PHYSICS Grade 9
Physics is the first in the sequence of high school science courses. Physics attempts to describe the fundamental nature of the universe and how it works. Physics is the most core of sciences and is the logical first step for a student to discovering high school science. There is a strong inquiry-based learning approach to all topics and students are provided with a conceptual understanding of the laws that govern the very big and the very small. Foundational arithmetic and introductory algebra skills are utilized to help students understand and apply concepts. Laboratory investigations are emphasized so that students gain practice in problem solving and with the communication of laboratory findings. Physics is the basis for achieving scientific literacy, and to achieving success in the other science courses offered at Summit High School. Physics
HONORS PHYSICS Grade 9
Honors Physics is designed for a student who has demonstrated exceptional ability in both mathematics and science. This course involves an in depth treatment of the laws that govern the universe. Topics include mechanics, energy, waves, and electrostatics among others. This course uses mathematics as a tool to further understand and to make predictions about physical science laws. A strong foundation in algebra is essential to success in this course. This course provides a study of atomic physics that is the foundation for students who choose to take AP Biology or AP Chemistry as the next course in their sequence. Honors Physics
SCIENCE RESEARCH 1 Grades 9-10
This is a single semester science research class designed for students with a strong interest in science, and who choose science research as their focus at this point in their academic career. This is a hands-on, experimental class featuring student inspired long-term research projects under faculty guidance. Students will learn how to properly conduct scientific experiments, to keep an appropriate science notebook, and will also be provided cutting edge scientific literature for research and review. Students will have the opportunity to pursue their own interests and will learn the unique value of peer reviewed scientific literature. This course is a stepping-stone for science research that could result in participation in prestigious science research competitions. Science Research
SCIENCE RESEARCH II Grades 9-10
This is a single semester science research class designed for students with a strong interest in science, and who choose to pursue some of their free time doing authentic scientific research. Students begin by researching and fine-tuning their specific interests in a scientific field and then strengthen their scientific background in their area of interest. Meeting regularly with their faculty advisor for topic guidance and to report on progress, students also contact and interview with professionals, choosing a mentor in a local university or industry. In this course students will develop and write a formal research proposal, as well as being assigned a variety of lab activities, team and individual projects to hone their problem solving skills, and to help them to better understand experimental design and data analysis. Science Research
ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH Grades 10-11
This is a single semester science research class designed for students who are looking to continue authentic scientific research and/or a science research project begun in Science Research II. Students will be refining a sophisticated research project in the laboratory requiring long periods of continuous experimentation, research, and data analysis. Working with professionals and advisors to prepare the research for presentation outside the school, students will participate in an on-going process of both peer and mentor review that may continue for multiple semesters, and resulting in the student's active involvement in a variety of science fairs and competitions.
BIOLOGY Grade 10
Biology is a college-preparatory laboratory course designed to provide general knowledge of the structural and functional patterns of living organisms. Students are required to master and apply major biological concepts in preparation for the state mandated End-of-Course exam administered to all students in May. Cells, genetics, evolution, and taxonomy are emphasized. Expectations include developing research skills and improving the ability to investigate problems scientifically. Students also develop an understanding of environmental problems, and how biological concepts are used to evaluate the actions taken to improve daily life. Biology
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY Grade 10-11-12
AP Biology is designed to meet the objectives of a general biology course on the college level. Extensive reading is required. Special emphasis is placed on cell physiology, genetics, and energy flow. Extra laboratory periods are required during the school day. This course will require a summer assignment. All students enrolled in an AP class are required to prepare for and take the AP exam in May. In addition, all students are required to prepare for and take the state mandated End-of-Course exam administered in May. AP Biology
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTIVE) Grades 11-12
Anatomy and Physiology is a single semester course. Through the study of physiology, the normal functioning of body systems, students learn about the anatomy of the human body and are guided on a tour through the human body following such themes as obesity, diseases, and smoking. How does the body work? How does the body break down? How does the body heal? Students discover the fascinating integrated systems in our bodies. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
MARINE BIOLOGY/OCEANOGRAPHY (ELECTIVE) Grades 11-12
Marine Biology/Oceanography is a one-semester course for students who will learn about the life and physiology of the seas. Designed as a continuation of biology and earth science, there is an emphasis on both life in the ocean and the physical aspects that shape this dominant feature of our planet. This course includes a hands-on trip to a nearby marine ecosystem. MARINE BIOLOGY/OCEANOGRAPHY
ZOOLOGY (ELECTIVE) Grades 11-12
