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Science
Courses
Required Course
2 Terms
2 Credits
Prerequisite: None
Earth Science involves the scientific study of the nonliving parts of the earth and universe. Areas of Geology, Astronomy, and Meteorology will be covered. In geology; volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, fossils, and land forms are studied. The meteorology section involves weather forecasting, storms, fronts, atmosphere, and weather instruments. In astronomy, the stars, galaxies, and other planets will be studied.
Required Course
2 Terms
2 Credits
Prerequisite: Earth Science
This course is designed for students to help them become more aware of the biological world around them and the understanding of how people are affected by the living world around us. Materials to be covered in this course include a study of cell biology, genetics, DNA technology, the members and characteristics of the kingdoms in the modern classification system, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Special attention will be given genetic diversity and DNA technology.
Laboratory exercises will be done throughout the term to help students understand the concepts. Lab demonstrations to show concepts will also be done, when time and materials are at a premium.
Elective Course
2 Terms
2 Credits
Prerequisite: Earth Science and click links for requirements and application
This course is designed for students to help them become more aware of the biological world around them, to them understand how people are affected by the living world around us, and to help them understand the role that this subject matter plays in our society today and its importance in the their future. Materials to be covered in this course include a study of cell biology, genetics, DNA technology, the members and characteristics of the kingdoms in the modern classification system, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Special attention will be given genetic diversity and DNA technology. These two subjects are becoming the basis for all other biological fields and will be the foundation for other areas of study.
This course will be very lab intensive and will depend on scientific inquiry based learning. Students will be responsible for completing most work outside of the classroom. Laboratory exercises will continually be done throughout the term to help students understand concepts.
Elective Course
2 Terms
2 Credits
Prerequisite: Biology
ChemCom is a study of chemistry in the community. Although the majority of chemistry objectives will be discussed in the class, the objective is to integrate environmental, societal and political issues into the study of chemistry. Students will be required to complete group work, laboratory analysis and work individually to solve chemistry problems. Furthermore, students will be required to be actively involved in discussions about current trends in chemistry and the impact that science has on the world around us.
Elective Course
2 Terms
2 Credits
Prerequisite: Biology
Recommended: Algebra II
This class is designed to be a lab based study chemical concepts and to better prepare students for advanced studies in science. Lab work will be intensive; students will be required to call upon prior knowledge from classroom discussion to analyze data and solve chemistry problems involving mathematical concepts such as dimensional analysis. Students will work individually and collectively to develop laboratory procedures and skills to further enhance skills of observation, quantitative thinking, and analytical analysis.
Topics of study include: history of the atom, chemical reactions, nuclear chemistry, energy in reactions, chemical structures, molecular models, stoichiometry, gas laws, and acid based chemistry.
Elective Course
2 Terms
2 Credits
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra II, and click links for requirements and application
This course is designed to provide students a more analytical and in depth study into chemistry. Honors Chemistry will include topics of study beyond the scope of regular study of chemistry such as: chemical kinetics, oxidation reduction reactions, quantum theory, thermodynamics, and solution chemistry emphasizing equilibrium constants.
This will be very lab intensive and move through material at a faster pace than Chemistry. Students will work individually and collectively to solve higher order chemistry problems, analyzing data and incorporating mathematical problem solving skills. Upon completion of Honors Chemistry students may attempt to take the AP chemistry test.
Elective Course
2 Terms
2 Credits
Prerequisite: C or better in Biology or Permission of Instructor
Recommended: Algebra II
This course offers an intensive study of human anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of all systems found in humans will be studied as well as diseases and injuries that may occur. There will be considerably more detail in this course than the general biology course offered, and it is intended for students wishing additional study of human biology. Laboratory sessions will consist of dissections of specific organs and the fetal pig.
Elective Course
2 Terms
2 Credits
Prerequisite: Biology
A study of the relationship between living organisms and their environment. We will look at different ecosystems and how organisms adapt to varying non living conditions as well as interact with other living things. Particular attention will be given to human influences on the environment such as pollution. Resource needs and population growth.
Elective Course
2 Terms
2 Credits
Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra II
Recommended: Chemistry and Advanced Math
This course will be taught primarily from a concept development approach. The course is designed to stress student thought process more than memorization of facts. Student Labs and teacher demonstrations will be used to develop the concepts and give the students a better understanding of the physical laws governing our everyday life. This course should increase the student's knowledge of physics and enhance their mathematical and critical thinking skills. Topics covered include motion (one and two dimensional, linear, and rotational), Newton's laws, vectors, conservation laws of momentum and energy, properties of matter, heat, waves (mechanical, sound, and light), electricity, and magnetism. These subjects will be treated according to interest and available time.