Science

Each Science class in grades 6-8 contain standards from each of the following domains: Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Space Science. Below is a general description of what each domain contains. Please remember, that these descriptions in information that is taught between grades 6-12.

Physical Science

Focuses on traditional concepts in chemistry and physics, and encourages exploration of new discoveries in this field of science. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures, and leads students toward a clearer understanding of matter, energy, and the physical universe. As students refine and expand their understanding of physical science, they will apply their knowledge in experiments that require them to ask questions and create hypotheses. Throughout the course, students solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically.

Life Science

Focuses on introducing students to the diversity of life found on our planet. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures and leads students toward a clearer understanding of cells and heredity, the five kingdoms, human body systems, and ecology. As students refine and expand their understanding of life science, they will apply their knowledge in investigations that require them to ask questions and explore the world around them. Throughout the course, students will also solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically.

Earth and Space Science

Introduces students to the study of Earth and its place in the universe. The course leads students toward a clearer understanding of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. As students refine and expand their understanding of Earth science, they will apply their knowledge in investigations that require them to ask questions and explore the world around them. Throughout the course, students will also solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically.

Middle School Core Classes

• Science 6

• Science 7

• Science 8

High School Core Classes

• Physical Science

• Biology

High School Elective Courses

Environmental Science

This two-semester course encompasses six major units which cover many aspects of environmental science: Ecology; The Biosphere; The Land, Forests and Soil; The Water; Energy and Resources; and Societies and Policy. The course utilizes a two and/or three section lecture format to provide opportunities for mastery learning in smaller segments. Environmental Science contains Global Connections lessons which include unique activities that merge lesson material with real world issues pertaining to the environment. This course contains a variety of other activities such as vocabulary, online content, journals, practice/homework and skills lessons. Assessment questions in the form of a quiz follow each lesson and there is a summative exam following each topic. A cumulative exam concludes the end of each semester.

AP Environmental Science

AP* Environmental Science is a college-level, yearlong course in which students will identify and analyze environmental problems and create and propose solutions, while they prepare for the Advanced Placement Environmental Science Exam. This is a fast-paced, upper-level course designed for highly motivated students. Students will perform several offline College Board recommended labs. Multiple opportunities will be provided to enhance test-taking skills through critical reading, writing, classroom assignments, and discussion activities. Furthermore, practice assessments and essays are given throughout the course to emulate the testing environment. The course encompasses human population dynamics, interrelationships in nature, energy flow, resources, environmental quality, human impact on environmental systems, and environmental law.

Pre-AP Chemistry

This rigorous full-year course engages students in the study of the composition, properties, changes, and interactions of matter. The course covers the basic concepts of chemistry and includes virtual laboratory experiments that encourage higher-order thinking applications. The components of this course include the composition and properties of matter, changes and interactions of matter, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.

Pre-AP Physics

This full-year course focuses on traditional concepts in physics, and encourages exploration of new discoveries in this field of science. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures, and leads students toward a clearer understanding of motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, and the laws that govern the physical universe. As students refine and expand their understanding of physics, they will apply their knowledge in experiments that require them to ask questions and create hypotheses. Throughout the course, students solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically.