Course Selection
Miscellaneous Information:
Honors level courses are offered in biology, chemistry, and physics.
AP level courses are offered in biology, engineering, physics, chemistry
AP Courses also carry additional GPA weight. Students are recommended for these courses based on past classroom performance, test scores, and teacher recommendation. If a student was not recommended for an honors level course, the math department strongly encourages you to speak with your son/daughter's present math teacher and guidance counselor before signing a waiver. Please note that many students who are not recommended for this level course do not perform successfully and, due to class sizes, may not be able to be placed in the appropriate level once the school year has begun.
Students have the potential to earn college credit in the courses highlighted below.
Course Descriptions:
Environmental Science-
This laboratory based science course for ninth graders is designed to challenge students to develop an understanding of the biological, physical, and earth systems that shape our environment. Scientific concepts, principles and modern science practices are used to analyze environmental issues, both natural and human induced, and engage in evidence-based decision making in real world contexts. Topics include: ecology, biodiversity, conservation, population dynamics, atmospheric issues, global climate change, and earth and energy resources
CP Biology-
Prerequisite: CP Environmental Science Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. CP Biology is a course designed to cover the bio-chemical, cellular, genetic, ecological, botanical, and zoological aspects of biology with emphasis on laboratory techniques. Because of the extensive vocabulary in this course, a grade of 76 or better in ninth grade CP English is highly recommended.
Honors Biology-
Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. Honors Biology is designed for students who exhibit an aptitude for a more thorough and intense understanding of Biology. Emphasis is placed on self-directed study and in-depth laboratory work.
AP Biology-Dual Credit with CCC
Prerequisite: Honors Biology /CP Chemistry, passing with at least an “85” average Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. *Qualifies as Dual Credit for BIO 111 at CCC* The course, with a laboratory component, is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course taken by biology majors during their first year. Students will be encouraged to participate in the Advanced Placement College Credit Exam.
CP Chemistry-
Prerequisite: CP Biology; Algebra I Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. CP Chemistry is a comprehensive study of atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical formulae and nomenclature, equation writing and balancing, acids and bases, and redox. Laboratory experiments provide a working knowledge of chemical concepts studied in the course. A scientific calculator is highly recommended for problem solving. Mathematics plays an important role in Chemistry.
Honors Chemistry-
Prerequisite: Honors Biology; Algebra I passing with at least an “85” average Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. In addition to those topics covered in CP Chemistry, periodic trends, quantum mechanics, and organic chemistry are included. The laboratory work involves both in-depth qualitative and quantitative skills. A scientific calculator is recommended for problem-solving. The problem-solving techniques in this course require an excellent command of algebraic concepts. Therefore, a grade of an 85 or better in Algebra I and enrollment in Algebra II is highly recommended.
AP Chemistry-Dual Credit with CCC
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry, passing with at least an “85” average; Algebra II, passing with at least an “85” average OR Honors Algebra II, passing with at least an “81” average Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. *Qualifies as Dual Credit for CHM 111 at CCC* The course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course in general chemistry with a laboratory component. Students will be encouraged to participate in the Advanced Placement College Credit Exam.
Physical Science-
Prerequisite: Biology Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. The student will study areas of force, matter, heat, electricity, and waves as well as their interactions and applications to technology. Students enrolled in this course will experience “hands-on” lab activities throughout the year. This course completes the three-year science requirement for students who took CP Environmental Earth Science in ninth grade and Biology in tenth grade.
CP Physics-
Prerequisite: Chemistry; Algebra II passing with at least a “76” average Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. CP Physics involves the study of mechanics, heat, waves, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Laboratory work using technology plays an integral role in learning physics. A scientific calculator is highly useful. CP Physics is a problem-solving course with a great deal of emphasis on concepts in Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Therefore, a grade of 76 or better in Algebra II and enrollment in Math Analysis is highly recommended.
