Curriculum
Curriculum
Below is a sample of the required and elective course offerings for the Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Please note, for the most up-to-date information about course offerings, please contact Mrs. Jill Rich at jarich@henrico.k12.va.us
Electives
- Advanced Principles in Ecology
- AP Human Geography
- Foreign Language
- Economics and Personal Finance
Biology Principles through the Environment
This course explores the fundamental principles of biology within the context of environmental science and sustainability. Through lectures, discussions, laboratory exercises, and fieldwork, students will examine how biological processes shape and are influenced by the environment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding ecological relationships, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. By integrating biology with environmental studies, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environments.
Energy Supply, Sustainability and Efficiency
This course delves into the complex interplay between energy supply, sustainability and efficiency in the modern world. Through interdisciplinary perspectives, students will examine the various sources of energy, their environmental impacts, and strategies for enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the social, economic and environmental dimensions of energy systems, as well as exploring innovative solutions for a more sustainable energy future.
Energy Demand, Sustainability and Efficiency
This course examines the dynamics of energy demand, the challenges of sustainability, and the strategies for enhancing energy efficiency. Students will explore the factors influencing energy consumption patterns, analyze the environmental and social implications of energy use, and evaluate policy interventions aimed at promoting sustainability. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the interconnectedness of energy systems, economic development and environmental stewardship.
Biotechnology Foundations for Technology Education
This course provides an overview of the principles, techniques and applications of biotechnology in diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture, environmental science and industry. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of molecular biology, genetic engineering and bioprocessing, and their practical applications in research and commercial settings. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the ethical, social and regulatory issues surrounding biotechnology, as well as its potential for addressing global challenges.
Chemistry Principles Through the Environment
This course explores the fundamental principles of chemistry within the context of environmental science and sustainability. Through lectures, laboratory exercises, and fieldwork, students will examine the chemical processes shaping the environment, the impact of human activities on chemical cycles, and strategies for mitigating environmental pollution. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the chemical composition of natural systems, pollutants, and the role of chemistry in addressing environmental challenges.
Geospatial Information Systems I, Dual Enrollment
Geospatial Technology I is an introductory course that explores the principles, tools and applications of geospatial technologies in environmental science, geography, urban planning and other disciplines. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical exercises, students will learn how to collect, analyze and visualize geospatial data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and remote sensing techniques. Emphasis will be placed on developing essential skills in spatial data management, cartography and spatial analysis, as well as understanding the ethical and societal implications of geospatial technologies.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems I , Dual Enrollment
Unmanned Aerial Systems I is an introductory course that explores the principles, technologies and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical exercises, students will learn about the design, operation, regulations, and ethical considerations of UAVs. Emphasis will be placed on developing essential skills in UAV flight planning, piloting, data acquisition and processing, as well as understanding the various applications of UAS in fields such as mapping, environmental monitoring, agriculture and disaster response. Students will have the opportunity to take the FAA Part 107 Unmanned Pilot’s License test to receive their certification.
Environmental Physics - science option #1
Environmental Physics is an interdisciplinary course that explores the application of physics principles to understand and address environmental issues. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, mathematical modeling and practical applications, students will explore the physical processes governing Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the interactions between physical phenomena and environmental systems, as well as the role of physics in addressing global challenges such as climate change, air and water pollution, and natural hazards.
AP Physics – science option #2
The AP Physics course is an advanced-level physics program designed to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive study of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics and modern physics. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory experiments, problem-solving exercises and inquiry-based learning activities, students will develop a deep understanding of fundamental physics concepts and principles. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, mathematical reasoning and experimental skills necessary for success in college-level physics courses and the AP Physics exam.
Geospatial Information Systems II, Dual Enrollment
Geospatial Technology II is an advanced-level course that further explores the principles, techniques, and applications of geospatial technologies in environmental science, geography, urban planning and other disciplines. Building upon the knowledge acquired in Geospatial Technology I, this course delves deeper into advanced topics such as spatial analysis, geodatabase design, web GIS and geospatial programming. Through hands-on projects, case studies, and practical exercises, students will develop advanced skills in spatial data analysis, geoprocessing and application development, preparing them for careers in geospatial science, research, and industry.
Environmental Biology, Dual-enrollment
Environmental Biology is a dual enrollment course designed to explore the principles of biology within the context of environmental science. This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships between living organisms and their environment, as well as the ecological processes that shape ecosystems. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and independent research projects, students will examine the structure and function of ecosystems, the impact of human activities on biodiversity and natural resources, and strategies for environmental conservation and sustainability. This course is designed to meet the requirements of both high school and college-level biology curricula, allowing students to earn college credit while fulfilling high school graduation requirements.
AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science is a college-level course offered by the College Board that explores the scientific principles, methodologies, and problems related to the natural world, including pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. It is an interdisciplinary course that integrates concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and geology to understand environmental systems and human impacts.
Senior Capstone Project
A capstone project is a culminating academic experience that integrates and applies knowledge, skills and concepts acquired throughout a student's academic program. Capstone projects are typically undertaken in the final year of study and serve as a comprehensive assessment of a student's learning and readiness for graduation. Students work independently or in groups to complete a significant research, design, or practical project that addresses a specific problem, question or challenge within their field of study.
