SCIENCE

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1

Grades: 9th Grade Only

Description:

Students will explore the varying levels of organization by studying life at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Using phenomenon-driven storylines, students will be making sense of our natural world by integrating different areas of biology together, along with authentic data, to solve problems. Topics include ecology, cellular energy, DNA, genetics, protein synthesis, and evolution. Students will develop their understanding through daily modeling, small group collaboration, hands-on lab, class discussion, and simulated experiences. This class will satisfy the Biology graduation requirement. 

Prerequisite: Previous Science Teacher Recommendation -- Must maintain a C or above.

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 9th Grade Only

Description:

This is a  full year course taught at a rigorous pace. Students will explore the varying levels of organization by studying life at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Using phenomenon-driven storylines, students will be making sense of our natural world by integrating biology concepts with authentic data to solve problems. Topics include ecology, cellular energy, DNA, genetics, protein synthesis and evolution. Students will develop their understanding through daily modeling, small group collaboration, hands-on lab work and class discussion. Students will experience phenomenon-driven curriculum at a faster pace and process the phenomena at a higher level of complexity in Honors Biology compared to Biology.

This class will satisfy the Biology graduation requirement.

Prerequisite: See description for more information

Credit: 1

Grades: 9th - 12th Grade

Description:

This is a general chemistry class emphasizing microscopic-level understandings of the natural world. The class will be anchored in the study of real-life phenomena. Students will work in the lab and on activities to develop models and make sense of chemistry content. Science and engineering practices will be emphasized throughout the year. Content areas of emphasis include atomic structure and theory, matter, and energy, and changes to matter. Topics are experienced through lab, lecture, and demonstrations while emphasizing hands-on learning. Students will develop the ability to explain macroscopic phenomena using microscopic models. Many STEM-based careers include a chemistry component as part of the college pathway, this course will help prepare students for challenging science courses in the future. Students planning on pursuing a STEM-related degree should minimally finish the trio of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. 

Thinking about this course? Consider this!

Current 8th graders: This course is available to incoming 9th graders who have a passion for science and are ready to keep up with challenging coursework. You must have also already taken algebra and scored a C or higher. AND, you must be concurrently taking either Biology or Honors Biology. Counselor conversation required before enrolling

Other Grades:

We suggest a Grade of C or higher in Biology. You also need to have scored a C or higher in Algebra or a C or higher in a post Algebra math class.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation -- See description for more information

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 9th - 12th Grade

Description:

This is a general chemistry class moving at an accelerated pace, emphasizing microscopic level understandings of the natural world. Class will be anchored in the study of real-life phenomena. Students will work in the lab and on activities to develop models and make sense of chemistry content. Science and engineering practices will be emphasized throughout the year. Content areas of emphasis include atomic structure and theory, matter and energy, and changes to matter. Topics are experienced through lab, lecture and demonstrations while emphasizing hands-on learning. Students will develop the ability to explain macroscopic phenomena using microscopic models. Honors Chemistry places a larger emphasis on mathematical relationships inside the previously listed topics and therefore moves more quickly through the course material than Regular Chemistry. Many STEM based careers include a chemistry component as part of the college pathway. Honors Chemistry will do a wonderful job preparing students to be successful in the traditionally difficult college chemistry course.

Students planning on pursuing a STEM related degree should minimally finish the trio of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Thinking about this course? Consider this!

Current 8th graders: This course is available to incoming 9th graders who have a passion for science and are ready to keep up with fast-paced, challenging coursework. You must have also already taken algebra and scored a C or higher. AND, you must be concurrently taking Honors Biology. Counselor conversation required before enrolling.

Other Grades:

We suggest a Grade of B or higher in Biology. You also need to have scored a C or higher in Algebra or a C or higher in a post Algebra math class.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology OR Taking concurrently with Biology 

Credit: 1

Grades: 9th - 12th Grade

Description:

If you like to be up in the lab doing science, this might be the chemistry class for you. This is a chemistry course designed to build a general knowledge of chemistry content through collaborative grouping and inquiry-based learning. Chemistry content will be taught through the lens of designing solutions to problems. To do this, students will be grouped while learning chemistry material, completing laboratory experiments, and demonstrating proficiency in chemistry content, and practicing science and engineering skills. An emphasis will be placed on collecting and using experimental data to create explanations and models of scientific phenomena and to defend positions using appropriate data collection and analysis. Some of the topics covered include hand sanitizer analysis, tie-dye, energy savers, fireworks, soap, bath bombs, and carbide cannons. This course is aimed at students who are looking to continue their science education but aren’t looking for the rigors and pace of chemistry aimed at students pursuing science and health careers. The design of the course ensures all students will have opportunities to be appropriately challenged. 

