Science

2 semesters 

Students discover science as inquiry as they investigate the nature of life on both the molecular and environmental levels. Topics such as biodiversity, the effect of human activity on the biosphere, cell structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, evolution, plants, and the human body are discussed in a way to enhance critical thinking skills and to provide associative skills for personal and social perspectives that may influence future decision making. Experiments support and enhance classroom discussion, as well as stimulate students to analyze and make assessments.  Technology is utilized to provide animations, simulations, problem-solving activities, scientific processes and procedures, and virtual dissections. Power Point presentations and other apps are used in classroom lectures. The students will learn the skills necessary to write lab reports. 

Prerequisites: Placement test.   

2 semesters 

Honors Biology is a course that will expand upon the topics covered in General Biology class. Students will explore how living things are constructed on a molecular level. They will explore the processes of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and the cellular activities that drive the cell cycle, as well as make comparative anatomy studies of human and other organisms. They will assimilate how traits are inherited and how organisms evolved over time. Students will gain an understanding of environmental processes, the impact of human activity on ecosystems,  interdependent relationships between organisms and their environments, and the correlation between structures and functions in major human body systems. Interactive labs will include dissections, organic chemistry, modeling, computer simulations, and genetic studies. This course prepares students for the SAT/ACT and is in compliance with the National Science Standards. Completion of Honors Biology is a stepping stone towards enrollment in AP Biology. 

Prerequisites: Top overall scores in the GMA Entrance Test; 93 in Grade 8 Science and Math; Department approval. 

2 semesters 

Chemistry offers fundamental knowledge about the world in which we live. Coursework includes the study of structure of matter and the changes that matter can undergo. This course will also focus on the connection among observations, experimental data, and conceptual understanding. The course will stress the importance of descriptive and predictive abilities based on the understanding of concepts. Students will be expected to recognize patterns and make inferences from scientific data. Laboratory experiences are designed to support chemical concepts learned in class discussions. Students will develop laboratory skills, practice safe lab procedures, and refine writing techniques for lab reports. Technology will be used for molecular modeling, class communication, and to support concepts learned in class.   

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra I.  

2 semesters 

This course is designed for students considering engineering, science, and pre-medical courses of undergraduate study. Course topics include atomic structure, molecular structure, states of matter, balanced chemical reactions, equilibrium, acids and bases, and oxidation-reduction. The students investigate the structure and properties of substances and the reactions by which one substance is converted to another. Emphasis will be given to problem solving and interpretation of scientific data. The course requires evaluation of scientific models based on pattern recognition, contradictions, and exceptions. The honors chemistry class is accelerated both in depth of detail and breadth of study. Students will develop laboratory techniques and refine writing for lab reports. Students must commit to daily review of class work. 

Prerequisites: 90 in Honors Biology and Honors Math, 95 in Biology and Math, and Department approval.    

2 semesters  

Physics is the branch of science that studies matter and energy and how they interact. The topics in this course focus on the study of motion, forces, energy, waves, light, and electricity. Physics is less about the problems and more about using equations, laws, and theories to understand the world we live in. Fundamental concepts of physics will lead to investigations in the laboratory. Students will gain skills using laboratory apparatus and correct laboratory techniques and procedures to design and carry out long and short-term investigations using principles of the scientific method and use proper formats for reporting their findings.   

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry and Algebra I. 

2 semesters 

Students investigate the relationship between matter and energy and relate the fundamental laws that tie sciences together including the modern theory of special relativity. As a STEM themed class, students evaluate the scientific principles of everyday phenomena as they apply the mathematical laws of physics to such phenomena. Students support analysis of lab data with evidence from equations and graphs. They draw assumptions from concepts, recognize patterns of concepts, and propose when and how to apply the concepts and laws they have learned in new situations. Students will devise mechanical models and present the principles of and demonstrate their action to the class.  Technology provides a means for research and investigation, from running program simulations, using motion detectors, photogates, and force meters to collect and analyze data, to producing power point presentations, visual lab reports, and using video to support data as well as concepts. Topics include linear and circular motion: speed and acceleration, laws of motion, friction, parabolic motion, gravitational force, work, momentum, potential and kinetic energy, torques, and rotational motion.   

