Science Courses
One of the following Principles of Physics classes is taken the freshman year:
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS (CP1, CP2) - 1 credit
This laboratory-based course provides exploratory experiences and opportunities for inquiry with the practical applications of physics emphasized. Topics investigated through the year include motion, forces, momentum, gravitation, energy, heat, electricity and magnetism, sound and light. Selected applications of physics principles to current technology are examined.
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS (Honors) - 1 credit
This laboratory-based course provides experience in careful data collection, guided investigations, data analysis and common applications of physics. Topics investigated through the year include motion, forces, gravitation, momentum, energy, electricity, magnetism, sound and light. Selected applications of physics principles to current technology are examined. Appropriate quantitative reasoning is used during the course. Honors science students participate and compete in at least one approved science related extracurricular competition or activity (Examples: Science Fair or any Science Team competition).
One of the following Chemistry classes is taken the sophomore year:
CHEMISTRY (CP1, CP2) - 1 Credit
This course is a study of the behavior and interactions of matter. Concepts and models used in chemistry include the conservation of mass (and energy), periodicity of atomic properties, structure of the atom, molecular structure, chemical reactions and stoichiometry. Quantitative reasoning and laboratory measurement skills are developed to determine percent composition, molar quantities, molecular weight and the dynamic changing of volumes and masses of reacting substances. Course admission requires current enrollment in Geometry (or having completed Geometry).
CHEMISTRY (Honors) - 1 credit
This course provides an in depth investigation of the evidence supporting the modern model of atomic structure, bonding, molar ratios, kinetic theory and stoichiometry. Skills in the careful measurement of matter and energy before, during and after reactions are developed. Relationships involving mass, volume and energy are investigated. Skill development emphasis is placed on quantitative reasoning used when determining molecular weight, percentage composition, molar ratios, volumes and masses of reacting substances. Honors science students participate and compete in at least one approved science related extracurricular competition or activity (Examples: Science Fair or any Science Team competition). Course admission requires recommendation of previous science teacher and current enrollment in geometry (or having completed geometry).
Note: Juniors may also take AP Chemistry if they have completed Honors Chemistry.
One of the following Biology classes is taken the junior year:
BIOLOGY (CP1, CP2) - 1 credit
Students develop an understanding of the major biological ideas and their relation to the world around them. Course topics include cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, plant biology, taxonomy (classification) and an introduction to animals including anatomy. Evolution, the history of biology as a science and current events (including examination of ethical and moral perspectives) are discussed throughout the course. Students experience laboratories, group projects, group discussions and traditional lectures. The student develops lab skills in biology including the use of the microscope. Course admission requires the recommendation of a previous science teacher.
BIOLOGY (Honors) - 1 credit
Advanced students are challenged with an in-depth study of major biological ideas and their relation to the world around them. Topics include cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, plant biology, taxonomy (classifications) and an introduction to animals including anatomy. Evolution, the history of biology as a science and current events (including examination of ethical and moral perspectives) are discussed throughout the course. Students experience laboratories, group projects, group discussions and traditional lectures. The student develops biological related lab skills including the use of the microscope. Honors science students participate and compete in at least one approved science related extracurricular competition or activity (Examples: Science Fair or any Science Team competition). Course admission requires the recommendation of a previous science teacher.
AP BIOLOGY - 1 credit
Note: Advanced Placement Biology can be taken the junior or senior year (as an elective).
This course is designed to provide a rigorous course equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology sequence. Students develop analytical skills and a conceptual framework appropriate to for college biology major. Emphasis is given to applying scientific knowledge to current events. Reading requirements include scholarly articles and case studies in addition to the textbook reading. The student conducts a minimum of 12 AP College Board required labs. Laboratories may require time outside of required curriculum. The goal of the class is to prepare students to take and pass the Biology Advanced Placement Exam (college credit determined by exam performance and policies of the college attended.) Prerequisites: Juniors and seniors who have successfully completed Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry.
The following are elective science courses for seniors:
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY - 1 credit
The course consists of a comprehensive study of anatomy with emphasis placed on histology and physiology. Emphasis is placed on the lecture method of instruction. The laboratory is the means through which practical application of lectures is made. Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, Algebra I.
AP CHEMISTRY - 1 credit
The course develops skills in applying the models of chemistry along with the laboratory skills typically required in college chemistry. This course requires significant initiative, effort and persistence on the part of the student along with prior knowledge of nomenclature, writing and predicting products for chemical reactions, atomic structure and use of stoichiometry. This course examines kinetics, equilibrium and acid/base equilibria, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, and thermodynamics. The goal of the class is to provide students with the chemistry knowledge and skills required to take and pass the Chemistry Advanced Placement Exam (college credit determined by exam performance and policies of the college attended.) Prerequisites: Juniors and seniors who have successfully completed Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry.
