Science

SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

BIOLOGY COLLEGE PREP (Grade 9) (NCAA)

This course is designed to satisfy the benchmarks set forth by the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science. Biology is the study of living organisms using an inquiry approach. Through the use of laboratory techniques, class discussions, cooperative learning, current events and independent work, the student will develop an appreciation and understanding of the following modern biological concepts: microscopy, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, microbiology, physiology, and ecology.

BIOLOGY HONORS (Grade 9) (NCAA)

This course is designed to exceed the benchmarks set forth by New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science. The Honors Biology program is designed to introduce students to the ever changing, complex, and fascinating principles of biology. Students are expected to demonstrate an outstanding work ethic and solid performance in the comprehension of scientific reading material, analysis of data, and performance of laboratory experiments. The student will develop an appreciation and understanding of the following modern biological concepts: microscopy, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, microbiology, physiology, and ecology.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (Grades 10, 11, 12) (NCAA)

Advanced Placement Biology is a course designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course which is usually taken by biology majors during their first year in college. A major goal is to provide the students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, critical thinking skills, analytical skills, and laboratory experience that will enhance their understanding of biological principles. AP students must possess an extraordinary work ethic and solid performance in the comprehension of scientific reading material such as published articles, text, and laboratory protocols. The course given at VHS follows the syllabus of the AP Biology Committee of the College Board. Student must take AP exam in order to receive AP course credit.

CHEMISTRY COLLEGE PREP (Grades 10, 11, 12) (NCAA)

The purpose of the course is to prepare students who plan to pursue non-science careers for college level chemistry. This course analyzes the important role that chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives. Students will learn to use principles of chemistry to think more intelligently about current issues involving science and technology. The course emphasizes basic chemical principles, develops basic laboratory skills, and has the students learn problem solving methods. The course stands alone as a basic study, but serves as a foundation for future science courses.

CHEMISTRY HONORS (Grades 10, 11, 12) (NCAA)

The Honors level of Chemistry is a faster paced, more math-intensive version of the Chemistry course. The students will learn facts, formulas and principles of chemistry as well as how to apply them to their world. They will come to understand the reason why the facts, formulas and principles exist as they continue to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, for use in chemistry, science and life.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (Grades 11, 12) (NCAA)

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry exposes students to college level Chemistry curriculum. The course moves at a very fast, demanding pace and is very math intensive. The students are challenged with complex problems on a variety of topics, both in the laboratory and in the classroom. The course is designed to maximize the students' chances to pass the AP Chemistry examination; passing this test can earn students up to 8 college credits toward General Chemistry, fulfilling a core college requirement. Student must take AP exam in order to receive AP course credit.

PHYSICS COLLEGE PREP (Grades 11, 12) (NCAA)

This course presents the basic concepts of physics in a logical sequence. The organization of the text and the style of the writing are designed to meet the needs of today's students without compromising content. A fully integrated laboratory sequence follows the course so that the students engage in scientific discovery through their own experiments. Physics satisfies the requirements for a college preparatory program.

PHYSICS HONORS (Grades 11, 12) (NCAA)

This course presents the concepts and the mathematics of physics in a logical sequence. The organization of the text and the style of the writing are designed to meet the needs of today's student without compromising precision or content. A fully integrated laboratory sequence follows the course so that the students engage in scientific discovery through their own experiments. Physics Honors satisfies the requirements for a college preparatory program.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS I (Grade 11, 12) (NCAA) *NOT OFFERED IN 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

AP Physics I is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Student must take the AP Exam in order to receive AP course credit.

Due to curricular overlap between Physics Honors and AP Physics 1 students who have completed Honors Physics are ineligible to take AP Physics 1

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C: Mechanics (Grade 12) (NCAA)

This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using Trigonometry and Calculus. This course focuses on a wide range of topics including: Kinetics; Newton’s Law of Motion; Work, Energy and Power; Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum; Circular Motion and Rotation; and Oscillations and Gravitation. The course given at VHS follows the syllabus of AP Physics C as prescribed by the College Board. Student must take the AP Exam in order to receive AP course credit.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COLLEGE PREP (Grades 10, 11, 12) (NCAA)

Environmental Science carefully analyzes the various interactions that are taking place between modern humans and their environment. Special emphasis is placed on our need for and use of energy and mineral resources. The course develops the ecosystem concept and the basic laws that govern energy/resources use. It examines our traditional energy sources and consumption patterns and then analyzes our current supply-demand situation. Finally, our alternatives for the future are carefully considered. In addition, the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of large-scale energy development and mineral use are examined. The role played by government, industry, international policies and the individual in the energy/resource/environmental system are all considered. Emphasis is placed on direct student involvement in specially designed and classroom tested lab-type activities.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Grades 10, 11, 12) (NCAA)

This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. The “Big Ideas” of AP Environmental Science are: Science is a process, Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes, The Earth itself is one interconnected system, Humans alter natural systems, Environmental problems have a cultural and social context, Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. The course given at VHS follows the syllabus of AP Environmental Science as prescribed by the College Board. Student must take the AP Exam in order to receive AP course credit.

MEDICAL BIOLOGY B (Grades 11, 12) (NCAA)

This semester course is designed for those students interested in medicine. To be successful, students should have a strong understanding of the concepts covered in Biology, such as body systems, cell biology, genetics, and evolution. The course will look at two major medical problems affecting our society today: drug addiction and cancer. The semester will thus be divided into two units of study: 1) Neurobiology and 2) Cancer and Genetic Disease. Students will learn through simulations, case studies and hands-on investigations and be able to use scientific and critical thinking to communicate their understandings. The lessons of this course will encourage students to consider what knowledge is most critical to solving these two devastating medical problems.

MEDICAL BIOLOGY A (Grades 11, 12) (NCAA) NOT OFFERED IN THE 21-22 SCHOOL YEAR

This semester course is a hands-on, lab-oriented class designed for those students interested in medicine. To be successful, students should have a strong understanding of the concepts covered in Biology; such as Body Systems, Cell Biology, and Genetics. Students will learn through simulations, case studies and many hands-on investigations. This course will emphasize scientific and critical thinking coupled with exposure to technical writing and effective communication of research findings. The lessons in this course encourage students to think about the relationships among knowledge, choice, behavior, and human health. The semester will be divided into two units of study: 1) Infectious Disease and Immunology, and 2) Biochemistry and Nutrition

INTRO TO DATA SCIENCE (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

Data science is a broad term that applies to acquiring, exploring, analyzing, and interpreting data in order to gain insight to answer questions and/or make decisions. Even though it is referred to as data “science,” there is just as much data in psychology, politics, and economics as there is in biology, chemistry, and physics. Introduction to Data Science is a project-based course where students have the freedom of choice to explore data in any of the above fields. Through their own topics of interest, students will learn how to analyse data using Google Sheets and Python and make presentations to communicate results and analysis using Google Slides. Students will not only have choice over the data and topics they analyze, but also the depth they wish to explore these data and topics. Each project will have two levels of depth so that both beginners with no background in spreadsheets or computer programming and programming veterans can proceed with learning at an appropriate level.