The Charter School of Wilmington

Welcome to the Science Department at the Charter School of Wilmington.

SCIENCE COURSE OFFERINGS
The science curriculum at The Charter School of Wilmington is designed to provide the best possible
college-preparatory science education for all students. The core (required) curriculum consists of:
• the set of three one-semester 9th grade courses (Introduction to Chemistry, Introduction to Physics,
and Geosystems)
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
The entire science curriculum, including the core curriculum as well as electives relating to preengineering, medical sciences, and environmental science, foster science literacy and understanding essential for success at the college and career level. The core curriculum is designed to meet and exceed the Delaware State Science Content Standards, with electives offered to enhance and broaden students' experience prior to entering college. Special attention in all science courses is placed on the content standards and performance indicators outlined in the Delaware State Science Standards.

Courses marked with "*" are required 9th grade semester courses, along with Technology Utilization
(4105, 4104, 4103). With students entering The Charter School of Wilmington from diverse backgrounds and experiences, the 9th grade curriculum is tailored to capitalize on strengths and fill any gaps prior to students progressing through the remainder of the core curriculum. Challenge tests for all three of these 9th grade science courses are administered in the spring, prior to entry. It is the goal of Charter to exempt entering 9th grade students from those semester courses in which they can demonstrate proficiency in the concepts inherent to those courses. A few 9th grade students may qualify for Biology or Chemistry.

Please note: Because of the mathematical nature of upper level Physics (7405, 7404,7403) and
upper level Chemistry (7305,7304,7303), it is highly recommended and strongly encouraged that students register for these courses at the same phase level as their current phase in mathematics.

*7105, 7104, 7103 Introduction to Chemistry (.5 credit)
In this semester course, students develop a basic understanding of chemistry as the study of matter and
its changes. Students are introduced to the concepts of chemical and physical change, the subatomic structure of matter, the periodic table and periodic trends, chemical formulas and equations, and metric units and conversions. Laboratory activities are included with an emphasis on safety and developing good laboratory practices and techniques.
Prerequisite: none

*7115, 7114, 7113 Introduction to Physics (.5 credit)
In this semester course, students develop a conceptual understanding of motion, forces, conservation of
energy and momentum, energy transfer, gravitational forces, electric and magnetic fields and forces. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based activities using computer-based technology to gather and analyze data.
Prerequisite: none

*7125, 7124, 7123 Geosystems (.5 credit)
In this course, students conduct an overview of Earth's natural systems: hydrology, tectonics, rocks
minerals, and soils. Major themes of the course encompass the underlying structure of Earth's changing
landscape. Special emphasis is placed on inquiry-based laboratory activities, current research, use of
technology, and appropriate use of the scientific method.
Prerequisite: none

7205, 7204, 7203 Biology (1 credit)
This course is designed to expose students to a wide range of topics and offers a solid foundation for
future education in the biological sciences. Methodology includes both lecture and laboratory experiences supplemented with current event topics. Content areas include human systems, genetics, taxonomy, photosynthesis, cell respiration, and ecology. Laboratory techniques include dissection and microscope use. Participation in the Charter School Science Fair is a course requirement.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Chemistry and Introduction to Physics, or by placement exam

7215 Digital Electronics Design Lab (.5 credit)
Students design, build, and test digital circuits and components. This one semester course explores the
fundamentals of digital electronics and computer logic. Topics include binary, octal, and hexadecimal number systems; Boolean Algebra and logic operators; fundamental and intermediate circuit design including, gates, registers, memory devices, and state machines.
Prerequisites: Technology Utilization, Introduction to Physics, Integrated Math II, and instructor approval.

