Biology is an introductory science course that is the foundation for science at ETHS. Students in biology will develop an understanding of plant and animal structures, ecology and global climate change, life processes, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and relationships among living things. Students will also be instructed in basic scientific skills and scientific inquiry as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards that will be used in future science classes. Emphasis in this course is on biology content, skills, and applications to life. Students will have the opportunity to earn honors credit in this course. 

Testing Guidelines

• Students meeting the minimum reading requirement on MAP test ( currently a RIT of 220 or higher) can elect to take Freshman or sophomore year

• Students scoring 216 and below are placed in a reading class as a freshmen and take biology as a sophomore

Chemistry is a physical science course that focuses on a foundational understanding of the interaction of atoms and the impact it has on your life. Sample units include fire, toxins, antacids, gas laws, separations, vibranium, CSI chemistry, modeling.  Chemistry is a pathway to honors (earned honors) course.

Earned Honors Skills Include:

• Beginning Ideas

• Experimental Design

• Modeling

• Data Presentation

• Claim and Evidence

• Computational Thinking

• Reasoning

• Error Analysis

What makes 2 Chem/Phys H 

• Take H Chem and H Physics at the same time

• Fun, collaborative community of science learners

• Learn how chemistry and physics are intertwined

• The large overlap of chemistry and biology is explored

• The chemistry and physics of global warming and its consequences are explored

• No study hall

Who should Take 2 Chem/Phys H

• Curious, investigative, enthusiastic science learners and highly motivated.

• Strong time management and  organizational skills

• Strong math and reasoning skills

• Those willing to take on more of the responsibility of learning outside the classroom.

What to Expect

• HW daily

• Challenging content (conceptual and mathematical)

• Labs, simulations, demonstrations

• Great discussions engendered by students 

• Fun, motivating, insightful teachers :)

This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. 

The course demonstrates through lecture and extensive lab activities how these organ systems work together to allow us to process sensations, think, communicate, grow, move, reproduce, and stay alive. 

Specimen dissection is an integral component of the course. This course is designed for college preparation, especially for biology and health career majors.

The curriculum provides a basis for students to develop a strong conceptual understanding of the following human body systems: 

• Integument

• Muscular

• Skeletal

• Nervous

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory

• Digestive

• Urogenital

Anatomical Health Science is designed for students to explore how each of the human systems contributes to our understanding of human health and how disease disrupts the homeostatic function of the following body systems: 

• Integument

• Muscular

• Skeletal

• Nervous

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory

• Digestive

• Urogenital

Students will concentrate on establishing a foundation in anatomy and physiology, disease and diagnoses, and integrate career exploration through inquiry-based activities and laboratory investigations. 

Students will be exposed to different medical professionals in various health care specialties through presentations and clinical rotations. 

Specimen dissection is an integral component of the course.

This is a lab-based physical science course exploring the solar system, other celestial bodies found in our galaxy, and many of the recent advances in space science through lectures and demonstrations which emphasize techniques astronomers use to probe the nature of the universe. Students taking this course are expected to display high skill levels in writing and to work in greater depth on required projects and tests. 

Units of Study

• Coordinate Systems

• History of Astronomy

• EM Spectrum

• Solar System

• Stars

• Galaxies

• Cosmology

Prerequisite: C+ or better in Physics OR Astronomy and a C+ or better in 2 Algebra or higher 

Astrophysics is a course that will continue a student’s exploration from their previous coursework in astronomy and/or physics in the physical universe. This course will use a quantitative (numbers and data) approach to solve astronomy based problems by students writing computer models to calculate and visualize data. Advanced algebra, trigonometry, and geometry will be the math used in astrophysics, but calculus principles will be introduced, explained, and implemented in certain units. Collaborative capstone projects utilizing physics, astronomy, and the python programming language will integrate concepts and ideas taught throughout the course. When class space is limited, preference in placement is given to seniors. 

Who should take biotechnology?

