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Pullman High School

Course Guide - Laboratory Sciences Courses

Laboratory Science Courses

Laboratory Science courses engage students in hands-on exploration of scientific concepts through subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. These classes build critical thinking and investigative skills while deepening students’ understanding of the natural world.

A flowchart outlining different laboratory science course pathways for high school students, including traditional, alternative, and CTE/FFA focus routes.

  • Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

    This course is designed to support students in future high school courses. We will practice the skills necessary to be successful in high school science by working on scientific reading, graphing, mathematical reasoning and lab procedures. Course work will be completed in class. Course will be assigned based on teacher recommendation.

    Offered: Full Year

  • By studying biology, we can learn about how we influence and are influenced by the living world around us. In this course we cover roughly four units as we investigate life from its smallest units (Cells, Genetics) to the Earth's larger living systems (Evolution, Ecology). In addition to teaching biological concepts, this course aims to develop students' abilities to apply knowledge and systems-level thinking in order to answer big questions and solve problems. Honors level work may be available to students in Biology. The instructor will provide information early in the course. 

    Offered: Full Year

  • Equivalent to Biology SC 22 

    This course integrates biological science practices as it relates to agriculture. This class utilizes the same standards and content as Biology class, just with hands-on experience of life science based on real world experiences of agriculture. This biology course is separated into four roughly equal units: cells, genetics, evolution and ecology. As we learn together, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the living world around you. Through this class, students will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and participate in the FFA organization, the largest intra-curricular leadership organization in the U.S. for high school students. Honors level work may be available to students in this course. The instructor will provide information early in the course.

    Offered: Full Year

    CTE or Science credit

  • Prerequisite: Biology or Biology AG or equivalent

    Physical Science provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of Physics and Chemistry through a variety of laboratory experiments and classroom activities. Topics include Thermodynamics, Properties of Matter, Chemical Bonds, Wave dynamics and Basic Mechanics. This is supplemented with extensions into science basics, science literacy and applications like astronomy and mechanical engineering. Students can expect a variety of individual and group activities throughout the year. 

    Offered: Full Year

  • Equivalent to Physical Science SC11 

    Prerequisite: Biology or Biology AG or equivalent

    This class utilizes the same standards and content as the Physical Science class, just with hands on experience of life science based on real world experiences of agriculture. Using agriculture as the learning vehicle, this course emphasizes the principles, standards, central concepts and interrelationships in the physical science education. Some of the different activities’ students will be doing for this class are: wind turbines to learn about energy, work, power and wiring to making hand warmers. Course standards are aligned with Washington State Academic Learning Standards and the class still prepares you for later science classes both in High School and after. Through this class, students will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and participate in the FFA club/organization. 

    Offered: Full Year 

    CTE or Science credit

  • Prerequisites: Two high school science credits (Biology and Physical Science or Ag equivalents) and enrolled in Algebra II or higher

    Chemistry is a college preparatory course that begins to explain matter. How it is connected to life on earth and how it is supported by an understanding of physics. Students who take chemistry are usually planning to attend a 2 or 4-year college where they will be expected to take science classes no matter their major. Students who do best in chemistry genuinely want to learn new ideas, not merely turn work in. Students who are prepared for chemistry are those who mastered a fair amount of the concepts in Algebra-I, Physical Science and Biology. Students will be expected to ask questions, drive their learning, complete application projects and challenge themselves. Honors level work may be available to students in Chemistry. The instructor will provide information early in the course. 

    Offered: Full Year

  • Prerequisite: Junior/Senior Biology and Physical Science

    Explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Participate in hands-on, laboratory and field investigations to apply scientific principles, concepts and methodologies in order to better understand our natural systems and to critically think about environmental issues and potential solutions.

  • Prerequisite: Two high school science credits (Biology and physical or AG science or ag equivalents) and enrolled in Precal or higher. 

    AP Chemistry is a college-level introductory course that delves into the broad topics of chemistry. Students who take AP Chemistry are usually planning to attend a 2 or 4-year college and sit the AP Chemistry Exam. Students who do best in AP Chemistry genuinely want to learn new ideas, will attempt to solve problems on their own and will actively seek feedback and help. Students who are prepared for AP Chemistry are those who mastered most to all of the concepts in Algebra-I, Physical Science and Biology. Students will be expected to ask questions, drive their learning, solve very complex problems and challenge themselves. 

