Science Course Descriptions

SS0121, SS0122 BIOLOGY

Biology is the study of living things and their relationships with the nonliving world. The course focuses on topics in cell biology, heredity, change-over-time and the relationship of organisms to their environment. Through supplemental lab experiences, students will further explore the subject matter through the application of the scientific method and problem solving strategies.

SS0141, SS0142 BIOLOGY HONORS

Biology Honors is the study of living things and their relationships with the nonliving world. The course focuses on topics in cell biology, heredity, change-over-time and the relationship of organisms to their environment. Students will develop and utilize scientific skills including; scientific inquiry, problem solving, critical thinking, and the scientific habits of mind in studying biological processes. An honors course seeks to have students work more independently to make deep conceptual connections between concepts and topics in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology and other topic areas as well.

SS0151, SS0152 AP BIOLOGY

AP Biology is the advanced and in-depth study of living organisms. Connections are made between living things and their environment and also an in-depth examination is made of cellular processes, the molecular and biochemical principles of life and how living systems reproduce and change over time. The subject matter is also explored through numerous laboratory and field investigations that support and expand on the curriculum. College Board recommends enrollment in Grades 11 or 12.

SS2021, SS2022 CHEMISTRY

Chemistry is the study of the structure and properties of matter and the interactions of matter and energy. Students investigate the structure of the atom with a goal towards understanding the physical and chemical properties of elements, and chemical compounds and molecules. Chemical bonding, reactions and energy transformations are additional topics studied. Students will further explore chemistry concepts through laboratory investigations that emphasize the application of the scientific method and problem solving strategies.

SS2041, SS2042 CHEMISTRY HONORS

Chemistry Honors is the study of the structure and properties of matter and the interactions of matter and energy. Students investigate the structure of the atom with a goal towards understanding the physical and chemical properties of elements, and chemical compounds and molecules. Chemical bonding, reactions and energy transformations are additional topics studied. Students will further explore chemistry concepts through laboratory investigations that emphasize the application of the scientific method and problem solving strategies. An honors course seeks to have students work more independently to make deep conceptual connections between concepts and topics in the areas of atomic theory, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and other areas, as well.

SS2051, SS2052 AP CHEMISTRY

AP Chemistry is the advanced study of the structure and properties of matter equivalent to a college level course. Students are provided with an in-depth examination of the chemical and physical properties of matter, with supportive and exploratory laboratory investigations. College Board recommends enrollment in Grades 11 or 12.

SS3321, SS3322 DYNAMIC EARTH SCIENCE

Dynamic Earth Science is a laboratory-based course that studies our planet, our universe and the processes that govern them. Students apply biology, chemistry, physics and mathematical concepts to learn about the changes in our universe and specifically our planet. The course includes current processes that affect society, such as geologic and weather related hazards. Students will also learn about natural resources society acquires from the earth.

SS3341, SS3342 DYNAMIC EARTH SCIENCE HONORS

Dynamic Earth Science is a laboratory-based course that studies our planet, our universe and the processes that govern them. At the Honors level, students will develop and complete laboratory investigations more independently by applying more biology, chemistry, physics and mathematical concepts to learn about the changes in our universe and specifically our planet. The course includes current processes that affect society, such as geologic and weather related hazards. Students will also learn about natural resources society acquires from the earth.

SS5021, SS5022 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

This is a field based course that integrates concepts in biology and earth science in order to study our local environment. The course will focus on investigating biodiversity, habitats, and environmental concerns due to human impact. The course centers on challenging students to confront problems, collect and analyze data, and develop solutions to real-world problems. The course may include a component on restoration and sustainability of habitats.

SS5051, SS5052 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

This is a field based course that integrates concepts in biology and earth science in order to study our local environment. The course will focus on investigating biodiversity, habitats, and environmental concerns due to human impact. This course challenges students to confront problems, collect and analyze data, and develop solutions to real-world problems. The course may include a component on restoration and sustainability of habitats. Independent and advanced work is required of the AP student who needs to utilize increased abstract problem solving and inquiry skills to be successful. College Board recommends enrollment in Grades 11 or 12.

SS1141, SS1142 INTEGRATED CHEMISTRY-BIOLOGY I HONORS

Integrated Chemistry-Biology Honors is the introductory science course in a two-year honors sequence which integrates chemistry and biology. Students who take ICB I will take ICB II the following year. The first year focuses on chemistry, emphasizing the structure of matter, its properties and its structure-function relationships. Students in this honors class will explore the structure of the atom at a more conceptual level and a solid algebra foundation is required for investigations into isotopes, balancing of equations, conversions, and for an understanding of moles and molarity. This first year course provides students with a pre-AP level of chemistry in preparation for the molecular biology encountered in the second year honors ICB class. Labs provide students with basic skills in scientific inquiry and problem solving.

