Physical Science is the foundational science class from which other high school science 

classes are built. This Physical Science explores introductory chemistry and physics in preparation for future state testing and for future high school science courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Topics of discussion include atomic structure, chemical reactions, states of matter, energy, motion, electricity, star formation, and the development of lab skills. 

Fee - $15                      

Physical Science is the foundational science class from which other high school science 

classes build. Scholarship Physical Science explores introductory chemistry and physics in preparation for future state testing and for future high school science courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Topics of discussion include atomic structure, chemical reactions, states of matter, energy, motion, electricity, star formation, and the development of lab skills. Higher order math skills and motivation to work independently are a necessity. This course involves analysis, problem solving, and advanced concepts. Long-term projects and extensive lab work can be expected. If a student is enrolled in Algebra II in 9th grade, this class is highly recommended.

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale 

Fee - $15                   

Prerequisite: ‘A’ in 8th grade science AND either 85% or higher in Algebra I or Geometry OR an ‘A’ in Math 8; Recommendations from Math & Science teachers 

This course investigates the composition, diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness of life on Earth.  Topics of study will include heredity, evolution, cellular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and ecology to provide a framework to explore the living world, the physical environment, and the interactions within and between them.  Students engage in inquiry based laboratory work, including dissections of preserved materials, to understand and explain the complexity of organisms.

Fee - $20                       

This level of biology is for students who are self-motivated and interested in an in-depth study of life-science topics. The course investigates the composition, diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness of life on Earth. Topics of study will include heredity, evolution, cellular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and ecology to provide a framework to explore the living world, the physical environment, and the interactions within and between them. Students engage in inquiry based laboratory work, including dissections of preserved materials, to understand and explain the complexity of organisms.

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale 

Fee - $20                     

Prerequisites:  “B” in Scholarship Physical Science (formal acceleration required to enroll as a 9th grade student)

AP Biology parallels a college-level introductory biology course for science majors.  It 

includes laboratory work and analysis, college-level reading, essay writing, and class 

discussions.  A college textbook and lab manual will be used.  This course will further develop previously taught life science concepts. Students must be willing to spend time outside class reading and analyzing concepts.   Areas of study include molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, cellular energetics, heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, organism biodiversity, and population biology.  This class is designed to prepare students for the AP Biology exam in May.  

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee - $20                             

Prerequisite:  Honors Biology, Chemistry

This course will extend chemistry concepts studied in Physical Science and provide a broad overview of the Chemistry discipline.  This course will require fewer math skills as ideas will be covered conceptually where applicable; however, a solid knowledge of basic algebra, percentages, rounding, and fractions is essential.  A co-requisite of Algebra II or higher is suggested.

Fee - $22                               

Prerequisite:  Biology and Geometry as well as recommendations from science and math teachers

This course is designed for those who excel in school or have a high ability in math and science. The course will cover the traditional topics of chemistry in more depth than the introductory level and requires individual initiative and self-discipline. Labs focus on quantitative experiments and are a major part of the course. A co-requisite of Scholarship Algebra II is suggested.

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee - $22

Prerequisite: Honors Biology, Scholarship Geometry, and recommendation of science and math teachers

The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be equivalent to the first semester of a college level chemistry course. The course expands on concepts from first-year chemistry as well as covering kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics.  Labs are mostly quantitative and build on skills learned in the first-year Chemistry course. 

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee - $22                               

Prerequisite: Chemistry

Physics is the study of matter and energy and the mathematical relationship between 

matter and energy.  Topics that will be studied in this course include:  mechanics (vectors, 

motion, and forces), properties of matter, heat, waves, sounds, optics, electricity, and magnetism.  Laboratory experiments will be an integral part of this course. Physics is strongly recommended for any student interested in further study of science or engineering. Fee - $22                               

Prerequisite: “C” average in Algebra II/Equivalent and recommendation of science and math teachers

AP Physics 1 (year) - Learn about the foundational principles of physics as you explore Newtonian mechanics including kinematics; momentum, work, energy, and power; rotating systems, oscillations, and fluids. You’ll spend about 25% of class time doing hands-on laboratory work to investigate phenomena. AP Physics 1 is equivalent to a first-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics, as is often required for many majors including nursing, pre-med, and others.