    Offered: Full Year

  • Prerequisite: Biology and Physical Science and completion of Pre-Cal or higher

    The most effective means to understand Physics principles is through experimental learning. Students will learn the basic principles of mechanics, electromagnetism, wave mechanics and thermodynamics, in an interactive environment. Emphasis is placed on graphic and numerical analysis, group discussion and project-based labs. Concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or Calculus is recommended. The requirements for earning college credit will be provided in writing by the instructor at the beginning of the course. Students taking College in High School courses will not be required to pay any college level tuition or fees. Enrolling in any College in the High School program for both high school and college credit automatically starts an official college transcript regardless of a student’s performance in the course. See Appendix C for more information. 

    Offered: Full Year

    College credit may be available

  • Prerequisite: Biology & Physical Science or Chemistry and Biology

    This is a one-year lab science course designed for students interested in a career in advanced biological, veterinary and health sciences. This lecture-heavy course includes an intensive study in human anatomy and physiology, the structure and function of tissues and organ systems, as well as possible disorders of these systems. The lab portion of the course will include a comparative anatomy dissection, various research projects, microscopy and physiology experiments. 

  • Prerequisite: Junior/Senior Level Class Biology and Physical Science

    Plant Science I class provides students with a practical understanding of plant morphology, anatomy and growth of plant crops. Students will develop the knowledge needed to understand plants, their processes and greenhouse management through the use of inquiry and application. Students will apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in our greenhouse. Standards are aligned with Washington State Academic Learning Standards. Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit through Walla Walla Community College through this class. To receive college credit, students must earn an A or B in this course along with completion of a portfolio. Through this class, students will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and participate in the FFA club/organization. To receive college credit, students must earn an A or B in this course. Credit is only available for either Plant Science I or II, not both. The instructor will provide registration information for college enrollment.

    Offered: Full Year 

    CTE or Science credit

    College credit may be available 

  • NEXT OFFERED 2025-26

    Prerequisite: Junior/Senior Biology and Physical Science.

    This course offers students the opportunity to further explore the animal science field. Students will be exposed to the world of animal science through class discussion, inquiry-based labs, indoor/outdoor activities and field trips. Students will utilize science knowledge and skills to develop solutions to real world problems. Subjects emphasized are biological systems and animal management systems with a strong emphasis on veterinary sciences. Medical terminology, discussion of animal issues and & problem solving will also be heavily emphasized. Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit through Walla Walla Community College through this class. To receive college credit, students must earn an A or B in this course. The instructor will provide registration information for college enrollment. Through this class, students will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and participate in the FFA club/organization. Rotates annually with Science. 

    Offered: Full Year

    CTE or Science credit 

    College credit may be available 

  • Prerequisite: Plant Science I, Biology and Physical Science.

    This course is designed to provide students with an advanced practical experience in the horticultural industry. Classroom work will be combined with projects in the greenhouse along with floral design. Golf and turf grass management, as well as, landscaping will also be introduced. Plant identification and propagation will continue to be an emphasis in this class. Students will also learn about marketing, selling, pricing and communication skills in the horticulture settings. Through this class, students will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and participate in the FFA club/organization. To receive college credit, students must earn an A or B in this course. Credit is only available for either Plant Science I or II, not both. The instructor will provide registration information for college enrollment. 

    Offered: Full Year

    CTE or Science credit 

    College credit may be available

  • Prerequisite: Junior/Senior Biology and Physical Science.

    This laboratory science course will focus on animal health, animal pathology and animal production. Topics include animal anatomy and systems dissections, medical terminology, animal behavior, handling techniques, advanced nutrition, disease pathology and disease control, safety and sanitation in the animal laboratory and animal reproductive anatomy and breeding programs. Students will be responsible for the demonstration of skills and competencies through labs, scientific research and assessment of classroom projects. Students must be able to work in a team/group environment and be able to stay focused and self-directed. Upon successful completion of the program, optional testing is available for students to become a Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1. Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit through Walla Walla Community College through this class. To receive college credit, students must earn an A or B in this course. The instructor will provide registration information for college enrollment. Rotates annually with Animal Science. 

    Offered: Full Year 

    CTE or Science credit

    College credit may be available

  • Prerequisite: Junior/Senior & Enrolled in Algebra I 

    AP Computer Science A is a college-level introductory computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding in Java through analyzing, writing and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables and control structures. Students who take AP CSA are usually planning to attend a 2 or 4-year college and will sit the AP CSA exam in the spring. Students who do best in AP Computer Science genuinely want to learn new ideas and how to code. Students who are prepared for AP CSA have solid algebra and logic skills, but do NOT need to have ANY coding experience. Students will be expected to ask questions, drive their learning, complete application projects and challenge themselves. 

    Offered: Full Year

    CTE or Science or Math (beyond Geometry) credit