ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Prerequisites: None, available to grade 9.
A lecture/laboratory course examining connections among earth systems, human society and nature. The primary focus will be on land, air, and water environments. This course will emphasize the development of science literacy and skills, including those needed for standardized testing.
LIFE SCIENCE
Prerequisites: Available to grades 10.
This course covers many of the same topics as Biology, but will begin with a review of fundamental biological concepts. Development of scientific literacy and lab skills will be emphasized and extensive standardized testing preparation will be included. This course fulfills the life science requirement for graduation.
BIOLOGY
Prerequisites: Environmental Science students need teacher recommendation; Available to grades 9,10.
A lecture/laboratory course covering the basic concepts of taxonomy, cell biology, genetics, evolution, botany, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, and ecology. This course includes preparation for standardized testing.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Prerequisites: Biology and teacher recommendation; Available to grades 10, 11, 12
An in-depth lecture/laboratory examination of the structure and function of all human body systems. This course provides the student with an advanced knowledge of human health and is an elective of special interest to students considering any health care field. This course includes standardized testing preparation where applicable.
CHEMISTRY
Prerequisites: Freshmen who wish to take chemistry in their sophomore year must have 90% in Biology I, and 85% in Algebra I Honors or have an 90% in Algebra I CPI and Biology teacher recommendation. Sophomores and juniors need a biology credit, an Algebra I credit, and recommendation of their current science teacher or department chair. Chemistry is not recommended for students who have not successfully completed Algebra I.Available to grades 10, 11, 12
An examination of the following topics of chemistry: nomenclature, atomic theory, moles, periodic law, bonding, equation balancing, stoichiometry, gas laws, acid-base theory, solutions, equilibrium, and nuclear reactions. This course includes standardized test preparation where applicable.
CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Biology I. Open to juniors and seniors with teacher recommendation.
An examination of core concepts of chemistry with key societal issues. Labs are an important part of the course; mathematical applications are minimal. This course includes standardized testing preparation where applicable.
AP BIOLOGY
Prerequisites: 85% in Chemistry, current teacher recommendation, and invitation of AP teacher. Available to grades 11, 12.
An in-depth lecture/laboratory examination of the topics introduced in Biology, including molecular and cell biology, genetics and evolution, population biology and ecosystem dynamics, and the diversity in structure and function in all three domains of living things. This college level course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology, by which students may qualify for college level-credit.
PHYSICS
Prerequisites: Available to grades 11, 12
- Sophomores who wish to take physics in their junior year should have credit in chemistry and chemistry teacher recommendation, geometry credit, and 80% in Algebra II Honors.
- Sophomores who have earned a 90% or higher in chemistry and Algebra I CPI or higher may take Physics concurrently with recommendation of their current science teacher.
- Juniors presently taking Algebra II CPI should have 80% in chemistry and chemistry teacher recommendation, geometry credit, and 80% in Algebra II CPI or Honors Algebra II. Juniors presently taking geometry CP I and planning to enroll in Algebra II CP I as seniors must have the recommendation of their current math and science teacher.
A lecture/laboratory course covering a review of the metric system, and a study of forces, motion, kinetic and potential energy, vector analysis, work, thermal energy, wave characteristics, and static electricity.
AP PHYSICS I (Algebra based)
Prerequisites: Juniors who wish to take AP Physics I need to have finished Algebra II CPI or higher or can be taking Algebra II CPI or higher concurrently. Students must have recommendation from current math teacher and invitation of AP teacher. Available to grades 11, and 12.
This is an accelerated course, equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics, using the math concepts of algebra and trigonometry in an intensive study of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. This course is appropriate for students interested in physical science, mathematics and/or engineering as well as students considering premed. It prepares the students for the Advanced Placement Physics 1: Algebra-Based, by which college credit may be earned.
AP PHYSICS II (Algebra based)
Prerequisites: Students who wish to take AP Physics II need to have successfully completed AP Physics I and have the recommendation of the physics teacher. Available to grade 12.
AP Physics II is an algebra-trigonometry based, introductory college-level physics course equivalent to a semester of college physics. The course explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. At the end of the course students will take the AP Physics B II exam, which will test their knowledge of both the concepts taught in the classroom and their use of the correct formulas.
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
Prerequisites: Students should have successfully completed Algebra II and Chemistry. Available to grades 11 and 12.
Introduction to Engineering is a one semester, project based course in which students will have the opportunity to practice authentic engineering skills. Students will work in teams to develop, build and test designs to solve various problems. Students will learn to prepare appropriate documentation for their designs and communicate the outcome of their projects. This course is for students who are considering a career in engineering.
Science Faculty
Regina Goines, Chair
John Chadwell
Mary Dennemann
Jolene Esz
Cathryn Lest
Jon Spurlock