Science Courses
Physical Science
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 9
This course is designed to provide a general background in the physical sciences. Students will participate in laboratory experiments in order to develop scientific thinking and problem-solving skills. These labs are an important part of the class. Topics included in this course are the scientific method, nature, and classes of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, solutions, acids and bases, energy, motion, forces, machines, waves, light, and sound. Students should have a solid background in mathematics to be successful in science classes
Accelerated Physical Science
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 9
This class is designed to introduce college-bound students to the principles of chemistry and physics, giving them a foundation for further science courses. Laboratory experiments are important components of this course. Topics discussed include the scientific method, classes and properties of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, families of chemicals, petrochemicals, motion, forces, energy, work machines, heat, light, and sound.
Astronomy (Offered Alternative Years)
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 9-12
This course examines the origins of astronomy from the early Greeks and Egyptians through Kepler and Newton. Students will learn of the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and constellations. The explorations of space from the Moon to distant quasars and from early astrolabs to the latest satellite technology will be the basis for this first course in astronomy. As mathematics is the language of science, students will be expected to solve problems involving simple algebra.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physical Science or permission of the instructor.
Biology with Lab
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 10
Biology is the science of life. Students in this course will learn the basic principles of and be introduced to the advanced topics of biology. Students will study biological concepts such as ecology, classification of organisms, fossils, cell structure, anatomy and physiology of humans and that of other organisms as well. Also studied will be concepts from biochemistry, plant physiology, and genetics. A variety of methods, which include hands-on learning and laboratory exercises, will be incorporated into the classes. Biology is motivating and fun as it explains concepts that are all around us. This course satisfies the requirement for the second year of high school science as well as providing students a solid academic background that could be used to pursue additional studies in science.
Applied Biology
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 10
Applied biology students will actively learn about life. Different units to be covered include a continuity of life, animal life processes, plant growth and reproduction, community of life, nutrition, and disease and wellness. This course includes many laboratory experiments, and participation in these will be an important part of the course.
Archaeology (Offered alternative years)
Semester / 1/2 Credit / Grades 10-12
Anthropology, the study of how human kind has evolved as a species and as a social animal, is the backdrop for a mini course on the evidence that people have left in the archaeological record. Artifacts, as well as the information we obtain by studying how the environment has changed over time, allow us to reconstruct the life ways of people we might otherwise never know about.
Chemistry with Lab
Year / 1 Credit / Grades 11-12
This is a laboratory-oriented course designed to provide foundation chemistry for students who plan to attend a four-year college. Emphasis is placed upon lab experiments from which students derive general chemical principles and strengthen problem-solving skills, and develop an understanding of research procedures. A good working knowledge of algebra is necessary, as students must regularly apply scientific formulas to solve problems. Topics include the scientific method, nature and properties of matter, atomic structure and quantum theory, chemical reactions and equations, the periodic table, families of elements, molar relationships, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, gases, acids and bases, and organic chemistry.
Physics
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 9-12
Ecology (Offered Alternative Years)
Semester / 1/2 Credit / Grades 11-12
This course looks at the relationships between organisms and their environment – which includes living and non-living components. Field trips and class work focus on discovering how creatures have evolved in their world and also how they adapt to a changing environment. The positive and negative effects of mankind’s actions are studied, showing how habitats have been destroyed, as well as preserved.
Honors Science
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 12
This is an elective, advanced science course emphasizing independent, student-driven research. Topics covered will include areas of interest in biology and chemistry; the student and the teacher will design the actual research. Students will have the opportunity to experience the process of scientific inquiry and research. Science journals, online research, and lab experiments will be a required part of the independent projects to be completed during the year. This course will be particularly helpful to students majoring in the sciences in college. Successful completion of Freshman Science, Accelerated Physical Science, Biology with Lab, Chemistry, and/or permission of the instructor. Individualized projects and research papers will be required. Advanced writing, research, mathematics, and computer literacy skills will be used throughout the course.
Marine Biology (Offered Alternative Years)
Semester / 1/2 Credit / Grades 11-12
This mini course begins with studies focusing upon the evolution of our oceans and the ocean as an environment. Students will learn how marine animals adapt to this changing biome and how humans have utilized and affected the aquatic world. Dissection of marine animals is requirement, so be prepared for some icky fun! Passing grade in Applied or Biology with Lab or permission of the instructor.
Physics
Semester / 1 Credit / Grade 12
This course includes a general introduction to the basic physics studies of motion, light, sound, heat, electronics and atomic physics. A well-organized lab program supplements the basic text material. A strong background in mathematics is essential as scientific formulas are used to solve problems as applied to the above topics.
Expectations: Successful completion of Chemistry with Lab or permission of the instructor.
