Science Courses

Requirements: All students must take a minimum of 3 years of laboratory science courses for graduation. The three courses must include Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 

Biology

A laboratory course offered to freshmen emphasizing the fundamental unity in the diversity of life forms. Life is studied from the simplest biochemical process to the most complex level of biological organization. Topics include: biochemistry, ecology, cell structure, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, protein synthesis, evolution, classification, and plant structures. (Grade 9) (Course # 4101)

Biology - Honors 

This course is designed for the academically qualified science student. It is a laboratory integrated course with emphasis on the inquiry method. An in-depth approach incorporates analytical and critical thinking skills. The student will be instilled with an appreciation of all life forms through project work, laboratory investigations, and outside reading. Some of the areas covered are cell theory, biochemistry, genetics, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, evolution, ecology, plant and animal classification. (Grade 9) (Course # 4102)

Chemistry  

This basic course in chemistry covers the traditional topics of chemistry through lecture and experimentation. Some topics include atomic structure, periodicity, chemical formulas, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and the mole concept. (Grade 10) (Course # 4201)

Chemistry - Honors 

A thorough course in chemistry covers a wide spectrum of concepts which students should find both interesting and challenging: atomic theory and structure, the mole concept, periodicity, chemical bonding, kinetic theory, gas laws, thermochemistry, stoichiometry, and acid-base theory. This course requires more rigorous mathematical application than the college prep course. An extensive lab program reinforces the principles learned. (Grade 10) (Course # 4202)  

Chemistry - High Honors 

This in-depth lab-integrated course is geared for the highly qualified student. It is a fast paced study of the laws and principles of chemistry. Problem-solving is an integral tool of the course. Several areas that are covered comprehensively include: atomic theory, chemical reactions, molecular structure and geometry, periodicity, equilibrium, acid-base theories, kinetics, thermochemistry, redox reactions, and electrochemistry. An extensive lab program reinforces the principles learned. (Grade 10) (Course # 4203)

Physics

This laboratory course concentrates on the concepts of physics and involves basic mathematical applications of mathematics to the concepts of force, motion, heat, light, and electricity. The course encourages students to discover and develop concepts, relationships, and an appreciation of physics and the natural world. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 4301)

Physics - Honors

This laboratory integrated course is intended for the student who is proficient in mathematics. It covers the main topics of force, motion, heat, light, and electricity. Problem solving requires an adequate preparation in algebra and geometry. Elementary trigonometry is necessary for some problem solving will be introduced where required. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 4302)

Physics - High Honors

This is a fast-paced laboratory integrated course meant to prepare students planning to major in engineering or the sciences. A thorough background in algebra and knowledge of trigonometry are required. Emphasis will be on mathematical problem solving. Topics covered will include: constructing and interpreting graphs, linear and rotational kinematics, vector addition, linear and rotational forces, energy, linear and angular momentum, sound, waves, and harmonics. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course #4303) 

Advanced Placement Courses

The Advanced Placement Program is designed to allow high school students to pursue college-level studies while attending high school. No transfers into an AP course will be permitted after June 30th. Grades in course prerequisites must be maintained through final exams. Courses are fast-paced and rigorous, and all students take the AP exam in May.  

Biology - Advanced Placement

This college level course prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Biology Examination. Cellular and molecular biology, genetics, evolution, biotechnology, plant and animal systems, and ecology will be studied in depth. The class focuses on the inquiry-based learning of essential concepts and the content that supports them. Laboratory investigations help develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills. Graphing calculators are required. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 4704)  

Chemistry - Advanced Placement 

This college level course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Chemistry Examination. Structure of matter, states of matter, gas laws, redox reactions, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, molecular structure, equilibrium, kinetics, organic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, acid-base theory, and electrochemistry will be studied in depth. Descriptive chemistry will be covered in depth and laboratory exercises will reinforce the principles learned. The class focuses on the inquiry-based learning of essential concepts and the content that supports them. Laboratory investigations help develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills. Graphing calculators are required. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 4714)

Physics I - Advanced Placement 

This course is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in general physics. It is a fast-paced inquiry-based laboratory course meant to prepare students planning to major in engineering or the sciences. A thorough background in algebra and knowledge of trigonometry are required. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding and mathematical problem solving. The course covers topics including Newtonian mechanics (including linear and rotational kinematics, dynamics, and momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. Scientific or graphing calculators are required. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 4504)  

