Science Classes in High School: A Complete Guide on which Classes to take

Have you dreamt of becoming a scientist? The best place to start taking science classes is in high school. You will see a complete guide on the classes to take. High school

is a period that precedes and prepares you for a college education. A high school is a place where students get secondary education and where teenagers are provided education more progressive than elementary school or middle school but less refined than college, generally grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.

The accepted age range of students in high schools varies based on state or country, however, the most common age range is 13- 18. 

High school is quite different from elementary and middle school or college. In high school, while some courses are required, others can be selected. Talking about required courses, some major classes are expected to be taken by all high school students irrespective of the course you would like to study. This includes these classes: 

• English Language.
• Maths.
• Science.
• Social Studies.
• Foreign Language.

While the chance to select courses might be introduced in middle school, high school is where you have to wisely pick courses that suit your preferred college’s requirement and career choice. 

Note that asides from major general classes (depending on your desired college course) you have to select classes to take and electives to offer in preparation for what you would like to study in college.

For this article, we would be discussing major science classes to offer in high school.

Major Science Classes in High School

Science itself is an intellectual and practical activity comprising the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. 

Science is a bedrock for many careers and inventions. Choosing to study any science-related course implies that you would need to go through some basic science classes in high school.

There are also a great number of science courses in high school students asides from the chemistry and physics everyone seems to know.

While some science classes in high school are required and others are optional, they all create an edge for students eyeing colleges or hoping to seek a career in the sciences. 

You might have tried to consider which major science classes you are expected to take in high school, and what will you discover in them? Several questions must have been beeping in your mind if you are looking to surpass college expectations.

In this article, you’ll examine high school science that is you’ll find a detailed guide on which science classes are to be taken.

A study of all the major science classes is very important.

The major science classes one should offer in a high school includes:-

• Physics.
• Chemistry.
• Biology.
• Physical and Earth science.
• Elective science classes.

Science classes study in high school is required for about 2 to 3 years. Most high school sciences require students to perform experiments in their various laboratories.

PHYSICS.

Physics is the study of nature and the properties of matter and energy.

Physics is important and is considered a major because most if not all colleges appreciate students who underwent physics study as it shows they’re ready for college work and are even more ready to face any College course. 

Hence, offering high school physics will help you a great deal in your College application. Physics might seem complex but it requires practice. It also requires sound maths knowledge.

Having a good grade in physics will give you an edge over other applicants in your College application as high grades in sciences are appreciated most.

Some of the topics treated in high school physics are:-

• Motion and Forces.
• Matter.
• Kinematics.
• Space and time.
• Optics and light.
• Waves.
• Atomic physics.
• Electricity and magnetism.

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CHEMISTRY.

Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances.

Due to the fast and widespread STEM courses, Chemistry is very important in high school. Students who opt out of high school chemistry will still have to offer College chemistry as it will still be required of them and not knowing high school chemistry will affect them as they won’t be able to cope with college chemistry since science occurs in the sequence.

Not only does high school science study give you a sure foundation, but it would also like physics give you an edge in your College application as any College would prefer a student who took high school chemistry.

Chemistry requires a strong understanding of Maths, paying rapt attention in class, dedicated study, attending classes, and above all having a mindset that chemistry is not difficult.

Topics to be treated are:-

• Introduction to Acids and Bases.
• Chemical energy.
• Reaction rates.
• Chemical equations.
• Concept of Moles.
• Qualitative analysis.

 See Also: 20 Jobs You Can Get With a Chemistry Degree

BIOLOGY.

It is simply the study of life. Concepts taught in physics and chemistry are used to explain biological events.  

Biology requires very little math skills.

Its topics include:-

• Cell and Organism.
• Organization of life.
• Classification of cells.
• Genetics
• Ecology.
• Human growth and development.

ELECTIVE SCIENCE CLASSES.

This includes scientific courses for students who wish to continue studying Science or Maths. It is an elective class because you choose the one you would like to offer.

It is however important to note it is important to attend about 2-3 elective classes and all of them are important and so you choose the one that interests you and is in line with your choice of career.

It is usually offered in the first 3 years of high school, however, elective science classes are available for students who wish to continue studying them.

Its subjects are:-

Earth science

Earth science is a branch of science that deals with the physical constitution of the earth and its atmosphere

Agriculture

The Science of farming, including the cultivation of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.

Biotechnology

The scientific exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, and the like.

Botany

The scientific study of the physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance of plants.

Geology

The Science deals with the physical structure and substances of the earth, their history, and the processes which act on them.

For people who wish to continue studying elective science classes after the first 3 years, the classes would include:-

• Astronomy.
• Forensic science.
• Environmental science.

See Also: Geography vs Geology: Job Description, Outlook, Salary, Schools.

ASTRONOMY.

Astronomy is simply the branch of science that deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole.

Its topics can also be found in theoretical physics and it includes:-

• Black holes.
• Laws of gravity.
• Laws of motion.
• Methods of research.
• History of the solar system and its development.

FORENSIC SCIENCE.

It is the use of scientific methods and techniques to perform an investigation.

It is therefore the application of the methods of the natural and physical sciences to matters of criminal and civil law.

It includes topics such as:-

• Hypothesis.
• Laboratory work.
• Formation and testing.
• Law and courtroom procedure.
• Data collection.

A college applicant must have at least 2-3 years of scientific study and must have passed them with exception of some colleges that require a 4-year study of high school science.

In the fourth year, an AP(Advanced Placement) Science class is recommended as it makes your transcript very strong. At least two AP class is recommended.

An advanced Placement class is almost equivalent to what one will meet in College Science courses and so it helps you to be prepared and even ready for your college courses. It also gives you an edge over other college applicants as extra credits are given for AP science course grades, hence boosting your GPA.

Great grades in an AP science course will also increase your chance of a scholarship.

The list of some courses offered in AP classes are:-

• AP Biology.
• Chemistry.
• AP Computer science A.
• Computer science principles.
• AP Environmental science.
• AP Physics 1&2(Algebra-based).
• Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.
• AP Physics C: Mechanics.
• The following are however advised to be well-read and understood before choosing to go for an AP class.
• It requires a wide range of Math skills, it has a larger laboratory component. It is often intense and as a result, students who attend are those who have decided to put in all it takes.
• To go for AP Physics C which is tougher than physics 1&2, you need to have a firm stance in Calculus as it is widely required there.

In conclusion, if you intend on pursuing any STEM career, aim to get into a very competitive college. It is advised that you take a 4-year high school Science class with AP science courses (advisably 2) in your senior year. 

See Also: 15 Best Forensic Science Colleges & Programs

FAQs

Conclusion

The right study of science in high school is very important because it builds a firm foundation for College work as the students already have a background knowledge thereby making your choice of high school science a sensitive decision.

It should be taken after a lot of research of which this article would be very helpful as it’ll guide you on the major sciences you should offer.

Also after a lot of reasoning and especially with one’s parent and peradventure you’re still confused, you should see your school counselor as they’ll put you through.

As STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs gain momentum, there are more science classes available than ever before.

STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) based courses have made room for more science classes, however only the major and required classes have been discussed.

References

• fusionacademy.com
• goodwin.edu/
• redcomet.org
• learninghypothesis.com
• varsitytutors.com/

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