Science Department
Biology 1 Grade 9 Honors 311
Placement is determined by placement test, standardized test scores, 8th grade science grade and Department recommendation.
Biology 1 Honors is a sequential study of living systems from simplest to the most complex. Students gain an understanding of life and life processes through a study of the unifying principles applicable to all living organisms. There is an emphasis is placed on lab work in which students collect, organize and analyze data. A science project is required.
Biology 1 Grade 9, 10 College Prep 312
Placement is determined by placement test, standardized test scores, 8th grade science grade and Department recommendation.
Biology 1 College Prep provides the student with a study of living organisms. Students are led to develop a respect for and an appreciation of life by investigating the underlying similarities in all living things. One period a week is spent in the lab.
Physical Science Grade10, 11 College Prep 322
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 1 and freshman mathematics
Physical Science explores some basic scientific principles and shows how these principles are important both in our world and our daily lives. Topics for discussion include classical forces, forms of energy, how energy is made, the fundamental nature of matter, and the kinds of substances important to daily life, as well as technology advances and what impact they may have on our environment and society in general.
Chem Study Grade 10, 11 Honors 331
Prerequisite: 85% in Honors mathematics and science OR 90% in College Prep math and science
In the Chem Study course, the unifying principles of chemistry are developed through experimental observation; therefore, the course is a lab-oriented one. The logical deduction of scientific concepts is paramount, so memorization of facts is minimized. Chem Study benefits students who enjoy an academic challenge. It includes one double laboratory period per week. A science project is required.
Chemistry Grade 10, 11 College Prep 332
Prerequisite: 75% in freshman math and science and teacher recommendation
Chemistry helps the student to learn and understand the facts, formulas, and principles of chemistry through classroom discussion and laboratory techniques. The student develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary in science and in everyday life.
Environmental Science Grade 11, 12 College Prep 335
Prerequisites: Successful completion of two years of science
Environmental Science provides the student with a background to understand today’s multi-faceted environmental problems and then choose a lifestyle that has a positive impact on the environment. Students will discuss scientific issues of personal relevance and current topics in the news.
Meteorology Grade 11, 12 College Prep 336
Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of science
Meteorology introduces the student to different dynamics of weather and defines many of the common terms of meteorology. Students learn to read different types of weather maps such as wind maps and pressure maps, and how the weather plays an important role in our society and our environment. The students will be responsible for collecting continuous data and logging information in a daily journal. There will also be a required class project.
Introduction to Botany and Zoology Grade 11, 12 College Prep 338
Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of science
This course is for students interested in hands-on activities in natural science. Included topics are animal identification, handling, maintenance and breeding; plant growth experiments; plantscaping and other horticultural projects. Students must be willing to handle live plants and animals, and will be responsible for caring for organisms and equipment.
AP Physics Grade 11, 12 Advanced Placement 360
Prerequisite: 88% in Chem Study and Honors Mathematics and Department recommendation
Physics was once defined as the “purposeful interrogation of nature.” Physics sharpens the students’ skills as observers and experimenters, as well as their ability to analyze results. The AP Physics course presents topics involving the interaction of Matter and Energy. Students learn about mechanics and heat from an intense mathematical perspective. The course includes one double laboratory period per week.
All students enrolled in AP Physics are required to take the AP Physics examination.
Physics Grade 11, 12 Honors 341
Prerequisite: 80% in Chemistry and 85% in Algebra 2
Physics Honors covers the same topics as AP Physics, but the students use a simple mathematical approach. Students must have a basic knowledge of trigonometry. The course includes one double laboratory period per week.
AP Biology Grade 11, 12 Advanced Placement 370
Prerequisite: 90% in Biology 1; successful completion of Chem Study or Chemistry (lab courses) and department recommendation. AP Biology and AP Chemistry will be offered in alternating years, starting 2002-2003. ONLY ONE of these (AP Biology OR AP Chem) will be offered in a given year.
AP Biology is the equivalent of a college introductory course usually taken by Biology majors during their first year. The course provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Topics include organisms and populations, molecules and cells, and heredity and evolution. One double laboratory per week is included.
All students enrolled in AP Biology are required to take the AP Biology examination.
Biology 2 Grade 11, 12 Honors 351
Prerequisite: 83% in Biology 1, successful completion of Chemistry (lab course) and department recommendation
Biology 2 applies many principles of Biology to the specific areas of entomology, taxonomy, human anatomy and physiology. Students are expected to complete successfully an insect collection and vertebrate dissections. One double laboratory per week is included.
AP Chemistry Grade 11, 12 Advanced Placement 380
Prerequisite: 90% in Chemistry and Department recommendation. AP Biology and AP Chemistry will be offered in alternating years, starting 2002-2003. ONLY ONE of these (AP Biology OR AP Chem) will be offered in a given year.
AP Chemistry furthers the students’ understanding of chemistry and prepares them for more advanced chemistry courses. The course helps students keep up to date in this continually developing science through familiarity with new concepts and applications. One double lab per week is included.
Al l students enrolled in AP Chemistry are required to take the AP Chemistry examination.