Science

SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Required Science Course Selections

PHYSICAL SCIENCE                1 CREDIT

(Honors option available)

This course is designed for freshman students, as the first part of the core sciences.  The course focuses on the three main areas of Matter, Energy and Motion. Analysis of physical and chemical properties and the structure of matter comprise the opening two units.  The third unit covers motion and energy transfer and the fourth unit covers wave behavior and electromagnetism. Students will gain the necessary skills and knowledge for more advanced electives and the authentic connections and conceptual approach will give students of all levels the skills to succeed in any of the general level electives.  Responsibilities will include report writing, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and use of multimedia technology.

BIOLOGY                                                                                                                                 1 CREDIT Prerequisite:  Physical Science

Biology of Living Things is a general life science program which will include the study of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and heredity, evolution, taxonomy, botany, zoology, microbiology, and human anatomy and physiology.  There will be strong emphasis on collaborative learning and gaining problem-solving skills. Real world issues will be studied and students will be encouraged to think critically and form opinions. Grading is based on successful completion of projects, test and quiz scores and class work (including daily participation) and homework.  

BIOLOGY - Honors                                                                                                                1 CREDIT  Prerequisite:  Physical Science and teacher recommendation.

Biology - Honors is a sophomore level, college preparatory course.  It is a survey course which illustrates the fundamental principles of biology using an ecological approach.  Principles such as evolution, cellular and organism reproduction, interaction of organisms and environment, comparison of structure and function, organism regulation, and homeostasis are integral ports of this class.  The interrelationships among organisms, organism systems, and their niche in the environment are constantly stressed.

Science Electives

CHEMISTRY                                                                           1 CREDIT    Prerequisite:  Physical Science and Algebra I

This lab-based science course is designed for the college preparatory level students as part of the core sciences.  Students will study the nature of matter and the dynamics of chemical reactions. The course will present the basics of chemical research and analysis in preparation for college chemistry coursework.   Responsibilities will include report writing, qualitative and quantitative lab analysis, and various applications of analytical technologies.

CHEMISTRY - Honors                                                                        1 CREDIT     Prerequisite:  Physical Science and Algebra II (can be concurrent)

This lab-based science course is designed for the Honors level student as part of the core sciences.  Students will study the various structures and behaviors of matter, including the dynamics of chemical properties and reactions.  The course will present the basics of chemical research and analysis in preparation for rigorous college coursework and/or a science-oriented career path.  Responsibilities will include report writing, qualitative and quantitative lab analysis, and various applications of analytical technologies.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY                                                                     2 CREDITS     Prerequisite: Biology Honors, Chemistry Honors and Department recommendation

This year-long, lab-based course follows the AP curriculum for Chemistry.  Students will study subatomic structure, molecular structure, matter-matter and matter-energy interactions, and various forms of quantitative analysis of chemical behavior.  Students will be prepared for, and expected to take the AP Chemistry Exam given in the Spring. Class will meet every day for a total of 90 minutes, for two semesters (2 credits). This course is offered only every other year, opposite of AP Biology.  

PHYSICS                                                                                 1 CREDIT     Prerequisite:  Physical Science, Biology, Algebra II, and Geometry

This lab-based science course is designed for the College Preparatory level student as part of the core sciences.  The course will present the basics of physical systems, energy transfers, and analysis with an emphasis on mathematical modeling (including algebra and trigonometry principles) and application-based scenarios.  Responsibilities will include report writing, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and application of various analytical technologies.

PHYSICS - Honors                                                                        1 CREDIT     Prerequisite:  Physical Science, Biology, Calculus Honors (can be concurrent)

This lab-based science course is designed for the Honors level student as part of the core sciences.  The course will present the basics of physical systems, energy transfers, and analysis with an emphasis on mathematical modeling (including advanced math and calculus principles) and application-based scenarios.  Enrolled students are prepared for rigorous college coursework and/or science oriented career path. Responsibilities will include report writing, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and application of various analytical technologies.  

EARTH SCIENCE                                                                                                                    .5 CREDIT     Prerequisite:  Physical Science

Earth Science is a half credit project based course that focuses on three main areas.  These areas include the Earth as a system, tectonic processes and earth structure, the interaction between the Sun and Earth as well as the function and formation of stars in general.  The course will also focus on enhancing the student’s skill level of investigation, inquiry, observation and the ability to ask questions.

EARTH SCIENCE - Honors                                                                                                   1 CREDIT     Prerequisite:  Physical Science and department recommendation.

This is an intensive, full credit version of Earth Science that will focus on helping students develop an in depth understanding of various Earth Systems, what drives them, and how they respond to change. This course will additionally stress applications of math to help quantify and model processes within these systems. Students in this course will be expected to work together to review and interpret authentic research in related course topics as well as to design and pursue scientific investigations of their own

ROBOTICS                                                                                                                     1 CREDIT     Students will explore applications of engineering and programming practices to design a robot according to specifications for the functions and tasks the robot needs to complete.  This will involve many critical features of the robot needed to meet the specified requirements. The course will cover the entire design processes, such as defining the problem, researching and designing, creating a prototype, building a robot, programming and testing, evaluation of design, and automation.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY                     1 CREDIT

Prerequisite:  Honors Biology (or Biology Teacher Recommendation), and completion of chemistry.

In this lab course you will explore human anatomy and physiology. You will understand the amazing machine known as the human body and gain insight to the structure and function of the major systems in the human body. This course is lecture, project and research based, with dissection labs.


HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY HONORS                           1 CREDIT

Prerequisite:  Honors Biology and  Chemistry.

This honors elective lab course you will understand the amazing machine known as the human body and gain insight to the structure and function of the complex cells and chemistry of the human body. This course is lecture and research based, with dissection labs. Students will learn to write scientific review papers; a good skill to have for any college bound student going into any of the sciences. This is a college preparatory class and students will be held to the expectation of college students.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE                                                                               1 CREDIT  (Honors option available)

Prerequisite:  Biology

In this elective course, you will explore the problems and discover solutions to human sustainability.  You will explore agricultural practices, energy sources, fresh water sources, global human population, and climate change and their effects on humans and the environment.  You will look at both sides to every problem and solution and learn to make educated and informed opinions about environmental issues.

AP BIOLOGY                                                                            2 CREDITS

Prerequisites:  Biology Honors, Chemistry Honors, and department recommendation.

 

This course is a college level class designed for students seeking to challenge and expand their understanding of biology as well as better prepare themselves for college. The class involves complex and in depth labs such as genetically modifying organisms and analyzing DNA as well as student directed research and teaching.  Students will be prepared for, and expected to take, the AP Biology Exam given in the Spring. Class will meet every day for a total of 90 minutes, for two semesters (2 credits). This course is offered only every other year, opposite of AP Chemistry. Students enrolled in AP Biology are expected to complete a summer assignment and take the AP Exam.


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