Zoology is a single semester study of the animal kingdom offered as an in class, or as an online option. Through the themes of evolution and comparative anatomy, students learn about the fascinating characteristics of animals and their unique abilities. How and why did some of these unusual traits come into existence? Students will obtain a deeper understanding of both ecosystems and evolution by examining the biodiversity that surrounds us. Zoology
CHEMISTRY Grades 11-12
Chemistry is a full-year laboratory course which is part of a science sequence that includes biology and physics. Chemistry provides students with a working knowledge of atomic theory, chemical periodicity, the mole concept, and energy changes in chemical reactions. Extensive laboratory work and problem solving are used to develop understanding of equilibrium, rates of reaction, and oxidation-reduction. Chemistry
HONORS CHEMISTRY Grade 11
Chemistry is the central science that connects concepts from physics and biology. Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. Honors Chemistry is an inquiry based learning approach to developing the major chemistry concepts. As an honors course, it is distinguished from the standard chemistry course by the depth at which concepts are examined. In order to achieve this deeper understanding a higher level of mathematical aptitude is expected. Students apply their knowledge of mathematics including algebra, geometry and algebra II to test models, evaluate data and to solve chemistry problems. This course enables students to develop their quantitative skills and their communication skills. It incorporates laboratory experiments and classroom discussion as well as traditional lectures and hands on activities. Atomic theory, the nature of matter in its various phases, chemical periodicity, and the mole concept are studied early in the course. Among the basic principles included are energy, reaction rates, reaction equilibrium, and characteristics of chemical reactions, acid-base behavior, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how chemical principles are applied to “real world” problems and processes. Topics in the media and popular culture will be used a platform for discussing chemistry principles.HONORS CHEMISTRY Grade 11
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY Grades 11-12
AP Chemistry is designed for students who have demonstrated both aptitude for and interest in the sciences. Students will learn the basic principles of chemistry including, fundamental concepts of matter and energy, structure and properties of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding and properties of aggregates, and principles of reactions. Descriptive chemistry will be used by students to study all areas more effectively, and to understand how chemical phenomena are included in everyday activities. Extra laboratory periods are required during the school day. All students enrolled in an AP class are required to prepare for and take the AP exam in May. AP Chemistry
ADVANCED TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY (ELECTIVE) Grades 12
Advanced Topics in Chemistry is a one semester course designed for students who are interested in broadening their awareness and knowledge of Chemistry. Organic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry will be explored in more detail than the regular chemistry course, and will explore the relationship between application of chemistry and the discovery process. How do chemists build new compounds for treatment of diseases? How do the properties of new compounds effect their usefulness? What are some of the analytical tools used to identify and quantify substances? How is chemical research and development driven by the market? ADVANCED TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY
HONORS PHYSICS Grades 11-12
Honors Physics is offered as an alternative to the rigors of the Advanced Placement Physics courses for those students that did not take Honors Physics as a freshman. In Honors Physics, students will take an analytical approach to learn the laws that govern our universe. Topics addressed include kinematics, mechanics, momentum, work and energy rotational systems, fluids, waves, sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics. Honors Physics
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS I & II Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement Physics I & II replaces AP Physics B, as required by the College Board. This is a fast-paced, mathematically demanding course providing students with a rigorous first-year college physics course. Topics include mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, atomic physics, electricity and magnetism. Through lecture, demonstration, laboratory work, and problem-solving sessions, students develop a working knowledge of the topics and are required to assume considerable responsibility for extensive study, including collateral reading. Extra laboratory periods are required during the school day. All students are required to prepare for and take the AP Physics I & II exam in May.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC/PHYSICS C Grades 11-12
AP Calculus BC/Physics C is an integrated course providing a continuation of the calculus work begun in Introduction to Analysis Honors and an introduction to the physics of mechanics. The course is taught during a two period block. Students receive grades for each class, which appear separately on report cards and transcripts. All students in this course will be required to complete a summer curriculum assignment. This assignment is designed to review key mathematical topics that will be utilized throughout the course. Additionally, all students enrolled in this class are required to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam in May and the Physics C Mechanics section, and Physics C Electricity and Magnetism section of the Advanced Placement exam in May.
Calculus instruction includes the concept of limit, differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, differentials, mean value theorem, Rolle's Theorem, integration of standard elementary forms, and transcendental functions. Geometric and physical applications include the area under a curve and between curves, volumes of revolution, length of a curve, surfaces of a revolution, and velocity. The BC syllabus covers the topics of the AB Calculus course in greater depth and with more rigor. Additional topics include polar graphs, infinite sequences and series, and differential equations. Students receive a graphing calculator for their use during the course.
