Science (2025-26)

List of 11 items.

• Integrated Science - Grade 8

  1 Credit

  
  

  This course offers students from a diverse array of science backgrounds an opportunity to prepare for upper-level science with an integrated study of the major sciences. Students will study chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science through a series of investigations and analysis problems occurring in a traditional classroom setting, the laboratory, and in the field. Students will devote a significant amount of time to studying ecological systems and watershed dynamics in and around the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. The course will take a specific focus on hands-on water quality testing both in streams flowing through Trinity’s campus as well as the James River and its tributaries. Through this course, students should not only learn the communication skills, study skills, research, and vital laboratory skills expected in the science classroom but also should improve their appreciation for our local watershed and its importance in Virginia’s social and scientific history. As in all laboratory science courses, students will conduct research through experimentation, developing and practicing all aspects of the scientific method.

  
  

  Additionally, there will be opportunities to work with younger students from surrounding schools as we share the impressive features of our local ecosystem. It is recommended that students bring in a pair of rain boots or old shoes, as the class frequently takes field trips to the creek or river.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Water Quality Indicators

  Chesapeake Bay Ecosystems

  Topographic Mapping

  Chemistry: Periodic Table, Sugar in Nature

  Biology: Nucleic Acids, Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids

  Graphing

  Water Quality Education

• Conceptual Physics - Grade 9

  0.5 Credit

  
  

  This required semester-long freshman course involves the study of the basic concepts of physics. It provides the foundation to understanding the physical world around us, engaging students in understanding the basic laws and processes that determine how our world works. Students learn through a combination of independent and collaborative hands-on investigations, mathematical concepts, and computer simulations. Students will develop skills in experimental procedure and analysis. Students will be expected to think critically and apply their knowledge, rather than apply rote memorization. Healthy habits for success in this course include time management skills, personal responsibility in group interactions, and proactively reaching out for help. This course is about developing individual students to become critical thinkers who take responsibility for their learning. This course will also provide insight into what physics is like in the real world, with the help of an independent research project. The course will give students a solid foundation for future work in Chemistry and Biology in the 10th grade. 

  
  

  Units of Study

  Motion
  Forces
  Energy
  Waves

  
  
  

• Scientific Research - Grade 9

  0.5 Credit

  
  

  This semester-long course is required for all freshman students. The course concentrates on developing those habits of mind and practice that are the building blocks of the scientific method. Students learn to use the scientific method in a lab setting including planning and conducting an experiment; processing, analyzing, and graphing data collected from the experiment; discussing and making conclusions using collected data; and evaluating the experimental process itself. In addition, they learn to use statistical analysis to determine the validity and reliability of data. Students also conduct research through the use of popular and academic journals, discerning information’s currency, accuracy, and usefulness to support scientific conclusions. Students will demonstrate their learning through quizzes and tests as well as group work, labs, and various hands-on activities and projects. To succeed in this course, a nightly review of material is a necessity in combination with a curious, analytical, enthusiastic, and hard-working attitude every day in class. Skills learned during the semester will translate to future science, as well as other courses.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Unit 1: Exploring
  Unit 2: Designing
  Unit 3: Collecting and Analyzing
  Unit 4: Concluding

• Biology - Grade 10

  0.5 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisites:  Conceptual Physics, Scientific Research, and Algebra 1
  
  

  Required tools:  TI-84 Plus Calculator

  
  

  This course offers students an opportunity to explore how scientists define life and classify living things, how populations of organisms grow and change over time, how organisms grow on a cellular level, and how traits and characteristics are inherited. Students learn through data collection in the laboratory, focused readings, and class discussions. Students will improve their observational and investigative skills and their experimental design proficiency. Scientific literacy and data analysis will be emphasized.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Biomolecules
  The Cell
  Cancer, Meiosis, and Sexual Reproduction
  Diseases
  Genetics
  Evolution
  Human Systems

  
  
  

• Chemistry - Grade 10

  0.5 Credit

  Prerequisites:  Conceptual Physics, Scientific Research, and Algebra 1

  Required tools:  TI-84 Plus Calculator

  
  

  This course covers properties of matter, periodic trends, atomic theory, nomenclature, chemical formulas, mole conversions, chemical composition, reactions, and stoichiometry. Students learn concepts and practical applications through lab activities and collaborative problem-solving. The course also covers laboratory techniques, experimental design, error analysis, and statistical analysis. Safe laboratory practices are emphasized and implemented. This semester-long course is complemented by the study of Biology.