• Students that enjoy hands on activities

• Students that enjoyed biology and would like to go into more detail about DNA and proteins

• Students that are curious about:

  • • Doing experiments

    • Technology

    • DNA

Content covers six units:  Intro to biotech, central dogma, genetic engineering, medical biotech, agricultural biotech, current research

Grades: determined by performance in two categories: summative assessments (40%) and formative assessments (60%)

• • Summative = unit tests, some labs, quarter projects

  • Formative = homework, some labs

  • (Lab work for this class is documented in a lab notebook)

Focus on 21st century skills: Problem Solving, Critical and Creative Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Ethical Reasoning and Mindset 

Earned honors: students must earn a total of at least 80% on the combination of their quarter projects and lab notebook reflection.

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in 2 Algebra or higher

This college preparatory course covers motion, forces, momentum, energy, mechanical waves(sound), light(optics), electricity and magnetism. The course is structured around interactive activities; this includes guided inquiry lab experiences, interactive demonstrations and group problem solving.

Since students in Physics study both concepts and how mathematics describes laws of physics, they must have a solid foundation in algebra 1 and experience in geometry.

General Description:

Forensic scientists will investigate the topics listed to the right and discuss the social justice impacts of the criminal justice system.  Note:  this course discusses difficult topics and my trigger emotional responses.

Investigations Include:

• Crime scene reporting

• Pattern recognition

• DNA analysis

• Blood Evidence

• Handwriting analysis 

• Hair Investigation

• Fingerprinting 

• Paper shredding

• Entomology

• Odontology

• Death Investigation

General Description:

EES  is an elective course for junior and senior students. Student focus will include collection and analysis of evidence using scientific knowledge, reasoning, and collaboration. Students will explore content in the areas of environmental science including energy resources, sustainable energy, climate change, and water quality. In addition, students will explore earth science concepts such as natural disasters, weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, rock formation and minerals. This course emphasizes written and spoken communication skills, as well as foundational science skills and global citizenship.

Topics include:

• Earthquakes/volcanoes

• Meteorology

• Climate change 

• Energy resources

• Rocks/minerals 

The class content has been realigned to help prepare students for AP environmental science 

Course Topics Include:

• Food Apartheid 

• The Food System

• Future of Food/Sustainability

• Hydroponics/Aquaponics

• Animal Husbandry (Hens & Honeybees)

• Soil Health, Plants/Seeds,Plant Health

• Urban Farm Planning & Production

Course Overview: 

This laboratory-based course introduces students to biology content at the college level.  Content includes cell structure and function, cell division, nucleic acids and proteins, biodiversity and evolution, and selected human systems. This course is for juniors and seniors who have completed the Science graduation requirements.  If space is limited, priority will be given to seniors.

This course is articulated as dual credit BIO 101 (biology for non science majors) with Oakton College.  Students are required to complete the application process to apply for college credit.

Curriculum focuses on… 

• This honors-level course will involve reading texts and publications at or around the college level (with some scaffolding).  However, strong executive functioning skills are necessary for successful completion.

• Course will be a survey of many biology topics.

• Hoping to enroll students who don't "see themselves" in college-level science courses and may be intimidated by the stigma associated with AP courses.  

• This course is intended for students that do not intend to major in science (AP Bio is equivalent to BIO115)

Course Overview: 

The college level zoology course will include an introduction to zoology and evolution, the diversity of the animal kingdom, animal physiology and adaptations, animal behavior, the threat of climate change and conservation, animal welfare, and careers in animal-related fields. The elective course will be lab and experience-focused. Specimen dissection is an integral component of the course. When class space is limited, preference in placement is given to seniors. This course is articulated as dual credit BIO115 with Oakton College. Students are required to complete the application process to apply for college credit.  

Curriculum focuses on… 

• This honors-level course will involve reading texts and publications at or around the college level (with some scaffolding).  However, strong executive functioning skills are necessary for successful completion.

