Science

546.1  Weather and Climate, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 11-12, Semester, 2.5 Credits

This course will examine the structure and composition of our atmosphere as well as the processes that drive weather and climate.  Students will explore topics including energy transfer in the atmosphere, atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric feedback, interactions between the geological processes and the atmosphere, meteorological observations, weather forecasting, severe weather, and climate and climate change.     Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry. 

543.1 Astronomy I and Planetary Exploration, Advanced College Prep, Grade 9-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This course provides students with an understanding of the creation and evolution of the universe, stars, and planetary systems as well as the technologies used to explore them.  Students will study the solar system, exoplanets, stars, galaxies, black holes, and cosmology.  Additional topics include creation theory, dark energy, anti-matter, wormhole theory, astrobiology, and search for extraterrestrial intelligence.  Students will complete several projects and use skills across all academic disciplines, from art to mathematics to leadership and cooperative team work.  

545.1 Astronomy II and Space Technology, Advanced College Prep, Grade 9-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This second semester astronomy course is project-based and focuses on understanding and using the engineering design process as it applies to aerospace and aeronautics.  Students will complete design challenges and build models addressing topics such as buoyancy, exit velocity, self-powered rovers, hover crafts, shuttle recovery, and projectiles.  Additional topics include single and multi-stage model rocketry, gliders, and payloads.  Designs include building from kits and building from raw materials. Proficiency in spatial and analytical reasoning is required.

547.1 Marine Science, Advanced College Prep, Grade 10-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This course introduces students to the diversity of life in Earth’s oceans, from nanoplankton to blue whales. Themes of the course include phylogeny, morphology, classification, ecological interactions, and human impacts. Students will learn about the marine representatives of the major animal phyla, including Porifera, Cnidaria, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, and Chordata. They will also learn about marine ecosystems, including estuaries, sandy beaches, coral reefs, kelp forests, the open ocean, and the deep sea.

544.1  Forensics, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 11-12, Semester, 2.50 credits
This course is designed to introduce the basic application of science to the law.  Scientists are often involved in the search for an examination of physical traces which can be used to establish or exclude a suspect’s association with a crime. Topics such as criminal investigations, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis will be covered. Inquiry-based and hands-on activities support data collection while reinforcing analytical skills and logical thinking. Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

572.1 Engineering and 3D Design 1, Advanced College Prep, Grade 9-12,  Semester, 2.5 credits

This course will give students an introduction to what it means to think like an engineer. Students will learn the engineering design process by engaging in build challenges that encourage them to think creatively and outside the box. After understanding this process, students will use the software Onshape to create digital 3D models of objects using Part Studio in order to solve real world problems. Students will print their creations using 3D printing and learn how to design with 3D printing in mind in order to bring their designs to life. Proficiency in mathematics and analytical reasoning is required.

512.1 Science Teaching Assistant, Advanced College Prep, Grade 12, Full Year, 5.00 credits
This class will provide students with the opportunity to practice their science knowledge by supporting the teacher in charge and supporting the students in the classroom. The TA will help with everyday classroom tasks such as: taking and posting notes in Google Stream, creating classroom materials, assisting with the labs by answering student’s questions, helping with the classroom discussions and assisting in the preparation of lesson plans. The assistant student may set up labs and create presentations for students under the supervision of the teacher. In addition, the TA student may review lessons or lectures on a one-on-one basis or in small groups. The TA will keep a log of what they have done each day. In addition, students will develop a portfolio with the class materials and notes that they have created for the class. The teaching assistant candidates should have already done three years of science (Honors and AP). Students should earn a certificate of completion. This class will be a pass/fail class. Interested students should make an appointment with the teacher they want to assist for approval prior to signing up for this course. Principal approval is required.

564.1 Introduction to Computer Science, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 Credits
This self-paced course teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills.  Students will have the opportunity to use programming, computational thinking, and design principles to create various types of computer programs and other digital artifacts such as animations, games and websites. Upon completion of the course, students can program in JavaScript or Python and will have a foundational knowledge of Java methods or Python methods, primitive types and control structures. Prerequisite: Algebra I