Prerequisite: Algebra with at least a C+ AND Geometry with at least a C+ 

Credit: 1

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

A one-year class in the concepts of physics for students who are college-bound or wish to round out their science coursework. Physics content will be taught by emphasizing the science and engineering practices of phenomena-based mechanical and mathematical modeling through the use of graphical analysis techniques. Content areas of emphasis include Geometric Optics, Waves and Sound, Kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Momentum and Collisions, Conservation of Energy, and Electricity. Students planning on pursuing a STEM-related degree should minimally finish the trio of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. 

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation -- See description for more information

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

This class is AP Physics 1 Ready*

An advanced paced, algebra-trigonometry based physics course that provides background for advanced study in STEM related coursework, while simultaneously preparing students for the AP Physics 1 Exam if they choose to take it. Physics content will be taught through phenomena-based mechanical and mathematical modeling, utilizing techniques in advanced graphical analysis. Content areas of emphasis include 1-D and 2-D Kinematics, Force and Newton’s Laws, Momentum and Impulse, Work/Power/Energy, Universal Gravitation, Rotational Dynamics, Oscillations/Waves/Sound, and Geometric Optics. Students should be self-motivated and possess a strong mathematical background.

Students planning on pursuing a STEM related degree should minimally finish the trio of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Thinking about this course? Consider this!

We suggest having finished Honors Algebra and Honors Geometry with a grade of at least a B

*The Honors Physics curriculum is written in such a way that students will be prepared to take the AP Physics 1 Exam if they choose.

Prerequisite: See description for more information

Credit: 1/2

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

Astronomy is an advanced course that introduces students to a variety of topics regarding our universe. Topics covered are chemistry/physics of stars, planets, constellations, telescopes and optics, relativity and related topics. We will discuss the topic of astronomical events, and current events in astronomy. We will survey constellations, investigate our solar system, and discuss star and galaxy formation of the universe.

Thinking about this course? Consider this! 

Current 9th graders: If you are in Biology or Honors and scoring a C or Higher, this course is offered to sophomores, BUT must be taken concurrently with either Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Instructor conversation required before enrolling. 

Current 10th/11th graders: We suggest a Grade of C or higher in Biology or Honors Biology. 

Completion of Algebra or a post Algebra class of C or higher is required of all enrollees.

Prerequisite: Biology

Credit: 1/2

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

Space Science investigates the human environment on Earth and compares it to space. The class is taught on a general academic level with emphasis placed on class discussion and is interspersed with laboratory studies and outdoor activities. Students are encouraged to develop a general understanding of the interrelationships of astronomy and meteorology and apply these concepts to present environmental situations and phenomena that they encounter daily. The examined scale extends from the atmosphere to the end of the Universe, with activities that crosscut across traditional disciplines of physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and mathematics. Not to be taken after Astronomy. 

Prerequisite: Biology

Credit: 1/2

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

Earth Science focuses on the study of the Earth, the environment, and the role of humans in modifying earth and environmental systems. In this course, students investigate the materials and processes of the geologic past to better understand the present and the future state of our global planet. This course applies basic chemical, mathematical, and physical science to investigate geologic and environmental systems. The class is taught at a general academic level with an emphasis placed on class discussion interspersed with laboratory studies. The class aims for students to develop a general understanding of the interrelationships of geology and the ability to apply these concepts to present environmental situations and phenomena which students encounter.

Prerequisite: Biology

Credit: 1/2

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

Explore the outdoors! Examine the relationship between nature and humans. Basic ecology principles are applied to current environmental issues with a focus on local areas such as: sustainability, use of natural resources, environmental ethics, global environmental issues, carbon footprints, local food supplies, pollution, recycling, energy use, alternative energy, and habitat loss. Learn how to connect with the outdoors and how disconnected many of us are from the outside world. How connected are you with the outdoors? Find out and take the class! 

