Science

Biology (SCI101/102) 

9th or 10th Grade

This course is designed to provide students with a strong foundation for future science study at any level as well as preparing students for state and national tests. The focus of this class will be scientific investigation and inquiry of living systems using the following themes: The Process of Science, Evolution, Energy Flow, Structures & Process of living system, Homeostasis, and Ecology. 

AP Biology (SCI211/212) 

10th, 11th, or 12th Grade

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II

Fee: $99 for AP Exam (subject to change)

Can count as senior-year quantitative course

Advanced Placement Biology provides able and motivated students with an overview of Biology and an opportunity to pursue college level biological studies while still in high school. Upon completion of the course, the student have the option to take the AP Biology examination and may receive college credit. 

AP Environmental Science (SCI231/232) 

10th, 11th, or 12th Grade

Fee: $99 for AP Exam (subject to change)

AP Environmental science is a college level intensive look at the world we live in, and the impact that humans have on their environment.  Students will explore the finer details of the ecosystem through living labs, chemical testing, and bioengineering projects. The topic of pollution dominates the second semester where students will come up with new ideas on how to limit and prevent the overuse of natural resources, and maintain healthier methods for their disposal. Skills students will obtain in this class include analyzing data, interpreting research studies, solving problems using math, and creating maps and models representing key environmental concepts. Students will be offered an opportunity to take an AP test for this course, and may receive college credit.

Chemistry (SCI201/202) 

10th, 11th, or 12th Grade

Can count as a senior-year quantitative course

Chemistry is a lab intensive, mathematical, study of the structure and properties of matter. Students taking this course will leave with a better understanding of the periodic table, the inner workings of atoms, molecules, and compounds, and strategies to solve problems of a scientific nature. Students will learn prerequisite skills that will prepare them for college courses in chemistry necessary for degrees in healthcare, engineering, and other sciences.

AP Chemistry (SCI518/519) 

10th, 11th or 12th Grade

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II

Fee: $99 for AP Exam (subject to change)

Can count as a senior-year quantitative course

This class is an AP level treatment of concepts explored in Chemistry I & II, and then expands into advanced chemical topics such as reaction mechanisms, rates of reaction, equilibrium, acid/base reactions, oxidation/reduction, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry. As in Chemistry I & II, lab experience is emphasized. 

Introduction to Engineering (SCI401/402) 

9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th Grade

Engineering is a modern and fun science course.  This course is designed for young learners who are curious about how things work and eager to explore the basics of engineering. It's the perfect starting point for kids to discover the wonders of designing, building, and creating. You'll become a little inventor, making awesome stuff from scratch and learning about how things work.

Here's some of the amazing stuff we'll do:

• Dive into the world of 3D modeling, where you can design anything from toys to skateboards— all from your own ideas.

• Bring those designs to life using 3D printers, turning your virtual creations into real objects.

• Experience the magic of Laser cutters, cutting your designs into all sorts of materials to see your ideas really take shape.

• Play with electronics to see how they power up our lives.

Advanced Engineering (SCI411/412) 

10th, 11th, or 12th Grade

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Engineering

This course is an exciting step beyond the introductory engineering class, specially designed for young, imaginative minds. It's a place where science, big ideas, and super machines come to life! Here, creativity knows no bounds as we explore larger-than-life projects and learn how to use cool, high-tech tools.  Students can take Advanced Engineering more than once.

Fun with Advanced Tools: Get hands-on with awesome gadgets like 3D printers and simple robotics kits. These aren't your ordinary school supplies – they're the keys to building amazing things!

Exciting, Big-Scale Projects: Dive into projects that are not just big in size but also big in imagination! Whether it's building a giant tower or a fantasy vehicle, these tasks are all about dreaming and doing.

Solving Puzzles the Creative Way: Use your engineering skills to solve fun puzzles and challenges. You'll learn to think like an engineer, turning your cool ideas into even cooler creations.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Work with friends on group projects where everyone's ideas matter. Together, you'll build something you couldn't have done alone.

Your Project, Your Rules: Ever dreamed of designing your own house or go karty? Here's your chance! You'll get to work on your very own project, making something you're truly excited about.

Advanced Engineering with Honors (SCI421/422) 

11th or 12th Grade

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Engineering

Advanced Engineering with Honors – an exhilarating expansion beyond the standard engineering classes, specially crafted for young, imaginative minds with a keen interest in diving deeper into the world of engineering. This course is where science, grand ideas, and high tech manufacturing machines spring into action! Here, the bounds of creativity are expanded as we explore grand-scale projects and master the use of cool, high-tech tools.

In the Honors section of our Advanced Engineering course, students will not only engage in the standard set of challenging and exciting projects but will also have the opportunity to extend their learning and leadership skills in unique ways:

• Student-Driven Projects: Honors students will have the freedom to pursue their own project ideas. This encourages individual creativity and innovation, allowing students to explore areas of personal interest or passion within the field of engineering.

• Community Leadership Project: Each student will be required to lead a community-focused project. This initiative aims to apply engineering solutions to real-world community issues, fostering a sense of social responsibility and the practical application of engineering skills in a community setting.

• Onshape Certification: Students in the Honors program will take the Onshape certification test. Onshape is a cutting-edge CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, and gaining certification in this tool not only enhances students' design skills but also adds a valuable credential to their portfolios.

• Mentorship Role: Honors students will be required to mentor first-year students in the Advanced Engineering course. This mentorship role is designed to develop leadership and teaching skills in our advanced students, while also providing support and guidance to newcomers in the program.

These additional components are designed to enrich the learning experience for our Honors students, giving them opportunities to lead, teach, innovate, and make a tangible difference in their community. This program is ideal for students who are not only passionate about engineering but also eager to develop their leadership and social impact skills.

AP Computer Science Principles (SCI395/396) 

10th, 11th or 12th Grade

Year Long Course

Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Geometry

Fee: $98 for AP Exam (subject to change)

Can count as senior-year quantitative course

This is a full-year, rigorous course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.