Science

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 

Course # 4220

Grade 9

1 Credit 

Environmental science provides an opportunity to synthesize  the disparate pieces of earth science and biology while  developing the naturalist intelligence. Students will gain an  understanding of ecological concepts including air, water,  soil, biological diversity and human impacts. Inquiry skills will  be developed through fieldwork, and collaborative  investigation while using appropriate technology. Because of  the interdisciplinary focus, students are challenged with  diverse topics, rigorous reading requirements, and  opportunity for written and oral presentation. 

BIOLOGY 

Course # 4310

Grade 9-10

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Recommendation - Environmental Science or 8th grade Earth Science

This course is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of living systems. Emphasis continues to be placed on the skills necessary to examine alternative scientific explanations, actively conduct controlled experiments, analyze and communicate information, and acquire and use scientific literature. The history of biological thought and the evidence that supports it will be explored and will provide the foundation for investigating biochemical life processes, cellular organization, mechanisms of inheritance, and dynamic relationships among organisms through time. The importance of scientific research that validates or challenges ideas is emphasized at this level.

BIOLOGY HONORS 

Course # 4310H

Grade 9-10

1 Credit

Prerequisite: B or higher in Earth Science or Environmental Science

This course is a fast paced course that explores, in depth, biological concepts and the scientific process. Areas of study include experimental design, environmental adaptations, biochemistry, cell theory, genetics, natural selection, classification, and human systems. This course includes the use of additional technology, mathematical applications, rigorous research, and additional investigation

EARTH SCIENCE 

Course # 4210

Grade 10-11

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Biology

This course deals with the earth and all factors that affect the earth. It is divided into four broad areas: meteorology, geology, astronomy, and oceanography. The main emphasis is on understanding how different factors can influence the earth and what we can do as people to preserve and protect the earth for future generations.

EARTH SCIENCE II: OCEANOGRAPHY 

Course # 4250

Grade 10-11

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Earth Science

This upper level course will explore various aspects of the world’s oceans including physical features of the ocean, marine life, and how humans impact the ocean. The ocean is a variable resource for all and this course will focus on its importance.

BIOLOGY II: ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY 

Course # 4330

Grade 10-11

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Biology I , “C” or better

This rigorous course will focus on the structure and function of the human body. Each organ system is approached from simple to increasingly complex levels. In this course, building an understanding of the concepts, rather than rote memorization, is emphasized. Dissections and numerous projects will be required.

BIOLOGY II: ECOLOGY 

Course # 4340

Grade 10-11

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Biology I

This course will study how organisms interact with their environment with an emphasis on human impact on the environment. Topics will include ecosystems, community interactions, population dynamics, major environmental laws, natural resources, biodiversity, species and habitat protection, and technology in environmental issues. A goal of the course is the development of thinking and decision making skills.

CHEMISTRY 

Course # 4410

Grade 10-11

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Biology I; Corequisite: Algebra II

Chemistry will investigate a variety of topics including the classification of matter and changes undergone by matter. Development of an understanding of the meanings and use of chemical symbols is required. Other areas of study include knowledge and understanding of atomic theory, the periodic table, chemical reactions, problem solving, and the properties of solids, liquids, and gasses.

CHEMISTRY HONORS 

Course # 4410H

Grade 10-11

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Biology Honors and Algebra II; Corequisite: Trigonometry/Algebra III or higher

The honors course stresses critical thinking and problem solving and includes more difficult mathematical material than Chemistry I. Areas of study include properties of matter, the periodic table, atomic structure, bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, acid-base chemistry, solutions, redox reactions, thermochemistry and equilibrium. Students choosing this course should be prepared to work at a higher level than those taking Chemistry I. 

DUAL ENROLLMENT CHEMISTRY  

Course # 4700

Grade 11-12

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I, Trigonometry/ Algebra II or higher

Fee $15

This course is designed to give students a more detailed study of chemistry and is taught at the college level. A great deal of time will be spent in laboratory exercises. Students will study matter, the periodic table, atomic structure and theory, bonding, nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, acid-base chemistry, organic and nuclear chemistry. Students who earn a grade of “C” or better in the course will receive 8 college credits for CHM 111-112.

PHYSICS 

Course # 4510

Grade 11-12

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Chemistry I; Corequisite: Trigonometry/ Algebra III or higher

After completing the course, students will be able to discuss topics and solve word problems dealing with mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, wave motions, sound, light, and atomic physics. They should be able to perform labs independently and to express their findings concisely in the form of written reports.

DUAL ENROLLMENT BIOLOGY  

Course # 3989

Grade 11-12

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Anatomy or Physics or Chemistry, Trigonometry/ Algebra III or higher

Fee $15

This course is designed to give students a more detailed study of biology and is taught at the college level. A great deal of time will be spent on laboratory exercises. Students will study cellular structure, metabolism, genetics in an evolutionary context, diversity of life, anatomy and physiology of organisms, and ecosystem organization. Students who earn a grade of “C” or better in this course will earn 8 college credits in BIO 101 and BIO 102.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 

Course # 4270

Grade 11-12

1 Credit 

Prerequisite: Chemistry I; Corequisite: Trigonometry/ Algebra III or higher

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide you with the scientific 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.