Course Descriptions
BIOLOGY SS0121, SS0122
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Biology is the study of living things and their relationships with the non-living world. The course focuses on topics in cell biology, heredity, change-over-time and the relation-ship of organisms to their environment. Through supple-mental lab experiences, students will further explore the subject matter through the application of the scientific method and problem solving strategies.
BIOLOGY HONORS SS0141, SS0142
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Biology Honors is the study of living things and their relationships with the non-living world. The course focuses on topics in cell biology, heredity, change-over-time and the relationship of organisms to their environment. Students will develop and utilize scientific skills including; scientific inquiry, problem solving, critical thinking, and the scientific habits of mind in studying biological processes. An honors course seeks to have students work more independently to make deep conceptual connections between concepts and topics in the areas of molecular biology, bio-chemistry and cell biology and other topic areas as well.
AP BIOLOGY SS0151, SS0152
Length/Credit: 1 year 1.5 periods / 1.0
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: 2 years of lab science including Biology
Other Info: AP Exam is required
AP Biology is the advanced and in-depth study of living organisms. Connections are made between living things and their environment and also an in-depth examination is made of cellular processes, the molecular and bio-chemical principles of life and how living systems reproduce and change over time. The subject matter is also explored through numerous laboratory and field investigations that support and expand on the curriculum.
CHEMISTRY SS2021, SS2022
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and 1 year of lab science
Chemistry is the study of the structure and properties of matter and the interactions of matter and energy. Students investigate the structure of the atom with a goal towards under-standing the physical and chemical properties of elements, and chemical compounds and molecules. Chemical bonding, reactions and energy transformations are additional topics studied. Students will further explore chemistry concepts through laboratory investigations that emphasize the application of the scientific method and problem solving strategies.
CHEMISTRY HONORS SS2041, SS2042
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and 1 year of lab science
Chemistry Honors is the study of the structure and properties of matter and the interactions of matter and energy. Students investigate the structure of the atom with a goal towards understanding the physical and chemical properties of elements, and chemical compounds and molecules. Chemical bonding, reactions and energy transformations are additional topics studied. Students will further explore chemistry concepts through laboratory investigations that emphasize the application of the scientific method and problem solving strategies. An honors course seeks to have students work more independently to make deep conceptual connections between concepts and topics in the areas of atomic theory, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and other areas, as well.
AP CHEMISTRY SS2051, SS2052
Length/Credit: 1 year 1.5 periods / 1.0
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: 2 years of lab science including Chemistry
Other Info: AP Exam is required
AP Chemistry is the advanced study of the structure and properties of matter equivalent to a college level course. Stu-dents are provided with an in-depth examination of the chemical and physical properties of matter, with supportive and exploratory laboratory investigations.
DYNAMIC EARTH SCIENCE SS3321, SS3322
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Dynamic Earth Science is a laboratory-based course that studies our planet, our universe and the processes that govern them. Students apply biology, chemistry, physics and mathematical concepts to learn about the changes in our universe and specifically our planet. The course includes current processes that affect society, such as geologic and weather related hazards. Students will also learn about natural resources society acquires from the earth.
DYNAMIC EARTH SCIENCE HONORS SS3341, SS3342
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Dynamic Earth Science is a laboratory-based course that studies our planet, our universe and the processes that govern them. At the Honors level, students will develop and complete laboratory investigations more independently by applying more biology, chemistry, physics and mathematical concepts to learn about the changes in our universe and specifically our planet. The course includes current processes that affect society, such as geologic and weather related hazards. Students will also learn about natural resources society ac-quires from the earth.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SS5021, SS5022
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Two years of lab science
This is a field based course that integrates concepts in biology and earth science in order to study our local environment. The course will focus on investigating biodiversity, habitats, and environmental concerns due to human impact. The course centers on challenging students to confront problems, collect and analyze data, and develop solutions to real-world problems. The course may include a component on restoration and sustainability of habitats.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SS5051, SS5052
Length/Credit: 1 year 1.5 periods / 1.0
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Two years of lab science including Biology
Other Info: AP Environmental Science Exam is required
This is a field based course that integrates concepts in biology and earth science in order to study our local environment. The course will focus on investigating biodiversity, habitats, and environmental concerns due to human impact. This course challenges students to confront problems, collect and analyze data, and develop solutions to real-world problems. The course may include a component on restoration and sustainability of habitats. Independent and advanced work is required of the AP student who needs to utilize increased abstract problem solving and inquiry skills to be successful.
INTEGRATED CHEMISTRY-BIOLOGY I HONORS SS1141, SS1142
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 9
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Integrated Chemistry-Biology Honors is the introductory science course in a two-year honors sequence which
integrates chemistry and biology. Students who take ICB I will take ICB II the following year. The first year focuses on chemistry, emphasizing the structure of matter, its properties and its structure-function relationships. Students in this honors class will explore the structure of the atom at a more conceptual level and a solid algebra foundation is required for investigations into isotopes, balancing of equations, conversions, and for an understanding of moles and molarity. This first year course provides students with a pre-AP level of chemistry in preparation for the molecular biology encountered in the second year honors ICB class. Labs provide students with basic skills in scientific inquiry and problem solving.
