Academy Lab Biology (grade 9)

This course is offered to those students who show exceptional science aptitude. Topics are covered in more detail than in regular biology. Emphasis is placed on cellular chemistry, cell biology, genetics, and anatomy/physiology of plants and animals. Independent work is encouraged. (NCAA)

STEM Tech (grade 9)

This course is a Computer Science introductory course for ninth-grade students accepted to the STEM Academy. The course includes exposure to the six computational thinking practices: Connecting Computing, Creating Computational Artifacts, Abstracting, Analyzing Problems and Artifacts, Communicating, and Collaborating. The course begins with an introduction to computer hardware and software components as well as the storage of digital data in binary and hexadecimal formats. The course then moves into teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills as they relate to computational thinking; these skills are then defined and practiced through the development and/or selection of appropriate algorithms, and then implementing these algorithms using the Java programming language. Key concepts of the Java language are introduced and studied in-depth as tools for creating computer programs to solve problems, including assignment statements, conditional statements, loops, strings, and arrays. Boolean logic is defined, studied, and practiced as a key tool for understanding and implementing conditional flow within programs. Problems chosen for study include those from the fields of algebra, geometry, and discrete mathematics.

Lab Chemistry Honors (grade 10)

The basic concepts, principles, and theories of modern chemistry form the content of this course. Laboratory experiences leading to an understanding and respect for scientific methods are the means for achieving course objectives. This material is covered in greater depth at an accelerated pace. There are more opportunities for problem solving and critical thinking. Contact lenses cannot be worn in a vapor sensitive environment. (NCAA)

Lab Physics Honors (grade 11)

Physics is the study of matter and energy and their relationship. Topics include kinematics (motion), Newton’s laws of motion, mechanics (forces acting on objects), momentum, impulse, work, energy, power, circular and rotational motion, planetary motion, simple harmonic motion, waves, sound, and light. This course integrates concepts and skills related to earth and space sciences in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards. Relationships connecting topics are addressed. Students will also develop their scientific reasoning skills to a greater depth. Exercises will require problem solving that will employ multiple steps and logical scientific reasoning. (NCAA)

Academy Lab Anatomy and Physiology (typically grade 10)

Anatomy and Physiology is an in depth study of the human body. The course will investigate all of the organ systems as to structure, function and interaction with each other. This course integrates concepts and skills related to physical, earth and space sciences in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards. The course is intended for the serious science student who is interested in medical and health related occupations. Dissection will be an essential part of this course. (NCAA)

Molecular Cell Biology (typically grade 11)

This is a 21st century course. It is preparatory for careers in the biological sciences, Chemistry, all careers in health care, genetics, pharmacy, biomedical engineering and science research. Molecular Cell Biology is a requirement in most college science curriculums including Biomedical Engineering. The course involves a detailed study of the cell and its organelle components on a molecular level. It is concerned with understanding the interactions between the cellular systems and the interactions between the different types of DNA, RNA and protein.

Students increase their knowledge of the biochemical and molecular bases of normal and abnormal cellular processes by learning to perform: DNA extraction techniques, DNA electrophoresis and restriction analysis, molecular lab studies on organic molecules and understanding how the gene is regulated. Analysis of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells and DNA will be performed. The students will read, analyze and write a commentary on the research journals and articles pertaining to the area being studied. Labs mimicking the study may be performed if possible. Research projects would be encouraged. Visits to laboratory facilities to learn the latest equipment would be investigated. (NCAA)

AP Chemistry (typically grade 12)

AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a general chemistry course taken during the first year of college. Students will attain an in-depth understanding of chemistry fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemistry problems. Topics of study including structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, and basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented in considerable depth. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP examination. Completion of a summer assignment is required. (NCAA)

AP Physics C Mechanics (typically grade 12)

