Science Core

BIOLOGY I

#H3301 - Honors

Grades: 9 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Biology I provides a strong foundation in biological concepts. The student enrolled in the honors level will assume responsibility for learning about cell biology, biochemical genetics, chemistry of life, diversity, ecology, evolution, plant physiology and the effects of biological systems. Students should expect to utilize all forms of research skills, displaying familiarity with traditional library sources as well as emerging technology, including calculator and computer based instruction. 

BIOLOGY I

#H3302 - College Prep

Grades: 9 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

The course is structured as a study of the molecular approach to biology, providing a challenging course through inquiry based investigations and a broad base upon which students may elect to major in science at higher levels. Teachers use multiple techniques in dealing with broad topics that include cell biology, biochemical genetics, and chemistry of life, diversity, ecology, evolution, plant physiology and the effects of biological systems. Students should expect to utilize all forms of research skills, displaying familiarity with traditional library sources as well as emerging technology, including calculator and computer based techniques. 

CHEMISTRY I

#H3201 - Honors

Grades: 10 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry (This course places a heavy emphasis on quantitative relationships.)

All chemistry sections employ a mathematical approach to broad areas of the course. The student must be comfortable in solving word problems. Honors chemistry requires a high reading and reasoning ability and strong proficiency with algebra. A significant amount of the instructional time is used in the laboratory where data is collected from which generalizations can be drawn and lab reports written.

CHEMISTRY I

#H3202 - College Prep

Grades: 10 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Algebra I 

This course is similar to Honors in approach. Expectations of the students are appropriately demanding and require proficiency with algebra. Emphasis is placed on helping the students in understanding the concepts of chemistry. Students successfully completing this course would be well prepared for college chemistry. A significant amount of the instructional time is used in the laboratory where data is collected from which generalizations can be drawn and lab reports written.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AP

#H3400 - AP

Grades: 10 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Biology I

Co-Requisite: Student must be simultaneously enrolled or have completed Chemistry I

AP Environmental Science serves to prepare students for the academic rigors of college level classes. Environmental science is the study of the living world. It incorporates everything from geology, chemistry and biology to evolution, weather and human impacts. Students will apply their understanding of earth systems, resources and ecology to explain how biomes respond to various stimuli such as land, water and energy use as well as pollution. The living world is a complicated system with many overlapping parts, which lends itself to a myriad of experiments and discussions on environmental ethics. The overarching theme of the course is to afford students the opportunity to emphatically measure the depth and breadth of human impact on the environment. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

#H3402 - College Prep

Grades: 10 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Biology I

Co-Requisite: Student must be simultaneously enrolled or have completed Chemistry I

Students in Environmental Science will use critical and scientific thinking skills to study contemporary issues related to the environment and planet Earth.  Students will improve their scientific literacy through exploring and developing in-depth explanations for phenomena central not only to the earth and space sciences, but to life and physical sciences as well. Students will complete peer-reviewed journal analysis, hands-on laboratory and field exercises, and analyze global practices for reducing the impacts of human activity on Earth’s systems.

PHYSICS I 

#H3311 - Honors

Grades: 11 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, AND Pre- OR Co-requisite: Functions, Statistics, Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus

Physics emphasizes the mathematical and theoretical interrelationships of matter, space and time. Mathematical and symbolic language are extensively used. Laboratory work requiring careful analysis is the starting point for the topics that are studied. The process of scientific inquiry is learned through application and practice both in the laboratory and in the building of theory in the classroom. Physics requires above average ability in reading and mathematical reasoning in both algebra and geometry. Physics is often recommended for students who plan to study science, mathematics or engineering at the university level. Topics that will be under investigation include motion, velocity and acceleration, free falling bodies, forces, Newton’s laws, work/power/energy, fluids, wave mechanics, sound, color, light - mirrors, refraction - lenses, electrostatics, electricity and circuits, magnetism, electromagnetism and induction, and topics in nuclear physics.

PHYSICS I

#H3312 - College Prep

Grades: 11 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Pre- OR Co-requisite: Algebra II

Physics is applied math; students must have strong proficiency with both algebra and geometry to be successful in physics. Models, both mathematical and physical, are used in the development of physical theory. Mathematical and symbolic language are extensively used. Laboratory work requiring careful analysis is the starting point for the topics that are studied. The process of scientific inquiry is learned through its practice both in the laboratory and in the building of theory. Physics requires above average ability in reading and mathematical reasoning. Some topics, which will be investigated, include but are not limited to motion, velocity and acceleration, Newton’s laws, fluid and wave mechanics, sound, color and light, reflection, refraction, electricity and magnetism, and selected topics in nuclear physics.