Courses Offered
Career/Tech Prep Student:
Physical Science, Biology I, Astronomy, Meteorology/Oceanography and Ecology
College Prep Student:
Physical Science, Biology I or Honors Biology I, Chemistry, Advanced Biology, CCP Physics, Astronomy, Meteorology/Oceanography, Ecology, Zoology, AP Biology, CCP Physical Geology and Anatomy and Physiology
1.00 Credit Prerequisite: None
5 Periods/week Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
2 Semesters Fee: $20.00 lab
Physical Science exposes students to scientific inquiry, thought processes, problem solving and scientific principles involved in much of their daily lives. This course introduces them to physics and chemistry. Units of study in the physical science curriculum include forces and motion, types of energy and energy transformations, types of waves and wave properties, properties of matter, atomic structure, periodic trends, and chemical and nuclear reactions. Physical Science will provide the knowledge, prerequisite skills and habits of mind needed for problem solving and ethical decision making about matters of scientific and technological concern. This course provides a foundation for advanced studies in science and personal career choices.
1.00 Credit Prerequisite: Enrichment Science 8 OR Selection based on grades in previous science courses and Standardized Test scores
/ Administrative Approval
5 Periods/Week Grade 9
2 Semesters Fee: $25.00 lab
Honors Biology I introduces the student to the world of living things. Through the presentation of materials, as well as projects and laboratory activities, the student will learn the similarities and the differences of various members of the living world. He/she will realize that even with the many diverse forms of life, there is a unity of pattern to all life that is truly remarkable and certainly fits in place in the perfect order of nature. Testing in Honors Biology I is more subjective in nature than in regular Biology. Each student will be expected to participate in science fair and other class projects such as the Insect collection in the fall.
1.00 Credit Prerequisite: Physical Science
5 Periods/week Grades 10, 11, 12
2 Semesters Fee: $20.00 lab
Biology I introduces the student to the world of living things. Through the presentation of materials, as well as projects and laboratory activities, the student will learn about cells, genetics and DNA, diversity of life, ecology and biological evolution.
1.25 Credits Prerequisite: Successful completion (recommended B or better) of at least two years of high school laboratory science, including Biology and Chemistry, and successful completion (recommended B or better) of one year of Algebra; at least two years high school math recommended
7/8 Periods/week Grades 11, 12 or Administrative Approval
2 Semesters Fee: $25.00 lab fee and AP Exam Cost ($89.00 subject to change based on College Board)
AP Biology is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college biology course taken by students majoring in biological sciences. This course has been authorized by the College Board as meeting the requirements for AP Biology. Students who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in the biological sciences or medical fields are especially advised to take this course. In high school, AP Biology provided students a significant advantage in college by allowing them to acquire the foundation in concepts and skills prerequisite to many college biological science courses. The ability to succeed in AP Biology gives students confidence and a knowledge base to be successful in future science classes. The AP exam will be given in May to attempt credit for college course. Science fair is required.
1.25 Credits Prerequisite: Currently enrolled in or previous enrollment in Algebra II and recommended C average or better in Biology I and Algebra I
7/8 Periods/week Grades 10 (if passed Honors Bio), 11, 12
2 Semesters Fee: $15.00 lab
Chemistry is a course designed primarily for those students who will be continuing their education after high school, especially in fields such as biological sciences, physical sciences, medicine, engineering, math, teaching and other related fields. The course introduces students to the study of the composition, structure, properties and changes in matter, including the accompanying energy changes. Laboratory work will teach students how to use chemistry lab equipment and basic laboratory techniques. A strong background in Algebra is recommended. Projects may be required for this course.
1.00 Credit Prerequisite: Currently enrolled in, or previous completion of, Algebra II and a B average or better in Chemistry and Algebra 1 recommended
5 Periods/week Grades 11, 12
2 Semesters Fee: $15.00 lab
Advanced Topics in Chemistry is a course for students interested in exploring additional topics and lab techniques in Chemistry beyond the scope of the general high school Chemistry course. Students will extend their understanding of reactions and stoichiometry to include acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions and writing and balancing half-reactions. Other topics will include solution chemistry, kinetics and reaction rates, chemical equilibrium and nuclear chemistry. Students will learn additional lab techniques such as gravimetric analysis, titrations, and spectrophotometry. It is highly recommended that students enrolling in Advanced Placement Biology should also enroll in this course.
1.25 Credits Prerequisite: Currently enrolled in, or previous completion of, Algebra II and a B average or belter in Chemistry
and Algebra 1 strongly recommended.