Physics instruction includes kinematics, dynamics, statics, momentum, work, mechanical energy, power, linear systems, rotational systems, oscillations, and gravitation. The Physics C syllabus studies fewer topics than the Physics I and II course, but explores them in much greater depth.AP Calculus BC/ AP PHYSICS C
DESIGN PROJECTS IN PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING (ELECTIVE) Grade 12
Advanced Placement Physics C is designed for the student with exceptional aptitude for and interest in mathematics and the physical sciences. We utilize guided inquiry and student-centered learning to engage the development of critical and analytical thinking skills. The course will address all of the basic concepts covered in the first part of the regular level physics course but to a depth equal to that of a first year college course for students majoring in engineering or the physical sciences. The first part of the course (approximately 18 weeks) covers mechanics, while the second part (approximately 14 weeks) covers electricity and magnetism.
Topics covered are in keeping with the suggested syllabus of the College Board. Students will understand how physics principles and concepts are developed from observations and data and, whenever possible, will develop these principles on the basis of experimentation. The Mechanics portion of the course covers classical Newtonian mechanics: kinematics, dynamics, work & energy, momentum, rotational motion, oscillations and gravitation. The Electrical & Magnetism part covers classical electrodynamics up to Maxwell: electrostatics, electronic devices, circuits and electromagnetism. Descriptive physics is included in the study of these areas and serves to help the students understand how ordinary physical phenomena are included in everyday activities. After the AP examination students will study special topics and projects, such as special relativity, a design challenge, and/or a science book report. DESIGN PROJECTS IN PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ECOSYSTEMS AND MAN’S IMPACT Grades 11-12
Environmental Science: Ecosystems and Man's Impact is a semester course designed for students who have an interest in how ecosystems work and how man's behavior is changing them. Students are provided opportunities to explore the complex interactions within a well-functioning ecosystem and to examine the role man has played in disrupting these environments. There is a focus on inquiry based lab activities as well as the opportunity to explore and investigate the local environment and develop action plans for issues. Students are expected to work independently and develop their personal agenda, which will allow them to "think globally and act locally." Environmental Science Ecosystems
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: POPULATION DYNAMICS AND CASE STUDIES Grades 11-12
Environmental Science: Population Dynamics and Case Studies is a semester course designed for students who have an interest in how ecosystems work and how man's actions are changing them. Students are provided opportunities to explore how complex interactions between social institutions such as the government, religion, and the law connect with the functioning of ecosystems, as well as opportunities to examine the creation and implementation of laws governing the environment, and the investigation of important environmental events such as Earth Day, Love Canal, and Chernobyl. There is a focus on inquiry based lab activities and students are expected to propose solutions and project future outcomes. Students are also expected to work independently and to develop their personal agenda, which will allow them to "think globally and act locally." Environmental Science Populations
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Grades 11-12
AP Environmental Science is a full year course is designed for students who have an interest in environmental issues and solutions. Students are provided the opportunity to gain an understanding of current local and global environmental issues and to debate proposed solutions. An understanding of the interrelationships between all elements of ecosystems will be gained. Laboratory work allows students to explore and investigate the local environment and develop plans for improvement. Students work independently and in groups to learn about relevant components of environmental issues and develop proposed plans of action. The students develop a personal agenda by which they "think globally, act locally." Students who enroll in AP Environmental Science will be expected to complete additional assignments that will prepare them for the AP exam in May. ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
ASTRONOMY (ELECTIVE) Grades 11-12
Astronomy is a one-semester course designed for students who are interested in a systematic and scientific study of our solar system, galaxy, and universe. Students are required to attend a minimum number of nighttime observation meetings on and off-campus during the semester. Topics include celestial geometry, telescopes and observation techniques, light and electromagnetic radiation, the planets of our solar system and their moons, the sun, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies and the size of the universe, neutron stars and black holes, Humble expansion, and cosmological theories. Students who take this course should have strong algebra and trigonometry skills. ASTRONOMY
FORENSIC SCIENCE (ELECTIVE) Grades 11–12
Forensic Science is a one-semester multidisciplinary laboratory course providing students an appreciation of how the scientific method and scientific concepts, experimentation, and careful data analysis are applied to real world situations, specifically forensic investigations. Topics of study include the history of forensic science, and major forensic disciplines such as fingerprinting, entomology, DNA analysis, serology, pathology, anthropology and trace elements. Students will also be challenged to deal with social science issues such as ethics and law. After learning the basics, students are asked to apply their knowledge to simulated crime scenes, real crime histories, and to participate in mock trials. FORENSIC SCIENCE