. Students enrolling in AP Chemistry are not eligible to enroll in Dual Credit Chemistry for additional high school credit. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. 
 

Course # HS0430
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Science
Fees: AP Examination Fee $99
Prerequisite: Dual Credit Physics or Concurrent enrollment in College Calculus or AP Calculus BC
Recommended: Without Dual Credit Physics, it is strongly recommended that students be concurrently enrolled in College Calculus or AP Calculus BC

This is a college level calculus-based physics course especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. Students should have completed or be concurrently taking calculus, or an equivalent course. Examples of topical areas discussed and experimented with are kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy and power, systems of particles and linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, and oscillations and gravitation. Laboratory experience will account for at least 20% of the course. This course is designed to prepare a student for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam in May. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. College credit can be earned by achieving an acceptable score on the AP exam.  All students are expected to take the AP exam and pay the examination fee.
 

Course # HS0455H
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Science
Dual Credit: 4 College Hours – Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC):  BIOL 250 Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab
Fees: ~$242 Will be Billed/Paid Through the Cooperating College Business Office
Prerequisite: Biology I or Pre-AP Biology and Overall GPA of 3.0 or better (2.5-2.9 requires admin approval)
Recommended: Completed Chemistry 1 or Pre-AP Chemistry and Grade of B or above in Prerequisite Course

Anatomy & Physiology focuses on the structure and function of the human body. The course includes the study of human tissues and progresses to the study of organ systems. Students will have the opportunity to learn through microscopy, observations, and laboratory experiences including a dissection of a small mammal. Students who meet prerequisites may earn four (4) hours of college credit (three (3) credits for BIOL 250 and one (1) credit for BIOL 250L) for the year if they meet the CUKC course requirements outlined in the instructor’s syllabus and the university catalog. A CUKC fee is required if this course is taken for college credit. CUKC will bill at reduced rates. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed.
 

Course # HS0429H
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point | CORE 42

Credit Type: Science
Dual Credit: 4 College Hours – Missouri State University: BIO 101 Biology In Your World & BIO 111 Laboratory for Biology In Your World
Fees: ~$280 will be Billed and Paid through the Cooperating College Business Office
MOTransfer: MOTR BIOL 100L
Prerequisite: MSU Dual Credit Requirements 
Recommended: Grade of B or above in prerequisite Biology course and completed Chemistry 1 or Pre-AP Chemistry. For non-biology majors, course does not count toward biology degree.

This course is for students not planning to pursue a degree in science. Dual Credit Biology covers one semester of college biology over a full school year.  The following topics will be included in the course studies: cell structure and function, fundamental biochemical principles, genetics and evolution, organization of life, and ecology.  Students who meet MSU course prerequisites may earn four (4) hours of college credit [three (3) credits for BIO 101 and one (1) credit for BIO 111] for the year if they meet MSU course requirements, which are outlined in the instructor’s syllabus and the university catalog. A MSU fee is required if this course is taken for college credit. MSU will direct bill at reduced rates. Students enrolling in AP Biology are not eligible to enroll in Dual Credit Biology for additional high school credit. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed.
 

Course # HS0451
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point | CORE 42

Credit Type: Science
Dual Credit: 5 College Hours – Missouri State University (MSU): CHM 160 General Chemistry I, CHM 161 General Chemistry I Laboratory
Fees: $350 will be Billed and Paid through the Cooperating College Business Office
MOTransfer: MOTR CHEM 150 and MOTR CHEM 150L
Prerequisite: Chemistry I or Pre-AP Chemistry; MSU Dual Credit Requirements
Recommended: Grade of B or above in Prerequisite Course and B or above in Algebra II 

This course is intended for students who are pursuing a career in a STEM field including doctor, chemist, physicist, dentist, dental hygienist, and engineer.  Dual Credit Chemistry covers one semester of college chemistry for science majors over a full school year.  Topics include measurements & conversions, classifying matter, nomenclature, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry (chemical quantities), gases, Quantum Theory, and thermochemistry.   Students should successfully complete Chemistry I or Pre-AP Chemistry and Algebra 1 prior to this course and complete or be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II.  Enrollment is through MSU; students may earn five (5) hours of college credit (four (4) credits for CHM 160 and one (1) credit for CHM 161) through MSU if they meet prerequisites and successfully complete the MSU course requirements outlined in the instructor’s syllabus and the university catalog. The MSU fee is required to earn dual credit. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. Students enrolling in AP Chemistry are not eligible to enroll in Dual Credit Chemistry for additional high school credit. Grades are recorded on the student’s MSU system transcript. MSU will direct bill at reduced rates.
 

Course # HS0441H
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point | CORE 42

Credit Type: Science
Dual Credit: 5 College Hours* – Missouri State University (MSU):  CHM 116 Fundamentals of Chemistry and CHM 117 Lab
Fees: ~$350 will be Billed and Paid through the Cooperating College Business Office
MOTransfer: MOTR CHEM 100 and MOTR CHEM 100L
Prerequisite: Chemistry I or Pre-AP Chemistry

This course is for students who want to take a second year of high school chemistry but who are not interested in the rigorous and fast paced curriculum of the AP Chemistry class or the DC Chemistry class (MSU Chem 160).  This class is for students who are interested in nursing OR who enjoy chemistry and need a science course for a non-science major. Topics to be explored include stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure, and organic chemistry. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed.  Five (5) hours of dual credit are also available through MSU if the college’s criteria are met.  

*May only transfer as 4 credits to other universities