Science

The Science Department seeks to ensure that students learn and practice critical concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, computer science, and engineering to better understand the scientific principles that govern nature and the applications of those principles to real world problems. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills along with fostering an enthusiasm for inquiry and investigative thought. All science courses are designed using the Next Generation Science Standards as a guide.

Course Title: CHEMISTRY

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Course Title: HONORS CHEMISTRY

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 must be taken previously or concurrently

Course Title: BIOLOGY

Course Title: HONORS BIOLOGY

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 9-10

Course Description: Biology is a general study of the nature of living things, including their structure, adaptations for survival, evolutionary history, and the roles they play in their natural environment. The use of the scientific method as a way of problem solving will be emphasized, and students will identify appropriate methods of conducting an investigation using independent and dependent variables and controls. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the use of the tools and instruments of biology to collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and effectively communicate results. The use of mathematical skills to perform calculations for tables, graphs, and spreadsheets will be required. NCAA

Course Description: This course—an in-depth study of fundamental chemistry principles—is an intermediate-level course. Whenever possible, theories are demonstrated with lab experiments. Topics covered include atomic theory and structure, gas laws, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, periodic properties of elements, chemical bonding, and energy changes. The Honors course examines these topics in greater depth than the college preparatory level course. NCAA

Course Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Course Description: The Environmental Science course is designed to enable students to appreciate the complexities of natural systems and the human interaction to them. The course will integrate important investigative information from biology, geology, chemistry, physics, social sciences, and demographics so that students become more informed and can make future decisions about global and local environmental problems. NCAA

Course Title: PHYSICS

Prerequisite: Algebra 3 or Honors Algebra 3/Trigonometry

Course Title: HONORS PHYSICS

Prerequisite for Honors: Honors Algebra 3/ Trigonometry; Honors Pre-Calculus concurrently or previously

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Course Description: This course is a general introduction to mechanics, the study of motion, and the manner in which matter and forces interact with each other. The study of kinematics (motion) and dynamics (forces) reveals the physical laws that demonstrate that motion in the universe is ordered and predictable. The Honors course examines these topics in greater depth than the college preparatory level course. NCAA bay’s overall sustainability and health are revealed throughout the course. NCAA

Course Title: MARINE BIOLOGY

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Course Description: This course is an introductory, general survey of marine science. Topics in oceanography, marine biology, and marine ecology are highlighted. The history and impact of the human population’s interaction with the oceans are revealed throughout the course. NCAA

Course Title: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY

Prerequisites: Biology, Environmental Science

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Course Description: This course is a general survey of the Chesapeake Bay as a total working system. The course analyzes the bay as a commons and considers its natural as well as human history. Additionally, the course examines the physical aspects of estuarine ecology and their impacts on the biological community. The human population’s interaction with the bay and the negative consequences on the

Course Title: WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 101

Prerequisites: Biology, Environmental Science

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Course Description: This course will bring together the principles of ecology, population biology, wildlife conservation and management. The primary focus will be on the wildlife managed by natural resource agencies. It will investigate behavior in the context of ecosystems and the factors which determine population levels . Attention is given to those factors important in the management and conservation including species distribution and abundance, habitat requirements, and life-history characteristics. Principles and problems associated with conservation of selected wildlife species are covered.

Course Title: HONORS BIOTECHNOLOGY

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry

Course Description: Biotechnology explores and investigates how life can be improved by various forms of questioning, experimentation, and analysis. Technological advances in biology continue to turn science fiction into reality. The field of biotechnology is a very fast-growing industry with major breakthroughs developing daily. Success has been achieved in various areas including the medical field by the development of target specific drugs, and the agricultural industry by genetically altering crops to be better suited for various environments. The opportunities are endless and can promise a better future for life as we know it. (…if we are careful in what we create!) This course will emphasize critical thinking and exploring ‘farfetched’ ideas. The best discoveries are sometimes first labeled as impossible. This course will first review various areas of biology and chemistry and introduce new areas that are developing in the field of biotechnology. Ethics plays a large role in biotechnology, so class discussions and debates will be incorporated into class. Students will become familiar with common research lab tools and techniques (micropipettes, thermocycler, centrifuge, sterile technique, etc.). Various topics include, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), stem cell research and developments, cancer biology and pharmaceutical challenges to name a few. DNA analysis through gel electrophoresis and bacterial transformation will be some of the labs completed in this course. NCAA

