SCIENCE
Topics in Earth and Space Science
Grades 9, 10
Course # 4000
1 credit
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This course satisfies a basic science requirement. Emphasis is placed upon the mastery of basic skill areas. These include improving study habits, reading for comprehension and interpretation, written and oral expression, as well as earth science skills. This course builds on the foundation of science established in the middle grades and includes the study of oceanography, geology, astronomy, meteorology, and geography. The laboratory-oriented approach unitizes investigations that are carefully designed to develop an understanding of the natural environment, the processes that bring about change, and the impact of earth science on society.
Earth and Space Science
Grades 9, 10
Course # 4001
1 credit
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in at least Introduction to Algebra/Data Analysis recommended
This course builds on the foundation of science established in the middle grades and includes the study of oceanography, geology, astronomy, meteorology, and geography. Emphasis throughout is on concepts and principles essential to an understanding of the dynamics and history of the earth. The laboratory-oriented approach unitizes investigations that are carefully designed to develop an understanding of the natural environment, the processes that bring about change, and the impact of earth science on society.
Earth and Space Science - G/T
Grades 9, 10
Course # 400M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous science course and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra I/Data Analysis
This is a challenging course based on recent research in earth and space science and includes the processes of inquiry and discovery in the classroom and on-site field trips. It includes the study of oceanography, geology, astronomy, meteorology, and geography. Emphasis throughout is on concepts and principles essential to an understanding of the dynamics and history of the earth. The laboratory-oriented approach unitizes investigations that are carefully designed to develop an understanding of the natural environment, the processes that bring about change, and the impact of earth science on society. Students will be expected to research earth science topics and share their understanding with their peers.
Ecological Biology
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 4100
1 credit
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This class satisfies a basic science requirement. Emphasis is placed upon the mastery of basic skill areas. These include improving study habits, reading for comprehension and interpretation, written and oral expression, as well as biology skills. It provides the fundamentals of biology, stressing activity, observation and investigation. Ecological interactions are emphasized throughout. It includes basic bilo-chemistry, cell stricture and funciton, the relationships among living organisms, genetics, and biology's impact on society.
Biology I
Grades 10, 11
Course # 4101
1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Geometry recommended.
This course is designed to encourage the development of scientific literacy as students study living organisms in their environment. Inquiry, observation, and experimentation encourage students to develop a scientific view of the world around them. The course includes biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, biodiversity and classification, and ecology. Interrelationships between humans, their environment, and society are stressed.
Biology I Honors
Grade 10
Course # 410M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous science course; completion of or concurrent enrollment in Geometry G/T recommended
Biology I Honors addresses the content of Biology I in more depth. Special laboratory activities have been developed with which are more open ended, providing students with experience in the design and execution of activities and their biological impact on society.
Biology I G/T
Grades 9, 10
Course # 411M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous science course; completion of or concurrent enrollment in Geometry Honors recommended.
This course is designed to meet the objectives of a human anatomy and physiology course at the introductory college level. Although the course is of obvious importance to students who wish to explore careers in the medical sciences, it will benefit all students. Cellular and anatomic structure have been integrated with the functioning of various systems.
Biology - Advanced Placement G/T
Grades 11, 12
Course # 413M (1 credit)
Course # 414M (2 credits)
1-2 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Biology I or teacher recommendation and Chemistry I; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in physics recommended.
This course is designed to meet the objective of a general biology course at the college level. The molecular, cellular, organismal, and populational areas of biology are given equal emphasis. Study is organized around three major subject areas:
I. Molecules and cells
II. Heredity and evolution
III. Organisms and populations
Additionally, recent research advances and instrumentation in the field are stressed, as well as the processes of inquiry and discovery. Students enrolled in the course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in biology. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in physics is recommended for enhancement of success in this course.
Chemistry I
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 420M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II recommended.
The composition, properties, and reactions of substances are studied in Chemistry I. The descriptive material forms the basis for the theoretical aspects of chemistry. Principles are discovered through experimentation in the laboratory and the use of logical reasoning. Topics covered include the mole concept and stoichiometry; the bahavior of gases, liquids, and solids; atomic structure; chemical bonding; thermodynamics and reaction kinetics; equilibrium; acid-base and oxidation-reduction reaction; a brief introduction to organic chemistry; and the impact of chemistry on society.
Chemistry I - G/T
Grades 10 and 11
Course # 421M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous high school science course and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.
This course is designed for the student capable of and interested in progressing through the material at an accelerated rate and covering it in more depth. Course requirement are more rigorous and may include independent projects including investigating the impact of chemistry on society.
Chemistry - Advanced Placement G/T
Grades 11, 12
Course # 423M (1 credit)
Course # 424M (2 credits)
1-2 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Chemistry I or teacher recommendation; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in physics recommended.
This course is designed to meet the objectives of a college level, general chemistry course. The theoretical aspects of chemistry covering topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics are stressed. Emphasis is placed on chemical calculations, mathematical formulation of principles, and laboratory work. Students enrolled in the course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in chemistry.
Chemistry II
Grades 11, 12
Course # 422M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Chemistry I and Algebra II.
This course is intended for those students who plan to do further work in either chemistry or biology. Part of the course is spent developing competence in problem solving and furthering laboratory skills with emphasis on the relationships of laboratory work with theory. The rest of the time is devoted to a study of organic chemistry with emphasis on the relation of structure and function, mechanism of reactions, and the chemical basis of biochemical reactions. Independent laboratory work is stressed, and there is some opportunity for individual experimentation.
