Prerequisite: Science I, II and Teacher Recommendation

Exam Fee:   $95.00 (or $120.00 for IB Exam) (approximately)

This is an advanced study course covering the composition, properties and reactions of substances; behaviors of solids, liquids and gases; acid/base and oxidation/reduction reactions; atomic structure; chemical formulas and equations.  Additional topics may include nuclear reactions, classes of organic compounds, organic reactions, and biochemistry.  This curriculum requires extensive laboratory work as well as an outside research project.  Students in this course will take the Advanced Placement  exam in the spring ($95.00).  This course is designed for the serious student who is willing to devote extra hours to complete the work.

 A comprehensive nine-week exam and a comprehensive eighteen-week exam will be given for each semester.

Additionally, juniors and seniors may take the exam for IB-SL Chemistry credit (HL credit requires an additional year course).  Assessments for the course include required IB internal and external assessments as well as locally required non-IB assessments.  See International Baccalaureate page for more information.

Available:  CHS, MHS, UHS

Prerequisite:  IB Chemistry SL and Teacher Recommendation

Exam:  $120.00 (approximately)

This course builds logically on topics studied in AP Chemistry  It is an in depth study of chemical theories, their application, and laboratory procedures following the IB curriculum.  A minimum of 25% of the course is devoted to practical work.  The course allows for an intensive, broad study of the field of chemistry and is designed for the serious student who is motivated to learn scientific knowledge.  Included in the course of study are structure of matter, chemical bonding, atomic theory, equilibrium, acid and base behavior, and many other topics.  

Assessments for the course include required IB internal and external assessments as well as locally required non-IB assessments.  The student who enrolls in this course will register for and take the IB Chemistry HL exam if a senior, SL exam if a junior.   See IB page for further information.  

Available:  CHS

Prerequisite:  Science I, Science II, Science  III, and a teacher recommendation 

Supplemental workbook: $20.00

Exam Fee:  $95.00 (or $120.00 for IB Exam) (approximately)

This is a full year course of study covering biological systems in more detail than General Biology.  Extensive work will take  place in the laboratory.  Topics that may be explored include the cell’s organization, function, and reproduction; energy transformation; human anatomy; and organisms’ evolutionary and adaptive processes.  An outside research project will be required. Students in this course will take the Advanced Placement  exam in the spring ($95.00).  This course is designed for the serious student who is willing to devote extra hours to complete the work.  Careful consideration should be made before reserving a seat in this class. Students and parents are required to sign a contract and  meet with the teacher to receive further instructions and a detailed course syllabus. 

A comprehensive nine-week exam and a comprehensive eighteen-week exam will be given for each semester.

This is a full year course of study focusing on biological systems in more detail than a general biology study.  The objective of this course is to prepare students in their study of biology to achieve an international standard of excellence.  To achieve this standard of excellence, the student must prepare in areas of his or her strengths as well as in areas of his or her weaknesses.  The primary method of teaching will be classroom lecture; however, extensive work will take place in the laboratory and outside research to reinforce topics studied. Concepts covered in the class will be equivalent of curriculum generally covered in college-level courses.  Exams are based on a broad general understanding of concepts and fundamental themes.  Furthermore, exam questions will place a heavy emphasis on essay writing.  Since internationally accepted principles have been contributed by many culturally diverse sources, global perspectives and issues are inherent in the study of biology.

 Additionally, juniors and seniors may take the  exam for IB-SL Biology credit.  (HL credit requires an additional year course).  Assessments for the course include required IB internal and external assessments as well as locally required non-IB assessments.  

Available:  CHS

Prerequisite:  Science I, Science II, Science  III, and a teacher recommendation 

Supplemental workbook: $20.00

Exam Fee:  $95.00 

This is a full year course of study covering biological systems in more detail than General Biology.  Extensive work will take  place in the laboratory.  Topics that may be explored include the cell’s organization, function, and reproduction; energy transformation; human anatomy; and organisms’ evolutionary and adaptive processes.  An outside research project will be required. Students in this course will take the Advanced Placement  exam in the spring ($95.00).  This course is designed for the serious student who is willing to devote extra hours to complete the work.  Careful consideration should be made before reserving a seat in this class. Students and parents are required to sign a contract and  meet with the teacher to receive further instructions and a detailed course syllabus. 

A comprehensive nine-week exam and a comprehensive eighteen-week exam will be given for each semester.

