Chemistry

409 - Chemistry Full Year             1 credit

Recommended: 11th or 12th grade

Prerequisite: Physical Science and Biology

Chemistry is a college preparatory course intended to help students prepare academically for college. Along with the fundamental concepts of general chemistry, an emphasis will be placed on laboratory techniques, critical-thinking skills, and problem-solving. The laboratory component of the course is designed to engage the student in learning chemistry concepts by doing chemistry.  Topics include atomic theory, atoms, nuclear chemistry, chemical and physical properties of matter, periodic table, chemical reactions, organic chemistry.

Honors Chemistry

414 - Honors Chemistry Full Year 1 credit

Recommended: 11th or12th grade

Prerequisite: Physical Science and Biology

Honors Chemistry is intended for students who wish to increase and challenge their skills and abilities with a quicker pace and more in depth study of Chemistry. This course is designed to prepare students for further post-secondary studies of chemistry.  Along with the fundamental concepts of general chemistry, an emphasis will be placed on laboratory techniques, critical-thinking skills, and problem-solving. The laboratory component of the course is designed to engage the student in learning chemistry concepts by doing chemistry.  Topics include atomic theory, atoms, life cycle of stars, nuclear chemistry, chemical and physical properties of matter, periodic table, chemical reactions, organic chemistry and composition of the earth.

Dual Enrollment College Chemistry

 429 - Dual Enrollment College Chemistry Full Year 1 credit

Recommended: 11th or12th grade

Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, Algebra II, and teacher recommendation

 *An Early College Class (3 NHTI credits)

The Early College course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. The course is designed to be the equivalent of the general NHTI chemistry course usually taken during the first college year.

408 – Physics Full Year 1 credit

Recommended:  11th or 12th grade

Prerequisite: Physical Science and Algebra II (or concurrent enrollment)

Physics is the study of matter and its motion in the physical world. Emphasis is largely placed on applying laboratory techniques, critical-thinking skills and problem-solving skills in Physics.  Topics include but are not limited to Motion Mechanics; Newton’s Laws of Motion; Vector notation;  Projectile Motion, Gravitation; Work and Energy; Electricity; Magnetism; Wave and Energy transfer; Sound and Light; Quantum Theory.

405 - Anatomy and Physiology Full Year 1 credit

Recommended: 11th or 12th grade

Prerequisite: Biology and teacher recommendation for advanced coursework 

Anatomy and Physiology is an advanced course for students with a strong interest in life sciences.  This class provides students with an overview of the structures (anatomy) and functions (physiology) of the amazing human!  This course is an advanced elective that requires dissection labs.  Students will be required to know many parts of the body and demonstrate their understanding of how these structures function in maintaining homeostasis.  Topics will include tissues, skin, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular systems, digestive, respiratory, reproductive, lymphatic & immune, endocrine, nervous and urinary systems.

416- Earth Science Half Year ½  credit 

Recommended: All grades

This course introduces scientific investigations, methods, observations and communication along with common tools and methods used for understanding Earth and its environments.  Minerals and rocks that make up the Earth's crust, Earth's features, identification, and uniqueness as a planet are also covered in this course. Students will also examine continental drift, seafloor spreading, plate tectonic movement, plate boundaries, landforms, volcanic activity, earthquakes, and mountains resulting from plate tectonic processes as well as surface processes that create and modify landforms. The course also explores water on earth, covering its distribution, states, and the processes involving Earth’s water. Students will learn how features and processes of the atmosphere determine weather and climate, how life is supported on planet Earth, and how Earth scientists learn about Earth's past as well as Earth’s history. The course continues with human dependence on natural resources for energy and materials, the effects of human overpopulation and overconsumption on Earth's systems, and concludes with introducing the objects of our solar system and explorations beyond our solar system.

430 - Kinesiology Half Year ½  credit

Prerequisite: One year of science (Biology and/or Health I recommended)

Kinesiology is the study of human movement and the intricate interplay of biological, mechanical, and psychological factors that influence it. In this course, students delve into the science behind physical activity and gain a deep understanding of how the body functions during exercise, sports, and daily activities. Through the examination of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise science, students explore the foundations of health and wellness, learn how to optimize performance, and understand the principles of injury prevention and rehabilitation. Kinesiology is not just a science; it's a practical discipline that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their own physical well-being and equips them with the knowledge to promote a healthier, more active society 

424 - Environmental Science Half Year ½  credit

What is necessary to maintain the "balance of nature"?  Students will develop an understanding of the interrelationships between all things, living and nonliving, in an effort to develop solutions to the environmental problems that the world faces today.  Topics will be woven into a broader topic of how current populations can live in a more sustainable way.  Topics will include the study of habitat destruction, pollution, and consumption of resources, energy, and alternative energy.  This class will also include aspects of environmental protection, habitat management, environmental regulations, and public policy.  Written reports, group and individual projects,  and presentations will be a major part of this course.

412 - Genetics Half Year ½ credit

Recommended:  11th or 12th grade

Prerequisite:  Biology, Algebra II or a teacher recommendation

Genetics is intended to connect biology to real life while providing a more in-depth and comprehensive study of genetics and genetic diseases.  The class will have a major research component, utilizing case studies to better understand the probabilities and “luck of the draw” behind reproduction.  It is designed for students who are interested in learning about themselves, their family and an introduction to some of the concerns to be addressed before procreation.  Topics will include a brief review of Mendelian genetics, exceptions to Mendel’s laws, genetic mutations and an in depth coverage of genetic diseases.

423 - Botany Half Year ½  credit

Prerequisite:  Biology

Botany is designed for students who enjoy learning about the diversity of living things.  Students will explore the variety of plant life from microscopic organisms to trees, as well as the structure and function of plant parts.  Students will explore protists, fungi, seedless plants, and seed-bearing plants.  Students will have the opportunity to design and complete individual projects.  The development of simple organisms to complex living things will be investigated through labs, observations, reading of scientific articles, and research.

418 - Astronomy Half Year ½  credit

Recommended: All grades

Astronomy is an elective course that provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding about the solar system, galaxy, and universe in which we live. The course is designed to have minimal mathematical investigation and to be accessible to a diverse population. Students use tools of observation to learn about space and learn how astronomers past and present have used tools available. Areas of study include: use of the tools used to observe the sky; stellar astronomy and how stars change over time; galaxies and how they function, and exploration of extraterrestrial life. The project-based course is easily differentiated for students with a variety of educational needs. 

407 - Zoology                                    Half Year                         ½  credit

Recommended:  11th or 12th grade

Prerequisite:  Biology

Zoology is designed for students who enjoy learning about the diversity of living things.  Students will explore the variety of life from sponges to whales.  Students will explore the nine major phyla including porifera, cnidarian, platyhelminthes, nematoda, mollusca, annelida, athropoda, echinodermata and chordata.   Students will have the opportunity to design and complete individual projects.  The development of simple organisms to complex living things will be investigated through labs, observations, reading of scientific articles and research.