  
  

  Students should demonstrate the personal skills of cooperation, perseverance, and responsibility appropriate for effective scientific investigation. They should be organized and comfortable with a variety of teaching techniques. Students should demonstrate good problem-solving skills such as using learned material in new situations and deciding which material is applicable in a given situation. 

  
  

  Units of Study

  Nature of Science and Laboratory Skills

  Classification and Atomic Theory

  Bonding and Nomenclature

  Counting Particles (The Mole)

  Chemical Reactions

  Stoichiometry

• Biology Honors - Grade 10

  0.5 Credit

  Prerequisites:  Scientific Research with a semester grade of A- or higher and an average test grade of A- or higher; Conceptual Physics with a semester grade of A- or higher and an average test grade of A- or higher and teacher recommendation. Grades in previous standard level math classes (Geometry or higher) of A-. Grades in previous honors-level math classes (Geometry Honors or higher) of B+. Teacher recommendation is also required.
  

  Required tools:  TI-84 Plus Calculator

  
  

  This course offers students an opportunity to explore basic concepts in Biology and their contributions to the characteristics of life. Students study the structures, functions, and processes of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Students will conduct independent research and statistical analysis. Students learn complex biological concepts through class discussions, collaborative groups, data collection, video presentations, and independent application of knowledge. Students who want to pursue IB science classes in their junior year would benefit from this class.  This semester-long course is complemented by the study of Chemistry Honors.

  
  

  This course is designed for independent, fast-paced learners with excellent reading comprehension and mathematics skills. The course allows for both prescribed and original experimental designs to encourage students to grow in their investigative and observational skills. Collected data is further delineated through statistical analysis and quantitative manipulation. 

  
  

  Students should demonstrate the personal skills of cooperation, perseverance, and responsibility appropriate for effective investigation and problem-solving. They should be organized and comfortable with fast-paced learning and a variety of teaching techniques. Students should demonstrate good problem-solving skills such as using learned material in new situations and deciding which material is applicable in a given situation. Students must also be independent learners who can comprehend and retain what they read.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Cell Biology

  Molecular Biology

  Genetics

  Ecology

  Evolution and Biodiversity

  Human Physiology

  
  
  

• Chemistry Honors - Grade 10

  0.5 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisites: Scientific Research with a semester grade of A- or higher and an average test grade of A- or higher; Conceptual Physics with a semester grade of A- or higher and an average test grade of A- or higher and teacher recommendation. Grades in previous standard level math classes (Geometry or higher) of A-. Grades in previous honors-level math classes (Geometry Honors or higher) of B+. Teacher recommendation is also required.
  
  

  Required tools:  TI-84 Plus Calculator

  
  

  This course covers properties of matter, periodic trends, atomic theory, nomenclature, chemical formulas, mole conversions, chemical composition, reactions, and stoichiometry. Students learn concepts and practical applications through lab activities and collaborative problem-solving. The course also covers laboratory techniques, experimental design, error analysis, and statistical analysis. Safe laboratory practices are emphasized and implemented. This semester-long course is complemented by the study of Biology Honors.

  
  

  Students should demonstrate the personal skills of cooperation, perseverance, and responsibility appropriate for effective scientific investigation. They should be organized and comfortable with fast-paced learning and a variety of teaching techniques. Students should demonstrate good problem-solving skills such as using learned material in new situations and deciding which material is applicable in a given situation. Students must also be independent learners who can comprehend and retain what they read.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Nature of Science and Laboratory Skills

  Classification and Atomic Theory

  Bonding and Nomenclature

  Counting Particles (The Mole)

  Chemical Reactions

  Stoichiometry

  
  
  

• Physics - Grades 11-12

  1 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisites:  B- or higher in Algebra 2/2H or Teacher Recommendation
  
  

  Required tools:  TI-84 Plus Calculator

  
  

