Biology 1
Grades 9-12
Biology 1 is a laboratory oriented course designed to give students a background in biological concepts as well as experience in using the methods of scientific inquiry. Students should have a strong background in basic science skills such as collecting and analyzing data, measuring and graphing. The course focuses on the life processes that occur within the cell, the anatomy and physiology of complex multi-cellular organisms and the ways by which life forms reproduce, develop and adapt to conditions in their environment. This course includes the state-mandated unit on Family Life Education. Parents may opt their students out of any topic included in this unit. Students not studying the Family Life Education unit will be provided with alternative instruction. If dissections are a part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.) top
Biology 1 Honors
Grades 9-12
Biology 1 H utilizes a molecular approach to the study of biology. This lab-centered course stresses cell processes and the anatomy and physiology of multicellular organisms. Biology 1 H is a laboratory oriented course designed to give students a background in biological concepts as well as experience in using the methods of scientific inquiry. Students should have a strong background in basic science skills such as collecting and analyzing data, measuring and graphing. Students should be able to successfully work independently as well as cooperatively and should have strong research skills. The course focuses on the life processes that occur within the cell, the anatomy and physiology of complex, multi-cellular organisms and the ways by which life forms reproduce, develop and adapt to conditions in their environment. This course includes the state-mandated unit on Family
Life Education. Parents may opt their children out of any topic included in this unit. Students not studying the Family Life Education unit will be provided with alternative instruction. An independent project in scientific research is required. If dissections are a part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.) top
Chemistry 1
Grades10-12
Prerequisites: One laboratory science course and Algebra 1
Chemistry is designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of how chemical theory is developed and how a chemist thinks and works. Students investigate the composition, properties, and reactions of matter. The approach is inductive and mathematical, as well as conceptual. Laboratory experiments and subsequent mathematical analysis are integral components of the course.
(This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.) top
Chemistry 1 Honors
Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: One laboratory science course and Algebra 1
Corequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors
Chemistry 1 H utilizes an inductive approach to the teaching of chemistry. By performing a carefully planned sequence of laboratory experiments, students obtain evidence to support the development of the major concepts of modern chemistry. The history and philosophy of science are also stressed throughout the course. Students will read and analyze original scientific writings. Students should be able to successfully work independently as well as cooperatively and should have strong research skills. An independent project in scientific research as well as a summer reading project are required. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.) top
Physics 1
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Two laboratory science courses
Students will study the basic principles of physics, including classical mechanics, conservation laws, electricity and magnetism, light and waves, and the atomic nature of matter with an emphasis upon the demonstration of these principles in daily life. The course contains an important laboratory component and provides opportunities for problem solving and scientific inquiry. Co-enrollment in Trigonometry or Precalculus is strongly recommended. top
Physics Honors
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Two laboratory science courses
Corequisite: Precalculus or Trigonometry/Math Analysis
This course is designed for students with an interest in pursuing further science studies and is mathematically based. Students will study the basic principles of physics, including classical mechanics, conservation laws, electricity and magnetism, light and waves, and the atomic nature of matter with an emphasis upon mathematical derivation of these principles. Laboratory work and problem solving activities are important components of the class. Students should be familiar with research design and capable of
completing an independent research project. top
Active Physics
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: One laboratory science course
This course uses student activities and laboratory experiences to introduce the basic principles of physics, including mechanics, light, sound, and electricity. Students will have hands-on experience in investigating these concepts and will focus on the practical application of physics in their daily lives. The five units of study include the physics of: sports, medicine, transportation, home, and predictions. The physics content is presented in a problem solving manner to strengthen science and math content knowledge and skills.This course is not for students who have successfully completed Geometry. Most colleges will not recognize this course as a laboratory science. top
Geosystems
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
This upper level, project-based course involves the integration of technology with earth and environmental science investigations. The Earth is studied as an integrated and open system. Students will use computer technology with multimedia software, the TI graphing calculator and CBL unit, and various field collection instruments. Specialized software programs focus on image processing, spatial analysis, remote satellite imaging, and data analysis. Students will be expected to collect and analyze their own field data and data acquired from internet scientific resources. Students will be expected to design and create multimedia presentations (Power Point and WWW pages), and to complete a field project using technology and drawing upon knowledge from biology and chemistry courses. With teacher or counselor recommendation, Active Physics credit may be substituted for a chemistry prerequisite. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.) top
Anatomy and Physiology
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Anatomy and physiology provides students with a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body. Through laboratory exercises, demonstrations and guest speakers, students will be able to investigate the systems of the body and gain insight into possible careers in the biomedical field. This course is appropriate for students intent on a four year program, as well as those seeking training in the medical and health care fields. top