5 periods/week and Grades 11, 12
additional hybrid
course work
2 Semesters Fee: $15.00 lab; AP Exam Cost ($89.00, subject to change based on College Board)
AP Chemistry is a course for students interested in exploring additional topics and lab techniques in Chemistry beyond the scope of the general high school Chemistry course. Students will extend their understanding of reactions and stoichiometry to include acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions and writing and balancing half-reactions. Other topics will include solution chemistry, kinetics and reaction rates, chemical equilibrium and nuclear chemistry. Students will learn additional lab techniques such as gravimetric analysis, titrations, and spectrophotometry. In addition, students enrolled in AP Chemistry will complete additional coursework outside of class time covering the remaining AP Chemistry course standards, which is equivalent to an introductory college-level chemistry course. This coursework will be completed in a hybrid environment, including online assignments and required labs and study sessions outside of the scheduled class period. A scientific or graphing calculator is strongly recommended.
1.00 Credit Prerequisite: Meet College / University Enrollment Criteria
5 Periods/week Grades 11, 12
2 Semesters Fee: $15.00
Examination of the fundamental geologic principles and concepts and their relation to minerals, rocks, and the processes acting upon and within the Earth. Emphasis on identification and interpretation of rocks and minerals and utilization of topographic and geologic maps. Required field trips will be taken during the school day. Per college requirements, field trip attendance is mandatory and cannot be made up. Failure to attend field trips will affect your overall grade in the course. Students may have the opportunity to earn College Credit Plus credit.
2.00 Credits Prerequisite: Recommended B average or better in Chemistry and have taken, or are enrolled in, Pre-Calculus with a
B or higher in prior math class. Meet College / University Enrollment Criteria
10 Periods/week Grades 11, 12
2 Semesters Fee: $20 lab
Physics is a course primarily for those students who will be continuing their education after high school in fields such as engineering, architecture, math, science, education and other related fields. This algebra-based course is presented to students by way of concepts, experiments and analytical study of Newtonian mechanics, thermal physics, waves, optics and sound. This course will provide a foundation for further study in science and scientific literacy at the college level. Students are required to complete labs and projects that incorporate key concepts, scientific reasoning, analysis, communication skills and real-world applications. Students may have the opportunity to earn College Credit Plus credit. Students who do not meet the placement requirements for CCP may take the course for 1.25 high school credits.
.50 Credit Prerequisite: C or better in Biology
5 Periods/week Grades 10 (if passed Honors Biology), 11, 12
1 Semester Fee: $20.00
This is an advanced lab course that explores the structures and functions of the human body in health and disease. Specific chemistry concepts are studied as they relate to the human body. This course serves as a strong introduction to the medical sciences with in-depth laboratory work, including dissection, as well as clinical applications and case studies related to medical occupations. This is a college prep class.
.50 Credit Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra 1
5 Periods/week Grades 10, 11, 12
1 Semester Fee: $15.00 lab
This course is designed for students who wish to learn more about astronomy through hands-on learning. Through the presentation of materials and labs, students will learn about the Sun Earth Moon System, Lunar features, the Solar System, Gravity and the Laws of Planetary Motion.
.50 Credit Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra 1
5 Periods/week Grades 10, 11, 12
1 Semester Fee: $15.00 lab
This course is designed for students who wish to learn more about astronomy through hands-on learning. Through the presentation of materials and labs, students will learn about Stars, Galaxies, the Universe and Cosmology.
.50 Credit Prerequisite: Biology I
5 Periods/week Grades 10 (if passed Honors Biology) 11, 12
1 Semester Fee: $10.00 lab
This class includes the study of interrelationships of living things and their environment. Students will examine these interactions to learn how environmental factors influence organisms within particular ecosystems. Topics will include population ecology, community ecology, environmental science, Dendrology and recycling and other selected topics. This course will include lab work and class projects.
.50 Credit Prerequisite: Biology 1
5 Periods/week Grades 10 (if passed Honors Biology), 11, 12
1 Semester Fee: $10.00 lab
The criminal justice system is increasingly making use of scientific techniques and knowledge to gather and analyze evidence and catch individuals responsible for crimes. Forensic Science is the application of the sciences (chemistry, physics and biology) to criminal and civil laws enforced by police agencies in the criminal justice system. This course will focus on the techniques and practices used by forensic scientists and crime scene investigators. Topics will include observation skills, evidence collection and documentation, fiber and textile analysis, hair analysis, fingerprinting, blood and blood spatter analysis, human remains and forensic anthropology. This course will emphasize inquiry and problem solving in the laboratory.
.50 Credit Prerequisite: Biology 1
5 Periods/week Grades 10 (if passed Honors Biology), 11, 12
1 Semester Fee: $15.00 lab
This course is designed for students who wish to learn more about the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans through hands-on learning. The principle areas of study are meteorology and oceanography. Through the presentation of materials and labs, students will learn about weather, storms, climate, physical oceanography and the marine environment, among other related topics.
.50 Credit Prerequisite: Biology 1 (recommended C or better)
5 Periods/week Grades 10 (if passed Honors Biology), 11, 12
1 Semester Fee: $15.00
This course is designed to give students an overview of the animal kingdom, including invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Lecture, lab and dissections will be included. This is a college preparatory class.