Foundations of Freshman Science *

Full Year Course Number: 3010

Freshman science is an integrated look at chemistry, physics and Earth and space science. Topics in this course include the big bang, formation of elements, the electromagnetic spectrum, speed and acceleration, geology and climate science. In each unit we will explore how we know what we know with regard to science. The specific science practices we will use include data analysis, argument construction, evidence from experiments and model building.

Foundations: The foundations track of this class will have a greater focus on general concepts of the science covered in this class. The pace of learning will be more relaxed to ensure that students have the opportunity to grasp the major ideas of the course.

*Prerequisites: 8th grade teacher recommendation

Honors Freshman Science Investigations*

Full Year Course Number: 3030

Freshman science is an integrated look at chemistry, physics and Earth and space science. Topics in this course include the big bang, formation of elements, the electromagnetic spectrum, speed and acceleration, geology and climate science. In each unit we will explore how we know what we know with regard to science. The specific science practices we will use include data analysis, argument construction, evidence from experiments and model building.

Additions for honors - The honors track of this class has additional expectations in terms of depth of content, detail in their assessment and deeper analysis of evidence and its meaning.

*Prerequisites: 8th grade teacher recommendation.

Macrobiology

Half Year Course Number: 3101

Grade: 10

Honors Macrobiology

Half Year Course Number: 3102

Grade: 10

Macrobiology explores life on a large scale, examining how humans interact with the world around them. Students will be introduced to facts, laws, and theories through topics such as ecological systems, biodiversity, evolution, photosynthesis, and respiration. There will be a focus on how biological concepts affect society and vice versa. Topics in class are reinforced and supplemented by laboratory experiments, as well as occasional projects. Students will be expected to develop proficiency in the use of science equipment necessary to carry out biological investigations. Emphasis is placed on the essential skills necessary to increase students' ability to be critical thinkers and problem solvers.

The distinction between Honors and Sophomore Biology credit is determined by the work the student attempts when writing a report and by their performance on the major assignments. The main difference between the two assignment levels is the type of thinking skills needed to solve problems. These are assessed through different quizzes, tests and the burden of proof required when students make concluding statements. Honor's students may also be asked to complete different projects above and beyond in coordination with Performance Based educational practices.

The Honors work will be more difficult than the College Prep Biology work. If a student has been handling academic work successfully in the past, but still struggled, it might not be a good idea for them to work at the Honors level. On the other hand it is important for students to push themselves to a higher, more challenging level of thinking. Any student interested in the IB programs as a junior/senior should seriously consider the Honors option.

Physics

Full Year Course Number: 3119

Grades: 11, 12

This course is intended for those college bound students who would like to learn about physics. The course mixes conceptually exploration with supporting mathematics in the following areas: kinematics, dynamics, statics, momentum and electricity. The course format involves lecture, laboratory work and class discussions. Laboratory reports and note taking are course requirements. An emphasis will be placed on the Science and Engineering Practices as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Honors Physics*

Full Year Course Number: 3123

Grades: 11, 12

Must be enrolled in Honors Math class, Freshman Science, Algebra I, Sophomores require teacher recommendation

Physics continues the study of the concepts of motion, force and energy during the first semester. Electricity, magnetism, light and optics (lenses) will be covered during the second semester. This course includes both a lecture and lab component. Classes consist of lecture, demonstration, problem-solving, and/or hands-on activity. Homework assignments build on basic concepts and progress to problems that require more critical thinking and connection to past knowledge or outside knowledge. Class work will consist of guided inquiry and require students to work in pairs or in small groups to problem solve. Students will work collaboratively and utilize additional technologies and resources to gain a further depth of knowledge in these topics of physics.

*Prerequisites: IB/Honors level math

Chemistry

Full Year Course Number: 3117

Grades: 11, 12

Honors Chemistry*

Full Year Course Number: 3116

Grades: 10*,11, 12

Prerequisite: Enrolled in Honors Math Class. Must be enrolled in or passed Algebra I, Sophomores require teacher recommendation

Chemistry is the study of the nature, properties, and composition of matter, and how they undergo changes. This year-long course is designed to give an introduction to the field of Chemistry. An emphasis will be placed on the Science and Engineering Practices as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This course covers fundamental principles and laws of chemistry. Topics include measurement, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gas laws, and solutions. Class will be a mix of hands-on lab experiments, lectures, research and any other tools that will help bring the subject of chemistry to life, making it fun, interesting and relevant.

*Prerequisites: Successful completion of Macro & Microbiology, *Sophomores require teacher recommendation

Chemistry of Food

Half Year Course Number: 3114

Grade: 12

If you're considering a career in a STEM field, you should be taking the Chemistry of Food class! Food Chemistry is designed as an experimental and hands-on approach to applied chemistry. Cooking and food preparation are probably the oldest and most widespread application of chemistry. Recipes may be the oldest lab reports resulting from chemical research!!! Cooking and food preparation experiments will be used to illustrate some chemical principles, including but not limited to: extraction, denaturation, Maillard Reaction, and oxidation/reduction reactions. Food Science involves not only chemistry, but biology, biochemistry, microbiology, engineering, biotechnology and much, much more.

Intro to Forensic Science

Half Year Course Number: 0013

Grade: 12

Forensic science is a course rich in exploration and lab investigation which applies many disciplines of scientific study such as biology/anatomy, chemistry, and physics to problem solving.

(This course will be co-taught with regular ed teacher and special ed teacher and leveled for all students)

IB Biology HL 1*

Full Year Course Number: 1004

Grade: 11

*Prerequisites: Honors Macro/Microbiology & Teacher Consultation

IB Biology HL 2

Full Year Course Number: 1204

Grade: 12

*Prerequisite: IB Biology HL 1

IB Biology HL is a two year course composed of Core, Higher Level, and Optional Topics. This advanced course is divided into three distinct subject areas: (1) molecules and cells, (2) heredity and evolution, and (3) organisms and populations. Students will explore cellular chemistry, cell physiology, cellular energetics, heredity molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, diversity of life, structures and functions of plants and animals, and ecology. This is a lab intensive course. As a result, students will conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, collect and manipulate data, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem solving. The aim of the course is to prepare students for the IB Biology exam at the end of the second year.

IB Physics SL 1*

Full Year Course Number: 1000

Grades: 11, 12

IB Physics SL 2

Full Year Course Number: 1102

Grade: 12

IB Physics SL, offered over a two year period, includes all of the Core topics 1) Physics and physical measurement, 2) Mechanics, 3) Thermal Physics, 4) Oscillations and waves, 5) Electric Currents, 6) Fields and forces, 7) Atomic and nuclear power, 8) Energy, power and climate change. Two additional options will be selected during the second year of the program. These will be selected from E) Astrophysics, F) Communications, G) Electromagnetic Waves, H) Relativity, I) Medical Physics and J) Particle Physics. Students in IB Physics (SL) will experience many lab experiments in their pursuit for an understanding of the physical world. A minimum of 40 hours will be spent on investigations (Labs), ten of which will be spent on their Group 4 Project.

*Prerequisites: Must be enrolled in an IB/Honors level math course.