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Biology Principles through the Environment
This course explores the fundamental principles of biology within the context of environmental science and sustainability. Through lectures, discussions, laboratory exercises, and fieldwork, students will examine how biological processes shape and are influenced by the environment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding ecological relationships, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. By integrating biology with environmental studies, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environments.Energy Supply, Sustainability and Efficiency
This course delves into the complex interplay between energy supply, sustainability and efficiency in the modern world. Through interdisciplinary perspectives, students will examine the various sources of energy, their environmental impacts, and strategies for enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the social, economic and environmental dimensions of energy systems, as well as exploring innovative solutions for a more sustainable energy future. -
Energy Demand, Sustainability and Efficiency
This course examines the dynamics of energy demand, the challenges of sustainability, and the strategies for enhancing energy efficiency. Students will explore the factors influencing energy consumption patterns, analyze the environmental and social implications of energy use, and evaluate policy interventions aimed at promoting sustainability. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the interconnectedness of energy systems, economic development and environmental stewardship.Biotechnology Foundations for Technology Education
This course provides an overview of the principles, techniques and applications of biotechnology in diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture, environmental science and industry. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of molecular biology, genetic engineering and bioprocessing, and their practical applications in research and commercial settings. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the ethical, social and regulatory issues surrounding biotechnology, as well as its potential for addressing global challenges.Chemistry Principles Through the Environment
This course explores the fundamental principles of chemistry within the context of environmental science and sustainability. Through lectures, laboratory exercises, and fieldwork, students will examine the chemical processes shaping the environment, the impact of human activities on chemical cycles, and strategies for mitigating environmental pollution. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the chemical composition of natural systems, pollutants, and the role of chemistry in addressing environmental challenges. -
Geospatial Information Systems I, Dual Enrollment
Geospatial Technology I is an introductory course that explores the principles, tools and applications of geospatial technologies in environmental science, geography, urban planning and other disciplines. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical exercises, students will learn how to collect, analyze and visualize geospatial data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and remote sensing techniques. Emphasis will be placed on developing essential skills in spatial data management, cartography and spatial analysis, as well as understanding the ethical and societal implications of geospatial technologies.Unmanned Aircraft Systems I , Dual Enrollment
Unmanned Aerial Systems I is an introductory course that explores the principles, technologies and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical exercises, students will learn about the design, operation, regulations, and ethical considerations of UAVs. Emphasis will be placed on developing essential skills in UAV flight planning, piloting, data acquisition and processing, as well as understanding the various applications of UAS in fields such as mapping, environmental monitoring, agriculture and disaster response. Students will have the opportunity to take the FAA Part 107 Unmanned Pilot’s License test to receive their certification.Environmental Physics - science option #1
Environmental Physics is an interdisciplinary course that explores the application of physics principles to understand and address environmental issues. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, mathematical modeling and practical applications, students will explore the physical processes governing Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the interactions between physical phenomena and environmental systems, as well as the role of physics in addressing global challenges such as climate change, air and water pollution, and natural hazards.AP Physics – science option #2
The AP Physics course is an advanced-level physics program designed to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive study of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics and modern physics. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory experiments, problem-solving exercises and inquiry-based learning activities, students will develop a deep understanding of fundamental physics concepts and principles. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, mathematical reasoning and experimental skills necessary for success in college-level physics courses and the AP Physics exam. -
Geospatial Information Systems II, Dual Enrollment
Geospatial Technology II is an advanced-level course that further explores the principles, techniques, and applications of geospatial technologies in environmental science, geography, urban planning and other disciplines. Building upon the knowledge acquired in Geospatial Technology I, this course delves deeper into advanced topics such as spatial analysis, geodatabase design, web GIS and geospatial programming. Through hands-on projects, case studies, and practical exercises, students will develop advanced skills in spatial data analysis, geoprocessing and application development, preparing them for careers in geospatial science, research, and industry.Environmental Biology, Dual-enrollment
Environmental Biology is a dual enrollment course designed to explore the principles of biology within the context of environmental science. This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships between living organisms and their environment, as well as the ecological processes that shape ecosystems. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and independent research projects, students will examine the structure and function of ecosystems, the impact of human activities on biodiversity and natural resources, and strategies for environmental conservation and sustainability. This course is designed to meet the requirements of both high school and college-level biology curricula, allowing students to earn college credit while fulfilling high school graduation requirements.AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science is a college-level course offered by the College Board that explores the scientific principles, methodologies, and problems related to the natural world, including pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. It is an interdisciplinary course that integrates concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and geology to understand environmental systems and human impacts.Senior Capstone Project
A capstone project is a culminating academic experience that integrates and applies knowledge, skills and concepts acquired throughout a student's academic program. Capstone projects are typically undertaken in the final year of study and serve as a comprehensive assessment of a student's learning and readiness for graduation. Students work independently or in groups to complete a significant research, design, or practical project that addresses a specific problem, question or challenge within their field of study.
