SCIENCE COURSES
2000310 BIOLOGY
GRADE: 9
1 CREDIT
This course is designed to help students develop skills in areas of cooperative learning, critical thinking, the scientific method, and the utilization of technology in the research of contemporary problems and issues. The study of life processes will include measurement, cellular biology, genetics, ecology, animal and plant anatomy and physiology, as well as an introduction to the structure and function of the human body. Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are an essential component of the course and offer students an opportunity to become familiar with scientific instruments and methods
2000320 BIOLOGY HONORS
GRADE: 9
PATHWAY: ENGLISH I HONORS (CONCURRENTLY)
1 CREDIT
In this course students will explore the relationship between organisms and their environment and between individual cells and biological systems. The processes of life will be approached from the view points of cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, classifications of organisms, physiology, biochemistry, and biological changes through time. The course expects students to be capable of comprehending scientific concepts presented at an advanced level. Laboratory activities are a significant component in the course and offer students an opportunity to become familiar with scientific instruments and experimental methods. Students should be able to demonstrate proficient writing skills. The texts for this course are at a Lexile level of 1200, therefore students should be aware of the complexity of texts they will read in this course.
2000340 AP BIOLOGY
GRADES: 9-12
PATHWAY: BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, ALGEBRA II HONORS (CONCURRENTLY)
1 CREDIT
Advanced Placement Biology is a college-level course that includes a rigorous in-depth study of foundational topics designed to support future advanced coursework within STEM disciplines. The challenging nature of this course requires students to devote significant time and effort outside of regular class time to develop mastery of content. Students cultivate their understanding of Biology through lecture and inquiry-based investigations as they explore content such as: evolution, cell biology, biochemistry, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. Students will learn how to use lab equipment and other technology during hands-on laboratory investigations. Participating colleges and universities may award college credit based on results of the Advanced Placement Examination. In order to be successful in this course students should have completed high school courses in Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, and Geometry, as recommended by College Board.
2003340 CHEMISTRY
GRADE: 10
PATHWAY: BIOLOGY
1 CREDIT
This course will develop a greater understanding of the composition, properties and changes associated with matter through laboratory exercises, hands on activities, and demonstration. Content shall include, but not be limited to: measurements, classification and structure of matter, atomic theory, moles, periodicity, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, kinetic theory, gas laws, acids and bases, and energy relationships. Hands-on laboratory investigations and compliance with safe laboratory techniques are an essential component of the course. This cumulative course will use Algebra skills. Students must be confident in applying those concepts. Students should be aware, also, that a non-programmable scientific calculator is utilized in this course.
2003350 CHEMISTRY HONORS
GRADE: 10
PATHWAY: BIOLOGY HONORS, ALGEBRA II (CONCURRENTLY)
1 CREDIT
This course is a rigorous, in-depth study of the composition, properties and changes associated with matter. Topics can include but are not limited to: Mathematical conversions, metric measurements, classification and structure of matter, atomic theory, molar calculations, periodicity, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, molecular formulas, inorganic nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, kinetic molecular theory, gas laws, gas principles, acid/base reactions, energy relationships, basic entropy, equilibrium and nuclear chemistry. Hands-on laboratory investigations and compliance with safe laboratory techniques are an essential component of the course. This cumulative course will use Algebra skills and will emphasize intensive mathematical problem solving. Students must be confident in reading scenarios, analyzing and applying a summative knowledge of Chemistry and Algebra. Students should be aware, also, that a non-programmable scientific calculator is utilized in this course. (ACT or SAT approved)
2003370 AP CHEMISTRY
GRADES: 9-12
PATHWAY: ALGEBRA II HONORS
1 CREDIT
This course is a rigorous, in-depth study of foundational topics designed to support future advanced coursework in Chemistry. AP Chemistry is a college level course, in which the curriculum covers content equivalent to the eight credit hours of general chemistry required for most STEM majors in college. The challenging nature of this course requires students to devote significant time and effort outside of regular class time to develop mastery of content.
The course will emphasize applying mathematical problem solving to interpret scientific concepts. Students will utilize skills taught in Algebra II, and therefore should feel confident manipulating exponents, performing logarithmic calculations, and using the quadratic formula.
Students will cultivate their understanding of chemistry through lecture and inquiry-based investigations as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Students will learn how to use lab probes and other technology during hands-on laboratory investigations. Participating colleges and universities may award college credit based on results of the Advanced Placement examination.
2003380 PHYSICS
GRADES: 11,12
PATHWAY: CHEMISTRY, ALGEBRA II (CONCURRENTLY)
1 CREDIT
In this introductory course to Physics, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of basic physical science concepts including motion, forces, energy, sound, light, and electricity. These topics will be taught through laboratory exercises, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and Physics projects. Active learning will be a major focus of the curriculum.
2003390 PHYSICS HONORS
GRADES: 11,12
PATHWAY: CHEMISTRY OR CHEMISTRY HONORS, ALGEBRA II (CONCURRENTLY)
1 CREDIT
This course will provide students with an introductory study of the theories and laws governing mechanics, conversation of energy, wave theory, electricity, magnetism, optics, sound and nuclear physics. Laboratory activities (including Physics projects) and safe laboratory techniques are an essential component and offer students an opportunity to become familiar with scientific instruments and methods. The course will emphasize mathematical problem solving.
