Science
Science |
Earth Science
Advanced Earth Science
Biology
Advanced Biology
AP Biology
Chemistry
Advanced Chemistry
AP Chemistry
Biology 2: Ecology
Biology 2: Anatomy and Physiology
Physics
AP Physics
EARTH SCIENCE
Successful completion of Physical Science Major topics of study in Earth Science include plate tectonics, the rock cycle, Earth history, the oceans, the atmosphere, weather and climate, and the solar system and the universe. Emphasis is on the interpretation of maps, charts, tables, and profiles; the use of technology to collect, analyze, and report data; and science skills in systematic investigation. Problem solving and decision making are an integral part of the course, especially as they relate to the costs and benefits of utilizing the Earth’s resources.
ADVANCED EARTH SCIENCE
Pre-AP Earth Science requires higher level critical thinking skills. Independent out-of-class assignments are an integral part of the advanced level work. A research project is required. Skills will be demonstrated in analyzing dataforming hypotheses, designing research, and developing conclusions to scientific inquiry. Emphasis is on the interpretation of maps, charts, tables, and profiles, as well as the use of technology to collect, analyze, and report data and science skills in systematic investigation. Major topics of study include plate tectonics, the rock cycle, Earth history, the oceans, the atmosphere, weather and climate, and the solar system and the universe.
BIOLOGY
Biology is designed to provide students with an understanding of living systems. Emphasis is placed on the skills necessary to examine scientific explanations, actively conduct controlled experiments, and analyze and communicate information. The history of biological thought and the evidence that supports it are explored and provide the foundation for investigating biochemical life processes, cellular organization, mechanisms of inheritance, dynamic relationships among organisms, and the change in organisms through time. Emphasis is placed on student-centered learning, whereby concepts, rather than facts, are taught in an active learning environment with application of these concepts to current technology.
ADVANCED BIOLOGY
Pre-AP Biology requires advanced intellectual engagement, sharp problemsolving skills, reasoning and analyzing, sophisticated research experience, broad intellectual horizons, and a devotion to a rigorous, intensive, fast paced level of learning. The laboratory component, technology, and extensive writing are key factors in this course. This course will cover living systems, history of biological thought, evidence that supports it, foundation for investigating biochemical life processes, cellular organization, relationships among organisms and change in organisms through time. Students will also examine alternative scientific explanations, conduct experiments, analyze information, and use scientific literature. Students are required outside of class completing research, extensive reading, and independent assignments and projects.
AP BIOLOGY
Advanced Placement Biology is a second-year laboratory- centered course designed help students develop an understanding of how biological information is collected, analyzed, evaluated, interpreted, and built upon to make further predictions. Students will use mathematics, modeling, and representations to discover and explain scientific phenomenon. In this college level course, the focus is on four big ideas that include Evolution, Biological systems, Life processes, and Interactions of living systems. Students work individually or in small groups, pursuing experimental investigations with a minimum of dependence on the teacher.
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the interaction of matter and energy. Chemistry is a math-intensive course. This interaction is investigated through the use of laboratory techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities, and problem-solving applications. Scientific methodology will be employed in experimental and analytical investigations, and concepts will be illustrated with practical applications. Technology, including graphing calculators and computers, will be employed where feasible. Students will understand and use safety precautions. The course emphasizes qualitative and quantitative study of substances. Students will be encouraged to share their ideas, use the language of chemistry, discuss problem-solving techniques, and communicate effectively.
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY
Pre-AP Chemistry is a challenging, math-intensive, fast-paced course which requires competence and depth in solving chemical problems, sharp reasoning 24 and analyzing skills, advanced intellectual engagement, rigorous laboratory work, and intensive and independent out of class writing and problem-solving assignments. This course will cover interaction of matter and energy, quantitative and qualitative studies of substance changes, experimental and analytical investigations, manipulation of chemical quantities, extensive research, language of chemistry, chemical calculations, and formulation of principles. The use of technology, including calculators and computers with scientific probes and sensors, will be employed where feasible.
AP CHEMISTRY
This college level course is built around six big ideas that include such concepts as; chemical elements and the understanding of them and their characteristics. Chemical and Physical properties, structure, and forces, Changes in matter, Rates of reactions, laws of thermodynamics, as well as Bonds and intermolecular attraction. Students will utilize mathematics, modeling, representations to explore and explain scientific phenomenon. Student will plan and implement data collection, data analysis, and evaluation strategies as well as utilize scientific explanations and theories.
BIOLOGY 2: ECOLOGY
This course is designed as a survey of the basic principles of ecology. Technology, earth science, biology, physics, and chemistry principles are developed where applicable. Laboratory investigations develop inquiry skills and processes in observing, classifying, identifying, interpreting, and predicting results. Emphasis is on the nature of science and the role it plays in society. This course will stress technology and environmental issues.
BIOLOGY 2: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Physiology is an advanced course designed to stimulate interest in the structure and function of the human body, and to promote inquiry into what scientific developments are taking place today in the fields of medicine, health, and disease. Emphasis is placed on common medical terms and classroom and laboratory experiences that prepare students to enter scientific professions such as nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, etc.
PHYSICS
Physics emphasizes a more complex understanding of experimentation, the analysis of data, and the use of reasoning and logic to evaluate evidence. The use of mathematics, including algebra, inferential statistics, and trigonometry is important, but conceptual understanding of physical systems remains a primary concern. Students build on basic physical science principles. Key areas covered include force and motion, kinetic molecular theory, energy transformations, wave phenomena and the electromagnetic spectrum, light, electricity, magnetic fields, and non-Newtonian physics. Technology, including graphing calculators and computers, will be employed where feasible. The course stresses the practical application of physics in other areas of science and technology.
AP PHYSICS
AP Physics is an algebra-based course equivalent to the first and second semesters of a typical introductory, algebra-based, college-level physics course. Topics are focused around seven big ideas involving the following: properties and structure of objects and systems; space and interactions; forces; changes; conservation laws; waves; energy transfer; mathematical modeling; mathematical probabilities; complex systems; and quantum mechanical systems. Extensive laboratory time is included.