PHYSICS COLLEGE PREP

Full Year | Credit: 5 | Grade Level: 9

Prerequisite(s): None; Co-requisite(s): Algebra I CP

This course counts toward the science requirement for graduation. This introductory class for first-year students is designed to acquaint students with the basic rules of nature – physics. The science content area of physics is presented in familiar English, with mathematical equations serving as guides to thinking. Instruction is student-centered and inquiry-based, with comprehension as well as illustration/observation of concepts preceding calculations. Concepts addressed in this lab-based class and which require Algebra I background include: constant velocity, uniform acceleration, dynamics, Newton’s Laws, circular motion, models of energy, momentum, oscillation and mechanical waves.

PHYSICS HONORS

Full Year | Credit: 5 | Grade Level: 9

Prerequisite(s): Algebra 1 AND Achievement of honors placement criteria; Co-requisite(s): Geometry CP or higher

This course counts toward the science requirement for graduation. This introductory class for first-year students is designed to acquaint students with the basic rules of nature as found in the science of physics. The content has mathematical equations as a significant focus associated with models and explanations, all with the goal of guiding student thinking. Instruction is inquiry-based and student-focused with significant emphasis on connecting mathematical calculations to observations, lab work, illustrations and data analysis. Concepts addressed in this class will require a strong background and proficiency in Algebra 1. Content foci include: velocity, acceleration, dynamics, the Laws of Newton, circular motion, energy models, momentum, oscillation and mechanical waves.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1

Full Year | Credit: 5 | Grade Level: 9

Prerequisite (s): Algebra I; Achievement of AP Placement Criteria; Summer assignment; Co-requisite: Geometry CP or higher; Requirement(s): Students are required to take the AP exam

This course counts toward the science requirement for graduation. This course is for a select group of highly motivated and mathematically proficient students. AP Physics 1 is algebra-based and equivalent to the first and second semesters of introductory, algebra-based college physics courses. Topics to be explored in AP Physics 1 include: Newtonian mechanics as well as rotational motion; work, energy and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory concepts associated with electrostatics and electricity. Concepts will be explored more deeply than at the CP level, and students will acquire enhanced scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills through a significant amount of inquiry-based, hands-on experimentation in the lab. Mathematical proficiency will need to be at a high level as AP Physics does include basic use of trigonometric functions. At the end of the AP course, students are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics 1 exam. Many colleges will grant credit and/or appropriate higher placement in course sequences to students who score well on the AP exam.

CHEMISTRY

Full Year | Credit: 5 | Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation; Science Prerequisite: Physics or Physics CP; Math Prerequisite/Co-requisite: Algebra I or higher; Geometry, Algebra II or higher

This course counts toward the science requirement for graduation. This course is a general introduction to theories and principles that are fundamental to the study of chemistry. This course is designed for students who want to explore the many real-world situations where chemistry occurs without as much dependence on the equations and formulas usually associated with this science. The main topics studied include atomic structure, the Periodic Law, the mole concept, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, and acids and bases. This lab-based class will allow students experiences in laboratory situations where they will learn proper techniques and be able to observe chemical phenomena relative to class topics.

CHEMISTRY COLLEGE PREP

Full Year | Credit: 5 | Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation; Science Prerequisite: Grade of A or better in Physics: Grade of C or better in Physics CP or AP Physics 1; Math Pre/Co-requisite: Algebra I (CP or Honors) Geometry, Algebra II or higher

This course counts toward the science requirement for graduation. This course is a general introduction to theories and principles that are fundamental to the study of chemistry. This course is designed to prepare students for college-level science requirements. The main topics studied are atomic structure, the Periodic Law, the mole concept, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, and acids and bases. Laboratory situations enable students to learn proper lab techniques and to observe chemical phenomena relevant to class lectures. Laboratory reports are required.

CHEMISTRY HONORS

Full Year | Credit: 5 | Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation + Successful completion of a summer assignment; Science Prerequisite: Grade of A or better in Physics CP; Grade of B or better in Physics Honors or Grade of C or better in AP Physics 1; Math Prerequisite/Co-requisite: Geometry (CP or Honors); Algebra II CP or Algebra II/Trig Honors

This course counts toward the science requirement for graduation. Honors Chemistry emphasizes a firm comprehension of matter and its structure. This course is designed to prepare students for college-level science courses and careers in science, medicine, and engineering. The historical and theoretical aspects of atomic structure are investigated. An intensive study is made of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds, and of intermolecular forces. Principles of chemical reactions (i.e., thermodynamics, equilibria, reaction rates and electrochemistry) are studied. There is extensive laboratory experience of both a qualitative and quantitative nature. Each student is to maintain their own laboratory book, which requires the student to apply theoretical concepts in explaining laboratory observations. Students are prepared for the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry.

BIOLOGY COLLEGE PREP

Full Year | Credit: 5 | Grade Level: 11

Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation; Science Prerequisite(s): Physics (CP or Honors) + Chemistry (CP or Honors); Math Co-requisite: Algebra II

This course counts toward the science requirement for graduation. This course focuses on the methods and principles of scientific research, biochemistry and the biological concepts underlying our social, economic and civic life. The course explores the interrelationships of living things, relates the structure of molecules and cellular organelles to their functions, integrates energy relationships between the plant and animal world and compares reproductive and genetic relationships at both cellular and evolutionary levels. Students are involved with microscope investigations, molecular biology, genetics, dissections and open-ended laboratory experiences.

BIOLOGY HONORS

Full Year | Credit: 5 | Grade Level: 11

Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation; Physics Prerequisite(s): Grade of A or better in Physics CP or Grade of B or better in Physics Honors; Chemistry Prerequisite(s): Grade of A or better in Chemistry CP; Grade of B or better in Chemistry Honors (see “other” below);

Other: Can be taken with Chemistry H with Supervisor’s Approval

This course counts toward the science requirement for graduation. Honors Biology is an intensive exploration of six major areas from a biochemical and evolutionary perspective. Topics include: unity within variety, evolution of life processes, new life, genetic continuity, energy utilization, and higher levels of organization. The course is designed to prepare students for college-level science courses in preparation for careers in science, medicine, and engineering. Emphasis is on problem-solving by research and experimentation. Interactive computer probes are used in lab investigations. Laboratory techniques and methods are emphasized. Students are prepared for the SAT Subject Test in Biology.