2025 - 2026 MCPS High School Course Bulletin

Science

3 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) credits, including life science aligned to the Life Science Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (LS MISA), physical science and one credit in Earth/space science or an NGSS course with the topics of Earth/space science integrated. Courses that satisfy those requirements are listed below.

The goal of the science program is for all students to achieve full scientific literacy through standards-aligned, problem-based instruction. Students apply content knowledge through scientific and engineering practices to solve relevant, non-routine problems. For high school graduation, each student must earn a minimum of 3 credits in science courses that are aligned to the Maryland Science Standards (Next Generation Science Standards)and approved for graduation credit. In selecting courses to meet the 3-credit requirement, students should seek a broad array of learning experiences that include experiences in each of the major disciplines of science

Life Science^1,2	Biology A and B (Honors, AP, or IB)
Physical Science² or Integrated	Chemistry³ A and B (Honors, AP, or IB) Physics³ A and B (Honors, AP, or IB) Astronomy with Physics³ A and B IB Sports Exercise and Health Science
Earth/Space Science² or Integrated	Chemistry³ A and B (Honors, AP, or IB) Physics³ A and B (Honors, AP, or IB) Astronomy with Physics³ A and B AP Biology³ AP Environmental Science A and B IB Environmental Systems A and B Earth Systems and Sustainability⁴ A and B IB Biology
¹Beginning with the 2023–2024 school year, the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for science and government will count as 20 percent of first time 9th graders final grade in the respective high school level science and government courses (Biology and NSL Government). ²Students in high school science magnet programs may complete these graduation requirements in NGSS-aligned, graduation credit approved magnet courses not listed in this course bulletin. Consult your school course bulletin for details. ³A single course may only be applied to fulfill a single disciplinary category as described in COMAR. Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy with Physics integrate physical science and Earth/space science disciplinary core ideas; completion of the course may fulfill either the physical science OR Earth/space science credit, not both. ⁴Course Intended for Emergent Multilingual Learners, levels I/II

ALTERNATIVE TO DISSECTION
Dissection is one of many instructional methods that may be used in laboratory science courses. Students/parents/guardians may request alternatives to dissection from the teacher. Alternatives may include such materials as videos, computer programs, films, models, transparencies, charts, diagrams, and textbook overlays.