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE - 1 credit
Earth and Space Science introduces students to an advanced look at the Earth’s near neighborhood and perspectives of the universe from the Earth. Students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions based on critical thinking and problem solving. Emphasis is on topics related to bio-geochemical cycles, origin and evolution of the Earth system, energy in the Earth system, and origin and evolution of the universe.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - 1 credit
This course provides an approach to the study of our environment that involves the development of thinking and decision-making skills. This course investigates how the earth’s structure, climates, atmosphere and ecosystems interact with human energy use, waste and population growth. Lab activities illustrate concepts. The goal of the class is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to take and pass Environmental Science Advanced Placement Exam (college credit determined by exam performance and policies of the college attended.) Prerequisites: Seniors who have the recommendation of Science or Math Instructor.
FORENSICS - 1 credit
Forensics examines the applications of basic biological, chemical, physical principles and technological practices to the purposes of justice in the study of criminal and civil issues. The course focuses on the decomposition process, crime scenes, skeletal remains, toxicology and document validity. Major themes of study in this course are pathology, anthropology, odontology, ballistics, trace evidence, biological fluids, DNA, fingerprints, impression evidence, questioned documents and forensic psychiatry/psychology.
GENETICS (Honors) - 1 credit
Genetics focuses on two Life Science sub-strands: Biological Evolution and Molecular Basis of Heredity. Rapid advances in sequencing the Human Genome has resulted in an explosion of information and applications in Genetics and related fields. Students are exposed to various methods of genetics investigations. Case studies in biotechnology and scenarios in bioethics help students understand the implications and issues emerging as the science of Genetics continues to develop.
MARINE SCIENCE - 1 credit
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the knowledge of marine science. The course consists of lectures involving principles of physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography, including characteristics of major marine plant and animal phyla, marine physiology, taxonomy and the use of scientific keys to identify marine specimens. Some optional field work will be conducted outside of class time. Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, Algebra I.
AP PHYSICS B: SURVEY - 1 credit
Topics examined include kinematics, dynamics, momentum (in 1 or 2 dimensions), rotational motion, gravity, electrostatics, light and systems that involve energy in the form of motion, heat, electricity (static and current) and fluids. This course is normally taken as a science elective course in college. The course emphasizes applying physics principles in a wide variety of problem solving contexts. The goal of the class is to provide students with the physics knowledge and skills required to take and pass the Physics-B Advanced Placement Exam (college credit determined by exam performance and policies of the college attended.) Prerequisites: Juniors who have successfully completed Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry or Seniors who have the recommendation of Science or Math Instructor can enroll in this course (and) enrollment in trigonometry (or higher) course.
AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS WITH CALCULUS - 1 credit
This course includes classical physics topics that use basic calculus (which is rudimentarily developed during the course). Skills in the quantitative treatments of kinematics, dynamics, momentum, rotational motion, vibration, simple harmonic motion and mechanical energy are developed. Laboratories illustrate and verify the applications of the topics presented in lecture and match the standard lab experiences of the college level calculus-based introductory physics course. The course is strongly recommended for students considering fields relating to science or engineering. The goal of the class is to provide students with the physics knowledge and skills required to take and pass the Physics-C Mechanics Advanced Placement Exam. (The credit accrued by this course is dependent on the AP score and the policies of the university attended.) Prerequisites: permission of the AP Physics C instructor and current or previous enrollment in a pre-calculus or calculus course.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (Honors) - ½ credit
This is a one semester survey course in the study of carbon compounds. Topics covered include the structure and nomenclature of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds as well as many functional groups, polar and radical organic reactions, and spectroscopic analysis. Laboratory work is a vital part of the class, but the emphasis is on theory. Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry/Chemistry and approval by most recent chemistry teacher.
ZOOLOGY (Honors) - 1 credit
Students introduced to core concepts of Zoology examine the diversity and ecological relationships of the Animal Kingdom. Course topics include cellular division, Genetics, Evolutionary Theory, the mechanisms of Evolution, animal classification, Phylogeny, and examination of the major groupings of the Animal Kingdom. Students design laboratory experiments, dissect representative species from the Animal Phylums covered in the course, experience group discussions, and traditional lectures. Honors science students participate in at least one approved extracurricular competition or activity. Course admission requires the approval or recommendation of a previous science teacher.
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