Natural Science

Biology 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level: 9    Duration: 2 Trimesters Credits: 1.0 

Overview: This course is the foundational science course at JLA which prepares students for all future science options, including access to Honors and AP level science disciplines. Topics of study will include the interdependence of organisms with an emphasis placed on cellular biology, the chemistry of life, the energy of living systems, heredity, ecology, and evolution. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of the course. 

 

Earth Science 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level:  10 - 12    Duration:  2 Trimesters Credits: 1.0 

Overview: This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the multiple components of earth and space science at an introductory level. Students can expect a greater understanding of topics such as the planets, the moon, stellar evolution, severe weather, topographic maps, volcanoes, earthquakes, ocean processes, and current technological advances used to study and understand our planet and other celestial objects. 

 

Chemistry 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level:  10 - 12    Duration:  2 Trimesters Credits: 1.0 

Overview: Chemistry studies the core ideas of matter and its interactions. Using the periodic table, students will learn to navigate the laboratory setting to see applications of chemical principles and concepts. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through classroom study, in-class activities, and hands-on laboratory work. The learning environment is student-centered and curriculum-driven.  Problem solving, including calculations, is an important part of the course. 

 

Honors Chemistry 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level:  10 - 12    Duration:  2 Trimesters Credits: 1.0 

Overview: Chemistry studies the core ideas of matter and its interactions. Using the periodic table, students will learn to navigate the laboratory setting to see applications of chemical principles and concepts. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through classroom study, in-class activities, and hands-on laboratory work. Problem solving, including calculations, is an important part of the course. Units of study are the same for Chemistry but will be more inquiry based and mathematically rigorous. Some topics will be covered to greater depth; there will be greater emphasis on analysis and application. 

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Physics 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level: 10-12     Duration: 2 Trimesters Credits: 1.0 

Overview: This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts, structure, and techniques of physics. The emphasis of the course is on creating and using graphical models and mathematical models to represent, analyze, and communicate the structure and relationships in physical systems and physical interactions. This is an introductory course that will prepare students for an introductory college physics class. 

 

 

Environmental Science - Wildlife Conservation 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level:  10 - 12    Duration:  1 Trimester Credits: .50 

Overview: This course is designed to develop an understanding of the global issues that impact wildlife and the environment. Students will research and analyze various environmental issues. Students should have a strong interest in the outdoors, a solid life science background, and an ability to collect and analyze data. The independent nature and extent of lab work require a high level of maturity and self-motivation. 

 

 

Human Body Systems 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level:  10 - 12    Duration: 2 Trimesters Credits: 1.0 

Overview:  HBS is an Honors levels class that provides foundational knowledge and skills in anatomy and physiology, clinical medicine, and laboratory research. The course engages students in how this content can be applied to real-world situations, cases, and problems. The HBS course includes interviews, challenges, and testimonials from biomedical professionals in a variety of settings—clinical, research, and public health. Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students tackle real-world challenges that biomedical professionals face in the field. Students work with the same tools and equipment used in hospitals and labs as they engage in relevant hands-on work. Students develop skill in technical documentation to represent and communicate experimental findings and solutions to problems, as well as skill in ethical reasoning and clinical empathy. 

 

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION, WELLNESS, & HEALTH 

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Curriculum Overview:  Physical Education uses activity to build skills, fitness, and healthy habits; Health Education provides knowledge for informed choices; Wellness is the holistic, active pursuit of balance across physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects; together, they create well-rounded individuals who can manage their overall well-being for life, not just avoid disease.  

 

Health & Welllness Education 

Scope and Sequence  

Grade Level: 9     Duration: 1 trimester Credits: .50 

Overview: Health Education is a one-trimester course that is required for graduation. The course will be offered at the freshman level. The course goals will stress the interdependence of one’s mental, physical, and social well-being by focusing on physical health and wellness. 

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Human Growth and Development 

Scope and Sequence  

Grade Level: 11-12    Duration: 1 trimester Credits: .50 

Overview:   Human Growth and Development class explores physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes from conception through adolescence and beyond, covering key theories (like Piaget, Erikson), milestones (physical/mental), influencing factors (genetics, environment, culture), and practical applications for future careers in education, health, or social work, often including topics like parenting, health, and understanding atypical development. It teaches students to apply scientific knowledge to understand themselves and others, identifying stages and supporting healthy development.  

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Sports Performance Training 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level: 10 - 12    Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50 

Course Overview: Students will learn training principles and proper technique for performance lifts including variations of the squat, push, pull, deadlift, and clean among others. Students will get the opportunity to train and track improvement in areas of speed, horizontal and vertical power, and strength. This course is based on performance that can be used in a wide range of sports and activities. Some activities Off Campus. 

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Basic Strength Training 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level: 10 - 12  Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50 

Course Overview: Based in the Homestead weight room, students will learn basic and complex strength and conditioning principles and techniques. Student goals will be used to develop and implement individualized workout programs. Periodic assessment of goal improvement is a key component. Students will also choose and present on fitness related topics. This is a great fitness-based opportunity where students who want to work independently thrive. Some activities Off Campus.

 

Health Life Saving  & Wellness Training 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level: 10 - 12    Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: 1.0 

Overview:  This course includes units in basic fitness workouts, yoga, Pilates, wellness health topics, and personal safety. Instruction leading to certification in the techniques of CPR, AED, and First Aid are a part of this course based on the American Red Cross Standards. A course fee to cover CPR certification through the American Red Cross will be charged at registration. 

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Core Strength 

Scope and Sequence 

Grade Level: 10 - 12     Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50 

Overview: If you are looking for a strength, flexibility and fitness-based course that will help tone your muscles as well as increase your “core” strength, this popular class is perfect for you. Total body fitness will be developed through the practice of resistance training, yoga, and Pilate.