INTEGRATED CHEMISTRY-BIOLOGY II HONORS SS1241, SS1242
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade: 10
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated Chemistry- Biology I Honors
Honors Integrated Chemistry-Biology II is the second year of a two year sequence. During the second year, students focus on the study of living things and their relationships with the non-living world. The chemistry concepts and applications learned during the first year are now used to increase student understanding of biological systems. This second year course focuses on topics in cell biology, heredity, change-over-time and the relationship between organisms and environment. There is a strong emphasis on molecular biology and bio-chemistry. Laboratory experiences provide students with opportunities to explore the subject matter using the scientific method and problem solving strategies. This sequence helps students make conceptual connections, work independently, and explore science through the lenses of molecular biology, bio-chemistry, and cell biology.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE SS4021, SS4022
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I recommended. Not open to students who have taken Chemistry or Physics.
Physical Science is the study of foundational topics in chemistry and physics. Concepts in atomic structure and chemical and physical properties of matter are examined along with basic forces of nature, and concepts of energy and its relationship to matter. There is a strong emphasis in this course on hands-on problem solving, scientific inquiry, and the practical applications of the concepts examined.
PHYSICS SS4221, SS4222
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: 2 lab sciences . Geometry recommended.
Physics is the study of the laws and principles that govern matter and energy. Students explore concepts in physics that include: motion, forces, energy, waves, and other topics. Student observe, interpret and analyze phenomena and data from hands-on laboratory investigations that are intended to lead to deeper conceptual connections about the nature of the laws and principles that govern these topic areas.
AP PHYSICS 1 SS4351, SS4352
Length/Credit: 1 year / 1.0
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: 2 years of lab sciences and Algebra II
AP Exam is required
This is algebra-based course covers content found in a typical first semester college physics course and replaces what used to be Honors Physics: Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. There will be emphasis on problem solving, critical thinking and hands-on experimentation.
AP PHYSICS 2 SS4451, SS4452
Length/Credit: 1 year 1.5 periods / 1.0
Grade(s): 12
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1
Other Info: AP Exam is required
This course builds on knowledge and skills gained in AP Physics 1 by introducing new topics typically studied in a second semester college physics course; fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; atomic and nuclear physics. Emphasis is on inquiry and developing a deep understanding of the content, as well as problem solving, critical thinking and hands-on experimentation.
AP PHYSICS C SS4551, SS4552
Length/Credit: 1 year 1.5 periods / 1.0
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Calculus or AP Physics 1 with concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus.
Other Info: AP Exam is required
This course combines two typical one-semester college calculus-based physics courses. Mechanics covers kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation, and oscillation. Electricity and Magnetism builds on mechanics with the addition of forces exerted on charged particles, electric and magnetic fields, electric circuits and their components, and the nature of electromagnetic radiation. This course is designed for students interested in majoring in physics and/or engineering in college. Two AP Exams are required (Mechanics & Electricity and Magnetism).
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I SS6123
Length/Credit: 1 semester / 0.5
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: 2 years of lab science
Anatomy and Physiology I is a broad survey of the major systems of the human body. Students will use models,
diagrams, computer programs, and other methods to learn about human systems such as muscular, skeletal, digestive, circulatory, nervous, etc. Students will learn to recognize all major organs/structures associated with each system as well as to understand the function of each and their relationship to the function of the system and body as a whole.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II SS6223
Length/Credit: 1 semester / 0.5
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Anatomy & Physiology I
This course is a continuation of Anatomy & Physiology I. Additional human systems are studied.
ASTRONOMY SS6323
Length/Credit: 1 semester / 0.5
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: 2 years of lab science
Astronomy is the study of celestial objects such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. Students will study the current theory of the evolution of our universe from the Big Bang Theory to the formation of our solar system. Students will also be introduced to concepts in astrophysics including gravitation, cosmic background radiation, red/blue shift, relativity, and the physics of space flight. The future of space exploration and its potential societal impact will also be investigated.
FORENSICS SS6423
Length/Credit: 1 semester / 0.5
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: 2 years of lab science
Forensics is a lab-based science course that applies biological, chemical and physical science principles, as well as technological practices to collect and process evidence related to criminal and civil issues. Major concepts/themes covered in the course are crime scene processing, finger-printing and print lifting, trace evidence using microscopy, physical evidence, biological evidence and the role of DNA fingerprinting in the crime lab. Students will be required to use prior knowledge and scientific reasoning to help deter-mine causation and justification in open-ended scenarios. Analysis of real life events will be incorporated into the curriculum as appropriate.
OCEANOGRAPHY SS6523
Length/Credit: 1 semester / 0.5
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: 2 years of lab science
Oceanography is a one semester elective lab course that explores the physical, chemical and biological processes that operate in our oceans. Students learning will focus on the structures and properties of the ocean and how the processes of the oceans shape weather and climate. The course culminates with a look at human impact.