March will the last time high school students will have to pass a science test in order to receive a diploma.

But, students shouldn't expect to get off the hook when it comes to science in graduation testing. Over the last few years, the state has gradually transitioned the science test to a biology test, said Larry Hooks, Fort Payne City schools administrative assistant to the superintendent.

"We've been giving a biology and a science exam for the last two years," Hooks said. "It's been gradually transitioned to a biology test. This March will be the last time the science test is given. There is a little more rigor to the biology test. It's a little tougher test."

The change from science to biology was mandated by the Alabama Department of Education. The difference in terminology of science and biology may seem a little confusing. But, the biology test encompasses the majority of the objectives for the science test and expands on those objectives.

For example, the science objectives included questions on tracing matter and energy transfer, the periodic table, identifying physical and chemical changes, differentiating the characteristics of plants, animals and ecosystems and Newton's three laws of motion.

The biology objectives are defined in 16 different categories that cover a wide range of study. Students will be required to use lab equipment for experiments, understanding homeostasis, photosynthesis, biological division and the ability to identify cells, organ systems, populations, communities and ecosystems. Students will also be tested on Mendel's laws, DNA, RNA, different types of plants, classify animals, describe animal adaptations and understanding how energy flows through the food chains.

In order to receive a diploma, students must pass a graduation test that covers five fields of study. Hooks said the students are tested in math, social studies, language, reading and, currently, science and biology. After the graduation exams are administered in March, the science test will be replaced by the biology test.

Underclassmen, however, will have an opportunity to grandfather in and pass the science test before the transition to biology is complete. In March, juniors will be able to take the test, as well as sophomores, who take the test as a pre-graduation test. Ninth-graders currently have an opportunity to pass what is termed an Early Opportunity Test in math or biology.

However, Hooks said, the freshmen students must first pass biology or algebra before they can take the Early Opportunity Test.

"Tenth-graders will have the opportunity to take the test as a pre-graduation test," Hooks said. "It won't be counted against them if they fail the test, but it will count toward their graduation requirements if they pass the test.

"Students have to pass all areas of the graduation exam in order to get a diploma. They get the requirements in the ninth grade, so they know what they have to pass."

DeKalb County schools will give the last science test March 21 at 8 a.m.

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