AP Physics C is a second year physics course that revisits the mechanics topics studied in physics honors, but to a much greater depth. The course teaches mechanics using calculus. The course is equivalent to a first semester course of Physics for majors in most universities. New topics studied include rotational inertia and angular momentum. This course integrates concepts and skills related to earth and space sciences in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards. Emphasis in the course is placed on developing a student’s critical thinking and problem solving skills to an extent that prepares the student to successfully take the Advanced Placement exam. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP examination. Completion of a summer assignment is required. (NCAA)

AP Computer Science Principles (typically grade 12)

The course is unique in its focus on fostering students to be creative. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using simulations to explore questions that interest them. Rather than teaching a particular programming language or tool, the course focuses on sing technology and programming as a means to solve computational problems and create exciting and personally relevant artifacts. Students design and implement innovative solutions using an iterative process similar to what artists, writers, computer scientists, and engineers use to bring ideas to life.

This course highlights the relevance of computer science by emphasizing the vital impact advances in computing have on people and society. By focusing the course beyond the study of machines and systems, students also have the opportunity to investigate innovations in other fields that computing has made possible and examine the ethical implications of new computing technologies.

Students who take an AP Computer Science Principles course using this curriculum framework as its foundation will develop a range of skills vital to success in subsequent college courses, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. They will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and discussing and writing about the importance of these problems and the impacts to their community, society, and the world.

Academy Engineering (typically grade 12)

The Academy Introduction to Engineering course exposes students to a broad range of engineering disciplines. The students will develop an understanding of the engineering process and will gain experience with that process through hands on engineering team activities with fellow classmates. Students will research different engineering disciplines through online sources, interviews with engineers in different fields, and textbook materials. This will be supplemented with visits from experienced engineers as well as some visits to selected engineering firms. Students will be instructed in one of the standard engineering design and development processes. In team activities they will utilize this approach, including all levels of documentation, data collection, design, etc. Furthermore students will undergo design reviews of their work. The reviewers will include other students and professional engineer guests. Specific projects will leverage the students’ previous and concurrent science experiences. Projects will be in a number of areas, including mechanical engineering, digital electronics, robotics, and optical engineering. Students will also participate in some high school engineering competitions.

AP Calculus AB (can differ, grades 10-12)

This college level course involves differential and integral calculus including analytic geometry. Projects which reinforce mathematical concepts using the graphing calculator demonstrate the importance of calculus in other disciplines. The curriculum follows the established guidelines for Advanced Placement Testing AB. A calculator with graphing capabilities such as a Texas Instruments model 89+ is required for this course. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP examination. The completion of a summer assignment is required. (NCAA)

AP Calculus BC (can differ, grades 11-12)

This course covers all of the topics of Calculus AB along with vector and parametrically defined functions, improper integrals, series and sequences, and differential equations. The curriculum follows the established guidelines for Advanced Placement Testing BC. A calculator with graphing capabilities such as a Texas Instruments model 89+ is required for this course. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP examination. The completion of a summer assignment is required. (NCAA)

AP Statistics (typically grade 12)

This is a college level course and the curriculum follows the established guidelines for the Advanced Placement Testing. The purpose of the Advanced Placement course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: (1) Exploring Data: Observing patterns and departures from patterns, (2) Planning a Study: Deciding what and how to measure, (3) Anticipating Patterns: Producing models using probability and simulation and (4) Statistical Inference: Confirming models. Students taking AP Biology, Chemistry or Economics course would benefit from the AP Statistics course. A calculator with graphing capabilities such as a Texas Instruments model 83+ Silver is required for this course. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP examination. The completion of a summer assignment is required. (NCAA)

Multivariable Calculus (Brookdale) (typically grade 12)

This course completes the study of elementary calculus. The topics include vector calculus, surfaces in space and functions of several variables. Applications in various fields will be considered throughout the course. Computer and calculator software will be used to gain a greater understanding of concepts as well as to consider non-routine problems.

Topics in Mathematics for 21st Century Careers in Math (typically grade 12)

In this course students will study topics ranging from differential equations to linear algebra and will be structured to meet the needs of the student body each year. Students will be exposed to the applications in various fields. Computer and calculator software will be used to gain a greater understanding of concepts as well as to consider non-routine problems.