Science

Open to: 10th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  N/A 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: None

Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature and the search to understand the interactions between matter and energy. This course will examine concepts of mechanics, properties of matter, heat, waves (including sound and light) and electricity and magnetism through the use of demonstrations, computer simulations, laboratory activities and lectures. Although physics is not a rigorously mathematical course, students are expected to have a working knowledge of the fundamental principles of algebra. This course fulfills the 10th grade requirement for Science.

Open to: 10th Grade, and qualified 9th grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: Current enrollment in Geometry (H) or higher, and recommendation of current math teacher.  For incoming freshmen, candidates must take the Algebra Challenge Exam and be placed in Geometry (H) or higher.

*See “Requirements for Taking Honors and Advanced Placement Courses” at the beginning of this Catalog. Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature and the search to understand the interactions between matter and energy. This course will examine concepts of mechanics, properties of matter, heat, waves (including sound and light) and electricity and magnetism through the use of demonstrations, computer simulations, laboratory activities and lectures. Physics (H) is taught with a greater emphasis on the use of mathematics in describing the laws of nature; therefore, students are expected to have a firm understanding of the applied principles of algebraic manipulation, to have familiarity with trigonometry and to be highly motivated learners. Students seeking further clarification of prerequisite knowledge should consult a physics teacher. This course fulfills the 10th grade requirement for Science.

Open to: 11th grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites:  Completion of any Physics course.

This course provides a fundamental foundation in the study of matter and the changes matter undergoes. Students will investigate the different classes of chemical reactions, atomic theory, chemical bonding, the driving forces behind chemical reactions, properties of gases and an introduction to organic chemistry. Learning will take place through lecture, problem-solving and laboratory activities. This course fulfills the appropriate year’s requirement for Science.

Open to: 10th and 11th grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites:  ‘A’ in Physics or ‘B+’ in Physics (H) both semesters.

*See “Requirements for Taking Honors and Advanced Placement Courses” at the beginning of this Catalog. This course provides a firm foundation in the concepts of chemistry. Topics of both inorganic and organic chemistry are explored. Students learn through computer simulation, lecture/discussion, problem solving and laboratory activities. Students should have a strong interest in the sciences and be proficient in algebra. This course fulfills the appropriate year’s requirement for Science.

Open to: 11th  and 12th grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: ‘B+’ in Physics (H) and ‘B+’ or higher in Chemistry (H) both semesters or ‘A’ in Chemistry both semesters with teacher's recommendation. 

*See “Requirements for Taking Honors and Advanced Placement Courses” at the beginning of this Catalog. Advanced Placement Chemistry is rapidly-paced, with rigorous treatment of primarily inorganic chemistry, with some aspects of organic chemistry added for emphasis. Students engage in problem-solving and laboratory activities. This course is intended for students considering a career in the sciences and who have a strong proficiency in algebra. This course follows the College Board standards to prepare students for the AP Chemistry Exam in May. This course fulfills the appropriate year’s requirement for Science, or may be taken as an elective for Science.

Open to: 11th and 12th grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  None 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: Completion of any Chemistry course

Biology is the study of living things as individuals and as part of an interwoven system of relationships. Topics include ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and the diversity of living things. Laboratories, projects, readings and lectures will be used to master this material. This course fulfills the appropriate year’s requirement for Science.

Open to: 11th and 12th grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: ‘A-’ in Chemistry or ‘B+’ in Chemistry (H), or ‘B’ in Chemistry (H) with teacher’s recommendation.

*See “Requirements for Taking Honors and Advanced Placement Courses” at the beginning of this Catalog. This Honors course is the 1st in a series of 2 classes that exhibits in-depth coverage of biological topics.  Students spend more time in lab.  Students are required to express their understanding in both written and oral forms as well as to be reflective about their thinking processes.  Students must be able to take responsibility for their own learning.  This course required investigative laboratories and formal lab reports. This course fulfills the appropriate year’s requirement for Science.

Open to: 12th grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: ‘A’ in Chemistry or ‘B+’ in Chemistry (H) or (AP), and ‘B+’ in Biology I (H) or ‘A’ in Biology both semesters with teacher's recommendation.

See “Requirements for Taking Honors and Advanced Placement Courses” at the beginning of this Catalog. AP Biology is a continuation of Biology I (H), including evolution, vertebrate anatomy and physiology, and molecular biology. Students are required to express understanding in both written and oral forms, as well as to be reflective about their thinking processes. Students must be able to take responsibility for their own learning. Requires student directed, inquiry based projects. Students may choose to sit for the AP Biology exam at the conclusion of this course. This course fulfills the appropriate year’s requirement for Science.

Open to:  11th and 12th grade (10th grade students who meet the grade level requirements may petition to AP Physics teacher to be in the class.)

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: ‘B+’ in Calculus AB (AP) and ‘A’ in Physics (H) both semesters

This course alternates with AP Physics: Mechanics. 

*See “Requirements for Taking Honors and Advanced Placement Courses” at the beginning of this Catalog. Advanced Placement Electricity and Magnetism will provide students a solid foundation in each of the following five content areas: electrostatics; conductors; capacitors and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. This course follows the College Board standards to prepare students for the AP Physics C (Electricity and Magnetism) Exam in May. This course fulfills an elective graduation requirement.

Open to: 10th(if in chemistry), 11th,and 12th grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: None

Environmental Science engages students in hands-on science with a focus on Earth’s systems, ecosystem dynamics, biological evolution and the impact of human activity on the Earth. Through group and individual projects, students will explore the complex relationship between humans and the Earth and the economic and ecological impact of those interactions. Concepts from the fields of biology, geology, earth science and ecology will enrich knowledge. Lectures, case studies, group activities, class discussions, and PBL (project-based learning) will be used as learning checks. Students are required to be open to learning through inquiry, constructing and using models, argumentation from evidence, and engineering solutions with a focus on scientific practices. This course fulfills an elective graduation requirement.

Open to:  11th and 12th grade (10th grade students who meet the grade level requirements may petition to AP Physics teacher to be in the class.)

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: ‘B-’ in Calculus AB (AP)

This course alternates with AP Physics: Electricity & Magnetism. This course will be offered next in the 2025-26 school year.

*See “Requirements for Taking Honors and Advanced Placement Courses” at the beginning of this Catalog. Advanced Placement Physics Mechanics covers Newtonian Mechanics in depth, with a strong theoretical emphasis that includes frequent use of vectors and differential and integral calculus. An in-depth lab component reinforces and extends theoretical concepts learned in class. This course follows the College Board standards to prepare students for the AP Physics C (Mechanics) Exam in May. This course fulfills an elective graduation requirement.