Science Core Courses

BIOLOGY WITH LAB

Grades: 9

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: None

This is an introductory, laboratory-based course designed to study living organisms and their physical environment. Students should apply scientific methods of inquiry and research in examination of the following topics: chemical basis of life; cell structure, function, and reproduction; energy; molecular basis of genetics; natural selection and diversity; and ecology. Summer homework is also required. Students are encouraged to question observations, test hypotheses through experimentation, to analyze data, and to reach logical conclusions supported by evidence. 

BIOLOGY HONORS WITH LAB

Grades: 9

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

For students desiring a greater depth of knowledge of biology, this rigorous laboratory course stresses in-depth comprehension of important concepts in cellular biology and biochemistry, genetics, ecology and evolution. It is especially recommended as the first year of a four-year honors sequence in science. A strong math background is preferred. Students are encouraged to question observations, test hypotheses through experimentation, to analyze data, and to reach logical conclusions supported by evidence.

AP BIOLOGY 

Grades: 11, 12

Credits: 6

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology Honors and Chemistry (Honors) and department recommendation

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college biology course that is driven by a strong laboratory program and higher levels of biological concepts and models. The Advanced Placement Program of the College Board is designed to prepare students for the AP exam and advanced placement in college above the introductory level courses. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.  Enrolled students are required to complete an assignment during the summer preceding the start of this course.  All students enrolled in this class are expected to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement exam in May.

CHEMISTRY WITH LAB

Grades: 10

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous science course

This course deals with major concepts and theories of chemistry. Students develop an understanding of matter in terms of composition and changes in composition, and become able to solve scientific problems logically, use and write chemical formulae, write and balance chemical equations, and use metric measurement. Summer work is required for this course.  Students are encouraged to question observations, test hypotheses through experimentation, to analyze data, and to reach logical conclusions supported by evidence. 

CHEMISTRY HONORS WITH LAB 

Grades: 10

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous science course and teacher recommendation

Lab work is emphasized in this course. Unifying principles are developed by means of observation and experimentation with the development of explanatory models. The first semester presents an overview of the properties of matter and chemical reactions. With this background, students are introduced to more detailed study of energy effects of chemical reactions; rates of chemical reactions; and various types of equilibrium conditions in chemical reactions, including acid-base, precipitation, and oxidation-reduction. Summer work is required for this course.  Students are encouraged to question observations, test hypotheses through experimentation, to analyze data, and to reach logical conclusions supported by evidence. 

AP CHEMISTRY 

Grades: 11, 12

Credits: 6

Prerequisite:  Successful Chemistry (Honors), currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus,

Department Recommendation

This course will allow future science majors the opportunity to be exposed to a college level chemistry course as well as preparation for the Advanced Placement Chemistry test. It is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems.  This course relies heavily on the student’s ability to work with and comprehend difficult mathematical concepts.  The course should contribute to the development of the students' abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic.  Summer work is required for this course.  All students enrolled in this class are expected to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement exam in May.

PHYSICS WITH LAB

Grade: 11, 12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in Algebra 2 or a higher-level Mathematics class.

The physics course is specifically structured to introduce current developments, concepts, and learning opportunities to students in this area of science, as created by the rapidly developing technology of research. Students will obtain a knowledge and understanding of the following concepts: Mechanics of linear and angular motion in one and two dimensions; Universal gravitation and motions of the heavens; Work, energy and simple machines; Waves and energy transfer of sound and light; Electromagnetism; Nuclear physics.  Students are encouraged to question observations, test hypotheses through experimentation, to analyze data, and to reach logical conclusions supported by evidence. 

PHYSICS HONORS WITH LAB

Grades: 11, 12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry Honors, Enrollment in Pre-calculus and teacher recommendation

The Physics Honors course of studies approaches the study of physics as an experimental science. Students will gain mathematical knowledge and understanding of the following units: Mechanics of linear and angular motion in one and two dimensions; Universal gravitation and motions of the heavens; Work, energy and simple machines; Waves and energy transfer of sound and light; Electromagnetism; Nuclear physics. Summer work is required for this course.  Students are encouraged to question observations, test hypotheses through experimentation, to analyze data, and to reach logical conclusions supported by evidence. 

AP PHYSICS I 

Grade: 10-12

Credits: 6

Prerequisite:  Math placement exam and department recommendation

The AP Physics course approaches the study of physics as an experimental science but with a heavy emphasis on mathematical theory. It provides students the opportunity to be exposed to a college level physics course. Students will gain in-depth mathematical knowledge and understanding of the following areas: Kinematics and Dynamics; Gravitation and Work & Energy; Linear and Rotational Energy; Elasticity and Fracture; Fluids and Vibrations & Waves; Sound; Temperature, Kinetic Theory and Thermodynamics; Electricity and Magnetism; Light; Quantum Theory and Quantum Mechanics; Nuclear Physics. A strong mathematical background is required. Enrolled students are required to complete an assignment during the summer preceding the start of this course.  All students enrolled in this class are expected to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement Physics exam in May.

Additionally, Students in AP Physics will be offered the opportunity to sit for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam.  This course is equivalent to a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course. It is especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The course explores topics such as kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE WITH LAB

Grades:12

Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

Environmental Science is a multi-disciplinary course including such areas as Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences. Upon completion of the course students will be able to understand the difficult decisions facing their generation and the trade-offs necessary to live in an environmentally sustainable society. Sustainability is the overarching theme throughout the course as students explore the basic concepts of ecology, resource management, the importance of biodiversity, and the impacts of human societies on the environment.  Students are encouraged to question observations, test hypotheses through experimentation, to analyze data, and to reach logical conclusions supported by evidence. 

GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE WITH LAB

Grades:  11-12

Credits:  5

Prerequisites:  Department Recommendation

Geophysical Science is a full year course designed to expose students to topics in Earth, Environmental, and the Physical Sciences.  Designed as an inquiry based class, geophysical science meets the 3rd year lab science requirement for graduation and is structured around natural phenomena including but not limited to: formation of the universe and the universal forces, creation of the solar system and energy, stars and the electromagnetic spectrum, planetary motions and gravity, internal structure of the Earth and magnetic fields, plate tectonics and energy, and weather and surface processes.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 

Grade: 12

Credits: 6

Prerequisites: Department recommendation

This course is designed for students who have an interest in environmental issues and solutions. The course offers the opportunity for students to gain an understanding of current local and global environmental issues and to debate proposed solutions. An understanding of the interrelationships between all elements of ecosystems will be gained.  Students work independently and in groups to learn about relevant components of environmental issues and develop proposed plans of action. The students develop a personal agenda by which they "think globally, act locally." Students who enroll in AP Environmental Science will be expected to complete additional assignments that will prepare them for the AP exam in May.  All students enrolled in this class are expected to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam in May.