Course Offerings in
SCIENCE

Science and technology heavily influence the world in which we live.  In order to fully realize their potential, students must understand and appreciate the natural and physical worlds.  Consequently, all students must pass one physical science course, one biological science course, and a third (elective) science course in order to graduate.  The science staff recommends taking as many science courses as possible to fully enjoy and benefit from living in a technological society.

Four Year Course Sequence Options in Science

COLLEGE PREPARATORY PHYSICAL SCIENCE                                             Credit: 1.0
This course will focus on providing a basic foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry and physics.  Emphasis will be placed on knowledge of scientific concepts and careers, acquisition and use of laboratory skills, and the influence of technology on society.  The student will work in the lab where skills are gained in handling equipment, making observations and understanding the scientific process. Problem-solving using mathematical relationships will be stressed.  It is designed for the student who needs assistance in reading, mathematical, and independent work skills.

ACADEMIC BIOLOGY                                                                                                     Credit: 1.0
This inquiry-based course is designed to provide students with a study of the major biological concepts and their importance to society and the individual. Students will learn many aspects of the structure and function of living things, as well as relationships between these living things.  Topics to be studied include the cell, genetics, evolution, classification, biochemistry, and ecology. 

COLLEGE PREPARATORY BIOLOGY                                                                  Credit: 1.0
This inquiry-based course is designed for students who desire a comprehensive study of the major biological concepts and their importance to society and the individual.  This course is strongly recommended for students planning to attend college.  Students will learn many aspects of the structure and function of living things, as well as relationships between these living things.  Topics to be studied include the cell, genetics, evolution, classification, biochemistry and ecology. 

HONORS BIOLOGY                                                                                                  Credit: 1.0
This inquiry-based course is designed for students who desire a comprehensive study of the major biological concepts and their importance to society and the individual.  This course is strongly recommended for students planning to attend college.  Since this is an honors level course, the pace will be fast and the course will emphasize a depth of understanding of the major themes and concepts of biology.  Students will learn many aspects of the structure and function of living things, as well as relationships between these living things.  Topics to be studied include the cell, genetics, evolution, classification, biochemistry, physiology, and ecology. 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY                                                                 Credit: 1.0
This inquiry-based course is designed for students who desire a comprehensive study of the major biological concepts and their importance to society and the individual. Since this is an advanced placement course, the pace will be fast and the course will emphasize a depth of understanding of the major themes and concepts of biology.  Students will learn many aspects of the structure and function of living things, as well as relationships between these living things, as well as re3lationships between these living things.  Topics to be studied include the cell, genetics, evolution, classification, biochemistry, physiology, and ecology.  Students will need to complete additional study outside of class to prepare for the National College Board Advanced Placement Test for Biology.

ACADEMIC CONSUMER CHEMISTRY                                                                   Credit: 1.0
Consumer Chemistry is an exciting way to learn the fundamentals of chemistry and related societal issues whether a student is destined to a future in a science career or not. This is an introductory chemistry course which follows a thematic based curriculum. Topics will include such things as nutrition, drug abuse, genetic engineering, agriculture, water resources, the atmosphere, material goods, and our energy supplies. This inquiry-based course is designed to develop the capacity to reason, problem-solve, and develop skills in computing quantitative and qualitative relationships.  Students will work in collaborative groups for both small group discussion and laboratory experiences.

COLLEGE PREPARATORY CHEMISTRY                                                          Credits: 1.0
This inquiry-based course is designed to develop the capacity to reason, problem-solve, and develop skills in computing quantitative and qualitative relationships.  Through laboratory experiences students will learn about the composition, structure and interactions between substances.  College Preparatory Chemistry will provide students with a sound base from which they can pursue further course work in science in a two or four year college or university.  

HONORS CHEMISTRY                                                                                            Credit: 1.0
This inquiry-based course is designed with an emphasis on higher order thinking skills to develop the capacity to reason, problem-solve, and develop skills in computing quantitative and qualitative relationships.  This course provides a solid background in Chemistry and is intended for college bound students interested in taking other science courses, as well as pursuing a career in a scientific or technical field.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY                                                            Credit: 1.0
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a challenging, fast-paced course that will cover the topics of matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, descriptive chemistry, kinetics, equilibria, and thermodynamics. An emphasis on laboratory work and analysis is required to prepare for the AP test. College credit depends upon the AP test score and the college of choice. Students will need to complete additional study outside of class to prepare for the National College Board AP test.

ACADEMIC CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS                                                                      Credit: 1.0
Conceptual Physics incorporates various hands-on activities utilizing computer based laboratory equipment and software simulations. This course is designed to expose students to the laws of physics and how those laws govern our daily lives.  Students will explore topics ranging from speed and acceleration to light and color.  This course challenges students’ problem-solving skills through hands-on projects, experiments and Science Olympiad type competitions. 