Course Title: HONORS ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry

Course Description: This course is a study of the structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on the body as a set of interrelating organ systems. The course will include an introduction to relevant medical terminology, as well as highlight concepts of basic chemistry and cell structure. The course will also explore tissue and organ structure and the relationship between the 11 systems of the human body. Whenever possible, study of the systems will be accompanied by lab activities. NCAA

Course Title: FORENSIC SCIENCE

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry

Course Description: This course is a study of the application of science to criminal and civil laws as enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. This course will utilize biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and anatomy and physiology to analyze the solution of various crimes during the past and present times. The main focus of this course will be to emphasize the evidential value of crime scene and related evidence in the context of a crime laboratory. This course combines basic theory and real laboratory experiments, creating laboratory-based situations for the better understanding of students. Major topics include processing a crime scene, collecting and preserving evidence, identifying physical evidence, and analysis of evidence (DNA, hair, fibers, toxicology, arson and explosives, fingerprints, document analysis, and ballistics). Students will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills, equipment, and technology needed to analyze physical evidence to solve a crime; research the importance of physical evidence to order to interpret the sequence of events at a crime scene; and apply knowledge of evidence and testing to evaluate the forensic results of documented criminal cases. NCAA with storing/processing/transmitting information online for both individuals and larger entities and to use specific strategies to minimize those risks. Some programming concepts will be taught during this course, but no prior coding experience is required.

Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Course Title: CYBER SECURITY

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Course Description: Cyber Security is an introductory level course that teaches students about a range of security principles, including integrity, confidentiality, defense in depth, and thinking like an adversary. The goal of this course is for students to be more knowledgeable of the risks involved

Course Description: This course introduces students to what engineers do, the history of engineering, the different kinds of engineering disciplines, and the engineering design process. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving techniques, lab work, technical writing skills, and engineering design teamwork. Knowledge of the principles that mechanical, chemical, electrical, and civil engineers use to research and solve problems is discussed and utilized. Design projects are integrated into the study of the engineering disciplines.

NCAA Course Title: ROBOTICS

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Course Description: The robotics engineering course uses robotics to teach basic engineering concepts. Projects are based upon the VEX IQ Robotics systems. The overall objective is for students to utilize engineering principles, such as an engineering notebook, to design and program a robot to perform a specific task. Student must have strong mathematical skills in order to perform some of the physics calculations that will be introduced. The class will utilize in-class competitions as culminating assessments, including a class-wide competition at the end of the semester. This class requires rigorous effort on the part of students both in the classroom and away from it. The course will include hands-on and minds-on activities along with team project work. NCAA credit for successful completion of the course and for performing well on the exam given in May. In order to succeed on the exam, students must be highly motivated to excel in this challenging course. NCAA

Course Title: AP CHEMISTRY

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Chemistry, Honors Algebra 3/ Trigonometry; Honors Pre-Calculus concurrently or previously

Course Title: AP BIOLOGY

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry

Course Description: AP Biology is an intensive course designed to be the equivalent of an introductory biology course taken in college. The course includes a series of required laboratory activities developed by the College Board and uses an approved college-level textbook. The emphasis is on developing an understanding of biological concepts rather than an accumulation of facts. Students learn to understand and appreciate biology as a process and an experience in scientific inquiry that develops their problem solving and critical thinking skills. AP Biology also prepares students to take the AP exam (which they are required to take), with most colleges and universities granting

Course Description: The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamental inorganic chemistry concepts and develop skills for solving chemical problems. The course will contribute to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express ideas with clarity and logic. The course is an in-depth study of the theoretical aspects of chemistry, including topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, reactions in solution, acids and bases, and thermodynamics. The course also includes substantial lab work. Students will be prepared to take the AP exam in May and are required to do so. NCAA

Course Title: AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology; Chemistry concurrently or previously

Course Description: The AP Environmental Science course is the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. The AP Environmental Science 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. Students will be prepared to take the AP exam in May and are required to do so.

