Science

PHYSICS

9

1.0 credit

Physics is an introductory course to the basic principles of physics.  All students will benefit most from taking physics as a 9th grader to develop basic measurement, numerical analysis, and fundamental problem-solving skills, which are basic to all science.  The course emphasizes conceptual understandings of physics concepts while supporting those concepts mathematically at the level of algebra. Topics covered include the nature of motion, forces, energy, matter, sound, light, and composition of atoms.

PHYSICS HONORS

9

1.0 credit

Honors Physics is an introductory course to the basic principles of physics.  All students will benefit most from taking physics as a 9th grader to develop basic measurement, numerical analysis, and fundamental problem-solving skills, which are basic to all science.  The honors course introduces problem-solving and the use of mathematics as the basic language of physics.  This course is good preparation for Advanced Physics.

INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY

9

1.0 credit (Physics credit only)

Integrated Physics and Chemistry is an introductory course to investigate the basic principles of physics with an introduction to chemistry.  This course is designed for students who need a less mathematical and more hands-on approach to the physical sciences.  Emphasis will be placed on developing conceptual understanding of physics and chemistry through means of physical and computer modeling.  Scientific measurement techniques and problem-solving skills will be developed with use of basic mathematical calculations and limited use of Algebra.   Topics covered will include, but not be limited to; motion, forces, energy, waves, chemical processes, atomic structure, and its modern technological applications. 

AP PHYSICS C

11, 12

1.0 credit

AP Physics C is a college-level course that covers Newtonian physics including rotation, gravitation and oscillation in preparation for the AP Physics C (Mechanics) exam. Additional topics may be explored as time allows including astronomy and engineering applications. Some calculus is used but students are not required to be proficient in calculus before they take this course.

ADV. PROJECTS IN PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING

11, 12

1.0 credit

Topics in this course include a review of the basic physics concepts that were covered in the first-year physics course but will be looked at from a more advanced engineering level with a very hands-on approach.  Projects that take weeks for research, planning, construction, iteration, and evaluation requires independence and motivation. A curiosity about how things work and some experience and/or interest in building/fixing things is required! 

BIOLOGY

11, 12

1.0 credit

This beginning course uses a conceptual approach to explain key concepts in biology and the Life Science Michigan Science Standards. There is an emphasis on cell biology, genetics, and the biochemistry of living things. Concepts are presented through a variety of teaching methods. Traditional labs, virtual labs, and other hands-on approaches are emphasized. 

IB BIOLOGY SL

11, 12

1.0 credit

IB Higher Level (SL) Biology is a one-year course designed to provide students an in-depth study of the relationship of structure, function, and interaction within and between all biological systems. Biological topics covered will include cells, molecules, genetics, evolution, plant and animal physiology, and ecology. Students will be provided multiple opportunities to engage in scientific thought through experimentation, analysis, collaboration, and creative inquiry. Additionally, students will engage in experimental design and development while raising their awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic, and environmental implications of using science and technology.

AP BIOLOGY

11, 12

1.0 credit

AP Biology is an advanced-level biology course. It is designed to be equivalent to a first year college biology course and prepare the student for the AP Biology exam. The course is an in-depth study of topics including cellular and molecular biology, genetics, energetics, evolution and ecology. Much of the course time is spent in laboratory work and inquiry-based investigations. Students who have an interest in pursuing a career in a science field should consider AP Biology. Students are expected to have successfully completed physics and chemistry. Previous biology course and/or science teacher recommendation is also required.

IB BIOLOGY HL 1 and 2

11 & 12

1.0 credit per year

IB Higher Level (HL) Biology is a two-year course designed to provide students an in-depth study of the relationship of structure, function, and interaction within and between all biological systems. Biological topics covered will include cells, molecules, genetics, evolution, plant and animal physiology, and ecology. Additional topics may include areas of study in biotechnology, human physiology, neurobiology, and ecology. Students will be provided multiple opportunities to engage in scientific thought through experimentation, analysis, collaboration, and creative inquiry. Additionally, students will engage in experimental design and development while raising their awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic, and environmental implications of using science and technology. 

CHEMISTRY

10, 11, 12

1.0 credit

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. This is an introductory course in theories and concepts of modern chemistry. The course emphasizes atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, properties of gasses, and acid‐base reactions. The laboratory work will develop students' reasoning power and the ability to apply chemical principles.  The laboratory portion of this course will acquaint students with chemical laboratory techniques. 

CHEMISTRY HONORS

10, 11, 12

1.0 credit

Honors Chemistry is offered to students interested in studying the sciences at a deeper level. Students who take Honors Chemistry may wish to enroll in  AP or IB Chemistry during their senior or junior year (not required). Honors is a rigorous, lab-focused course involving the study of theories and concepts of modern chemistry. The laboratory work will provide experience with lab techniques and develop students’ critical thinking skills and the ability to apply chemical principles. The course emphasizes mathematical thinking, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, the mole, stoichiometry, properties of gasses, solutions, and acid‐base reactions. 

AP CHEMISTRY

11, 12

1.0 credit

The AP Chemistry curriculum is equivalent to a college course usually taken by chemistry majors during their first year of college. The course differs significantly from a first-year high school chemistry class with respect to the pace, the range and depth of topics covered, the type of lab work involved, and the time and effort required by the students.  Students will gain experience in scientific inquiry, recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics in chemistry, and the application of chemical knowledge and critical thinking.  This course will provide a strong laboratory experience and improve problem-solving and research skills.  

IB CHEMISTRY (SL)

11, 12

1.0 credit

The IB Diploma Programme chemistry standard-level course combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills through the experimental approach. Students examine the chemical principles that form the basis of physical and biological systems through the core content and develop their skills in designing experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions from experimental data. 

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

11, 12

1.0 credit

This course focuses on the structures of the human body, what/where they are, how they function, came to be, and compare to other organisms.  Students will learn through traditional methods (notes, review assignments, coloring) as well as various types of investigations, case studies, and possibly dissection  

FORENSIC SCIENCE

11, 12

1.0 credit

This course introduces the fundamental principles of science and technology upon which forensic science is based. Students will build on concepts learned in physics, chemistry, and biology by learning about various types of evidence and techniques used for analyzing substances such as prints/tracks, fibers, hair, drugs, blood, and human remains. Students will have opportunities to solve/create suspicious scenarios and crime scenes, listen to experts in the field, and learn about current issues related to forensic science. 

IB ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS AND SOCIETIES SL (*pending Board approval)

11, 12

1.0 credit

This course is an interdisciplinary view that investigates environmental systems in both structure and function. Within the course, environmental topics will be explored through scientific, economic, political, and other disciplinary lenses. The course will focus on a wide range of environmental topics such as biodiversity, food production systems, water, soil, atmosphere, climate change, sustainability, resources, pollution, and energy systems.