• Hoping to enroll students who don't "see themselves" in college-level science courses and may be intimidated by the stigma associated with AP courses.  

There will also be dissections and they will not be optional. 

Course Description:

The topics covered will be the equivalent of two semesters of a college course and include biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular energetics, cell communication, cell cycle, heredity, gene expression, natural selection and ecology.

Students will develop inquiry and reasoning skills that will be used to design plans for collecting data, analyzing data, and applying statistical analysis skills.

Course Details:

• meets every day/2 block class

• unit assessment every 2/3 weeks

• assessment are often multiple choice and short answer 

• retesting is available for improving understanding and grade

Class format: notes first half of each block followed by activities second half of the block

We follow the AP Biology Framework - Course at a Glance 

About AP Chemistry:

• Reflects a typical Chem 101 course

• Covers topic of first year chem class (in more depth) + several new topics

  • • Electrochemistry

    • Thermodynamics

    • Kinetics

    • Equilibrium

    • Acid, Bases, and Buffers

• Emphasis on Independent Lab Work

  • • Thinking/Reflecting on beyond just following directions

• Independent thinking and problem solving is key

• Daily group collaboration and/or team building

• Approximately 45 minutes of homework per night (less as the year progresses)

• Several Large Unit Exams that reflect the AP Exam and several written lab reports

Considerations when Recommending

• Desire to take the course due to an interest in chemistry

• Work Ethic- has the time, motivation, and genuine want to put in the work to the class (see HW and Independent thinking skills from previous slide)

• Math Skills- should be confident in algebra and using a calculator

• Executive Functioning- will need to be able to organize lots of materials and use textbook/ other resources

Successful Students:

• Successful AP Chemistry are independent thinkers, have a VERY strong work ethic, have an interest in upper level science, and are not discouraged when presented with a challenge. 

• Successful AP Chemistry students understand that learning is a process and expect to be challenged.  They are able to accept non-perfection without it taking a significant toll on their well- being.

• Successful AP Chemistry students come in comfortable with 3 step stoichiometry problems/unit conversions OR are willing to put in some extra time at the start of the year to become comfortable with that. 

Course Description:

This lab-based course is the equivalent to a first semester algebra-based college physics course. The course covers Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power. It follows the AP Physics 1 course syllabus from the College Board. A college-level, non-calculus text is used. Students will conduct, record, and analyze laboratory data to build meaning. Almost every week, a laboratory report and homework problems are due. Unit assessments will model the AP exam. This course meets for two (2) blocks. 

College Board for AP Physics 1 

Course Description:

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves. Almost every week, a laboratory report and homework problems are due. Unit assessments will model the AP exam. This course meets every day (double blocks). 

College Board for AP Physics 2 

Course Description:

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation.  Almost every week, a laboratory report and homework problems are due. Unit assessments will model the AP exam. This course meets every day (double blocks). 

College Board for AP Physics C 

Who should take AP Environmental Sci?

• Everyone.

• Students who are invested in learning about the environment and sustainability.  

What to expect from the course?

• Meets for one block each day

• Hands-on learning with challenging and applicable content 

• Labs and Exams that prepare students for the AP Exam and beyond

Other useful info:

• Students often say after taking AP Environmental Science that Everyone should take this class

• Unit exams roughly every 3 weeks 

• Units include:

  • Biodiversity

  • Populations

  • Earth Systems

  • Energy 

  • Air and Land Use

  • Pollution (Water, Land, Air)

  • Global Climate Change

Important features of 3/4 AP ChemPhys:

• Enrollment is for both junior and senior year

• Meets every day

• Rotates between physics and chemistry every two weeks. 

• Intentionally makes connections between chemistry and physics that help you understand both better

Opportunities are available to:

• Conduct additional research in the Research Center and integrate this into what you learn in class

• Give or receive tutoring in the Research Center

• Teach younger people about science

• Compete in Physics Olympiad, Chemistry Olympiad, TEAMS, and other super-fun competitions