Science Program

DCTS science courses are designed in accordance with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Science and the Environment. All science courses will build on & add to the student's general knowledge base as well as enhance the student's reading, writing, and problem solving skills.

Due to differences in Middle School science courses in the home districts, DCTS students should use the following guidelines when selecting their science courses. Additional science courses may be selected once the required classes have been taken.

Science-39992
Credit-1.0
Inclusion- 39992 I

Science is an introductory lab course dealing with the investigation of basic physical & chemical science principles. The classification & structure of matter, measurement from a scientific point of view, energy, chemical reactions, motion, electricity, waves, light and sound are some of the topics that will be covered.

Earth & Space Science- 03008
Credit-1.0
Inclusion- 3008 I

This course integrates the four disciplines of earth science: astronomy, geology, meteorology, and hydrology with environmental science issues. In this laboratory course, students will explore the earth's internal processes, the makeup of the natural world, the earth's air, water, and physical processes, and space. Students will also explore the earth's resources and environmental issues.

Biology- 0305
Credit-1.0
Inclusion- 3051 I

This laboratory and experience-based course is designed to promote active student participation in the biological sciences. Topics covered include scientific method, cellular chemistry, cellular structures and processes, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, and classification & ecology.

College Prep (CP) Biology- 03052
Credit-1.0

CP Biology is a fast-paced, laboratory oriented science course that is designed to stimulate reasoning and understanding of major biological topics and concepts. This course will explore the living world in greater depth than Biology. Detailed lab reports and projects will be required of the students.

Chemistry- 03101
Credit-1.0
Inclusion- 3101 I
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Biology

This course is designed to teach chemistry concepts by integrating lecture with hands-on activities and laboratory investigations. Topics to be covered include: scientific method, measurement and the metric system, classification of matter, history and development of atomic theory, periodicity and the periodic table, basic chemical structures and bonding, water and solutions, acids and bases.

Environmental Science-33003
Credit-1.0
Inclusion- 33003 I
Prerequisites: Biology

Environmental science is a laboratory and experience-based course for students who enjoy the hands-on aspect of science. Students will explore the relationship between human activities and the environment. Examples of topics discussed in this course are: ecosystems, energy, resources, pollution, endangered species, and environmental ethics. This course is designed to apply to a student's everyday life and help students develop a more environmentally sound lifestyle.

Anatomy & Physiology- 03053
Credit-1.0
Prerequisite: 70% or better in Biology and Chemistry

This course is designed to give students an in-depth, comprehensive experience with aspects of human anatomy and physiology. A variety of hands-on laboratory experiences, including the dissection of various representative preserved organs and specimens, will complement the course content. Current issues in human biology will enhance this study of the structure and function of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on the interrelationships among the body systems and with abnormal conditions (disease).

Physics- 03151
Credit-1.0
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry

This course consists of a general survey of traditional and modern physics. Topics to be covered include: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics and waves, and heat and thermodynamics.