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READING
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading
HOW CAN STUDENTS FIND OUT IF THEY MET THE STANDARDS
FOR READING ON THE AIMS TEST? Students may check with
the registrar.
DOES READING COUNT FOR ENGLISH CREDIT? No. Reading
courses count for elective credit only, English credit is given only
for those courses that have an 'EN' prefix.
SCIENCE
The Arizona State Board of Education requires that a Science AIMS
test is to be administered to 8th grade students and at the end of a
high school Biology course (9th or 10th grade).
Note: Courses that will meet the entrance/competency require-
ments for Arizona universities are marked with an asterisk.*
SUBJECT AREA GOAL:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific meth-
ods of inquiry and apply them to the study of various branches of
science, as well as to life situations.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
The student will:
• Solve simple, everyday problems using a variety of methods
• Interpret, synthesize, and apply information provided by data tables,
charts and graphs
• Set up and carry out biological, Earth science, chemistry or physics
experiments
• Relate an aspect of the science studied in terms of practical implica-
tions for everyday life
*SC 09 Essential Elements of Science
Difficulty: Average 9th Grade = 2 Sem. — 1 Physical Science Credit
SC 09 is the entry level science course for high school and provides
the conceptual foundation for the entire MPS high school science
curriculum. Students in SC 09 receive instruction and practice in
developing and refining scientific skills and methods that are prereq-
uisites for success in subsequent high school science courses. Using
mostly chemistry and physics concepts as a framework, students dis-
cover and collect evidence that supports the atomic/ molecular theo-
ry of matter. These principles lay the groundwork for understanding
all biological and chemical relationships. Topics included in this class
are scientific processes, the nature and history of science, earth sci-
ence, basic physics and chemistry. Physical Science. This course is
considered an integrated science course in meeting the General Ari-
zona University Entrance Requirements (see page 14).
*SC 33 Earth and Space Science
Difficulty: Average 2 Sem. — 1 Science Credit
Earth and Space Science is a lab course which explores forces and
processes that operate in the universe. Major areas of study will
include astronomy, geology, hydrology, meteorology, and envi-
ronmental issues. Physical Science
SC 35 IB Biology Standard Level
Difficulty: High 2 Sem. — 1 Science Credit
Grade: 11 or 12
Prerequisites: SC49, SC71, or SC72
This pre-university course is designed to allow students to obtain a
working knowledge of facts and an increased understanding of
biology. Students will be introduced to the manner in which sci-
entists work and communicate with each other by performing lab-
oratory experiments, using the scientific method, and writing
laboratory reports. Students will spend approximately 25% of the
course performing laboratory experiments and research. This
course is part of the IB Diploma Programme. Life Science Note:
This is a weighted course.
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SCIENCE
SC 39 GIS Geospatial Information Systems
Difficulty: High 2 Sem. — 1 Science/Elective Credit
Grade: 11 or 12
Prerequisites: Concurrent or previous enrollment in a hig her
level science class such as AP Environmental Science or AP
Physics; Instructor approval without prerequisites
This course will provide a practical, hands-on approach to spatial
database design and spatial data analysis with Geographical Informa-
tion Systems (GIS) as applied to the natural sciences. Students will
use digital tools and created maps to answer scientific questions. Stu-
dents will participate in a community-based project in the second
semester that will be part of their overall grade. NOTE: This is a
weighted course.
*SC 46 AP Biology
Difficulty: High 2 Sem. — 1 Science/Elective Credit
Prerequisites: SC 49 and SC 71 or SC 81
A very rigorous lab-oriented course which will cover the major top-
ics covered in a freshman college-level course. The class has a high
level of difficulty and the student should be prepared to put a con-
siderable amount of time into the course. This course includes top-
ics of human reproduction and evolution. This course may include
dissection. Students will take an AP exam in May. See your school
counselor if you have a financial hardship. Life Science NOTE: This
is a weighted course.Course fee required.
*
SC 48 Biotechnology Concepts and Techniques/Biotech I
Difficulty: Average- High 2 Sem. — 1 Science/Elective Credit
Prerequisites: 1 year Biology
This course introduces students to the exciting field of biotechnol-
ogy. Students will be introduced to topics such as biochemistry,
DNA structure, gene expression, protein synthesis, recombinant
DNA strategies, as well as forensics and bioethics. Students will
perform experiments similar to those presently done in modern
research settings such as micropipetting, spectrophotometry, elec-
trophoresis, PCR, and cell culturing. This course will also teach
students standard laboratory operations, instrumentation and
good laboratory safety practices and procedures. NOTE: This is a
weighted course. Course fee required.
*SC 49 Biology
Difficulty: Average 2 Sem. — 1 Science Credit
Prerequisite: See page 9 *
This course of study is designed to cover major areas of cell struc-
ture, function and processes, genetics, classification, and ecology.
This course includes the topics of human reproduction and evolution.
NOTE: This course may include dissection, biotechnology concepts
and research techniques. Life Science
*SC 50 Environmental Science
Difficulty: Average 2 Sem. — 1 Science Credit
This course offers a comprehensive overview of environmental issues.
The emphasis will be on: population studies, natural resources, pol-
lution, and current environmental topics. Life/Physical Science
SC 52 AP Environmental Science
Difficulty: High 2 Sem. — 1 Science Credit
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: one year of life science and one year of physical science
The goal is to provide students with the scientific principles, con-
cepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelation-
ships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental
problems both natural and man-made, to evaluate the relative risks
associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions
for resolving or preventing them. Students will take an AP exam in
May. See your school counselor if you have a financial hardship.
Life/Physical Science NOTE: This is a weighted course.
40 HIGH SCHOOL COURSES