2003421 AP PHYSICS I
GRADES: 11,12
PATHWAY: CHEMISTRY HONORS OR AP CHEMISTRY, PRE-CALCULUS (CONCURRENTLY)
1 CREDIT
This course is a first year, algebra-based college physics course equivalent to the first-semester of physics, plus the corresponding lab component. AP Physics I is designed for students pursuing non-engineering science majors. The curriculum covers topics in: Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. Students should be aware that they will devote significant quantities of time and effort outside of regular class time, due to the challenging nature of this course. Participating colleges and universities may award credit based on the results of the Advanced Placement Examination. AP Physics 1 can be taken at the same time as AP Physics 2. In order to be successful in this course, students should have completed Geometry and are currently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.
2003422 AP PHYSICS II
GRADES: 11,12
PATHWAY: PRE-CALCULUS (CONCURRENTLY)
1 CREDIT
This course is a first year, algebra-based college physics course equivalent to the second-semester of physics, plus the corresponding lab component. AP Physics II is designed for students pursuing non-engineering science majors, as a continuation of AP Physics I. The curriculum covers topics in: fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; atomic and nuclear physics. Students should be aware that they will devote significant quantities of time and effort outside of regular class time, due to the challenging nature of this course. Participating colleges and universities may award credit based on the results of the Advanced Placement Examination. AP Physics II can be taken at the same time as AP Physics 1. In order to be successful in this course, students should have taken or are concurrently taking Precalculus or an equivalent course.
2003430 AP PHYSICS C
GRADES: 11,12
PATHWAY: PHYSICS HONORS OR AP PHYSICS, CALCULUS HONORS, OR AP CALCULUS AB OR BC (CONCURRENTLY)
1 CREDIT
This course is a first year, algebra-based college physics course equivalent to the second-semester of physics, plus the corresponding lab component. AP Physics II is designed for students pursuing non-engineering science majors, as a continuation of AP Physics I. The curriculum covers topics in: fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; atomic and nuclear physics. Students should be aware that they will devote significant quantities of time and effort outside of regular class time, due to the challenging nature of this course. Participating colleges and universities may award credit based on the results of the Advanced Placement Examination. AP Physics II can be taken at the same time as AP Physics 1. In order to be successful in this course, students should have taken or are concurrently taking Precalculus or an equivalent course.
2000350 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
GRADES: 11,12
PATHWAY: BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY (OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT)
1 CREDIT
This course provides exploratory activities in the structure and function of the components of the human body. The course will include a study of the organ-systems of the body, utilizing anatomical terminology to describe or explain structural composition and physiological processes. Laboratory activities are emphasized in order to enhance understanding of how the body works. Vertebrate dissection is a part of this course. This course relies heavily on medical terminology learned throughout the year.
2000360 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY HONORS
GRADES: 11,12
PATHWAY: BIOLOGY HONORS, CHEMISTRY HONORS, PHYSICS I HONORS (OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT)
1 CREDIT
This course provides advanced science students with a comprehensive background in human anatomy and physiology. Students should understand terminology, identify structures, and understand body functions. The course will include a study of the organ-systems of the body, utilization of anatomical terminology to describe or explain structural composition and physiological processes. Laboratory activities are emphasized in order to enhance understanding of how the body works. Vertebrate dissection is a major part of this course. Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are an essential component of the course and offer students an opportunity to become familiar with scientific instruments and methods.
2001380 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
GRADES: 11,12
PATHWAY: BIOLOGY HONORS, CHEMISTRY HONORS, ALGEBRA II HONORS (CONCURRENT WITH PHYSICS)
1 CREDIT
This college-level course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methods required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world, identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. Students will learn how to use lab probes and other technology during hands-on laboratory investigations. Students should be aware that they will devote significant quantities of time and effort outside of regular class time, due to the challenging nature of this course. Participating colleges and universities may award college credit based on results of the Advanced Placement Examination. In order to be successful in this course students should have completed Biology, Chemistry, and at least one year of Algebra.
2002480 FORENSIC SCIENCE
GRADES: 11, 12
PATHWAY: BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS (OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT)
1 CREDIT
This course is designed to teach students critical thinking, deductive reasoning, laboratory techniques and problem-solving skills. This course will outline the roles and responsibilities of a forensic scientist and teach skills needed to investigate basic crime scenes. Students will explore the fundamentals of crime scene analysis, fingerprint examination, blood and blood stain spatter patterns, DNA identification, forensic entomology, illicit drug identification, and human remains. Laboratory activities are a significant component in this course and students will find the course work challenging, rewarding and fascinating. This course does count as a science for graduation purposes.
2020910 ASTRONOMY SOLAR/GALACTIC HONORS
GRADES: 11, 12
1 CREDIT
While the content focus of this course is consistent with the Astronomy Solar/Galactic course, students will explore these concepts in greater depth. Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of this course.
2002500 MARINE SCIENCE I
2002510 MARINE SCIENCE I HONORS
GRADES: 11-12
PATHWAY: BIOLOGY/CHEMISTRY
1 CREDIT
This course provides a comprehensive and investigative study of marine science, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of ocean systems. Students will explore a wide range of biological, ecological, chemical, and physical concepts related to the marine environment. Topics include ocean discovery and exploration; marine ecosystems and ecology; fish biology and anatomy; ocean chemistry and geology; plate tectonics; meteorology; tides and currents; abiotic and biotic factors; human impacts on marine systems; the One Health approach; and micro- and macro-scale environmental ecosystems. Students are expected to have a foundational understanding of chemistry and a strong grasp of basic biological principles. This is a laboratory integrated course that requires reading, writing, and analytical skills appropriate for upper-level high school coursework.