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation -- See description for more information

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

A full-year course taught at a rigorous pace, designed for students interested in pursuing a post-secondary career in medical/health-related fields. Students will explore the extraordinary human body by conducting investigations and gain knowledge and skills relating to the structure and function of the human body. An emphasis is placed on the regulation and physiological integration of the organ systems that help humans maintain homeostasis. Various dissection opportunities throughout the year will help students make connections to other organisms through comparative anatomy & physiology.

Thinking about this course? Consider this! 

Current 9th graders: If you are in Honors Biology and currently scoring a B or Higher, this course is offered to sophomores, BUT must be taken concurrently with either Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Instructor conversation required before enrolling. 

Current 10th/11th graders: We suggest a Grade of C+ or higher in Biology and Chemistry. 

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation -- See description for more information

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

A full year course geared for science oriented college bound students.  Students will learn biological concepts while developing and applying science practices.  Practices include analyzing visual representations, concept explanation, representing and describing data, determining questions and methods, performing statistical tests and data analysis, and argumentation.  Small group collaboration, inquiry based labs, and other hands-on learning activities are emphasized throughout the learning process.  Students may choose to take the AP test in the spring or use this experience to better prepare for college biology.

Thinking about this course? Consider this! 

Current 9th graders: If you are in Honors Biology and currently scoring a B or Higher, this course is offered to sophomores, BUT must be taken concurrently with either Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Instructor conversation required before enrolling.

Current 10th/11th graders: We suggest a Grade of B or higher in Biology and Chemistry 

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation -- See description for more information

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

Do you want to be well prepared for college chemistry? Many college career paths use a chemistry series as prerequisites prior to being admitted into specific areas of study. AP Chemistry is a full year course geared for science oriented college bound students. The course is designed to provide student choice in how they input learning and then practice material. Class materials are provided in a method to allow busy students with a means to manage their busy schedules and still learn AP Chemistry objectives. Emphasis is placed on lab work, particulate representations and mathematical models. A strong math background is necessary. Students may choose to write the AP test in the spring.

Thinking about this course? Consider this! 

Current 10th/11th graders: We suggest a Grade of B or higher in Honors Chemistry OR your instructor suggested you enroll in the course.  

Current 9th graders: This course is offered to sophomores, BUT however College Board recommends Chemistry prior to this class. If you enroll, expect pre-study lessons, possibly including some summer work, to provide some background for the AP Chemistry lessons that all students will receive. Instructor conversation required before enrolling. 

Successful completion of Algebra 2 is required of all enrollees.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation -- See description for more information

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

This is an advanced course exploring multiple facets of how humans impact the environment. Laboratory investigations, both indoors and outdoors, are an essential component of this course. AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that includes the following topics: ecosystems and biodiversity, land and water resources, energy generation, pollution sources and control, and global change. Students in this class may choose to take the AP test in the spring.

Thinking about this course? Consider this! 

Current 9th graders: If you are in Biology or Honors and scoring a B or Higher, this course is offered to sophomores, BUT must be taken concurrently with either Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Instructor conversation required before enrolling. 

Current 10th/11th graders: We suggest a Grade of B or higher in Biology or Honors Biology. 

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation -- See description for more information

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 12th Grade

Description:

A full year course geared for science oriented, highly motivated, college bound students. Heavy emphasis is placed on mathematical modeling, laboratory techniques, phenomenological thinking, and advanced problem solving techniques. Content areas emphasis include: motion, force, momentum, energy, rotation, gravitation, oscillation, and electricity and magnetism. Students should have a strong background in mathematics. Calculus is highly recommended, with pre-calculus being the minimum level of math for enrollment in the course. Students enrolled in the class may choose to write the AP C-Mechanics Exam in the spring or use the class experience to be excellently prepared for the college level two semester calculus based physics sequence required of engineering and physical science majors.

Thinking about this course? Consider this! 

We suggest a Grade of B or higher in Honors Physics and you need to have completed or be currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus.

Prerequisite: Currently enrolled in a science Course of have taken the advanced Class and teacher recommendation 

Credit: 1/2 or 1

Grades: 12th Grade

Description:

Independent study arranged to delve into an area of interest. Examples: Human Anatomy, Marine Biology, Genetics, Organic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or Astronomy.