Science

Required Courses

• Earth-Space Science  (2001310)
  Grade 9
  
  This course includes general concepts associated with the study of space, and the geologic and atmospheric forces that shape our world.  Students will learn about scientific inquiry, geologic time, space exploration, the solar system, and the universe. 

• Earth-Space Science Honors (2001320)
  Grade 9; Teacher recommendation required.
  
  This course focuses on the study of space, and the geologic and atmospheric forces that shape our world. Through experimentation and investigation, students will explore the earth cycles including the geosphere, hydrosphere, crysosphere, atmosphere and the carbon cycle. Student will learn about scientific inquiry, geologic time, space exploration, the solar system and the universe. Students will use higher order thinking, collaborative projects, and real world application through labs and a variety of assessments. Upon completion of the course, students will have a clear understanding of the dynamic forces at work in the world around them, becoming better caretakers of our planet, Earth.

• Biology I (2000310)
  Grade 10
  
  This course includes microorganisms, plants and animals, scientific methodology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, classification of living organisms, and ecological relationships.

• Biology I Honors (2000320)
  Grade 10; Teacher recommendation required.
  
  This course focuses on ecology, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology and evolution.  A science project which spans a semester is required.  Students who take this class should have a high interest in science, excellent study habits and a high level of maturity (required for working in lab groups).  Students are required to submit a potential science fair project plan (high school level) that will be reviewed by the teacher before they will be admitted to the class.

• Chemistry I (2003340)
  Grades 10-12; Algebra I required.
  
  This course is designed to promote the understanding of the properties of matter and the changes matter undergoes. Students will study elements and characteristics of elements using laboratory work as well as class work. Strong algebra skills and the ability to memorize and solve problems are important for success in Chemistry.

• Chemistry I Honors (2003350)
  Grades 10-12; Algebra I and Teacher recommendation required.
  
  This is a rigorous upper level science course with in-depth study of matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical symbols and formulas, gas laws, and periodicity. The student should have excellent skills in algebra, reading comprehension, problem solving, and memorization. Comprehensive labs supplement the class work.

• Physics I Honors (2003390)
  Grades 10-12; Algebra II required.
  
  This survey course is designed to prepare students for college level algebra-based physics. Students should be very strong in algebra skills. Topics include many aspects of classical mechanics, as well as thermodynamics, wave motion, light, sound, electricity, and basic circuitry analysis.

• Physical Science (2003310)
  Grades 11-12
  
  This course gives general overview of chemistry and physics and is designed for those not needing more rigorous chemistry or physics course. It includes concepts of atomic bonding, chemical composition, radioactivity, laws of motion, energy and forces, electricity, sound, light, and technology.
  

Elective Courses
Elective courses available to students who have completed or are enrolled in the three required science courses.

• Anatomy and Physiology Honors (2000360)
  Grades 11-12; Teacher recommendation required.
  
  This is a rigorous, high level course intended only for those going into the medical profession. This course requires a mature person that is motivated and organized when working independently. There is a tremendous amount of memorization, intense, detailed projects, and completion of various dissections.

• Marine Science (2002500)
  Grade 12; Integrated Science and Biology I (minimum grades of C) required.
  
  This intensive course of study begins with important concepts in oceanography (1st semester) and relates these to the living world of marine plants and animals (2nd semester). Labs and field trips are included and are student funded. Coursework includes an overview of job opportunities in the marine sciences.

• AP Biology (2000340)
  Grades 11-12; Teacher recommendation required.
  
  This course is designed to be equivalent to a college biology course and covers topics from atoms to zoology in more detail than other high school courses. Course involves intensive writing in preparation for the AP exam essay questions. Students are required to take the AP Biology Exam in May for possible college credit.

• AP Chemistry (2003370)
  Grades 11-12; Chemistry Honors and Algebra II required.
  
  This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general inorganic chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. All Chemistry Honors topics are covered in much greater depth. New topics include rate laws, equilibrium systems, basic organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The course is designed for students who plan to go into human or veterinary medicine. Passing the AP test at the end of the year can lead to earning as many as seven college credits, including the two first year inorganic classes and one lab credit. Students are required to take the AP Chemistry Exam in May for possible college credit.

• AP Physics B (2003420)
  Grades 11-12; Trigonmetry or Pre-Calculus required.
  
  The Physics B course includes topics in both classical and modern physics. Knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course; the basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in the theoretical development of some physical concepts, such as acceleration and work. Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems should be the major goals of the course. Passing the AP test at the end of the year can lead to the student earning as many as seven college credits, including the two first year physics classes and one lab credit. Students are required to take the AP Physics B Exam in May for possible college credit.