SCIENCES

Biology 510 (Honors) 511 (College Prep)

FRESHMEN 1 unit

Biology is the study of living systems. This course presents unifying themes about the living environment and physical setting Themes will focus on connecting biological concepts of all living systems through the study of living organisms and their vital functions

The following units will be explored within the course: Introduction to Biology/Scientific Inquiry, Cellular Structures & Functions, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, and Human Impact on the Environment

Students will develop their critical thinking and analytical skills through learning opportunities within classroom activities, laboratory experiences, and demonstrations. The student will apply scientific method, concepts and theories to current research, as well as understand the historical development of the subject Students will develop their critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as advance their hands-on laboratory techniques of investigation as a vital source of learning

Honors: This course includes the Biology curriculum with additional concepts including but not limited to, plant and animal maintenance, cell biology, human anatomy and physiology, and biochemistry. Other areas are treated with greater depth than the college-prep curriculum.

Chemistry 520 (Honors) 521 (College Prep)

SOPHOMORES 1 unit

This course of study presents a modern view of chemistry suitable for pupils with a wide range of skills and abilities. Through phenomena, question, & modeling, and inquiry based hands-on activities, students develop a better understanding of chemistry in context; applying chemistry to society. The outline of topics includes: atomic concepts, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical equations & reactions, moles and stoichiometry, the physical behavior of matter, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, and oxidation – reduction.

The laboratory experiments and hands-on activities are designed in a claim, evidence, reason manner that allows students to make observations, collect appropriate data, and make arguments that connect their knowledge of chemistry studied in class.

Honors: This course includes the general chemistry curriculum with additional concepts which include quantum mechanics, molecular geometry, ideal gas laws, and salt hydrolysis Other areas, such as stoichiometry and dimensional analysis, are treated in greater depth than the college-prep curriculum Pre-AP labs are also integrated to stress the use of technology in data analysis and acquisition.

Earth Science

522

SOPHOMORES 1 unit

This course presents a study of the earth and its natural processes

Students in this course will explore Earth and the entities that surround the planet, identifying and exploring the processes that have shaped, and continue to shape our planet

Students will also examine the environmental impact of population growth on natural resources, water usage and water pollution, air pollution, climate change, agriculture, and energy supplies

This course will emphasize the use of critical thinking and hands on laboratory skills to gain a better understanding of the world around us

*Departmental approval required

Physics 530 (Honors) 531 (College Prep)

JUNIORS 1 unit

This course presents a study of the relationship between matter and energy emphasizing topics in mechanics, electricity, waves, and Modern Physics Additionally, the curriculum examines the application of the laws of Physics in our everyday lives. Laboratory experiences spearhead the lectures providing hands-on opportunities for learning by inquiry. Successful completion of all laboratory work and reports are required

Honors: This algebra based course has a more in depth study of the fundamentals and includes additional topics on rotational mechanics, heat and thermodynamics and fluids. The completion of this course prepares students for future college level study

AP Biology

550

JUNIORS, SENIORS (Elective) 1 unit

This course is academicallydemanding and rigorous as it aligns with college level standards The course material delves more deeply into micro and macro biological structures and processes. The following units will be explored within the course: Biochemistry, Cell Structure & Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication & Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression & Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology. Students are expected to fully participate within classroom activities, laboratory experiences, demonstrations, and be self-directed learners outside of class. The course is open to Honors and College Prep students who have successfully completed their introductory biology course. Students have the option of taking the College-Board AP exam A local school exam is given.

*Departmental approval required

AP Chemistry

551

SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, SENIORS (Elective) 1 unit

This is an advanced course that aligns with college level standards The curriculum is divided into four Big Ideas: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity, Structure and Properties, Transformations, and Energy The four Big Ideas are divided into nine units: Atomic Structure and Properties, Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Applications of Thermodynamics Students are required to participate in inquiry laboratory activities that apply the four Big Ideas and require the students to support a claim with evidence from experimental data The course is open to Honors and College Prep students who have successfully completed their introductory chemistry course. Students have the option of taking the College-Board AP exam A local school exam is given

*Departmental approval required

AP Physics 1

553

PADUAN SOPHOMORES, HONORS JUNIORS, SENIORS (Elective) 1 unit

This course is equivalent to a semester of algebra based college physics. It explores the topics of Kinematics, Dynamics, Circular Motion and Gravity, Energy, Momentum, Simple Harmonic Motion, and Rotational Motion. Laboratory experiments give handson experience for this inquiry based course. This course is open to Junior Honor students and Seniors who have completed Physics or Honors Physics Students have the option of taking the College-Board AP exam A local school exam is given

*Departmental approval required