Science

This is a year-long course in which students will investigate aspects of Biology from the macro to the micro level. This course will rely heavily on the implementation of the scientific method through lectures, discussions, videos, projects, activities and laboratory exercises with the use of Z-Space tablets, dissections and field studies. Concepts covered in this course include: The Fundamentals of Science, The Characteristics of Life, Ecology, Biological Diversity, Vertebrates, andCell Types/Structure. This course requires students to perform laboratory experiments to analyze data and to draw conclusions based on experimental results.

Prerequisite : None

This year-long course covers the concepts of Biology CP, but with more depth, at a faster pace and with a greater degree of analysis, additional laboratory experiences and write-ups and new topics. Concepts covered in this course include: The Fundamentals of Science, Ecology, Biological Diversity, Vertebrates, Cell Types/Structure, Cellular Energy, Cell Replication, Genetics and Introduction to Chemistry in Biology. This course is designed to challenge the student’s critical thinking skills while performing complex scientific experiments.

Prerequisite : Recommendation from 8th-grade Science instructor and department approval

This course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of chemistry rather than a mathematical one. Atomic theory, chemical bonding, acid-base behavior, oxidation, reduction and other types of reactions are studied. Students conduct many laboratory experiments to develop an understanding of chemical principles as related to everyday life.

Prerequisite : Biology 

This course serves as an introduction to modern chemistry. Atomic structure, bonding, phase change, solutions, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, acid-based equilibria, kinetics and aspects of organic and inorganic chemistry are included. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills. This course incorporates a substantial component of hands-on laboratory work.

Prerequisite : Biology and departmental approval

This introductory physics course includes studies in motion, forces, optics, sound, electricity, magnetism, waves and nuclear physics. The emphasis is conceptual rather than mathematical. Lab activities and demonstrations are a major component of the course. Students will use computers for data collection, analysis and simulation. Prerequisite : Chemistry 

This course provides the tools necessary to make sense of the universe at its most basic level via conceptualization and rigorous problem-solving. Quantitative and qualitative analysis are developed through software analysis of data to construct mathematical models. Scientific literacy is promoted in order to help students make informed and responsible decisions in their lives. Prerequisite : Chemistry, Precalculus and departmental approval 

AP® Physics is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics, but it is designed to be taught over a full academic year to enable students to develop deep understanding of the content and to focus on applying their knowledge through inquiry labs. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, power, and mechanical waves and sound. It also introduces electric circuits. Prerequisite : Chemistry, Precalculus, and departmental approval 

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course focusing on the application of scientific concepts and principles to the understanding and methodologies regarding the solutions of environmental problems and issues. An equivalent to a college-level class, this course includes lecture, laboratory and field components through which students will learn about environmental issues while developing/applying critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. Concepts covered in the course: Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Populations, Earth Systems and Resources, Land and Water Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Atmospheric Pollution, Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution, Global Change. Prerequisite : Biology, Chemistry and department approval

This course is the equivalent of an introductory college general chemistry course. A brief review of some basic topics in chemistry relating to the nature of atoms, molecules, ions, the concept of mole and stoichiometry is presented. This is followed by a more in-depth discussion of the electronic structure of atoms, the nature of chemical bonding and how it relates to states of matter, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics and electrochemistry, and organic and nuclear chemistry. A major objective of this course is to understand basic principles and apply them towards solving comprehensive problems. The course is integrated with a rigorous laboratory program.

Prerequisite : Department approval

In this year-long course, students will learn about the physical structure and chemistry of the ocean, the diversity of ocean life, marine ecology and the scope and impact of human interactions with the oceans. This course will rely heavily on the implementation of the scientific method through lectures, discussions, videos, projects, activities and laboratory exercises with the use of Z-Space tablets, dissections and field studies relating to each of the concepts covered. Concepts covered in this course include: Marine Ecosystems and Ecology, Oceanography, Marine Microbes, Marine Invertebrates, Marine Fishes, Marine Birds and Marine Mammals.

Prerequisite : Biology 2

This year-long course introduces the normal structure and function of the human body from the chemical level to the systems level, focusing on homeostasis and system integration. This course will rely heavily on the implementation of the scientific method through lectures, discussions, videos, projects, activities and laboratory exercises with the use of Z-Space tablets, virtual dissections, real specimen dissections, field studies, guest speakers and field trips to medical facilities which relate to each of the concepts covered. Concepts covered in this course include: musculoskeletal system, internal organs, internal systems, arteries and veins, the brain and urogenital system. An in-depth fetal pig dissection will be done during the second semester of the course, covering the aforementioned topics. This course is also designed for students who would like to get an in-depth background on the workings of the human body, be it for a career in the health occupations field, a third year of the state’s science requirement or simply for personal interest. Honors students will be required to show a higher analysis of thinking and graded on stricter rubrics with higher detail required from their work. Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry