Science 8
Science 8 #1835 (1 credit)
An inquiry-centered science program that is based on the physical processes affecting the Earth in areas of Meterology and Geology. Three units focus on storms, earthquakes and volcanoes with emphasis on common concepts and themes all while developing scientific understanding. Students will make predictions, explore causal relationships, discover patterns and generate explanations based on their own first-hand laboratory observations
Biology
Biology #1815 (1 credit)
This is a practical approach to the study of living things and covers the major biological principles and their applications to everyday life.
Ac. Biology #1825 (1 credit)
This rigorous laboratory oriented course places emphasis on the structure, function, and diversity of organisms. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in Science 8.
Honors Biology #1830 (1 credit)
This rigorous laboratory oriented course places emphasis on the biochemical nature of organisms. Major biological concepts include evolution, genetics, and the cell. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Algebra I and
Science 8. AP Biology #1831 (2 credits)
This is a college level laboratory centered course that deals in depth with such topics as the Cell, Photosynthesis, Respiration, DNA, Taxonomy of Plants and Animals, Genetics and Evolution as well as others. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam for possible college credit. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry.
Chemistry
Ac Chemistry # 1855 (1 credit)
This is a laboratory oriented program that studies the fundamental concepts of atomic structure, chemical formulas, periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and reaction types. Mathematics is used to illustrate principles. Prerequisite "C" or better in Algebra I and Biology. Geometry may be taken concurrently.
Hon Chemistry # 1860 (1 credit)
This is a rigorous laboratory oriented program consisting on an in-depth study of major chemical principles with emphasis on application, critical thinking, and mathematical analysis. Mathematics is emphasized to illustrate all chemical principles such as reactivity, periodicity, stoichiometry and atomic behavior. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II, and Honors Physics. Pre-Calculus may be taken concurrently.
Physics
Ac Physics #1845 (1 credit)
This rigorous laboratory oriented program consisting of the study of major Physics principles such as motion of an object, Newton's Laws, Planetary Mechanics, Momentum, Energy, Waves and an introduction to Optics. Emphasis is placed on application, conceptual understanding and a mathematical analysis using an effective problem solving method. Basic laboratory skills and data analysis techniques are also developed throughout the course. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in Chemistry and Algebra I. Algebra II may be taken concurrently.
Hon Physics #1850 (1 credit)
This rigorous laboratory oriented program consisting of the in-depth study of major Physics principles such as Motion of an Object, Newton's Laws, Planetary Mechanics, Momentum, Energy, Waves and an introduction to Electricity. Emphasis is placed on application, critical thinking, conceptual understanding and an in-depth mathematical analysis using effective problem solving methods. Basic laboratory skills and data analysis techniques are also developed throughout the course. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Algebra I and in Honors Biology. Honors Geometry may be taken concurrently.
AP Physics #1851 (2 credits)
This is a college level course that includes topics covered in mechanics, electricity and magnetism. It differs from the first year physics courses in the depth to which the concepts are presented, the intellectual challenge which the problems present, and the higher level of mathematical skills required. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry. Calculus may be taken concurrently and should be scheduled for the first semester.
Physical Science #1820 (1 credit)
This is a laboratory oriented program that will prepare the student in understanding the major topics in Physics and Chemistry. The scientific process (through a criminology case-study) is emphasized along with motion, force, energy and the structure of matter are the main areas of study.
Environmental Science
Env Science #1871 (1 credit)
This is a practical course that examines changes to the environment. Air and water pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, toxic waste, soil erosion, habitat destruction, and species endangerment. The global objective of environmental sustainability will also be defined and discussed.
Ac Env Science #1870 (1 credit)
This senior level course will give the students the opportunity to study the impact of human behavior on the environment. Topics will include air and water pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, toxic waste, soil erosion, habitat destruction, species endangerment and population dynamics. The global objective of environmental sustainability will also be defined and discussed. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
AP Env Science (1.5 credits)
This course is the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science. It is a rigorous, interdisciplinary science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis and includes a laboratory component. It provides students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Students are expected to take the AP exam for college credit. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of "B" in Honors Biology, Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry.
Electives
Anatomy #1865 (1 credit)*
This program deals with human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on tissue, the muscular, digestive, circulatory, and skeletal systems. The fetal pig is used for study and dissection. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "B" in Academic or Honors Biology.
Zoology #1887 (1 credit)*
This course will involve an anatomical comparison of various phyla of animals. This is a laboratory-based dissection course where students will be required to do some independent research on a specific animal and a dissection of that animal will follow. At the completion of this course, students will have developed strong laboratory skills. They will be required to develop a presentation on their specific animal at the completion of the course. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in Academic or Honors Biology.