Science Courses

Full Year - 1.50 Credits

5100 - Level 1

Prerequisite: Chemistry

AP Biology 5100 is designed to enable students to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and effectively communicating the results of experiments. AP Biology 5100 is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college biology course.

The key concepts and related content of AP Biology are organized around a few underlying principles which encompass core scientific ideas, theories, and processes governing living organisms and biological systems. The key concepts are:

-Evolution

-Cellular Process: Energyand Communication

-Genetics and InformationTransfer

-Interactions

This course prepares students for the College Board’s Advanced Placement Examination administered in May of each year. Some colleges award credits based on achievement level on this examination.

Full Year - 1.50 Credits

5140 - Level 1

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 & 2 and Chemistry 

Offered for grades 11 and 12 only

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry is a second year chemistry course that is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college level chemistry course. The curriculum is based on the College Board’s AP Chemistry syllabus and provides investigations into quantitative aspects of topics such as kinetic theory, equilibrium, gas laws, thermochemistry, and thermodynamics. Formal laboratory investigations are conducted to apply concepts of chemistry and to develop inquiry learning skills.

This course is designed to prepare students for the College Board’s Advanced Placement Chemistry Examination in May of each year. It is a rigorous course intended for students who may be interested in pursuing careers in pure or applied sciences such as engineering and nursing. Credit may be awarded by some colleges for achievement on the AP Examination. A registration fee is associated with the AP Examination.

Full Year – 2.00 Credits

5171 - Level 1 (ECE)

Prerequisite: Chemistry (Level 1), AP Biology, Physics 5470, or Physics 5480; Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2A.

AP Physics 1 & 2 (5171) is equivalent to a two-semester, algebra-based college level introductory physics course and is designed to align with the Advanced Placement Physics 1 and Advanced Placement Physics 2 curriculum. The course content includes concepts related to motion, forces, work, energy, power, rotation, fluid mechanics, waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear/particle physics.

AP Physics 1 & 2 is a 2.00 credit course which meets for a one block every day. Students who take AP Physics 1 & 2 must meet their Physical Education/Health requirement in a manner that does not involve the physics lab periods.

Students may earn college credits for their achievement in this course. The credit may be awarded by some colleges for achievement on the College Board’s AP Physics 1 & 2 Examinations or through the University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience Program. Registration fees are associated with the AP Examination and the UConn ECE Program. (Note: Because of the compacted nature of this course, students interested in taking the AP Physics 2 Examination should expect to learn some of the content independently prior to the examination.)

Full Year – 1.50 Credits

5175 - Level 1

Prerequisite: Physics or AP Physics; Concurrent enrollment in Calculus BC or Calculus AB

AP Physics C is a calculus-based, college level course in physics designed to prepare students for both of the College Board’s AP Physics C Examinations, ‘Mechanics’ and ‘Electricity and Magnetism. Both are administered in May. This course ordinarily forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to challenging physical problems. While concurrent enrollment in Calculus AB is accepted for entrance in this course, concurrent enrollment in Calculus BC is preferred because of its stronger alignment. (S,G)

Full Year -  1.50 Credits

5410 - Level 2 

5420 - Level 2 

Offered for grade 10 only

Biology is the study of life. Students explore the fundamental properties of living things and the relationships of organisms to their environment. Topics include ecosystem interactions and energy, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, evolution, inheritance of traits, structure, function, and growth of living things, and ecosystem stability and response to climate change. Students engage in hands-on application and experimentation throughout the topics of study, and further develop skills in the areas of data analysis and scientific communication.

Full Year - 1.50 Credits 

5130 - Level 1

5440 - Level 2 

Offered for grade 9 only

Chemistry 5130 and 5440 are investigations into the structure and composition of substances and the physical mechanisms by which chemical, physical, and nuclear changes occur. The role of energy in these changes is examined. Extensive laboratory experiences enable students to expand upon the various concepts of chemistry. This course is aligned with the expectations of the Next Generation Science Standards, and includes themes of engineering design, earth’s systems, modeling, patterns, change and constancy.

Guidelines: For entrance into Chemistry 5130 (Level 1) it is recommended that the student earn a B or higher in Grade 8 Level 1 science (Concepts of Physics) and Algebra. Chemistry 5130 is a first-year chemistry course designed for 9th graders which includes abstract concepts, expanded topics, and numerous applications of mathematics. For entrance into Chemistry 5440 it is recommended that the student be concurrently enrolled in Algebra or completed Algebra. This is a first-year chemistry course designed for 9th graders who desire introductory chemistry with fewer mathematical challenges than Chemistry 5130.

Full Year – 1.50 Credits 

5462 – Level 2

Offered for grade 9 only

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Students in Integrated Science conduct investigations of energy, the structure of matter, the interactions of chemicals, the impacts of chemicals on our society and environment, and the chemical nature of life. This is a laboratory course with an emphasis on chemistry that is designed for 9th grade students to utilize concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology to help students understand Earth's systems and develop an appreciation of global interdependence. The course is aligned with expectations of the and the Next Generation Science Standards, and includes themes of engineering design, modeling, patterns, change, and constancy. 

