Science Department Courses

The Earth Science course builds a knowledge base of the Earth’s place in the universe, the Earth’s systems, and Earth and human activity. Students learn about the universe as a whole including structure, composition, and history. In addition this course covers the structure, composition, and mechanisms driving Earth’s internal motions.

This course is designed for students with average or above average science capabilities. Student laboratory work is essential in the study of ecology, cytology, genetics, zoology, and botany. The Biology I End-of-Course exam is required at the end of this course, which counts for 20% of the student’s final grade.

This course is an enriched introduction to biological science including rigorous coverage of the topics covered at this level. Labs will include quantitative experiments. Biology 1 Honors will prepare students to take AP Biology. The Biology End-of-Course exam is required at the end of this course, which counts for 20% of the overall grade. 

This course takes the concepts learned in Biology 1 and applies them to other areas of science in a more in-depth study.  Topics covered are classification and taxonomy, microbiology and infectious diseases, an overview of fungi and plants, an overview of invertebrates and a more detailed study of vertebrates.

This course provides students with an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, solution chemistry, and acids and bases. Emphasis will be placed upon lab experiences and problem solving. 

This course takes a more in-depth focus on oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, acid/base chemistry, and equilibrium with a quantitative approach to prepare students for college chemistry. Labs will include qualitative and quantitative experiments. Chemistry 1 Honors is intended for students who have a strong interest and aptitude in both science and math and plan a college major in these areas. 

Honors Physics is an analytical study of motion, matter and energy that provides students with a foundation for the study of science in institutions of higher education. Topics include: scientific inquiry, force and motion, energy, electricity and magnetism, waves, sound, light and optics, thermodynamics and nuclear physics.

This course is designed to provide students with the principles, concepts, and methodologies required scientific to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and manmade, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. 

This course is designed for students to investigate the structure and function of mammalian body systems. The course features a laboratory-based learning environment where students discover knowledge through discussion, computer simulation, modeling, role-playing, presentation, and examination. Dissections are required. 

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes—energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. Students are required to take the AP Biology exam in May. There is an additional 1 unit required lab for students taking AP Biology. Students are required to take the AP Biology exam in May. 

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Created by the AP Chemistry Development Committee, the course curriculum is compatible with many Chemistry courses in colleges and universities. There is an additional 1 unit required lab for students taking AP Chemistry.  Students are required to take the AP Chemistry exam in May.