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CJHS Science

Course Flow Chart
7th Grade Science
The 7th grade science course explores phenomena related to plate tectonics, geologic time, cell biology, force and motion, and energy. Students will engage in active investigations while working on developing models to explain phenomena related to the listed topics. 
 
8th Grade Science
Our 8th grade science courses introduce our students to chemistry, geology, meteorology, and astronomy. Students will perform many laboratory experiments in their science classes. These activities promote inquiry and critical thinking skills. Data analysis and writing scientific claims based on evidence are other skills that are developed. Classes meet for a single period each day.
  • 8th Grade Academic Science (2106)
  • 8th Grade Honors Science (2108)  
 
9th Grade Science: Biology 
We offer three levels of biology that have a molecular biology approach, which includes the following topics:
  • Structure and function of matter and organisms
  • Inheritance and variation of traits
  • Natural selection and evolution 
  • Human impact on populations and communities 

  • Biology Honors (2111) - 7.5 Credits

    Honors Biology, which provides a rigorous, intensive study of Biology, is designed for students who have done exemplary work in the previous year’s science class.  This course is geared to those students who have strong science skills, high motivation, and who have exhibited the ability to analyze data critically and arrive at meaningful conclusions. Topics of study include the structure and function of matter and organisms, inheritance and variation of traits in living things, organisms and their interdependent relationships, including the effects of humans on the environment, natural selection and evolution.  The students continuously engage in critical-thinking activities, analysis of data, and the written presentation of logical conclusions during the extensive laboratory activities. This class has a sememster lab.  Students will either meet every day for the fall or spring semester, depending on their assigned schedule.

  • Biology Accelerated (2112) - 5 Credits

    Accelerated Biology provides students a comprehensive study of the biological sciences, including the structure and function of matter and organisms, inheritance and variation of traits in living things, organisms and their interdependent relationships, including the effects of humans on the environment, natural selection and evolution.  Students experience a variety of learning strategies, including cooperative group interaction, discussion, demonstration and laboratory experimentation. In all of these activities, students incorporate content into their critical thinking. Critical analysis of data and problem solving are the major thrusts of this course.  

  • Biology (2110) - 5 Credits

    Biology provides a strong focus on developing science and engineering skills.  Biology introduces students to broad aspects of the biological sciences, including the structure and function of matter and organisms, inheritance and variation of traits in living things, organisms and their interdependent relationships, including the effects of humans on the environment, natural selection and evolution.  Students experience a variety of learning strategies, to assist students in developing group skills and scientific knowledge that will prepare them for continued study in the sciences, including cooperative group interaction, discussion, demonstration and laboratory experimentation. In all of these activities, students incorporate content into their critical thinking.  A variety of learning strategies are employed. 

 
Semester Electives:
  • Astronomy (2113): 2.5 credits. This course gives students a basic understanding of the structure of the universe, the structure and behavior of the objects that make up the universe and the earth's relationship to the other objects in our solar system. 
 
Science Clubs/Extracurricular Activities:
  • Science Olympiad: The Science Olympiad team competes in a regional competition in January, then top teams advance to the state competition in March. Students try out for a position on the team during the first marking period of the school year, and meetings are held twice each week. Advisors to the CJHS team are William Jasko and Rebecca Cobb. 
  • Science League: Students participating in Science League take a monthly biology test at EBHS after school from January-April. Students try out for a position on the team during the first semester, and weekly meetings are held. The advisor to the team is Maria Gorman.