Oceanography
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Two laboratory science courses
This broad survey course deals with physical and biological oceanography and covers such topics as the geology and geography of ocean basins, physical properties of sea water, marine chemistry, marine biology, salinity and density circulation in the oceans, waves, and tides and oceanographic instruments, tools and methods. The course is designed to be a
more in-depth treatment of the oceanography concepts presented in biology, chemistry, physics, and geosystems. top
AP Biology
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology 1 and Chemistry 1
The purpose of AP Biology is to prepare students to take the AP exam in May. AP Biology requires independent study on the part of the student. The syllabus is intense, and the class follows a rapid pace. Outside work and preparation on the part of the student is a must. Students who select AP Biology should be able to think critically. Writing skills in science are emphasized. Laboratory work is an integral part of the class, and knowledge of experimental design protocol is essential. Students are expected to take the AP exam. Senior Science Investigations is strongly recommended as a corequisite. Students are expected to remain in their AP classes for the year and may not drop from an AP course during the first quarter.All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam. top
AP Chemistry
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Chemistry 1
Corequisite: Precalculus or Trigonometry/Math Analysis or Physics 1
AP Chemistry is a college level chemistry course which builds on the concepts learned in first year chemistry. The course syllabus is intense and its purpose is to prepare students to take the AP exam in May. Students who take AP Chemistry are expected to take the AP exam. The ability to think critically and prepare for class independently is essential. Outside work and preparation on the part of the student is a must. Knowledge of experimental design will aid the student in laboratory work which is an essential part of the course. Students are expected to remain in their AP classes for the year and may not drop from an AP course during the first quarter. top
AP Physics B
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Physics 1
Corequisite: Precalculus or Trigonometry/Math Analysis
AP Physics B is a university level course providing a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, but rarely calculus. In most colleges, this is a one-year terminal course and is not the usual preparation for more advanced physics and engineering courses. However, the B course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre medicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science. The Physics B course includes topics in both classical and modern physics. Major areas of study include Newtonian mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics and atomic and nuclear physics. Students are expected to remain in their AP classes for the year and may not drop from an AP course during the first quarter.All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics B exam. top
AP Physics C
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Physics 1
Corequisite: Calculus
AP Physics C is a college level course designed for students interested in a science or engineering major. The sequence is more intensive and analytic than that in the B course. Strong emphasis is placed on the solving of a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. The course emphasis is upon calculus based mathematical derivations of physics principles and problem solving activities in the areas of Newtonian mechanics, and electricity & magnetism. Students are expected to remain in their AP classes for the year and may not drop from an AP course during the first quarter.All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics C exam. top
AP Environmental Science
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and Algebra 1
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. The course is a rigorous science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis, and includes a laboratory component in a more advanced study of environmental topics. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide 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. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. Topics of study include: Scientific Analysis; Interdependence of Earth's Systems; Human Population Dynamics; Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources; Environmental Quality; Global Changes and Their Consequences; and the Environment and Society. Students are expected to remain in their AP classes for the year and may not drop from an AP course during the first quarter.All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam. top
Senior Science Investigations
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology 1 and Chemistry 1
Corequisite: Physics 1
This elective science course is intended for seniors and highly motivated juniors interested in continuing their study through an independent project in science, (biology, chemistry, physics, geosystems), engineering, mathematics or computer science. The projects are subject to significant peer and teacher review during all phases of development. Subsequently, the projects will be presented to wider audiences. The instructor advises students on the research process, information sources and contacts. Instruction is then provided on such topics as data collection and presentation, statistical interpretation of results, protocols for research, and presentation skills. The instructor will arrange for students to prepare follow-up plans for future investigation. The focus of this course is on sustained inquiry, with students taking significant responsibility for project development, meeting checkpoints for completion, collecting sufficient data, defending procedures and interpretations, and doing careful technical writing. top
Astronomy
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Two laboratory science courses
Astronomy deals with such topics as the universe, universal laws, galaxies,
stellar evolution, the solar system and its motion, and the exploration of space. This course is designed to be an in-depth and mathematical treatment of astronomy concepts. This course does not count as one of the science credits for the standard diploma. It can be used as the fourth credit for an advanced studies diploma, if the student has already taken three science courses from three different disciplines. Recommended prerequisites are biology and chemistry. top
