AP Biology (10-12): 

Prerequisite: Students must have completed Chemistry (suggested grade of B or higher in Honors Chemistry or an A in CCR Chemistry).

This course is an advanced-level general biology course with more extensive laboratory time.  Biology will be studied at levels from molecular to ecosystems and will be based on the four Big Ideas of evolution, energy, information, and interaction. It is similar to a college-level introductory biology course and is intended to prepare students to take the AP Biology examination in the spring.  Students will complete an independent research experiment for this course. 

This is a three-trimester course.

AP Chemistry (10-12): 

Prerequisite: Students must have completed Honors Chemistry (suggested grade of B or better). They must also have completed Algebra II (suggested grade of B or better) or Honors Algebra II (suggested grade of C or better).

This is a full-year course in general chemistry designed for college-bound students interested in chemistry or a chemistry-related field in college.  The course will cover the same material presented in a typical freshman college chemistry course, including physical, inorganic, organic, and analytical chemistry.  Students will be prepared to take the Chemistry AP test offered by the College Board in May.  Students will complete an independent research experiment or an alternate project for this course.  

Summer work is a requirement for this course.

Astronomy, Climate, and Resources (10-12): Astronomy and Climate is a one-trimester elective course for 10th-12th grade. This elective is an interdisciplinary course that explores the Universe and its stars, our solar system, the history of Earth and its moon, impact on Earth's climate, and how human processes affect Earth’s systems. Students will develop an understanding of the life span of the Sun and how nuclear fusion releases energy, the formation and evolution of the solar system, the life cycles of stars, the motion of distant galaxies, and the composition of matter in the universe. Students will also investigate characteristics of other planets and how the flow of energy drives weather patterns and climate change, helping students connect astronomical processes to climate systems and the human influence on Earth.

Chemistry (10-12): 

Prerequisite: Students must have taken Algebra I (suggested grade of C or higher) before taking this course.

This course is a two-trimester course in general chemistry designed for college-bound students.  Upon completion of this course, students will have been exposed to a wide variety of chemical principles.  An attempt is made to meet the needs of the student wishing to continue their education in the sciences as well as the liberal arts student who desires a less rigorous course covering a variety of topics. 

Geology & Meteorology (10-12): Geology & Meteorology covers Earth history and geologic time, plate tectonics (including earthquakes and volcanoes), rocks and the rock cycle, the atmosphere, and meteorology– leads to successful careers in academics, research, politics, government, industry, publishing, the arts, and much more…including Meteorology, Mineralogy, Soil Science, Paleontology, Geophysics, Volcanology, Seismology, Hydrology and Environmental Science, Petroleum Geology. The course emphasizes connections between earth systems, how our actions affect our environment and how our Earth affects us (earthquakes, sinkholes, flooding, etc.) Every citizen can benefit from learning about potential dangers.

Honors Biology (10): This biology course is designed for students who plan to pursue a future career in science. The course will cover all Keystone Biology exam eligible content with an emphasis on vocabulary. The course moves at a faster pace than the other biology courses and covers the content in more detail.  The course consists of the study of biochemistry, cellular structures and functions, cellular processes, the continuity of life, genetics, ecology, and a brief survey of the kingdoms. This is a two trimester course.

Formally written laboratory reports assigned each trimester or an independent research experiment are required to pass the course.

*This course, Biology, or AP Biology must be passed to fulfill one science credit for graduation.  

To succeed in Honors Biology, it is strongly recommended that a student have: 

      a)  A grade of B or better in Honors 9th grade General Science with recommendation of the teacher or an A in 9th grade General Science with recommendation of the teacher.

             b)  A grade of B or better in Honors 9th-grade English or an A in 9th-grade English.  Strong writing skills are also recommended.

Honors Challenges in Physics (10-12): 

Prerequisite: Students electing this course must have completed either Physics (term A), Honors Physics (term A), or AP Physics 1 and must have taken or be enrolled in Precalculus.

This course is designed to give students who have already studied the theory of physics an opportunity to apply it to practical and theoretical challenges.  Practical challenges will include a projectile target shoot, an egg bungee drop, a Tarzan swing, and others.  Part of the course will be devoted to analyzing the physics of amusement park rides and roller coaster design, culminating in a trip to an amusement park to collect and analyze data.   

Honors Chemistry (9-12): 

Prerequisite: Students should have a strong math and science background and must have completed Algebra I in grade 8 (suggested grade of B or better) or completed Honors General Science A (suggested grade of B or better).

This course is a two-trimester course in general chemistry designed for students having a strong interest in pursuing careers in science, engineering, or medical related fields.  Students in this course will need to apply algebra skills and chemistry concepts to the solution of challenging problems.  Homework, test, and quiz problems will NOT be essentially identical to the ones done in class.  Upon completion of this course, students will have been exposed to a wide variety of chemical principles and will be prepared to take additional courses in chemistry at the college level or to enroll in Advanced Placement Chemistry. 

*All incoming Freshmen must pass General Science, Honors General Science, or Honors Chemistry to fulfill one science credit for graduation.   

Human Biology (9-12): This course is designed for students who do not plan to pursue a post-secondary experience but who wish to gain a better biology-based understanding of the human experience.  Students will study the human body at various levels, particularly at the systems level.  Topics include reproduction, development, comparative anatomy, pathology, and mortality.  The objective is to develop a more complete understanding of what makes us uniquely human.