NCAA Course Title: AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS (Calculus-Based)

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: Calculus concurrently

Course Description: This course is a study of the fundamental physical principles with an emphasis on higher mathematics (including calculus).

Emphasis is placed on inquiry and critical reasoning through extensive problem solving and a series of lab activities.

Topics include mechanics and motion (kinematics), dynamics, equilibrium, simple harmonic motion, and gravity. As time permits, other topics may include fluids, thermodynamics, DC circuits, and geometrical optics. This course is primarily taught to those students who plan to major in fields such as physics, astronomy, mathematics, or engineering. This course prepares students to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam in May which they are required to take. NCAA

Course Title: AP RESEARCH

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Level: 11

This course is only available for AP Capstone students.

Prerequisite: AP Seminar

Course Description: AP Research is the second course in the AP Capstone experience. Completing AP Seminar and all its required assessment components is necessary for students to develop the skills to be successful in AP Research. Students plan and carry out an individual, yearlong investigation to address a research question. This course further reinforces the skills students acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes and the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. Work presented is: 1.) An academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words, accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable and 2.) A 15-minute oral presentation with a defense. NCAA students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.

Course Title: AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 2, Java Programming or prior programming experience

Course Description: AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. Students take the AP Computer Science A exam in May. NCAA

In this course, students will learn multiple ways to analyze and study data, work with large data sets, and draw conclusions from trends. There will be individually personalized assignments in which to apply lessons learned. The course is designed to foster student creativity in problem solving and to allow students to select specific, real-world applications for their work. Students take the AP Computer Science Principles exam in May. NCAA

Course Title: Java Programming SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Course Title: AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

YR, 1 Credit

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Course Description: Computer Science

Principles is a full-year, rigorous, entrylevel course that introduces high school

Course Description: The Java Programming course will teach basic to mid-level programming concepts using the Java programming language. Critical thinking and problem solving will be applied to these programming concepts to create efficient and logically sound applications. NCAA

Course Title: STEAM CENTERED LEARNING 1 (SCL 1)

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Level: 9 engineering concepts, electronics and robotics, circuit design and construction, web concepts, GIS mapping with ArcGIS and the Google Maps API.

This course is only available for freshman students in the STEAM Academy.

Course Description: SCL 1 is a semester long required course for freshman students in the STEAM Academy. The program is designed to introduce science related concepts, focusing on data and design. The course begins with what is critical thinking, the why and how of scientific inquiry, and builds to the use and application of design, engineering systems and software which are the cornerstones of a modern STEAM education. This is a hands-on project-based course.

Both SCL 1 and SCL 2 will conclude with a mini STEM project. The aim of these two courses is to build a foundation of scientific inquiry and computational thinking. The goal is to equip our STEAM students with a basic toolbox with which they can use as they advance into their upper level courses.

Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Course Title: STEAM CENTERED LEARNING 2 (SCL 2)

SEM, .5 credit

Grade Level: 10

This course is only available for students in the STEAM Academy.

Course Description: SCL 2 is a semester long required course for sophomore students in the STEAM Academy. Students will build upon SCL 1 knowledge and techniques and continue with an introduction to advanced STEM concepts. Course content is applied to real life situations and student directed inquiry. Students will cover selected topics in: advanced computer science concepts, algorithms,

Course Description: The Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course will teach basic concepts in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Students will receive a basic introduction to the building blocks and components of artificial intelligence. Students will also explore how AI is currently being used, and evaluate problem areas of AI, such as bias and data aberrations. The course also contains a look at AI’s impact on existing jobs, as well as its potential to create new and exciting career fields in the future. Students will leave the course with a solid understanding of what AI is, how it works, areas of caution, and what they can do with the technology. NCAA