CP / Honors Biology

 Text: Biology and Biology Laboratory Manual by Miller and Levine

Biology is a general introduction to the study of life. Overarching topics include: Molecules and Cells (the chemistry of life, cells, cellular energetics), Heredity and Evolution (heredity, molecular genetics, evolutionary biology), and Organisms and Populations (diversity of organisms, structure and function of plants and animals, ecology). Field trips, computer simulations, and laboratories elucidate course material.

Students will be graded upon homework, performance on tests, labs, and special projects.

AP Biology

Text: Biology by Campbell and Reece and Biology Lab Manual by The College Board
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry, Honors Biology

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course encompassing two main goals. The first goal is to help students understand biological concepts in the context of eight unifying themes: Science as a Process, Evolution, Energy Transfer, Continuity and Change, Relationship of Structure to Function, regulation, Interdependence in Nature, and Science, Technology, and Society. The second goal is to help students appreciate science as a process by participating in investigative laboratory experiences.

Students will be graded upon homework, performance on tests, labs, and special projects.

Environmental Science

Text: Environmental Science by Wright and Nebel

Environmental Science explores the three unifying themes of environmentalism: Stewardship, Sustainability, and Sound Science in relationship to ecosystems, populations, and evolution. Particular emphasis is placed on hydrology and water use, solid waste and recycling, energy sources, and atmospheric issues. Field trips, computer simulations, and laboratories elucidate course topics.

Students will be graded upon homework, performance on tests, labs, and special projects.

AP Chemistry

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry, Algebra II Honors

Students who take this course are required to take the College Board AP Chemistry exam. This is a fast-paced, rigorous course designed to prepare students for the AP exam and to give them a sound basis for advanced college chemistry. Areas covered include predicting products of reactions; bonding principles; acid-base, redox, and precipitation reactions; solid and gas state chemistry; thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, radiochemistry, and descriptive chemistry. An introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry is also included. Two hours of laboratory work are required each week.

Honors Chemistry

Prerequisite: Algebra I Honors

Text: Chemistry Matter and Change (Glencoe)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the principles of chemistry and provide them with a background in chemistry sufficient to prepare them to take AP chemistry and/or college chemistry courses. Topic covered include measurement and error analysis; atomic structure; basic inorganic and organic nomenclature; chemical equations; basic chemical reaction types and product prediction; stoichiometry; acid-base, redox, and radiochemistry.
Students are provided with ample laboratory experience.

CP Chemistry

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Text: Investigating Chemistry (W.H. Freeman & Company)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the principles of chemistry. It is considered a terminal course in high school chemistry and fulfills one laboratory science requirement. Using forensic chemistry as a framework, students learn nuclear structure; basic chemical nomenclature; and the fundamentals of chemical reactions. They are introduced to analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and basic biochemistry. Students are provided with ample laboratory experience and hands-on demonstrations.

Physics Honors/CP

Prerequisite: Algebra I Honors (honors level) or Algebra I CP (CP level)

Text: Physics Principles and Problems (Glencoe)

The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the principles of physics. Topics include linear and circular motion and mechanics, vector analysis, Newtonian physics, astrophysics, basic physical thermodynamics, optics, and electronics.

Students are provided with ample laboratory experience.

High Tech Science

The purpose of this elective course is to introduce students to basic electronics including simple circuits, transistor circuits, and capacitor and op amp circuits. Students use optics, sensors, and simple machines to build small robots. The robots are initially controlled by switches, then by computer via hard-wire interface, and then remotely via computer radio control. The students are given the opportunity to showcase their skills in robot duels and by assembling a robotic float for the annual holiday parade.