COLLEGE PREPARATORY PHYSICS                                                                   Credit: 1.0
College Preparatory Physics is the study of mechanics. Motion, energy, forces, and momentum will be studied and analyzed through the exploration of laboratory experiments, demonstrations, and mathematical derivations. An emphasis on the use of mathematics to describe the natural laws of the universe will be employed to further students’ knowledge. Students will be introduced to trigonometry, and should have algebra as a course prerequisite.

HONORS PHYSICS                                                                                                    Credit: 1.0
Honors Physics is the study of mechanics. Motion, energy, forces, and momentum will be studied and analyzed through the exploration of laboratory experiments, demonstrations, and mathematical derivations. An emphasis on the use of mathematics to describe the natural laws of the universe will be employed to further students’ knowledge. Students should be proficient in trigonometry, and will be introduced to calculus; they should have a strong background in science as a course prerequisite.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS                                                                   Credit: 1.0
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a challenging, fast-paced course that will cover the topics of matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, descriptie chemistry, kinetics, equilibria, and thermodynamics.  An emphasis on laboratory work and analysis is required to prepare for the AP test.  College credit depends upon the AP test score and the college of choice.  Students will need to complete additional study outside of class to prepare for the National College Board AP test.

SCIENCE (LEARNING SUPPORT) 9,10,11,12                                                       Credit: 1.0
This course parallels the material and content provided through the academic science program.  It follows the scope and sequence of each grade level course 9, 10, 11 while meeting the individual needs of each student as described in his/her IEP.  Prerequisites:  IEP Recommendation

SCIENCE (EMOTIONAL SUPPORT)   9,10,11,12                                                Credits: 1.0
This course parallels the material and content provided through the academic Science program.  It follows the scope and sequence of each grade level course 9, 10, 11 while meeting the individual needs of each student as described in his/her IEP.  It will also provide a behavior management component to address the needs of each student as described in a current IEP.  Prerequisites:  IEP Recommendation

SCIENCE (FUNCTIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT)  9,10,11,12                        Credit: 1.0
This inquiry-based course will help teach students the fundamental skills of physical science, chemistry, biology, ecology, and physics.  This course will be a hands on approach to learning that involve labs and projects where the students will be actively engaged in the learning process.  This course will help to develop the necessary skills and create an understanding of the world around them and help them be an active participant within their community.  Prerequisites: Stipulated in IEP

Science Electives

In addition to the standard science course sequence in grades 9-11, students may choose additional or alternative courses from the following electives:

ACADEMIC ECOLOGY                                                                                                    Credit: 1.0
This course will focus on having students develop an understanding of the importance of being a steward of the earth. There will be an emphasis on the necessity of balancing the needs of a growing human population with maintaining a healthy, viable environment. This course will also stress the complexity of environmental issues and highlight current local environmental issues.  There will be extensive field work that utilizes the meadow study area and the stream site at the high school.

COLLEGE PREPARATORY ECOLOGY                                                                 Credit: 1.0
Using an inquiry-based approach, students will develop an understanding of the importance of being a steward of the earth. The College Prep Ecology course emphasizes the necessity of balancing the needs of a growing human population with maintaining a healthy, viable, environment. There will be a focus on the interdependence between abiotic and biotic factors in an environment as well as the flow of matter and energy in an ecosystem. The learner will study the complexity of environmental issues. Local environmental issues will also be addressed through the use of newspapers, field studies and appropriate field trips.

MICROBIOLOGY/GENETICS (Honors)                                                                Credit: 1.0
The Microbiology/Genetics elective was designed to provide a more in-depth study of genetics and the microbial world. Microbiology emphasizes the interrelationships, both beneficial and harmful, between humans and microbes. Lab experiences will include aseptic techniques, staining procedures, evaluation of the effectiveness of antibiotics and antiseptics in controlling bacteria. Genetics will build upon the students’ understanding of heredity as learned in Biology. Lab experiences will include the breeding of Brassica rapa and Drosophila melanogaster through several generations to analyze the inheritance patterns of specific traits.  Statistical analysis will indicate if the data supports Mendelian patterns. Non-Mendelian patterns, such as polygenic and multiple alleles, will also be investigated. This course is for students interested in health-related careers and the further study of Biology.

HUMAN ANATOMY (College Preparatory)                                                         Credit: 1.0
Using inquiry learning, students will learn about human morphology and physiology by developing an understanding of how form fits function. This course emphasizes building upon Biology concepts including the relationship between structure and function at all levels of organization as well as analyzing the chemical and structural basis of living organisms. This will be accomplished by comparative study of animals; including the sheep, pig, and chicken. Students will journey through the body systems building a knowledge base leading toward a greater understanding of the workings of the human body. Human Anatomy is designed to broaden the background of the student interested in a medical career.