Science

(1.0 credit)

This course is concerned with the fundamental principles of nature. The historical and cultural perspective of physics will be integrated along with the implications of physics in our expanding technological universe. Topics covered will include motion, force, energy, momentum, concepts in astronomy, the dynamics of sound and light, electricity, and magnetism. 

(1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Honors Physics credit)

This course studies the physical and chemical properties of matter, chemical reactions, changes in matter and energy, elements and compounds (structure, bonding, and reactivity) and chemical issues and problems. Hands-on laboratory activities are provided to strengthen understanding of concepts in chemistry. 

(1.0 credit; Prerequisites: Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry credits) 

This course enables students to understand and appreciate the importance of biology by examining the diverse systems of life. Emphasis will be placed on the molecular basis of life and include investigations in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, evolution, and the changing environment.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisites: Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry credits) 

This course investigates the story of our universe and the principles that govern its structure and evolution. Topics include the sky and celestial motions, the Copernican revolution, telescopes, gravity and orbits, the solar system and its formation, asteroids, meteors and comets, life cycles of stars, supernovae and creation of elements, the Milky Way and galaxies, distances of planets, stars and galaxies, expansion of the universe, big bang cosmology. 

(1.0 credit; Prerequisites: Honors Physics, Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology credits Limited to Juniors and Seniors. Suggested letter grade of B or A in all prerequisite courses.)

This course serves as an introductory college level biology course designed to acquaint students with an in-depth understanding of the foundations of life. The topics explored include the organization of living systems, the biochemical pathways of life, cellular processes, the energy processes of life, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, and the interdependence of organisms.  Laboratories will be based on the recommendations of the College Board. An integrated approach to investigating biological phenomena is incorporated to support the scientific skills needed to grasp the dynamics of an advanced placement course. This course is designed to be the equivalent of two semesters of college credit.

(1.0 credit;  Prerequisites: Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry credits. Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Suggested letter grade of B or A in all prerequisite courses.)

This course serves as a college-level chemistry course focusing on topics such as thermodynamics, thermochemistry, physical behavior of gasses, states and structure of matter, chemical equilibrium and kinetics, and various chemical reactions. Laboratories will be based on the recommendations of the College Board. Emphasis will be given in order to develop an increased competency in solving chemical calculations and problems. This course is designed to be the equivalent of two semesters of college credit.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisites: Honors Physics, Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology credits. Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Suggested letter grade of B or A in all prerequisite courses.)

This course serves as a college-level course revolving around the interdependence of various systems on Earth, both nonrenewable and renewable resources, consequences of pollutants, social and political issues, conservation, and concerns for the future. Laboratory and field studies will follow the recommendations set by the College Board. Students will be expected to collect data outdoors on a regular basis. This is an activity-based course that will challenge students to evaluate the issues concerning the impact of science on the environment. This course is designed to be the equivalent of one semester of college credit.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisites: Honors Physics and AP Calculus credit or concurrent registration. Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Suggested letter grade of B or A in all prerequisite courses)

This is a college level course that offers a more analytical approach to Newtonian Mechanics. In this course students are expected to analyze a problem or phenomenon verbally, mathematically, and graphically. Laboratories will be based on the recommendations given by the College Board. Topics covered include motion, forces, energy, momentum, and rotational dynamics. This course is designed to be the equivalent of one semester of college credit.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisites: Honors Physics credit. Honors Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry credit or concurrent registration. Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Suggested letter grade of B or A  in all prerequisite courses.)

This course provides a survey of the main principles of physics focusing on conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry. This course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science, but is not the usual preparation for more advanced physics and engineering courses. The course expands upon the topics covered in the first year course and new topics: fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.  This course is designed to be the equivalent of one semester of college credit.