  Physics is a course where the fundamental motions of the universe and equations that describe them will be modeled, discussed, and explored. This class offers an introduction to Algebra-based physics for non-IB students. Students learn through class discussions, demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and simulations. Students will interpret the results of observations, which involve the assessment of experimental errors and uncertainties. As in all laboratory science courses, students will conduct research through experimentation, developing all aspects of the scientific method. Students who are considering careers in STEM-based fields should strongly consider taking this course. It is crucial for students to be curious about the way the world works. Scientifically minded students will have great success in this course. This course can also help prepare students for IB Physics SL.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Scientific Thinking 

  Introduction to Forces

  Constant Velocity

  Constant Acceleration

  Constant Net Force

  Two Dimensional Motion

  Energy

  Electrostatics

  Circuits

  Waves & Sound 

  
  
  

• Chemistry 2 - Grades 11-12

  1 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisites:  Biology and Chemistry and grade of B- or higher in Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors
  
  

  Required tools:  TI-84 Plus Calculator

  
  

  This course covers deeper learning of properties of matter, gas laws, thermodynamics, bonding, intermolecular forces, reactions, stoichiometry, and forensics. Additional smaller topics will be covered pertaining to data analysis, instrumentation, conversions, and the nature of science. Students will learn concepts and practical application through discussion, group work, problem-solving and lab activities. The course also emphasizes safe laboratory techniques, experimental design, error analysis, and statistical analysis. This course is intended to supplement the semester-long introductory chemistry course. It also gives an opportunity to non-IB students to go further in chemistry and prepare for college. It is intended for students who plan to pursue careers in science, medicine, nursing, pharmacology, physical therapy, etc.

  
  

  In order to be successful in this course, students should demonstrate the personal skills of cooperation, perseverance, active participation, and responsibility. They should be organized and comfortable with a variety of teaching techniques. Students should demonstrate good problem-solving skills such as applying learned material to novel situations and deciding which material is applicable in a given situation.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Nature of Science and Laboratory Skills

  The Mole and Stoichiometry

  Gas Laws

  Thermodynamics

  Bonding

  Intermolecular Forces

  Organic Chemistry Topics

  
  
  

• Human Anatomy and Physiology - Grades 11-12

  1 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry and teacher recommendation

  
  

  The foundation of this course is the concept of homeostasis and how the body maintains stable internal conditions, if not also ideal performance. Fundamental structures, at least one core physiological process, and particular diseases or issues of note are explored in each unit. Successful students will have the discipline to memorize some information and connect it to larger medical or social issues, to study both independently and collaboratively, and to employ research and writing skills. Hands-on activities and labs, discussion of current events, research projects, and traditional worksheets, quizzes, and tests are used to reinforce content and develop information literacy. This class is strongly recommended for students who may want to pursue a career in health or medicine.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Cells and Tissues
  Skeletal System
  Muscular System
  Nervous System
  Circulatory System
  Respiratory System
  Digestive System
  Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
  Urinary System

  
  
  

• River and Environmental Systems - Grade 12

  Grade 12
  1 Credit
  
  Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
  

  
  

  This class offers senior students the opportunity to understand how river systems function and their connection to the overall environment. The course emphasizes the study of the James River system with a particular focus on environmental values, perspectives, and history. The course goes into detail about the current worldwide environmental issues using both the historical and modern James River as a direct example. In addition, the course serves as an overview of basic environmental sciences that allow students to draw connections between these systems.  This course is a hands-on, experience-based class. We use classroom activities to support numerous outings to the James River Park System, the environment around campus, Downtown Richmond, and other local James River tributaries. 

  
  

  As in all laboratory science courses, students will conduct research through experimentation thus developing all aspects of the scientific method. Additionally, because this class is hands-on and experiential in nature, students must be prepared to be outside in a variety of weather and possibly challenging conditions. All field experiences will be preceded or followed by classroom activities and traditional assignments. Students should be prepared to learn both inside and outside.

  
  

  It is recommended that students bring in a pair of rain boots or old shoes, as the class will frequently be walking in wet and muddy conditions.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Foundations of Environmental Science and River Systems 

  Geography and Mapping of Virginia’s Watersheds

  Water Properties, Water Quality, and the Water Cycle

  Biodiversity and Conservation

  Soil Science

  Atmospheric Science 

  Climate Change and Human Systems

  Environmental Action