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee - $22

Prerequisite: “B” average in Honors or Scholarship Algebra II and recommendation of science and math teachers

AP Physics 2 (full year) - Expand your understanding of physics as you explore topics such as thermodynamics; electric force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetism; geometric and physical optics; waves and sound; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. As with AP Physics 1, you’ll spend about 25% of class time doing hands-on and inquiry-based in-class activities and laboratory work to investigate phenomena. This is equivalent to a second-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics. 

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee - $22

Prerequisite: AP Physics 1 and recommendation of science and math teachers

Advanced Placement Physics is a calculus-based first-year college level physics course.  This course is designed to prepare the student for the AP Physics Exam in Mechanics. As time permits, electricity and magnetism concepts will be introduced.  Laboratory work is an essential part of this course. Students are expected to take the AP Physics Mechanics Exam in May. Although some class time will be used for assignment completion, students should expect to average an hour of work at home daily.

This course receives weighted grading of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Fee - $22                                   

Prerequisite: AP Physics1 or Physics Teacher Recommendation Co-requisite: Advanced Placement Calculus (AB or BC) (or prior successful completion of AP Calculus)

This cross-curricular, lab-based course allows students to apply scientific knowledge and 

methods to establish the facts of criminal cases.  This course will integrate concepts from 

Math, English Language Arts, and Social Studies, along with a variety of sciences, including Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, and Physics.  Topics of study include:  fingerprints, hair, fibers, blood evidence, DNA analysis, toxicology, forensic entomology, forensic anthropology, document analysis, and ballistics.

Fee - $8                              

Prerequisite:  Biology

This course gives students a rare opportunity to take a science course in the most natural classroom of all - the great outdoors.  Using the Ferguson Land Lab and Little Beaver Creek, students will be involved in the identification and ecology of amphibians, birds, fish, insects, mammals, reptiles, trees, and wildflowers. Additionally, students will learn about and experience current ecological issues, bird banding, forest and fish surveys, predator-prey games, wildlife management, orienteering, and other topics.

Fee - $5                           

Prerequisite: Biology

This course investigates the new and growing science of the oceans.  Topics of study include:  maritime history, formation and destruction of the ocean floor, seawater chemistry, and movement through waves, currents, and tides.  Students will also explore marine life and their function in various ocean zones. Students may have the opportunity to try SCUBA diving. Students who elect to participate in SCUBA diving will be charged an additional $40 course fee. This course requires dissection, lab work, and other hands-on assignments. 

Fee - $15                                

Prerequisite:  Biology

This course will help students explore and understand ecology, patterns, and cycles on earth, natural resources, and environmental issues, along with developing an appreciation for nature.  Students will utilize books, videos, periodicals, and frequent trips in surrounding habitats to gather data, take measurements, and make observations on how both living and nonliving components of the environment interact with each other.   Students will discuss and debate current environmental issues.

 Fee - $10                        

Prerequisite:  Biology

This high level course is devoted to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. A system-by-system study is pursued with an emphasis on structures and functions of tissues, organs, and organ systems. The course will explore the structure of the human body, the ways the human body maintains its internal environment, diseases and disorders related to each body system, and the chemical and electrical controls that help coordinate these systems. The thorough in-depth coverage of this course is helpful in preparation for any profession in healthcare or medicine. Honors students are expected to be actively engaged in the course material. Completion of dissections and laboratory activities are integral components of the course. 

This course will receive a weighted grading scale of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

 Fee - $20                                 

Prerequisite:  “C” average or better in Biology; completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry; teacher recommendation

Zoology encompasses the study of animals that includes characteristics and classification, growth and development, comparative anatomy, and ecological importance and threats for all major groups. Throughout the course, students will develop an understanding of how animals have changed and evolved from the most basic of creatures to some of the most complex organisms on the planet.

Fee - $15                                    

Prerequisite: Biology