The mission of the Owings Mills High School Science Department is to provide 21st century project-based learning to help students make sound scientific decisions today while preparing for tomorrow. This is accomplished through our commitment to teaching, using the most up to date materials available, and aligning our teaching and curriculum to the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will be challenged to develop critical thinking strategies by solving real-world phenomena.
Our goal is to build strong teacher-student relationships to help every child succeed in the science classroom. As a result, our students will be fully prepared to apply their knowledge of science in college as well as the work force.
Course Sequence and Curriculum Information from the Office of Science
Course Offerings
*Earth Systems
Earth Systems is a complex, problem based course designed to investigate processes that operate on Earth and also address its place in the universe. Earth consists of a set of systems - atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere - that are intricately interconnected. Students will explore how small changes, including human impact, in one part of one system can have large and sudden consequences in parts of other systems or have no effect at all.
*Living Systems
Students investigate the relationships between organisms. The study of life ranges from single molecules, through organisms and ecosystems, to the entire biosphere and its history that is all life on Earth. Students in this course explore the interconnected and interacting components of life.
*IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry)
Students investigate how systems or processes depend on physical and chemical sub processes. To understand the physical and chemical basis of a system, one must consider the structure of matter at the atomic and subatomic scale and discover how it influences the system's larger scale structures, properties, and function. The goal is to help students see that there are mechanisms of cause and effect in all systems.
AP Physics
This course is designed for students who intend to specialize in any kind of technical or scientific work. The course includes laboratory investigations in the study of motion, force, energy, momentum, electricity, magnetism, light, and relativity. Problem-solving and laboratory skills are emphasized.
AP Biology
The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course. The content of the course is grouped into the four big ideas of evolution, cell biology, genetics and ecology. This is a lab intensive course. Students who take AP Biology will also develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in subsequent college courses.
AP Environmental Science
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Topics in the course include Earth systems and resources, the living world, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. It is a rigorous science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis and that often include a laboratory component.
Forensic Science
This course emphasizes the integration of science in the legal process. Students learn the role of the forensic scientist and crime laboratory in a criminal investigation, as well as crime scene procedures including the simulation of a crime scene investigation and proper collection and analysis of evidence. Students learn about toxicology and anthropology and appropriate scientific analysis of physical evidence. Problem solving and critical thinking are emphasized during extensive hands-on laboratory activities. Students also receive an introduction into the workings and application of micro-spectrophotometry, gas chromatography, and the polarizing microscope.
Paramedical Biology
In Paramedical Biology, students use their knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to explain how body systems react to and are affected by injuries and medical emergencies. Included in this study are the legal aspects of patient care and the health care provider’s rights and responsibilities under the law. Students learn how to gather information at the scene of a medical emergency and provide basic life support techniques. Additionally, students will study selected aspects of human anatomy and physiology. The course includes hands-on laboratory work, outside readings, and investigation of allied health careers.
*Denotes new courses offered as we are currently piloting the NGSS courses for BCPS.