SS1241, SS1242 INTEGRATED CHEMISTRY-BIOLOGY II HONORS

Honors Integrated Chemistry-Biology II is the second year of a two year sequence. During the second year, students focus on the study of living things and their relationships with the nonliving world. The chemistry concepts and applications learned during the first year are now used to increase student understanding of biological systems. This second year course focuses on topics in cell biology, heredity, change-over-time and the relationship between organisms and environment. There is a strong emphasis on molecular biology and biochemistry. Laboratory experiences provide students with opportunities to explore the subject matter using the scientific method and problem solving strategies. This sequence helps students make conceptual connections, work independently, and explore science through the lenses of molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology. This course is offered in both the traditional and blended format.

SS4021, SS4022 PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Physical Science is the study of foundational topics in chemistry and physics. Concepts in atomic structure and chemical and physical properties of matter are examined along with basic forces of nature, and concepts of energy and its relationship to matter. There is a strong emphasis in this course on hands-on problem solving, scientific inquiry, and the practical applications of the concepts examined.

SS4221, SS4222 PHYSICS

Physics is the study of the laws and principles that govern matter and energy. Students explore concepts in physics that include: motion, forces, energy, waves, and other topics. Students observe, interpret and analyze phenomena and data from hands-on laboratory investigations that are intended to lead to deeper conceptual connections about the nature of the laws and principles that govern these topic areas. This course is offered in both the traditional and blended format.

SS4351, SS4352 AP PHYSICS 1

This algebra-based course covers content found in a typical first semester college physics course and replaces what used to be Honors Physics: Newtonian mechanics (including rotational Dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. There will be emphasis on problem solving, critical thinking and hands-on experimentation. College Board recommends enrollment in Grades 11 or 12.

SS4451, SS4452 AP PHYSICS 2

This course builds on knowledge and skills gained in AP Physics 1 by introducing new topics typically studied in a second semester college physics course: fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; atomic and nuclear physics. Emphasis is on inquiry and developing a deep understanding of the content, as well as problem solving, critical thinking and hands-on experimentation. College Board recommends enrollment in Grade 12.

SS4551, SS4552 AP PHYSICS C

This course combines two typical one-semester college calculus-based physics courses. Mechanics covers kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation, and oscillation. Electricity and Magnetism builds on mechanics with the addition of forces exerted on charged particles, electric and magnetic fields, electric circuits and their components, and the nature of electromagnetic radiation. This course is designed for students interested in majoring in physics and/or engineering in college. Two AP Exams are required (Mechanics & Electricity and Magnetism). College Board recommends enrollment in Grades 11 or 12.

SCIENCE ELECTIVES

SS6123 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I

Anatomy and Physiology I is a broad survey of the major systems of the human body. Students will use models, diagrams, computer programs, and other methods to learn about human systems such as muscular, skeletal, digestive, circulatory, nervous, etc. Students will learn to recognize all major organs/structures associated with each system as well as to understand the function of each and their relationship to the function of the system and body as a whole.

SS6223 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II

This course is a continuation of Anatomy & Physiology I. Additional human systems are studied.

SS6323 ASTRONOMY

Astronomy is the study of celestial objects such as stars, planets, moons, and galaxies. In this course we will explore the current theories and evidence regarding the formation of our universe. Student learning will also focus on the structures within our solar system as well as the processes that shape them. The course culminates with a look at past, present and future space exploration.

SS6423 FORENSICS

Forensics is a lab-based science course that applies biological, chemical and physical science principles, as well as technological practices to collect and process evidence related to criminal and civil issues. Major concepts/themes covered in the course are crime scene processing, fingerprinting and print lifting, trace evidence using microscopy, physical evidence, biological evidence and the role of DNA fingerprinting in the crime lab. Students will be required to use prior knowledge and scientific reasoning to help determine causation and justification in open-ended scenarios. Analysis of real life events will be incorporated into the curriculum as appropriate.

SS6523 OCEANOGRAPHY

Oceanography is a one semester elective lab course that explores the physical, chemical and biological processes that operate in our oceans. Students learning will focus on the structures and properties of the ocean and how the processes of the oceans shape weather and climate. The course culminates with a look at human impact.