Environmental Science
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 4400
1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology I; Earth Science recommended.
Environmental Science offers a study of the Earth's natural resources and how humans affect their quality and quantity. Topics include pollution, ecology, conservation, and the role of the individual in both causing and solving the problems of the environment. The interrelationships among humans and animals and plants in the environment are investigated with an emphasis place on the wise use of the resources of surrounding areas. The course includes special interest projects, study of environmental careers, and a concentration on the impact of environmental issues on society.
Environmental Science - Advanced Placement G/T
Grades 11, 12
Course # 446M (1 credit)
Course # 447M (2 credits)
1-2 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Biology I or teacher recommendation; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in physics recommended.
This course 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 human-made; to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems; and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The course includes a strong laboratory and field in investigation component that enables students to learn about the environment through firsthand observations. It is designed to be equivalent of an introductory course in college-level environmental science and students enrolled in the course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in environmental science.
Marine Science
Grades 11, 12
Course # 415M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Earth Science and Biology I: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry I recommended.
Marine Science provides an in-depth study of marine biology and oceanography. Students will study the history and methodology of marine science, marine biology, oceanography, and how the physical an biological characteristic of the ocean interact to affect marine ecology. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of the marine science curriculum. Career opportunities in the marine sciences will also be discussed.
Introduction to Chemistry an Physics
Grades 11, 12
Course # 4200
1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra I/Data Analysis.
This course is designed to present practical information in the subjects of chemistry and physics. Emphasis is placed on developing investigative, reasoning, and communicative skills that are needed for students to function successfully in a technological society.
Physics
Grades 11, 12
Course # 430M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II.
This course deals with the properties, changes, and interaction of matter and energy. It is organized into the following four parts: motion, force, and energy; waves and light; electricity and magnetism; and modern physics. Laboratory investigations are a major component of the course, and students investigate the impact of physics on society.
Physics - G/T
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 431M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous science course and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus, or Precalculus G/T.
Properties, changes, and interactions of matter and energy are discussed. The initialization and application of mathematical skills are emphasized as students study motion, force, and energy; waves and light; electricity and magnetism; and modern physics. Laboratory experimentation is an integral part of instruction. Students will investigate the impact of physics on society.
Physics - Advanced Placement G/T
Grades 11, 12
Course # 432M (1 credit)
Course # 433M (2 credits)
1-2 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in physics and completion of or concurrent enrollment in calculus.
Topics in both classical and modern physics are included. Intensive and analytical treatment of selected topics from physics involve the application of calculus to the formulation of physical principles and the solution of problems. Half of the course will be devoted to topics in kinematics, dynamics, statics, rotational motion, work and energy and simple harmonic motion. Heat waves and optics, electrostatics, magnetism, electric current and circuits capacitance and inductance, and atomic and nuclear physics make up the remainder of the course. Students enrolled in the course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in physics.
Astronomy
Grades 11, 12
Course # 440M
1 credit
Prerequisite: At least two science credits and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.
Beginning with an historical perspective, topics will include the solar system, stellar compositions, energy sources, and life cycles. Galactic studies and the origin of the universe follow. A detailed study of the impact of technology on astronomy will be included throughout the course. Labs highlight each of these topics and will also include a study of constellations and astronomic instruments.
Laboratory Assistant - Science
Grades 11, 12
Course # 4499
1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology, chemistry, and teacher recommendation.
Selected students are trained in the areas of generalized laboratory techniques. Emphasis throughout the year is on practicality and is designed to develop individual facility and dexterity in common laboratory practices. With a background as a laboratory assistant, an individual is better prepared to function within any investigative or problem-solving situation. Since this course involves much laboratory experience, it provides an unusual opportunity for any student seriously interested in science. Students must be able to work independently. Only one assistant credit may be applied toward graduation. Only one elective credit can be earned as a student assistant; credit may only be awarded after the 20th required graduation credit has been recorded.
Mathematics, Science, and Technology Research I, II, III - G/T
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 441M - Research I
Course # 442M - Research II
Course # 443M - Research III
1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra II, completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry I; teacher recommendation.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to pursue independent research in the areas of science, mathematics, and technology. Students formulate a problem or research question, use appropriate research methodologies to solve the problem and communicate the results to an authentic audience. All students seek out professional advice from experts in the area of special interest.
Students will be allowed to determine an area of concentration in one of the following program:
Mathematical Research I, II, III
The mathematics concentration provides mathematically highly able students with an opportunity for in-depth study and investigation of mathematics topics beyond the scope of high school course offerings. Topics such as fractal geometry, chaos theory, data modeling and statistics, symbolic logic and correlation are possible subjects to be explored. The results of the independent research will be communicated through written reports including theory, proofs, and solutions to a variety of problems, as well as seminars, science fairs, and research reports.
Science Research I, II, III
The science concentration provides highly able students with training in the methods of science research. Instruction will include advanced methods of scientific inquiry, including the use of technical instruments, collection of data, use of statistical methods, and style in preparing scientific reports.
Technology Research I, II, III
The technology concentration provides highly able students with opportunities to research technological problems. Students will develop and produce an original product and any necessary testing devices for their topic using a variety of appropriate technologies. Students may investigate topics in biotechnology, communication, construction, manufacturing, power & energy, transportation, and software development. Instruction will focus on laboratory safety, method of research and experimentation, statistical analysis, technical reports, and oral presentations using technologies such as multimedia, WebPages, and other design elements.