Science Electives - Chemistry
MODERN CHEMISTRY: Chemistry is everywhere.
A Level
SC32 - 1 Science Credit - Full Year
Modern Chemistry is a traditional laboratory course in general chemistry, emphasizing the study of matter and its changes as understood within the framework of the Atomic Theory. Full block laboratory exercises are problem solving in nature and require student participation in experimental design, data reduction, and report preparation. Juniors should note that this course is a prerequisite for some senior electives.
Honors Level
SC31 - 1 Science Credit - Full Year
Prerequisite: Enrollment based on teacher recommendation and/or placement testing.
Modern Chemistry Honors is an accelerated laboratory course in pre-college chemistry for the high ability science student. The course content centers on Atomic Theory as an explanation for the changes in matter through the investigation of the theoretical and quantitative aspects of chemistry. Special emphasis is placed on development of critical thinking skills in applying the scientific method and relating abstract concepts to chemical principles and laboratory experiences. Many aspects of the course material involve understanding quantitative relationships and solving quantitative problems, therefore a strong mathematical background is required.
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GASTRONOMIC CHEMISTRY - We are what we eat, all the way down to the atoms.
SC34 - 1 Science Credit - Full Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics and Biology.
Explore the fascinating intersection of chemistry, biology and culinary arts. Delve into the molecular science behind the flavors, textures, and transformations that occur in the kitchen. From understanding chemical reactions in cooking to exploring food additives, this course provides a hands-on approach to unraveling the science behind the meals we love.
FORENSIC SCIENCE: Where science meets investigations in the pursuit of truth.
SC60 - 1 Science Credit - Full year
Forensic Science is the application of science (chemistry, physics, and biology) to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. It includes the investigation of fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, arson, trace evidence analysis, poisons, drugs, blood spatters, and blood samples. Students are taught the proper collection, preservation, and laboratory analysis of various samples.
AP CHEMISTRY: Unlocking the secrets of the reactions around you.
SC30 - 1 Science Credits - Full Year
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and/or teacher recommendation.
The AP Chemistry model of instruction promotes enduring, conceptual understandings and the content that supports them. This approach enables students to spend less time on factual recall and more time on inquiry-based learning of essential concepts, and helps them develop the reasoning skills necessary to engage in the science practices used throughout their study of AP Chemistry. Students who take AP Chemistry will develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enables them to undertake, in their first year, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, the AP Chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses.
All students enrolled are required to take the AP exam in May for which there is a fee of $98.00.