Grade: 9

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

In Biology, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students in Biology study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; ecosystems; and plants and the environment. If you plan to take AP Biology, Pre AP Biology is recommended over Biology.   

Grade: 9

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Teacher Approval

The concepts are similar to the regular Biology I course but are taught on a higher level, in more detail, and at a faster pace. Students will be exposed to aspects of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, ecology, taxonomy, and human systems. Integral to this course is a field and laboratory program that stresses accurate observations, data collection, analysis, critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as manipulation of laboratory equipment. Extensive lab reports and projects are assigned throughout the course. Time management and writing skills are necessary to be successful in this class.

Grade: 10

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Completed or concurrent Algebra I

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 integrates the disciplines of physics and chemistry in the following topics: motion, waves, energy transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter, and solution chemistry.

Grade: 10 - 12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Biology, Geometry 

Chemistry is a course designed for our students that will need a strong chemistry background for a science-related career. This course differs from Chemcom in that the theory or mathematics of chemistry is emphasized rather than the concepts of chemistry and their practical applications. In Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students study a variety of topics that include characteristics of matter; energy transformations during physical and chemical changes; atomic structure; periodic table of elements; behavior of gases; bonding; nuclear fusion and fission; chemical equations; solutes; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and chemical reactions. Students will also investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives.

Grade: 10 - 12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Biology, Geometry and Teacher Approval

The concepts are similar to the regular Chemistry course but are taught on a higher level, in more detail, and at a faster pace The Pre AP Chemistry curriculum is designed for students to achieve the following objectives: to become proficient in the use of the scientific method and laboratory equipment, to solve problems using dimensional analysis and the mole concepts, to understand the properties of matter and energy and use this information quantitatively and qualitatively to predict behavior, and to develop an appreciation for the work of earlier scientists. This course will provide a more in-depth background for AP Chemistry. Advanced projects will be required for this course.

Grade: 11 - 12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II

In Physics, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion, changes with physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum, force, thermodynamics, characteristics and behavior of waves, light, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics.

Grade: 11-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisites: Biology and chemistry

Environmental Systems is a course in which students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include:

• Biotic and abiotic factors in habitats

• Ecosystems and biomes

• Interrelationships among resources and an environmental system

• Sources and flow of energy through an environmental system

• Relationship between carrying capacity and changes in populations and ecosystems

• Changes in environments

Grade: 11-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisites: Biology and chemistry

Forensic Science is a survey course that introduces students to the application of science to law. Students learn terminology and procedures related to the collection and examination of physical evidence using scientific processes performed in a field or laboratory setting. Students also learn the history and the legal aspects of forensic science.

Grade: 11-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisites: 3 science credits

In Anatomy and Physiology, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Anatomy and Physiology study a variety of topics, including the structure and function of the human body and the interaction of body systems for maintaining homeostasis.

Grade: 11 - 12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Chemistry (Honors Chemistry recommended), Algebra II, and Teacher Approval

(If you did not take IPC, and wish to take AP Chemistry your Jr. year, you must also take Physics)

This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college and requires an equivalent commitment of study, effort, and participation. Included in this course are advanced investigations and presentations of the structure of matter and atomic spectra, the wave particle theory, kinetic theory of gases, chemical bonding, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Class work involves lecture and lab. Students may be required to spend time outside of the allotted 53-minute period completing laboratory investigations. Students will use a college textbook and lab book and will have the opportunity to take the AP Chemistry exam for college credit.  

Grade: 11-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Teacher Approval

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations. Students build their understanding of physical models as they explore and solve problems in these content areas:

• Kinematics

• Forces and Translational Dynamics

• Work, Energy, and Power

• Linear Momentum

• Torque and Rotational Dynamics

• Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems

• Oscillations

• Fluids

Grade: 11-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: AP Physics 1, Pre-calculus concurrently, and Teacher Approval

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations. Students build their understanding of physical models as they explore and solve problems in these topics:

• Thermodynamics

• Electric Force, Field, and Potential

• Electric Circuits

• Magnetism and Electromagnetism

• Geometric Optics

• Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics

• Modern Physics