Science

512 – BIOLOGY                                                                                                         

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 9
Prerequisites: combined score of at least 80 (NP) in the quantitative and science option HSPT sub-tests (quantitative + science option = 80 or higher), an HSPT Reading G.E. of 6.5 or higher,

 

This course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the basic concepts fundamental to all living things.  Students investigate a variety of topics including biochemistry, cell structure and function, physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.  Students will further their understanding by engaging in directed study, lecture, and inquiry-based laboratory investigations where they will gain familiarity with a variety of technology and laboratory methods. Emphasis will be placed on the application of scientific knowledge to real-world situations. 

513 – HONORS BIOLOGY                                                                                          

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 9
Prerequisites: Combined score of at least 120 (NP) in the quantitative and science option HSPT sub-tests (quantitative + science option = 120 or higher), an HSPT Reading G.E. of 8.0 or higher, an “A” in 8th grade science or Earth Science, and endorsement of eighth grade teacher or Earth Science teacher.

 

This course emphasizes molecular biology and is covered at an accelerated pace.  It requires students to think critically, to inquire, and to link ideas. The course bridges current perspectives and understandings across major sub-disciplines of biology such as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, evolution, and human physiology. Students will further their understanding by engaging in directed study, lecture, and inquiry-based laboratory investigations where they will gain familiarity with a variety of technology and laboratory methods. Emphasis will be placed on the application of scientific knowledge to real-world situations.  Not offered to students who have taken College Preparatory Biology. 

522 – EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE                                                                             

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 11
Prerequisites: None

 

This course is designed to enable students to recognize and understand the processes that occur on the Earth.  The course will allow students to increase their power of observation, enhance problem solving skills, and allow them to appreciate the challenges that face the Earth’s environment. These skills will be developed through instruction, lab work, audio-visual presentations, direct study, and practice.

523 – HONORS CHEMISTRY                                                                                     

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 10
Prerequisites: "A" for both semesters of Biology, or "B" in Hon. Biology, with approval of current science teacher, and “A” in Algebra I (or “B” in Hon. Algebra I) with GPA 3.0 or higher.  Students should pass the 5-question pre-test with at least a 60%.

 

This course is oriented for the college-bound student. It introduces the student to basic chemistry. It provides a meaningful, goal-oriented approach within a framework of fundamental concepts and principles with practical applications and laboratory work stressed throughout. The course strives to build and then strengthen the student’s (1) knowledge of core concepts of the scientific discipline of chemistry, (2) ability to think and work as a scientist, (3) mathematical and reasoning abilities. The topics covered include those addressed in the Introductory Chemistry course: a study of matter and energy, atomic theory, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, nuclear chemistry, gasses, phases, chemical bonding, the structure and behavior of matter, acids and bases, and solutions, in more depth and at an accelerated pace, as well as stoichiometry.

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 10
Prerequisites: None  

 

This course is oriented for the college-bound student. It introduces the student to basic chemistry. It provides a meaningful, goal-oriented approach within a framework of fundamental concepts and principles with practical applications and laboratory work stressed throughout. The course strives to build and then strengthen the student’s (1) knowledge of core concepts of the scientific discipline of chemistry, (2) ability to think and work like a scientist, (3) mathematical and reasoning abilities.  The topics covered include a study of matter and energy, atomic theory, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, nuclear chemistry, gasses, phases, chemical bonding, the structure and behavior of matter, acids and bases, and solutions.

534 – HONORS PHYSICS                                                                                          

1 Credit
Grades Offered: 11, 12
Prerequisites: “B-” or higher in all previous science courses, “B-” or higher in Geometry, and concurrent enrollment in a Trigonometry course; if coming from a College Prep course, approval of current science teacher needed.  

 

This honors level course is targeted for those juniors or seniors who have a strong background in science and algebra. It provides a framework of fundamental physics concepts and principles along with practical applications. The course is designed to prepare the student for college physics. An emphasis is placed on the use of mathematics in formulating physical principles and in problem solving, thus a strong working knowledge of algebra is required.  The Honors Physics text is a college physics text.  Areas of study include linear and rotational motion; Newton’s laws; work and energy; momentum; waves and sound; and electricity.  Laboratory work and projects are stressed throughout.

545 – ECOLOGY                                                                                                     

0.5 Credit
Grade Offered: 11, 12 (Elective)
Prerequisites: None

 

Ecology is the study of organisms in relation to their environment.  The class will provide opportunities for students to think, inquire, and become familiar with relevant topics in ecology. For example: topics on ecosystems, population and demography, limitation of the earth, food production and environmental influences on man.  This course will allow students to increase their power of observation, enhance problem solving skills, and allow them to appreciate the challenges that face the Earth’s environment.  These skills will be developed through instruction, group work, audio-visual presentations, direct study, and practice.

546 – ASTRONOMY                                                                                                

0.5 Credit
Grade Offered: 11, 12 (Elective)
Prerequisites: None

 

This course is a basic non-mathematical science program offering an overview of both practical and theoretical astronomy. The student, by the end of the course, will be able to identify major constellations, stars and planets. In addition, the student will gain an understanding of the earth and moon system, planets, stellar evolution, types of galaxies and several cosmological models including the “big bang” theory. The course is intended to teach students to think, inquire, and become familiar with related topics in astronomy.  Students will gain an appreciation of both practical and theoretical astronomy. 

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 11, 12 (Elective)
Prerequisites: “B” in Biology, “B” in AP Biology, “B” in Chemistry, and endorsement of all previous science teachers.

 

This is a one-year Junior/Senior level science elective specially designed for those students working towards a career in a health-related field. The course will primarily focus on physiology and the molecular processes, reactions, and structures that allow the human body to function efficiently and maintain homeostasis. Human organ systems will be investigated with regard to structure and function. This class will complement AP Biology for those students wishing to delve deeper into human anatomy and physiology and will serve as a great introduction to the human body. 

551 – AP BIOLOGY                                                                                                    

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Prerequisites: “B” in Biology, endorsement of the teacher, approval of the department leader

 

The course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. The course follows A. P. College Board guidelines for both lecture and lab topics. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through intensive coursework and inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. This course includes mandatory summer work before the academic year begins. There is potential to earn college credit from successful completion of the AP Biology exam- please contact your prospective college(s) for information regarding their specific policies for earning credits through AP courses.
 

552 – AP CHEMISTRY                                                                                               

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 11,12
Prerequisites: “B” in Algebra 2, “B+” in Hon. Chemistry, endorsement of teacher, and approval of department leader

 

This course focuses on a model of instruction which promotes enduring, conceptual understandings and the chemistry content that supports them.  This approach enables students to spend less time on factual recall and more time on inquiry-based learning of essential concepts, and helps them develop the reasoning skills necessary to engage in the science practice used throughout the course.  Students who take AP chemistry will develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains.  The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in subsequent college courses.  A pre-course (summer) problem solving assignment is required.

553 - AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE                            

1 Credit
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Prerequisite: B or better in Biology and Chemistry; 1 year of Algebra

 
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

556 – AP PHYSICS 1                                                                                                            

1 Credit
Grades Offered: 11, 12
Prerequisites: “B+” or higher in all previous science courses OR “B-” or higher in Hon. Physics, “B-” or higher in a trigonometry course, endorsement of current science teacher, approval of the department leader

This class serves as an introductory algebra-based physics course with a focus on: kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; torque; rotational motion and angular momentum; gravitation and circular motion; work, energy and power, linear momentum; and oscillations.
 

599 – STUDENT LAB ASSISTANT                                                                                    

0.5 Credit
Grade Offered: 12
Prerequisites: Approval of the student’s counselor, assistant principal, and supervising teacher. Minimum GPA of 2.8. Completed 3 years of science with a C+ or better in all sem.

 

The position of Student Lab Assistant is one of responsibility and is reserved for students with high qualifications and interest in science. The student is expected to act as a laboratory assistant to all members of the science department, with one primary supervising teacher. The Lab Assistant will assist in setting up laboratory experiments and maintaining laboratory equipment. Student will be expected to learn certain lab techniques as well as safety, sometimes in a self-directed manner (reading and watching videos) Student may also be responsible for tasks including, but not limited to: performing safety checks, organizing and sterilizing laboratory glassware, preparing, labeling, and distributing solutions, using computer software, and maintaining a clean and organized laboratory environment. Student should possess a general knowledge of computer and science lab skills and be able to read, understand, and follow directions while working independently. Student should be physically able to lift up to 20 lbs, to use a step ladder, to reach above head, to stand for 30 minutes and be willing to handle chemicals, broken glass, and other lab-related hazards while wearing goggles, apron, and/or gloves while under supervision.  This is a “pass/fail” course and does not factor into the GPA. It does not count toward the minimal graduating credits required, nor does it satisfy any of the 3-credit graduation requirements for science.