Science

Chemistry I & II (11-12)

3701/3702

This course is designed to provide the chemistry background necessary for admission to many four-year college programs and for anyone whose career choice requires college science courses. Algebra is used as a tool for understanding concepts in chemistry. Topics include: scientific method, atomic theory, chemical quantities, chemical reactions, gasses, atomic bonding, and solutions. Coursework is based on unit tests every 1-2 weeks, lab reports, and a cumulative final exam at the end of each semester.

IB SL Chemistry I & II (11-12)

3850/3851

This course includes the same material as Chemistry I and II, but the material is more in-depth. Strong mathematics skills are needed, and students must be involved in a comprehensive research project during the second semester. Coursework is based on written lab reports, an individual research project, a group research project, unit exams every 1-2 weeks and a cumulative final exam at the end of each semester. This course is open to any junior or senior. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared to take the SL IB Chemistry exam. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via internal and external IB assessments.

IB HL Chemistry I & II (12)

3852/3853

Prerequisite: Successful completion of IB SL Chemistry

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a freshman year of general college chemistry. Individual and group lab activities, lectures, and group discussions are used to supplement the college-level general chemistry text. Strong algebra skills are needed for solving the extensive homework assignments. Coursework is based on written lab reports, an individual research project, unit exams every 1-2 weeks, and a cumulative final exam at the end of each semester. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared to take the HL IB Chemistry Exam. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via internal and external IB assessments.

IB Physics I SL/HL Y1 (11 or 12)

3857/3858

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry and High School Algebra

This course is designed to introduce a wide range of topics including Space, time, and motion, the particulate nature of matter, wave behavior, fields, and nuclear physics. The course involves the scientific method, lab work, lectures, demonstrations and problem solving to discover and confirm some of the basic principles of physics. Prospective scientists, engineers, and mathematicians should enroll in this course. This course meets the requirements of IB SL/HL physics year 1 of the 2 year program. There are no IB exams at the end of this course.

IB Physics I SL/HL Y2 (12)

3855/3856

Prerequisite: Successful completion of one year of Physics.

This course is designed to allow students to obtain a deeper understanding of physics. Topics of exploration include a deeper understanding of Space, time, and motion, the particulate nature of matter, wave behavior, fields, and nuclear and quantum physics. The course involves the scientific method, lab work, lectures, demonstrations and problem solving to discover and confirm some of the basic principles of physics. This course meets the requirements of IB SL/HL Physics, including the completion of an individual project, and preparation for the IB SL/HL exam. Students are encouraged to take the SL or HL Physics exam in May. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via internal and external IB assessments.

Anatomy and Physiology I (11-12)

3001

Prerequisite: Successful completion of any biology course

Note: this course does not replace the year of chemistry or physics

This course investigates the structure, function and chemistry of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of human systems. Dissection occurs during the course students are required to participate. Major Course Goals: Students will be able to describe and explain the structure and function of the major human body systems including: 1) integumentary, 2) skeletal, 3) muscular, 4) nervous, 5) endocrine, 6) cardiovascular, 7) lymphatic, 8) respiratory, 9) digestive, 10) urinary, 11) body biochemistry.

Anatomy and Physiology II (11-12)

3008

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Anatomy and Physiology I.

This course investigates the structure and function of the human body. Emphasis is placed on further understanding human systems. Dissection and laboratory experiments are a required part of this class. Major Course Goals: Students will be able to describe and explain the structure and function of the human body systems including: respiratory, urinary, endocrine and digestive, metabolism and biochemistry. Evaluation is based on tests, quizzes and lab work.

Earth Science I & II (11-12)

3002/3003

Earth Science is a lab-based course. Content includes the topics of geology (rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes) and hydrology (rivers, groundwater and oceans). In Earth Science II, the topics of Astronomy (planets, stars and galaxies) and Meteorology (atmosphere, storms and climate) are taught. These courses require basic algebra skills. Topics are explored using videos, labs, demonstrations, lectures and observations. These courses satisfy a second lab course requirement for most four-year colleges.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science I & II (9-12)

3046/3047

This is a college-level course for students with an interest in environmental science. Students study the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems (both natural and human-created), and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Topics include earth systems, energy, ecosystems, pollution, global environmental issues, and land and water use. This is a year-long class. This course prepares students for the AP Environmental Science test in the spring, which could potentially earn them college credit.

Forensics I & II (11-12) 3710/3711

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 10

Students cannot take this course in place of a year of Physics or Chemistry.

Students in this course are taught the fundamentals of a criminal investigation and how it is applied in a court of law. Students learn by doing, process crime scenes, analyze lab data, conduct scientific investigations, interact with guest speakers, explore the Internet and become familiar with various texts. Students use technology to participate in activities that closely resemble those used by law enforcement personnel, forensic scientists and medical examiners.

Forensics I covers: Crime Scene Investigation, Fingerprints, Trace Evidence, Hair and Fibers, and Lab Techniques.

Forensics II covers: Forensic Anthropology, Blood, Ballistics, Serial Killers, Document analysis, casts and impressions.

Microbiology Field Research I & II (11-12)

3752/3752

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 10; Students cannot take this course in place of a year of Physics or Chemistry.

Introduction to Microbiology is appropriate for students with some background in biology and chemistry whose career path intersects the study of microbes or who simply have an interest in microbiology. This course introduces the basic principles of microbiology examining the microbes that inhabit our planet and their effect on the biosphere. Introduction to Microbiology explores this impact through the lens of all areas of microbiology. Students will assess the influence of microbiology and the challenges and opportunities that arise from our changing relationship with and understanding of microbes. Through short lectures, case studies, in-class group work, and homework projects, students will probe the science of microbes.