Honors Physics-
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II (Class of 2023) Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. Honors Physics is a mathematical and experimental approach to the study of physical phenomena. The instructional approach supports an in-depth, student-led inquiry of topics. Students will engage in the practice of science through experimenting, analyzing data, making conjectures and arguments, and solving problems in a collaborative setting. Emphasis is placed upon complex problem solving involving multi-step solutions. The following topics are addressed: linear and projectile motion, forces, circular motion, torque, gravitation, conservation of energy and momentum, impulse, periodic motion, wave theory, electrostatics, field theory, circuits, and electromagnetic induction. Successful students are prepared to continue their study of physics in Advanced Placement Physics C.
AP Physics I
Prerequisite: Chemistry; Algebra II/Mathematical Analysis, passing with at least an “85” average Students who already earned credits for Honors Physics should not enroll in AP Physics I, but rather AP Physics C, as they have already mastered this course content. Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. AP Physics 1 is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, power, mechanical waves, sound, and electric circuits. The instructional approach supports an in-depth, student-led inquiry of topics. Students will engage in the practice of science through experimenting, analyzing, making conjectures and arguments, and solving problems in a collaborative setting. Students will be encouraged to participate in the Advanced Placement College Credit Exam.
AP Physics C
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1, passing with at least an “85” average Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. This course is the equivalent of a one semester, college-level calculus-based course in Newtonian Mechanics for engineers and scientists. Therefore, concurrent enrollment in Honors Calculus or AP Calculus is required. Laboratory activities will be used to reinforce course content. Students will be encouraged to participate in the Advanced Placement College Credit Exam. Enrollment in AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism is required.
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1, passing with at least an “85” average Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism is the second semester, companion course to AP Physics C: Mechanics. This course is the equivalent of a one semester, college level, calculus-based course in Electricity and Magnetism for engineers and scientists. Laboratory activities will be used to reinforce course content. Students will be encouraged to participate in the Advanced Placement College Credit Exam.
Exploring Engineering-Dual Credit with CCC
Prerequisite: C+ in Algebra I, concurrent enrollment in Geometry *Qualifies as Dual Credit for EGR 101 at CCC* With the material you learn in this course, you could start making your own projects like building a speaker for your smartphone so you can picnic in the park with music, or modifying a toy bear to speak anything you type with synchronized mouth and eye movements. If you are interested in engineering or simply like “making” things, this is the course for you. Exploring Engineering I uses the Drexel University’s LocoRobo robot to teach the fundamentals of electronics and programming with sensors. The sensors include: ultrasonic, accelerometer, encoder, gyroscope, force and temperature. To use these sensors, one needs to understand the physics behind how they work and their limitations. To control them, one writes “gui“ software using a webapp. For more control and functionality, one can convert the “gui” into python software and modify the code directly. To connect the sensors to the robot, you’ll learn about digital and analog circuits. Once you learn about a sensor, you apply that knowledge by meeting a challenge like being the first robot to capture its goal without smashing into other robots or obstacles. There is more than one way to meet the challenge, this makes it interesting. You will work on projects with a partner and be willing to immerse yourself in these design challenges. You will build an enclosure for your robot using our 3D printer and try other engineering projects time permitting. The course will conclude with a student generated capstone project.
Exploring Engineering II-Dual Credit with CCC/RCGC
Prerequisite: Exploring Engineering I or permission of instructor *Qualifies as Dual Credit for PHY 107 at RCGC* *Qualifies as Dual Credit for CIM 115 at CCC* School of S.T.E.M. Career Cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Career Pathway: Engineering Prepares you for careers in planning, managing and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (e.g., physical science, social science, engineering) including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services COURSE LENGTH GRADES OFFERED CREDITS COURSE NAME Full Year Semester 9 10 11 12 Exploring Engineering (Dual Credit- CCC- EGR 101) X X X X X 5 Exploring Engineering II (Dual Credit- RCGC- PHY 107) (Dual Credit- CCC – CIM 115) X X X X 5 Advanced Engineering III (Dual Credit- CCC- EGR 101)* X X X 5 Mobile App Development X X X X X 2.5 Introduction to Python Programming (Dual Credit – CCC-CSC 171) X X X X X 2.5 Video Game Design and Development X X X X X 2.5 A.P. Computer Science Principles X X X X X 5 A.P. Computer Science A (AP Java) (Dual Credit – CCC- CSC 161) X X X X 5 Page 24 This course has four areas of study: drones, a robotic arm, renewable energy and wearable devices. Drones, the technology of choice for future aerial transportation, are used to study aerodynamics and aeronautics. Robotic arms form the backbone of modern industrial automation. Students will be involved with technical challenges involving kinematics and dynamics relating to arm design and motion. The drone, robotic arm, and LocoRobo robot (from Engineering I) will be capable of communicating with each other, so these three devices can be coordinated via software to work together to complete a task like building a structure on Mars. Other topics like renewable energy (devices such as solar cells and panels, solar farms, wind mills and turbines) hold the key to unlocking humanity’s greatest potential. A challenge we may explore in class includes designing a wind farm to power a city. Students will also study wearable body sensors and integrate their knowledge of body systems from a biomedical perspective into building a wearable device. Exploring Engineering II has material related to the STEM subjects of physics, biology, and anatomy & physiology. Students will work with a partner and be willing to immerse themselves in these technical design challenges.
Advance Engineering III- Dual Credit CCC
Prerequisite: One of the following courses: Exploring Engineering I, II, a Computer Science course, or permission of instructor. *Qualifies as Dual Credit for EGR 101 at CCC* if students have not previously applied for and received credit for EEI The culminating course in the WD Engineering Series, Advanced Engineering concentrates on two themes: Internet of Things (IOT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the IOT segment, students will build arduino-based devices capable of sensing the environment, and actuating a response through a display, flashing lights, running a motor, or sounding an alarm. In some projects, that response may be transported to the cloud using an App or a Web-based dashboard. In the AI segment, students will use a combination of Python, support modules, and a Raspberry Pi Camera to capture video files and use supplied software to enhance and process the images and video. One project is to detect where a swarm of robots is headed. Coursework is done with a partner. This is the perfect course for the student who wishes to apply what they have learned in either Exploring Engineering I,II or the West Deptford Computer Science Courses.
Electives:
Genetics-
Prerequisite: Biology, passing with at least an “85” average; Algebra I, passing with at least an “85” average. Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. This one-semester course is intended for students planning further science-related education. Topics include Mendelian genetics, sex-related traits, cell reproduction, genes and chromosomes, crossing-over, karyotypes, population genetics, genetic counseling, and genetic engineering. Major emphasis will be placed on current articles dealing with genetics as found in local libraries. A student must have a grade of an 85 or better in Biology, CP Biology or Honors Biology and a grade of an 85 or better in Algebra I before taking this course. Students should have completed or be taking chemistry concurrently
Forensics-
Prerequisite: Biology/Chemistry, passing with at least an “85” average; Algebra I, passing with at least a “76”average. Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. This one-semester course will introduce a student to the application of scientific techniques cued from biology and chemistry in accumulating evidence for the prosecution of crime. The course will include research, discussions, investigations, and collaborative hands-on activities involving detailed measurements and interpretation. Topics will include crime scene assessment, fingerprint analysis, blood splatter and blood stain analysis, micro-examination of hair and fibers, and evaluation of insect, footwear and ballistic evidence. This course is especially suited for those students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this course and the mathematical interpretation of data, the above prerequisites must be met. Students with exemplary grades in Biology and Physical Science will be considered with a teacher recommendation.
Honors Anatomy & Physiology- Dual Credit with CCC
Prerequisite: CP Biology/Honors Biology, passing with at least an “85” average Course registration is based on a number of factors, such as final grade average, standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, etc. *Qualifies as Dual Credit for BIO 103 at CCC* Honors Anatomy/Physiology- is a one year course designed for students who plan to enter the health field (nursing, pre-med, pre-vet, physical therapy, exercise physiology, athletic trainer, etc.) following graduation. For those students, it is strongly recommended that they enroll in this course their senior year. The course deals with Human Biology. The Anatomy portion of the course deals with the identification of various parts of the human body. The Physiology portion deals with how the systems of the body act and interact with each other. Students should have completed or be taking chemistry concurrently.