Elective Science Courses

ELECTIVES

PHYSICS 3422/3423 (Two Terms)

Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry credit and Geometry

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Physics is about the basic nature of things such as motion, force, energy, matter, heat, waves, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Students will explore, develop, and apply physics concepts, with an emphasis on individual and group projects. This course is highly recommended for the 4 Year College Bound student.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 3410/3411 (Two Terms)

Prerequisite: B or higher in both Biology/Accelerated Biology and Chemistry/Accelerated Chemistry

Grades 11, 12

Course Description: This course is an introduction to Anatomy and Physiology. The course will cover biochemistry as well as the various body systems such as integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, reproductive, digestive, urinary, etc. Anatomy and Physiology would follow as a second or third biology course for students wishing to pursue additional studies in the biological, medical, or allied health sciences.

AP BIOLOGY 3482/3483/3484/3845 (Four Terms)

Prerequisite: B or higher in Accelerated Chemistry or A in Chemistry with Teacher recommendation; B or higher in Algebra 2 and completion/concurrent enrollment in Physics.

Grades 11, 12

Course Description: The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The AP Exam may be taken in May for possible college credit. Individual research papers and lab write-ups are included. Grade Weighted Class

AP CHEMISTRY 3486/3487/3488/3489 (Four Terms)

Prerequisite: B or higher in Accelerated Chemistry or A in Chemistry with Teacher recommendation and B or higher in Algebra 2. Also completion/concurrent enrollment in Physics.

Grades 11, 12

Course Description: AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college general chemistry course and follows the College Board’s AP Chemistry Topic Outline. The course is suitable only for high school students who exhibit high levels of commitment, motivation and academic maturity. Students are expected to be motivated and spend extra time studying outside of class. The problem-solving strategies obtained during this course will prepare college-bound students for careers in the sciences, medicine, engineering, and other technical areas. Successful completion of this course and adequate performance on the AP exam grants students General Chemistry credits at the post-secondary level. $ Workbook Fee Required Grade Weighted Class

AP PHYSICS 3434/3435/3436/3437 (Four Terms)

Prerequisite: Chemistry/Accelerated Chemistry and B or higher in Algebra 2

Grades 11, 12 or consent of instructor

Course Description: AP Physics is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understandings of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves. The AP Exam may be taken in May for possible college credit. Grade Weighted Class

METEOROLOGY 3430 (One Term)

Prerequisite: Completion of 2 Science credits or Dept. Consent

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Meteorology is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere. The purpose of this class is to inform students about their surroundings on Earth. This course will consist of laboratory experiences and real world weather forecasting along with a variety of other concepts.

ASTRONOMY 3431 (One Term)

Prerequisite: Completion of 2 Science credits or Dept. Consent

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Astronomy is the study of the universe. The purpose of this class is to give the student a greater understanding of the universe. This course will focus on laboratory activities including a rocketry unit and will give students an idea of the “bigger picture.” Concepts and analysis will also be conducted through research and findings.