Science

The Biology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of living things. Students will learn about scientific methods, properties of living things, cellular function, ecosystems, photosynthesis and energy in living things, genetics, natural selection, evolution and DNA. Students will also build science skills such as making valid claims and supporting them with evidence, working through inquiry, designing experiments, teamwork, measurement, data collection and analysis, and communicating scientific results. 

Estimated Homework Time: Approximately 90 minutes per week 

College & Career Connection: Medicine, nursing, EMT/paramedic, scientific research, laboratory science, athletics/training, physical therapy, information technology, art, engineering, education

This chemistry course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of matter, as well as the interactions and changes it undergoes. Students will learn about scientific practices and investigation and the role that chemistry plays in everyday life. There will an emphasis on science skills such as making valid claims and supporting them with relevant/ valid (empirical data) evidence, working through inquiry, designing experiments, teamwork (cooperative collaboration), accurate and precise measurement, data collection and analysis, communicating scientific findings, drawing conclusions about phenomenon, and innovate providing resolutions to real-world. 

Estimated Homework Time: 20 min/day

College & Career Connection: Chemistry is broadly applicable to all careers; It is highly relevant to everyday life. Careers may include any of the following: laboratory technician, chemical engineering, nursing,  research scientist, forensic scientist, pre-medicine, toxicologist, any STE(A)M careers, etc 

Physics includes topics such as motion, forces, energy, waves, sound, light, and electricity. Specifically, physics is the investigation of how different physical variables (such as time, distance, speed, etc.) relate to each other mathematically. While the course is considered ‘introductory’, it is by no means easy; rigorous hands-on laboratory activities, problem-solving using algebra/trigonometry, and graphing will be applied. The course places a strong emphasis on the relevance of physics principles in everyday life through the extensive use of real-world examples and demonstrations.

Estimated Homework Time: 30 minutes every other day

College & Career Connection: Physics is broadly applicable to all career fields; in particular, technical and STEAM-related fields (such as engineering) use physics regularly.  Physics is also highly relevant to everyday life skills (such as driving, home safety, hearing, and vision, etc.).