Biology

Semester 1 - 1 Credit Students entering Grades 10-11-12

Semester 2 - 1 Credit

Description: Biology I is a course based on regular laboratory and field investigations. Through these investigations, and in class, students explore the nature of living things. Topics include the nature of science, cellular chemistry, cellular structure, matter and energy transformations, matter cycles and energy transformation, interdependence of organisms and structures of organisms, the molecular basis of heredity, gene expression, heredity and reproduction, and evidence for evolution. Students enrolled in this course are also expected to attain (1) an understanding of the history and development of biological knowledge, (2) explore the uses of biology in various careers, and (3) investigate biological questions and problems related to personal needs and societal issues.

Semester 1 Topics: Semester 1 Topics include Introduction to Biology, biomolecules, Cells, Cell Processes and DNA

Semester 2 Topics: Semester 2 Topics include Protein synthesis, meiosis, genetics, evolution and ecology

Integrated Chemistry/Physics

Semester 1 - 1 Credit Students entering Grades 10-11-12

Semester 2 - 1 Credit

Description: Integrated Physics-Chemistry is a math-based laboratory science course in which students explore fundamental physics and chemistry principles. However, since most of our everyday experiences involve the application of physics principles, most of the focus of this course will involve the study of physics.

Students enrolled in this course examine, through the process of scientific inquiry, the structure and properties of matter, forces, motion, nuclear reactions and the interactions between energy and matter. Working in a laboratory environment, students investigate the basics of physics and chemistry in solving real-world problems that may have personal or social consequences beyond the classroom. Students who have successfully completed Chemistry I or Physics I may not enroll in this class.

Semester 1 (Chem) Topics: Semester 1 topics include matter and atomic structure, Chemical Bonding, chemical reactions and kinetic molecular theory and solutions

Semester 2 (Phys) Topics: Semester 2 topics include physics and motion, newton's laws, energy and momentum, and waves.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE I

Semester 1 - 1 Credit Students entering Grades 10-11-12

Semester 2 - 1 Credit

Description: Earth and Space Science I is a course focusing on the study of the earth’s lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and its celestial environment. Students enrolled in Earth and Space Science I analyze and describe Earth’s interconnected systems that may be changing or may be in equilibrium. Students examine energy at work in forming and modifying earth materials, landforms, and continents through geological time.

Through regular activities, students understand the history and development of the earth and space sciences, explore the uses of knowledge of the earth and its environment in various careers, and investigate earth and space science problems concerning personal needs and com-munity issues related to science

Semester 1 Topics: Semester 1 topics include rocks and minerals; weathering, erosion, and mass movement; rivers and groundwater; Earth's history; and continental drift and tectonic plates.

Semester 2 Topics: Semester 2 topics include earthquakes and volcanoes, the sun, Earth, and moon; stars and galaxies; atmosphere and weather patterns; severe weather; and climate.