Prerequisites: 90 in Honors Chemistry, 95 in College Preparatory Chemistry, enrollment in Honors Precalculus, Precalculus, or Calculus; Department approval. 

2 semesters 

Honors Anatomy and Physiology is a full-year science elective in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with an emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function as well as homeostasis. Laboratory activities, projects, dissections, clay modeling, diagrams, and clinical studies are provided to help students distinguish relationships between body systems both healthy and diseased. Comparative animal dissection is used to investigate similarities to human anatomical structures. This course is designed for students interested in the study of medical science as well as those interested in the study of structure and function of the human body. Students will develop critical thinking skills through discussion and research of current technological advances, case studies, and the bioethics involved in some controversial topics.

Prerequisites: 95 in Biology and Chemistry, 90 in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry; Department approval.   

2 semesters 

The level of sophistication that forensic science has brought to criminal investigations is awesome. This lab course emphasizes scientific methodology while investigating the actual science concepts and technology utilized in crime solving. Topics range from gathering physical evidence at the crime scene, analyzing toxicology, blood, and DNA, to microscopic examination of hair, fibers, and fingerprints. Labs are designed to solve crime scene scenarios.   

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra I; Department approval. 

2 semesters 

Designed to bring content essential to support the basic themes and foundations of biology to the student. More than the memorization of content, the value of learning comes from the ability to apply themes and patterns over many topics of biology. This curricular framework will advance critical thinking skills, utilizing inquiry and reasoning skills, designing experimental procedures and data collection, analyzing data, applying mathematical formulae, and connecting concepts in and across domains. Students practice establishing lines of evidence and use them to refine testable explanations and make predictions about natural phenomena. Each big idea, “enduring understanding,” is supported by underlying content and laboratory experiences.  A well-chosen AP Biology Preparation book is recommended. Students may go online to apcentral.collegeboard.com to the AP Biology page and look at some of the topics covered. Reading, research and writing are key components of the learning process. Communication skills are expected in oral discussions, reflections from homework and readings, in group study sessions, and in written lab reports and research papers. Collaboration is also a key to success in learning. Work together, see how others think and process information, and learn how you learn best.   

Note: AP students must take the exam for AP, and families are financially responsible for the associated fees. There will be a summer reading requirement.  

Prerequisites: 93 in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry; 97 in Biology and Chemistry; 88 in prior AP Science courses; Department approval. Completion of AP Chemistry is advantageous, but not required.  

2 semesters 

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry courses usually taken during the first college year (2 semesters of both Chemistry & Lab, 8 credits total.)  AP Chemistry is built around 9 units of study which include: Atomic Structure & Properties, Molecular & Ionic Compound Structure & Properties, Intermolecular Forces & Properties, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Acids & Bases, and Applications of Thermodynamics. Students further cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based lab investigations as they explore scale, proportion, quantity, structure & properties of substances, transformations, and energy. This course follows the Fall 2019 College Board redesign for Advanced Placement Chemistry.  

Note: AP students must take the exam for AP, and families are financially responsible for the associated fees. There will be a summer reading requirement.  

Prerequisites: 93 in Honors Chemistry; 97 in Chemistry; completion of or enrollment in Honors Precalculus or Calculus; Department approval.  

2 semesters

The AP Environmental Science course is a project-based and interdisciplinary exploration of the field that is designed to promote a multifaceted approach to the subject at the college level. Students cultivate their understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world through inquiry-based lab investigations and field work as they explore concepts like the four Big Ideas; energy transfer, interactions between earth systems, interactions between different species and the environment, and sustainability. 

Note: AP students must take the exam for AP, and families are financially responsible for the associated fees. There will be a summer reading requirement.  

Prerequisites: 95 in Biology and Chemistry; 90 in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry; Department approval.