Available:  UHS

Prerequisite: IB Biology SL and teacher recommendation

Exam Fee:  $120.00 (approximately)

This is a full year course of study that builds logically onto the topics of the Standard Level biology. The course reviews many of the topics listed under the standard level course in greater depth and detail.  The high level curriculum includes many topics that deal with the human body in great detail and is recommended for those students who wish to study medicine.  This course will also focus on the importance of laboratory investigation as well as an emphasis on writing about biological concepts.  In addition to the Standard Level concepts, the following topics will be explored in this second year of study: cell respiration and photosynthesis, genetics, human reproduction, defense against infectious disease, nerves, muscles, and movement, excretion, and plant science.  Optional topics for this course are evolution, neurobiology, animal science and ecology.

The aim of IB biology is to provide opportunities for scientific study and creativity within a global context that will stimulate and challenge students.

Assessments for the course include required IB internal and external assessments as well as locally required non-IB assessments.  The student who enrolls in this course will register for and take the IB Biology HL exam if a senior, SL exam if a junior.

Available:  CHS

Prerequisite: Science I, Science II, and  Science III 

This course provides an in-depth view of living things while exploring cellular functions, interdependence, genetics, biotechnology, evaluation, microbiology, comparative anatomy/physiology and botany.  Students will develop deeper understanding through inquiry activities and laboratory work.

Available:  MHS

Prerequisites:  Physical Science

Physics Honors is a course that studies the interaction between matter and energy. Topics include mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. Physics is a math-based course that involves the application of mathematical principles and problem solving, graph interpretation, laboratories, and lab reporting. Strong math and analytical thinking skills are important. There is much more emphasis on mathematics than standard physics.

Available:  UHS

Prerequisites: Algebra II, Science I, Science II, and Science III

Honors Physics is a more advanced study of Physics.  The student will be involved in independent research, projects, and competitions.  Students are expected to apply information, calculations, and higher level thinking skills to demonstrate a more in-depth understanding of Physics.  Trig functions are applied to Physics problems.  A comprehensive 9-week and 18-week exam will be given for each semester.

Available:  CHS

Prerequisite: Integrated Mathematics II, Teacher Recommendation, Science I, Science II, and Science III

Co-requisite:  Calculus A/B

Exam Fee:  $95.00 (approximately)

This is an advanced study course covering Algebra and Calculus based Mechanics topics. 

This curriculum requires extensive laboratory work as well as an outside research project. Students in this course will take the Advanced Placement exam in the spring, ($95.00).

This course is designed for the serious student who is willing to devote extra hours to complete the work. A comprehensive nine-week exam and a comprehensive eighteen-week exam will be given for each semester. 

Available:  CHS

Prerequisite:  Science I, Science II, and Science III 

An in-depth, lab-based analysis of the correlation between structure and function of the human body in health and disease.  Medical terminology is  a focus in the course.  This course is recommended for students intending to major in pre-medicine.

The skills and content knowledge emphasized in the following Human Anatomy and Physiology standards are intended to provide a deep appreciation for normal and abnormal human structures and functions that support life. In addition, they should provide opportunities to practice science, promoting the development of critical consumers of scientific information.

Available:  CHS

Prerequisites: Biology and Teacher Recommendation

Exam:  $120.00(approximately)

The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sport, exercise and health.  Students will cover a range of core and option topics and carry out practical investigations in both laboratory and field settings.  This will provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance.  There will be an IB fee/exam at the completion of the course.

Assessments for the course include IB internal and external assessments as well as locally required non-IB assessments.  Students enrolled in this course must take the IB exam in May.

Available:  CHS

Prerequisite: Algebra II

Cost: $119

The focus of IB physics is to give students the knowledge and skills required to excel in college physics. By design, this course allows students to experience the challenges which are normally felt at undergraduate level. The course introduces the students to scientific methods and techniques which are needed for scientific investigations. Students are made aware of the moral, ethical, and social responsibility in the use of scientific knowledge. 

Students are encouraged to understand the relationship between the various scientific disciplines and carry out an interdisciplinary project. Practical investigations are an integral part of the curriculum. Students are required to research a scientific problem, develop hypotheses, design experiments, conduct investigations and draw conclusions. Special emphasis is given to manipulative skills required to carry out scientific investigations. Student assessment is conducted both externally through written examination and internally by means of practical investigations and an interdisciplinary project.

Available:  CHS

Prerequisite: Students should have completed two years of high school laboratory science—one year of life science and one year of physical science (e.g., a year of biology and a year of chemistry). Due to the quantitative analysis required in the course, students should also have taken at least one year of algebra. Also desirable (but not necessary) is a course in earth science

Exam Fee:  $95.00 (approximately)

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students 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.

Available:  CHS