• BIOLOGY
    Grade: 9
    Prerequisites: None
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    This is an introductory course to biological sciences. Scientific methodology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, taxonomy, body systems, and physiology are taught with emphasis on the study of living organisms in relation to their environment and their capacity to change. Coordinated laboratory experiments are an integral part of the course.

    PRE-AP BIOLOGY
    Grade: 9
    Prerequisites: None
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    This course is an introductory survey of the biological sciences intended for college bound students interested in biology. Scientific methodology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, taxonomy, body systems, and physiology are taught with emphasis on the study of living organisms in relation to their environment and their capacity to change. Coordinated laboratory experiments and reports are an integral part of the course that are designed to lead the student into independent and/or team research and thought.

    ESL BIOLOGY
    Grade: 9
    Prerequisites: None
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    This course is an introductory course of the biological sciences for students who speak English as a second language. It is the first of the science courses offered by the Science department in correlation with the ESL Department. This course is intended to provide students with support to maximize their acquisition of the English language while learning science. It emphasizes developing literacy skills with a focus on science vocabulary, skills, and processes.

    INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
    Grade: 10
    Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra I
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    In Integrated Physics and Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. This course integrated the disciplines of physics and chemistry in the following topics: motion, waves, energy transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter, and solution chemistry.

    PRE-AP CHEMISTRY
    Grade: 10-12
    Prerequisites: Algebra II or Algebra II PreAP
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    The objectives for this course are similar to that of Regular Chemistry except that topics are covered in greater detail and the class moves at an accelerated pace. It is a precursor to the Advanced Placement Chemistry class and is designed to prepare students for the both the course and college placement exams. The scope, sequence and strategies used in this class provide the students with the necessary skills to be successful in college and in life generally. Learner centered laboratory work and classroom activities are a major part of this course. Some of the topics for the class include but are not limited to the following: Atomic theories, Stoichiometry, Thermochemistry, Redox reactions, nuclear chemistry, Kinetic molecular theory and gas behavior, properties and nature of Matter.

    CHEMISTRY I
    Grade: 11- 12
    Prerequisites: Algebra II
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    This two-semester course is essential for all college-bound students. Many of the topics covered in the preparatory course are also included in the Pre-AP course, but they are not covered in as much depth. Descriptive chemistry is emphasized. The scope and sequence of the course allows the development of basic chemistry concepts and principles. Students learn to apply their mathematical and analytical reasoning to problem solving in chemistry. Topics covered include scientific measurement, classification of matter, atomic structure, periodicity, formulas, chemical reactions, gas behavior, solutions, types of compounds, nuclear reactions, acid-base theories and enthalpy changes in reactions.

    PHYSICS I
    Grade: 11-12
    Prerequisites: Chemistry; completion or concurrent enrollment in Pre-calculus
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    This two-semester course surveys elementary topics in physics including kinematics, dynamics, classical mechanics, conservation laws for energy and momentum, electrostatics, electricity, magnetism, circuits, waves, and optics. Topics in modern physics, relativity and quantum phenomena, are introduced. Mathematical descriptions are primarily algebraic in nature.

    AP PHYSICS B
    Grade: 12
    Prerequisites: Chemistry and Physics; completion or concurrent enrollment in Pre-calculus; concurrent enrollment in Calculus recommended
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    This two-semester course surveys elementary topics in physics including kinematics, dynamics, classical mechanics, conservation laws for energy and momentum, electrostatics, electricity, magnetism, circuits, waves, and optics. Topics in modern physics, relativity and quantum phenomena, are introduced. Mathematical descriptions are primarily high-level algebra in nature. Students electing this course should plan on taking the Advanced Placement exam during the spring semester of the school year. Students completing this course will be well prepared to take the SAT II Physics achievement test as well.

    ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN SYSTEMS
    Grade: 11 – 12
    Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    This is a two-semester lab-oriented course that emphasizes the relationship between organ systems, homeostasis, and the interdependence of structure and function within the human body. It also emphasizes manipulative laboratory skills, science process skills, dissection, examination of anatomical structures and the use of medical terminology. Students will have opportunities to apply the principles of anatomy and physiology to human health and well being and to evaluate their applications and career connections through research with laboratory examinations.

    ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
    Grade: 11 – 12
    Prerequisite: IPC, Biology
    Credit: 1 science credit (half credit per semester)
    Students completing this course gain an understanding of environmental issues and their own role in impacting the planet. This two-semester course provides students with an overview study of air and water pollution, endangered species, human population, recycling, ecology and energy. This course is lab-based, hands-on and focused on current issues. This course involves some outdoor fieldwork for which students should be prepared.

    AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
    Grade: 11–12
    Prerequisites: Integrated Physics and Chemistry; Biology
    Credit: 1 science elective credit (half credit per semester)
    The goal of the Advanced Placement Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course is also designed to support students with identifying and analyzing 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. Topics covered in the course will include air and water pollution, endangered species, human population, recycling, ecology and energy. In addition to an in-depth study of the course topics, students will gain exposure to professional literature in the field. This two-semester laboratory course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science. Students electing to take this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam administered during the spring semester of the school year. This course involves some outdoor fieldwork and requires service hours.