Full Year - 1.00 Credit

5465 – Level 2

Offered for grades 11 and 12 

Prerequisite: None

Students will experience the concepts of physics and how they apply to our world in this single-period class. The basic concepts of measurement, motion, force, light, sound, energy, matter, electricity and nuclear physics are developed and explored. Numerous laboratory activities and projects will enhance student understanding and application of the concepts. This course can serve as a GHS physical science graduation credit, but may not meet the preparatory laboratory science requirement of some colleges.

Full Year - 1.50 Credits 

5470 - Level 2

5480 - Level 2

Prerequisites:

Physics 5470 - Algebra 2A (Algebra 2A may be taken concurrently)

Physics 5480 - Algebra 2B (Algebra 2B may be taken concurrently)

Physics is an investigation into the behavior and interrelationships of matter and energy. Basic concepts of measurement, motion, force, momentum, energy, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism are developed and applied. Laboratory investigations enable students to expand upon the various concepts of physics. Computer-based experimentation enables students to collect, process, and analyze laboratory data. Physics 5470 expects students to apply trigonometry to the solutions of physics problems.

Full Year - 1.50 Credits

5150 - Level 1

Offered for grades 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Biology and a physical science

Advanced Research Mentorship is a non-traditional science elective that allows students to complete authentic research under the guidance of a practicing scientist, doctor, or engineer. Students will gain valuable skills and experiences in designing, conducting, and reporting scientific research results. They also demonstrate their ability to interact responsibly with scientific professionals, to manage a large scale project, to meet deadlines, and to access, read, and evaluate relevant information from a variety of sources.

In-class instruction includes scientific literacy skills, effective written and oral communication skills, the ethics of scientific research, and exploration of career options. Students are granted some early dismissal time from school and must document at least 100 hours of work on their research projects. Participation in authentic research competitions or conferences is required. Students are encouraged to connect with a mentor prior to the beginning of the school year. 

Full Year – 1.50 Credits

5160 - Level 1 (ECE)

Offered for grades 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

AP Environmental Science is equivalent to an introductory college level course and is designed to align with the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum. It provides students with principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human- made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

A summer review assignment maybe expected.

Students may earn college credits for their achievement in this course. The credit may be awarded by some colleges for achievement on the College Board’s AP Examination and/or through the University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience. Registration fees are associated with the AP Exam and the ECE Program. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit

5500  - Level 2

Offered for Grades 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Biology and a physical science

Astronomy involves the study of the Solar System, the Milky Way, and the known universe. The focus of this half year, single period course is to expose the student to the role of science and technology in helping us to better understand outer space. Although laboratory experiences will be provided in this course, Astronomy may not meet the preparatory laboratory science requirement of many colleges. 

Full Year - 1.0 Credit

4427 - Level 1 (ECE)

Prerequisites: Any Computer Science STEAM course

This course is a true interdisciplinary STEAM course in the computer science and technology pathway. In a world surrounded by information, data literacy is now a crucial life skill that opens up countless opportunities in fast-growing STEAM careers. Students will develop code through Python to interpret real-time data and explore the issues and problems they care about. By integrating content and skills from a variety of disciplines, students will explore data from social media, sports, healthcare, and the environment to better understand the world around us. 

Full Year – 1.00 Credit 

5565 - Level 2

Prerequisites: Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Introductory Physics

Offered for Grade 12

Forensic Science is a full year single period course designed to integrate branches of science (biology, chemistry, and physics) and apply science to analyze forensic scenarios. Major topics explored will be fingerprinting, DNA analysis, blood typing and ballistics. Investigations of simulated crime scenes will require students to apply their knowledge and skills in science. Students will use scientific tools to gather analyze, and interpret data. Additionally, students will learn about career opportunities related to forensic science. Forensic Science may not meet the preparatory laboratory science requirement of many colleges. 

Full Year - 1.50 Credit 

5561 - Level 2

Offered for grades 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Biology and a physical science

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a Level 2 laboratory science course focusing on the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the complex structure and interrelationships within the human body. Focuses of the course include the interdependence of structure and function, the hierarchical organization of living things, and the interdependence of organ systems. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, and histology. Laboratory work includes microscopic studies, physiologic experiments, and dissections. 

Full Year - 1.00 Credit

5600 - Level 1: Strongly recommend CAD Prerequisite and/or instructor approval

5602 - Level 2

Offered for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12

This STEAM-integrated course is an innovative approach to interdisciplinary applications of robotics, engineering design, computational thinking, and programming. Students will engage in the exploration of multiple robotics systems and engineering fields across manufacturing, environmental and agricultural sciences, and information technology. Principles of Applied Robotics and Engineering blends the mind of a scientist, technologist, and designer; providing multiple opportunities for students to engage in disciplinary specific work while integrating creativity, collaboration, problem solving, and communication. Students will design a culminating project to fully develop their interests, knowledge, and skills, launching their future career pathways and programs of studyat the collegiate level. The level one option for this course will include the components of the level two and additional independent field work and advanced criteria.