Science

The Earth/Environmental Science curriculum includes inquiry into the following content areas: lithospheric materials, processes, changes; tectonic processes; origin and evolution of the earth system; hydrosphere and its interactions and influences on the lithosphere, atmosphere, and environment; atmosphere and its influence on climate and air quality; earth in the solar system and position in the universe; human stewardship of earth. An emphasis on environmental research and fieldwork will be included. This course meets the earth/environmental science requirement for graduation.

Earth/Environmental Science Honors will follow the NC Standard Course of Study, but with a greater emphasis on independent and critical thinking skills in class work, tests, lab work, and fieldwork. Additional readings, research projects, and oral presentations will be required. This course is recommended for the student with a strong interest in science and desire to pursue a college degree

Biology I Honors is designed to give the student a more challenging and in-depth experience of the NC Standard Course of Study in biology. Students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In addition to the SCS goals and objectives, students are expected to: design and carry out several independent investigations, read and report on recent research in biology, and demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives. A state EOC is required.

The biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the biological sciences begun in grades K-8. The curriculum includes inquiry into the following content areas: the cell; molecular basis of heredity; biological evolution; interdependence of organisms; matter, energy, and organization in living systems; and behavior of organisms. An emphasis on lab skills and improvement of organizational skills will be included.

The Physical Science curriculum is designed to continue the investigation of the physical sciences begun in earlier grades. The Physical Science course will build a knowledge base to provide a foundation for the continued study of physics and chemistry. Investigations are approached in a qualitative and quantitative manner to support and develop the application of mathematical and scientific inquiry skills. The curriculum will integrate the following physics topics: motion, relationships between forces and motion, energy, waves, electricity and magnetism. The following chemistry topics will be integrated: properties and structure of matter, chemical bonding and chemical interactions, radiation and radioactivity.

Chemistry Honors is designed to give students a more conceptual and in-depth understanding of the NC Standard Course of Study concepts. Students in Chemistry Honors are expected to accept a greater responsibility for their learning. The course is designed with rigor so that students actively engage in the inquiry process through the application of investigations and research. Students should be comfortable working independently or in collaboration with their peers. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, precision, and critical thinking. The NC Final Exam is required.

Environmental Science AP is a college level course. The goal of the Environmental Science AP course is to provide 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. Students are required to take the AP Exam in May.

Pre-AP Biology (formally Biology II) is designed to prepare students for a college level science course or AP Biology. The focus of the course is the development of skills including critical thinking, laboratory and science practices as outlined in the College Board AP Biology course description. Course topics include the origin and development of life, the evolution of living organisms, the classification of life, as well as the interrelationships of organisms with their physical environment. This course is a prerequisite for AP Biology.

AP Biology is designed to be a college introductory biology course. The textbook used, range and depth of topics covered, type of lab work, and time and effort required by students are to be equivalent to a first year college biology course. Students will be required to take the AP Exam in May.