Science

Fundamentals of Biology is intended for students looking to transition from middle school science classes to high school biology class. The main topics of biology are covered: scientific process, cell cycle, genetic engineering, food web and energy pyramid, keystone species, and ecosystems. In addition, this course focuses on science and engineering practices and cross cutting concepts in Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Laboratory work is the foundation of learning followed by the development of scientific writing. Overall, the course will aid in the learning of Biology 1A and 1B topics, which will be taken after completion of this one trimester foundation level course. 

Biology 1 is a college preparatory course that seeks to study and understand our living Earth. Evolution of our Earth and atmosphere as well as the organisms contained within will be explored while studying cells, photosynthesis, respiration, molecular genetics, ecology and the impacts that humans have on our planet. Laboratory work is the foundation of learning teaching science skills and practices such as analyzing and interpreting data and deriving claims from evidence. This course requires students to work both independently and collaboratively both in and out of the classroom. 

This course follows the Next Generation Science Standards 3 Course Model. 

A challenging college-level laboratory science for the honors student intending on taking the AP exam. Covers cells and cell chemistry, genetics, photosynthesis, respiration, evolution, plants, animals, vertebrate regulation, human body, behavior, and ecology. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May. There will be a required summer assignment to complete this course. 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit 

Chemistry in the Earth System A and B is a college preparatory laboratory science course. This introductory course covers lab safety, combustion, heat and energy in the Earth system, atoms, elements and molecules, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, climate change, and ocean acidification. To be successful, chemistry students must work independently and collaboratively both in and out of the classroom in an application-based curriculum that includes the writing of formal lab reports and many hands-on experiences working in a laboratory. Students should expect a high level of application-based rigor in their daily practices to achieve depth of understanding of the chemistry topics. 

This course follows the Next Generation Science Standards 3 Course Model. 

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a rigorous college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquirybased investigations, as they deeply explore topics such as: atomic structure, stoichiometry, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May. There will be a required summer assignment to complete this course. 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit. 

Marine Science is a college preparatory interdisciplinary science course that introduces students to the scientific studies of our oceans and the organisms within them. Through laboratory investigations and activities students will use their previous and expanding scientific knowledge to analyze ocean processes and how those processes affect marine life. Students should leave the course having demonstrated the ability to analyze a marine organism’s adaptations and be able to discuss in detail the reasons those adaptations are appropriate in the marine environment based on physical, chemical, or geological, ocean parameters. 

This college preparatory science course studies the fundamental concepts in nature. The Physics curriculum integrates mathematical calculations, writing skills, laboratory skills, and critical thinking skills as they apply to developing a hands-on understanding of the interactions of matter and manifestations of energy. This course covers scientific measurement, forces and motion, forces at a distance, energy conversions, nuclear processes, waves and electromagnetic radiation, and stars and the origin of the universe. Through laboratory activities students will become familiar with scientific investigations including observing, organizing, comparing, relating, communicating, defining a scientific problem, proposing and testing hypotheses, analyzing results, and measuring variables. 

This course follows the Next Generation Science Standards 3 Course Model. 

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, rigorous introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they deeply explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; and oscillations. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May. There will be a required summer assignment to complete this course. 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit.