This course focuses on the function of the earth’s systems. Emphasis is placed on matter, energy, crustal dynamics, environmental awareness, materials availability, and the cycles that circulate energy and material through the earth’s system. Oceanography, astronomy, meteorology and geology are included. 

Honors Earth/Environmental Science is a rigorous curriculum designed to allow highly motivated students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. In Honors Earth/Environmental Science students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In order to develop a greater understanding of the processes that shape our everyday lives, the curriculum will integrate inquiry investigations and a variety of technologies with the study of earth as a system. The impacts of human activities on earth systems will also be a focus. The results of student investigations should be communicated through presentations and formal laboratory reports.

Biology involves the study of living organisms and their relationship to their environment. The topics covered include: an in-depth study of the molecular building blocks of life, biological processes, evolution, bio-diversity, fundamentals of energy dynamics in living things, genetics, and ecological systems.  Laboratory work includes a study of a select group of plants, animals and microorganisms. The final exam for this course is the North Carolina End-of-Course Test. 

Honors Biology is designed to give the student a more challenging and in-depth experience of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Biology. In Honors 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 of biological questions, read and report on recent research in biology, and demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives. 

Introductory course to the concepts of Physics and Chemistry. Topics of study include the structure of the atom, structure and properties of matter, motions and forces, and the conservation of energy, matter, and charge. Students use their mathematical skills in the applications of science.  

This course is a study of the properties and structure of matter and relationship between energy and matter. Topics include atomic energy, chemical reactions, stoichiometry solu­tions, and nuclear chemistry. Students will per­form lab activities and solve mathematical calculations. 

Chemistry Honors is a two-semester course. Students study a variety of chemistry topics including chemical equations and reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, atomic theory, molecular chemistry, kinetic theory, gas laws, solutions, and acid-base behavior. Students will use their mathematics and problem solving skills to complete laboratory activities.

This course covers core standards in forces and motion, energy, electricity and magnetism, matter, chemicals, and the environment. Through course design the students will learn concepts and describe attributes associated with weight, mass, and types of force. Energy and conservation will be defined with an explanation of related effects. Students will develop an understanding of electricity and magnetism as well as the properties of matter. They will identify the uses and dangers of common chemicals. The course covers how humans can have positive and negative effects on the environment. Students will develop an understanding of the human body’s basic needs and control systems (including common health indicators). 

This course covers standards in the areas of structure and functions of living organisms, evolution & genetics, and molecular biology. Students will understand the relationship between the structures and functions of cells and their organelles and the analysis of the cell as a living system. Students will explore the interdependence of living organisms within their environment and learn the impact of human activities on the environment generation to generation. The course explains how traits are determined by the structure and function of DNA and how the environment, and/or the interaction of alleles, influences the expression of genetic traits, as well as the application of DNA technology. The theory of evolution by natural selection as a mechanism for how species change over time is covered, including how classification systems are developed based upon speciation. Students will develop an understanding of how biological molecules are essential to the survival of living organisms. They will analyze the relationship between biochemical processes and energy use. At the completion of the course, the student must be assessed using the Biology EOC with documented accommodations and modifications.