This course is designed to follow the next generation science standards (NGSS) for life sciences using phenomenon driven instruction. In this course, students explore life at multiple levels, from molecules and cells to organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Students will examine how the structure and function of cells enable organisms to obtain and use energy, pass traits from one generation to another, and interact with their environment and with other organisms. Key topics include cell structure and function, homeostasis, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, genetics and heredity, evolution by natural selection, and ecosystem dynamics. Throughout the course, students engage in science and engineering practices such as asking questions, developing and using models, analyzing data, and constructing explanations based on evidence. They also apply crosscutting concepts, including patterns, cause and effect, and systems thinking, to connect ideas across biological concepts. By the end of the course, students will be able to use evidence to explain biological phenomena, evaluate scientific claims, and understand how biology connects to health, environmental issues, and everyday life. This course builds a strong foundation for future science coursework and supports the development of critical thinking and scientific literacy.

  Everything in the world in which we live can be described in terms of chemistry. Chemistry is a physical science that lays a foundation into the chemical and physical aspects of everyday life.  Students will become a part of a science community where it is encouraged to explore a natural curiosity behind chemical reactions, reaction rates, and the forces that hold atoms together. Through hands-on NGSS activities, labs, and data analysis, the opportunity to explore how the natural world works and how to use the principles of chemistry to think more intelligently about current issues will be created. Students will actively participate in uncovering the chemistry in the laboratory and in the world around them. By taking a guided-inquiry approach to learning that builds on prior knowledge, students will engage as an active participant in the classroom to collaborate, discuss and evaluate scientific information through laboratory investigations, research projects, and small group collaborations.

This course represents a first year comprehensive sequence of Algebra based Physics. The topics of study are focused on Mechanics. The order of the topics has been geared to use and reinforce the mathematics that the students are concurrently studying.  For this reason, this first year course is geared towards reinforcing skills in algebra and requires no trigonometry. This is accomplished by restricting the first year course to problems that can be simplified to one-dimensional form.  While vectors are introduced, they are only added and subtracted in one dimension at a time. Connections are also developed between the analysis of motion and graphical analysis, collision problems and the solving of systems of equations, etc.

Following completion of this first year course students can then elect to enter a second year, (AP Physics-1), exploration of the very same material being introduced by way of multidimensional problems through the addition and subtraction of vectors in two and three dimensions. This is coordinated with the student’s study of trigonometry. 

Throughout both years, students will be involved in problem-solving activities on an individual, small group and large group basis. Through this process the ability to read and understand problems, break them down into their component parts and then create and present solutions will be developed.  

Students enrolled in this course will develop an understanding of key concepts that will help them understand and explore environmental science.  There are six major topics in this environmental science course, each incorporating performance expectations which incorporate core ideas, engineering and cross cutting concepts to help them apply environmental science concepts across all science disciplines. Throughout the course students will explore the living world where students will be asked to investigate how organisms interact with their environment. In addition, there will be a great deal of emphasis on humans impact on our Earth and Earth’s impact on humans. Students will be asked to defend claims, plan investigations, develop and use models and construct explanations based on evidence in order to fully understand and predict populations for now and in the future. Throughout the course students will utilize skills and background knowledge to develop deeper understandings of each of the topics. 

This course will offer students the opportunity to explore the Biology of organisms more in depth.  Students will understand the structure and function of the body systems and compare them to other organisms.  During the instruction students will learn about each body system and then also understand the integration of the systems working together to maintain homeostasis for the body.  Studying the structure and function of the human body and other organisms similar to humans will help students gain knowledge for a career in the medical field which includes, but is not limited to human medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine and veterinary technician careers.

Forensic Chemistry is a full-year, laboratory-based science course that explores the application of chemistry, biology, physics, earth science, and scientific inquiry within the context of criminal investigations. Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), this course emphasizes core disciplinary ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts that connect scientific knowledge to real-world legal systems.

The term "forensic" is derived from the Latin word "forum," meaning public discussion or debate. Forensic science represents the application of scientific principles and methodologies to matters of public concern, particularly within the criminal justice system. In modern practice, forensic scientists analyze physical, biological, chemical, digital, and behavioral evidence to reconstruct events and present scientifically supported conclusions in court.

Throughout this course, students develop foundational skills in observation, data analysis, deductive reasoning, and evidence-based argumentation. Students learn how scientific principles are used to identify, compare, and evaluate various types of evidence, including trace materials, impression evidence, blood and DNA, chemical substances, digital data, questioned documents, and biological indicators of death. Emphasis is placed on understanding both the strengths and limitations of forensic methods, recognizing bias, maintaining objectivity, and communicating uncertainty appropriately. Students will engage in hands-on laboratory investigations, crime scene simulations, case study analyses, and mock courtroom experiences.

All AP Courses are aligned with and supported by the College Board Curriculum 

• AP Biology

• AP Chemistry

• AP Physics I

• AP Physics II

• AP Environmental Science

• AP Computer Science 

PLTW curriculum is designed to empower students to thrive in an evolving world. As a part of the design process when developing and updating our curriculum, we focus on connections to a variety of standards.

• Biomedical Science

• Human Body Systems

• Medical Interventions

• Biomedical Innovation

• Intro to Engineering Design

• Principles of Engineering

• Civil Engineering and Architecture

• Computer Science