7225, 7224, 7223 Astronomy (.5 credit)
This course is an introduction to astronomy. Topics include the study of the planets in our solar
system, our sun and other stars, the Milky Way and other galaxies in the universe, black holes, and the “Big Bang” and the evolution of the universe.
Prerequisite: none; open to all grades

7235, 7234, 7233 Essentials of Oceanography (.5 credit)
This one semester course covers the fundamentals of marine origins, geological and physical properties
of the oceans, water chemistry, and marine life. Students also investigate current problems and trends, such as coastal over development, global warming, and depletion of the ozone layer.
Prerequisite: Geosystems; open to grades 10-12

7245,7244 Human Life Cycle Part I (.5 credit)
The objective of this course is to increase the student’s knowledge of the physiological changes human
beings experience from conception through adolescence. Part I begins with the factors influencing conception followed by pregnancy and prenatal development, labor and delivery. As a culminating activity, students visit a labor and delivery suite. Students also study early and middle childhood development, and do observations of preschoolers. The scope of the course concludes with the stage of adolescence. Special emphasis is placed on the rules of nutrition, disease, and substance abuse.
(Open to grades 10-12)

7255,7254 Human Life Cycle Part II (.5 credit)
This course is designed to build upon the knowledge gained in Human Life Cycle Part I, beginning
with the stage of adolescence and continuing through the stages of early, middle and late adulthood. The
physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that human beings experience are covered. The course concludes with aging, dying, and death. Special emphasis is placed on the roles of diet, exercise, health care, and decision-making. Students complete a project with the assistance of a senior citizen and a visit to a mortuary.
(Open to grades 10-12)

7305, 7304, 7303 Chemistry (1 credit)
This traditional college preparatory course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of
chemistry and provide a foundation for further studies in science or science-related fields. Topics include
chemical formulas and reactions, periodic properties, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, acid-base chemistry, gas laws, and introductions to nuclear chemistry, reaction rates and chemical equilibrium. Problem solving is emphasized and laboratory activities are included where appropriate. Because of the mathematical nature of this course, it is highly recommended and strongly encouraged that students register for this course at the same phase level as their current phase in mathematics.
Prerequisites: Integrated Math II, Introduction to Chemistry and Introduction to Physics, or by placement
exam

7315, 7314 Introduction to Engineering (.5 credit)
The goal of this semester course is to allow students to successfully answer the question: “What is
engineering?” This course covers topics from the history of engineering, engineering theory, failure analysis, problem solving in engineering, engineering ethics, and creativity and teamwork in the completion of engineering design projects. Emphasis is placed on effective written and verbal communication skills through the use of logbooks during design projects, written technical reports, and class presentations. The majority of topics are taken from the areas of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Prerequisite: Integrated Math II and Introduction to Physics

7325, 7324, 7323 Environmental Science (1 credit)
In this full-year course, students explore the interactions of humans with the natural environment from
the standpoint of sustainability. They probe environmental issues, including their scientific basis, history, and society's response to solving environmental problems, and environmental law in order to make critical evaluations regarding sustainable development and public policy that shape the present and future.
Prerequisites: Integrated Math II, Geosystems, Chemistry or Biology

7335, 7334 Biogenetics (1 credit)
This course is designed for students with interests in the medical sciences and is the study of
microorganisms and microbes that cause disease. Topics include origins, transmission, diagnosis, and
prevention, along with the interaction of microorganisms with other forms of life. Lab work includes gel
electrophoresis, DNA recombination, and other biological engineering techniques.
Prerequisites: Biology and instructor approval

7345, 7344 Introduction to Robotics (.5 credit)
In this project-focused course, students apply engineering and programming concepts to the design and
construction of robotic systems. They investigate the building blocks of these systems including sensors,
actuators, controllers, drivers, and power supplies. A major emphasis is placed on acquiring competence with the software programs necessary for operating the robotic systems. Students work in teams throughout the course.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Physics and Integrated Math II

7355, 7354 Forensic Science (1 credit)
This year long course is a problem-based opportunity for students to apply their science background in
an extremely timely and popular field. Topics include: forensic anthropology, entomology, ballistics, serology, toxicology, autopsy examination, crime scene examination, and traditional and DNA fingerprinting. Emphasis is based on inquiry, research, and technology to investigate data and reach firm conclusions. Students work independently and in groups to research information and solve simulated crimes. Due to the nature of the material the course is only open to juniors and seniors.
Prerequisites: Biology, Open to juniors and seniors only

7365, 7364 Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology (1 credit)
This 'case-based' course is designed to familiarize students with human anatomy, physiology and
associated medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on practical applications in associated health fields. Students are required to work independently and in groups to research and solve simulated medical cases and to perform various medical testing procedures. Topics include but are not limited to: body organization, exercise physiology and body systems, with particular concentration on the nervous system and its importance in maintaining homeostasis.
Prerequisite: Biology

7405, 7404, 7403 Physics (1 credit)
This college preparatory physics course surveys the basic topics of classical physics: mechanics,
thermodynamics, wave motion, optics, and electric and magnetic fields and forces. Emphasis is placed on solving problems, inquiry-based activities, and the use of computer-based technology to gather and analyze data. Because of the mathematical nature of this course, it is highly recommended and strongly
encouraged that students register for this course at the same phase level as their current phase in
mathematics.
Prerequisites: Integrated Math III (or instructor approval) and Introduction to Physics, or by placement
exam.

