Biology

Lab Biology provides the opportunity for all students to experience the study of life in a laboratory setting. The course is designed to produce scientifically literate, critical thinking, problem solvers. Major areas of study will include:  the chemical basis of life, the cell, genetics & biotechnology, how evolution explains life’s diversity as well as unity, and ecological systems. Students will often participate in small groups, hands on activities, lab experiments, as well as traditional types of learning activities such as organizing a notebook and participating in discussions and other various special projects.

Honors Biology

Honors Biology is a study of biology structured around five essential ideas (Evolution, Energy, Cellular Structure and Function, and Heredity).  The instructional approach utilized emphasizes the construction and application of conceptual models as a way of learning and doing science. This course encourages students to:  develop defensible explanations of the way the natural world works by generating hypotheses, seeking evidence and constructing an argument; deepen their understanding of biology by answering Socratic questions posed by the instructor and engaging in discussions with classmates; articulate their ideas in oral and written forms; increase their course rigor and expectations of themselves.

AP Biology

 AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions.

Human Anatomy & Physiology

The Human Anatomy & Physiology program is geared for the academic student who is interested in pursuing a career in medicine, including physician, nursing, allied-health field, athletic trainer, physical therapist, and nutritionist. Major areas of study that will be investigated both in theory and through the completion of laboratory work includes:  intro to the human body, integumentary system, support & movement, communication, control & integration, transportation & defense, and absorption & excretion.

Chemistry

This course is designed for the college-bound student who does not plan to major in a science-related field. This course will include more basic concepts in chemistry than Honors Chemistry but is not intended to serve as a foundation for advanced chemistry courses that a student may need to take in college. Students explore the fundamental principles of chemistry which characterize the properties of matter and how it behaves and reacts. Computer-based and traditional laboratory techniques are used to obtain, organize, and analyze data. Conclusions are developed using both qualitative and quantitative procedures. Topics include, but are not limited to:  measurement, atomic structure, electron configuration, the periodic table, bonding, reactions, gas laws, nuclear chemistry, stoichiometry, and properties of liquids and solids.

Conceptual Physics

Students who plan to attend college should take this interesting, yet challenging, course. The principles of physics will be introduced in a conceptual context, emphasizing understanding, identification, and application of these principles as they relate to the everyday world around us. Although problem-solving is not a major component of this course, basic measurement and calculations will be required from time to time. Topics covered include:  motion, forces, gravity, momentum, energy, and waves. Conceptual Physics is an activity-oriented course. Concepts will be presented through readings, discussions, demonstrations, hands-on activities, video-disc segments, mini-experiments, concept development worksheets, and review questions. Students will be graded for their class participation which includes:  answering questions, asking questions, providing examples, coming to the board, contributing to an assigned group, volunteering to assist during demonstrations, etc.

Honors Chemistry

This laboratory-based course is designed for the college-bound student who plans to enter a science-related field. Honors Chemistry will provide the students with a firm foundation in chemistry and enable them to be successful in AP Chemistry or a college chemistry course, as well as other courses requiring a chemistry background.

Students will be challenged to utilize higher order thinking skills and not simply memorize a series of facts. Students will take a hands-on approach to learning and model instruction through inquiry-based learning activities. There will be an emphasis on the use of mathematics to solve problems and analyze experimental data. Topics studied include, but are not limited to, the following:  metric system, physical and chemical changes, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical nomenclature, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, water, solutions, and nuclear chemistry.

Course evaluation is based on student’s performance on formal assessments, class participation, written laboratory reports, and projects. Students are also expected to safely complete assigned laboratory work in accordance with the instructions given prior to each experiment.

AP Chemistry

This is a full-year course designed to prepare students for the AP Chemistry exam. It is comparable to a first-year college level course and it comes with the same difficulties and gratification that one would have in college. AP Chemistry uses a college textbook and is heavily focused on math. In addition, there is a strong laboratory component. Students who take this course should show a willingness to commit a great amount of time to studying and completing assignments both in and out of the classroom. This course is excellent preparation for students continuing on to higher education.

AP Physics I

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like motion, forces, momentum, rotation, and energy.

AP Physics II

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, and nuclear physics.