Physics 2 - Advanced Placement 

This algebra-based course is the equivalent to a second-semester college course in general physics. It is a fast-paced inquiry-based laboratory course meant to prepare students planning to major in engineering or the sciences. A thorough background in algebra and knowledge of trigonometry are required. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding and mathematical problem solving. The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and nuclear physics. Scientific or graphing calculators are required. (Grade 12) (Course # 4414)    

Electives 

Anatomy & Physiology  

This is a fundamental course that offers an introduction to anatomy and physiology. It will cover the essentials of the structure and functions of the human body with an emphasis on homeostasis. Students will be provided with a paced, logical development of the body systems. A variety of teaching aids will be used and dissections will be an integral part of the course. Real-world issues (e.g. cancer prevention, stress management, healthy diet, etc.) add relevancy and promote better understanding of concepts. There is an active lab component to this course.  (Grade 12) (Course # 4401) 

Anatomy & Physiology - Honors
  (Middle College Program)  

This course is offered to qualified seniors and comprises an in-depth introduction to the human body from anatomical and physiological perspectives with emphasis placed on understanding the relationship between structure and function. The integration of current health care topics, medical technology, and health related social issues will also be addressed. Laboratory sessions are designed to correlate with lecture topics to increase understanding. (Grade 12) (Course # 4402)

Engineering - Innovation and Design - Honors

This is a hands-on, project based course, with a laboratory component. It is for students who are willing to take on the challenge of utilizing their creative skills to design solutions to solve current global issues. Students will work independently and in teams. Through activities and projects, students will have the opportunity to develop and understand the problem-solving and decision-making processes of an engineering project. Students will also explore various disciplines and options of an engineering career. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course #4732)

Engineering: Models and Toolkits

This is a one semester hands-on, project based course, with a laboratory component. Students will utilize their creative skills to design solutions to solve current global issues. Students will work independently and in teams. Through activities and projects, students will have the opportunity to develop and understand the problem-solving and decision-making processes of an engineering project. Students will also explore various disciplines and options of an engineering career. (Grade 10, 11, 12) (Course # 4801)

Robotics and Automation

This semester elective course is designed for sophomores and juniors. Students will be introduced to robotics and the engineering process using the VEX IQ and Lego MindStorms EV3 system. Through the Lego EV3 platform, students will learn to program basic robotic behaviors using motors with rotation, sound, light, touch and ultrasonic sensors. The VEX IQ system provides the ability to build mechanically complex robots which can perform sophisticated tasks. Students will learn to construct, control and program these robots through investigative and exploration activities. Students will develop skills in mechanical design and construction as they work in teams to build simple and complex robotic devices. They will also explore usage of robotics in modern business and industry and examine how robotic devices are affecting our lives and shaping our culture. (Grade 10, 11, 12) (Course # 4811)

Environmental Science  
   (Middle College Program)

This course will investigate the interactions between humans and our global environment. Students will be given the opportunity to examine the scientific, social, political, and economic aspects of contemporary environmental issues. Students will be able to find information and then evaluate its quality and analyze the veracity of the information. This class has been tailored to fit a hybrid model utilizing multiple facets of technology to expose students to diverse learning environments including independent study and discussion board. Educated students will understand how scientific investigations are done and how results and conclusions are reported in order to make informed decisions in their own lives. Current events, global warming, carbon foot printing, water pollution, and Trout in the Classroom are highlighted in this program as well as hands-on laboratory activities (including field work) raise global awareness and appreciation of our biosphere. Assessments include a variety of critical thinking exercises including, but not limited to, case studies, formative assessment questions, active reading, virtual labs, etc. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 4722)

Organic Chemistry - Honors
  (Middle College Program)  

Organic Chemistry is the study of carbon and its compounds. Students will learn nomenclature, stereochemistry, compound classification, syntheses and reactions of organic molecules. They will also learn to predict structure-function relationships. Advanced laboratory techniques will be applied including spectrophotometry and gas chromatography. This course was designed to give seniors interested in majoring in biology, chemistry or pre-med an advantage when approaching organic chemistry in college. (Grade 12) (Course # 4412)