7415, 7425 Laboratory Assistant (.5 credit - one semester or 1 credit - two semesters)
Students who are accepted as laboratory assistants for a semester have the opportunity to serve “behind the scenes” in the preparation of science experiments and demonstrations for a specific individual instructor. A numerical grade is assigned on the basis of performance criteria established by the instructor. Students participating as laboratory assistants may not use this course to exceed 7 credits in one year, nor may students use this credit for graduation requirements in science. (Students wishing to be a lab assistant for only one semester should sign up for course #7415. Those wishing to sign up for a full year should sign up for #7425.)
Prerequisites: instructor approval; open to grades 10, 11, and 12.

7435 Modern Physics (1 credit)
This course explores the major concepts and ideas developed in physics since the early twentieth
century. Topics include special and general relativity, quantum physics, particle-wave duality of nature,
nuclear physics, high-energy elementary particle physics, and the relationship between elementary particle physics and modern theories in cosmology. Experiments in this course include the measurement of the charge/mass ratio of an electron, the measurement of the charge of an electron, and the photoelectric effect.
Prerequisites: Physics, completion or current enrollment in Calculus AB and instructor approval.

7445, 7444, 7443 Senior Research Project (.5 credit)
All seniors must register for this course. From topics chosen at the end of the junior year, each student
prepares an independent research project based on a topic from theoretical or applied mathematics, science, and/ or technology; occasionally topics are permitted to be shared by a pair of students with approval. Details on the expectations for the Senior Research Project are located on-line at the Charter School of Wilmington website. Successful completion of this project includes independent research, often with the help of an outside resource contact as appropriate and available, a research paper, and an oral presentation.
Prerequisite: none; required of all

7506 AP Biology (1 credit)
This course is the equivalent of a full-year introductory college course designed to give the student an
understanding of molecules and cells; genetics and evolution; organisms and populations. The major emphasis of the course is on laboratory observations and experimentation. Summer homework is required.
Prerequisite: Biology and instructor approval

7516 AP Chemistry (1 credit)
This course is the equivalent of a full-year general college chemistry course. Emphasis is placed on
preparing for the College Board AP Examination in May. Problem solving is extensive. Summer homework is required.
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Math III, and instructor approval.

7526 AP Physics C (1 credit)
This physics course ordinarily forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation
for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. Calculus is used wherever appropriate in
formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. In addition to developing
conceptual understanding, strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems. The first semester is devoted to the study of classical mechanics. The emphasis for the second semester is on the study of classical electromagnetic field theory. Summer homework is required.
Prerequisites: Physics, Calculus AB, and instructor approval.

7536 AP Environmental Science (1 credit)
In this course, students explore the interactions of humans with the natural environment from the
standpoint of sustainability. They probe environmental issues, including their scientific basis, history, and
society's response to solving environmental problems, and environmental law in order to make critical
evaluations regarding sustainable development and public policy that shapes the present and future.
Prerequisites: Integrated Math II, Geosystems, Chemistry or Biology and instructor approval

7606 UD CHEM 311/312: Survey of Organic Chemistry I/II (1 credit)
This full-year course is the University of Delaware two-semester lecture course in organic chemistry. It
covers the structure, synthesis, and reactions of organic compounds, but does not include laboratory work. Emphasis will be on nomenclature, organic functional groups, their preparation and reactions, and the factors that influence the pathways of organic reactions (mechanisms). It is recommended for students considering college majors in pre-med, biology, biotechnology, chemistry (BA program only), veterinary medicine, and any other life sciences fields, as it is a required college course in these fields. This course earns the student 6 credits from the University of Delaware.
Prerequisite: AP Chemistry or teacher recommendation