BY GABY FLORES, CDO Senior

Seniors have probably never imagined sharing a class with freshmen. Until this year. After countless hours of planning and accommodations, the freshman science requirements have changed, with Biology replacing Integrated Science. Currently, freshmen are required to be enrolled in a biology class, from Human Biology to General Biology or Pre-AP Biology. Principal Michael Gemma hopes with the three selections "All students will be successful in their biology classes."

"A change in the AIMS test has caused the [biology] change to occur. Whereas the AIMS test normally tests Reading, Writing and Math, this spring Biology will be introduced to the exam. The AIMS science test will be a field test this year, meaning it won't be a graduation requirement at first, but eventually it will be," said Mrs. Brenda Wolpa, Science Department Chair.

Principal Gemma, along with the science department, was informed by the Arizona Department of Education during the spring of last year, so the change was not listed in the course description booklet. Finding an appropriate textbook for this year's biology specific curriculum was an undertaking Dr. Ray Siemankowski, CDO biology teacher, embarked on.

With 30 other Arizona science teachers, including an Amphitheater High school Science Department Chair, Mrs. Carrie Bejarano, Dr. Siemankowski attended Project Prime at Northern Arizona University. The program emphasized choosing education materials. Dr. Siemankowski and fellow Amphitheater High school teacher selected “Insights in Biology.”

"Where a traditional Biology course centers on reading assignments and lectures, this course is student centered, meaning it's hands-on, which I feel suits freshman," Dr. Siemankowski said.

Human Biology, one of the new courses offered to freshmen is for students interested in how the body operates, while Pre-AP Biology is for students who exhibit a high interest in science.

The consensus among science teachers is that the change was necessary, but they were satisfied with the original sequence.

"I particularly liked the sequence before as I felt Integrated Science provided students with a strong basic background of science, but I have confidence biology teachers will provide this foundation for freshmen," said Dr. Charlene Stone, CDO biology teacher.

Principal Gemma echoes similar words stating "I always prided myself on the fact that CDO offered Physical Science before other science courses, but the change is a mandate so students can be adequately prepared for the AIMS exam."

Eventually, seniors will not share their science classroom with freshmen, but as the transitional year progresses, many must cope with the decisions being made on their behalf.