9th and 10th Grade CoursesBIOLOGYGrade 9 This is a lecture/laboratory science course designed to teach the student the variety of life forms on Earth, the life style and behavior of life forms and the important effects each life form has on humans. The subjects are taught in biological order according to complexity with references to the current evolutionary theories. The subjects include: cells, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, plants, animals and systems of the human body. HONORS BIOLOGY
Grades 9, 10
Prerequisite: Science teacher recommendation based on
classroom performance and a suggested ACT Reading score of 18 or higher.
This lecture/laboratory course is offered to rising ninth
and tenth
grade students and covers molecular biology, cell biology,
organismal
biology, human anatomy and physiology. Labs are included to
emphasize
concepts and biotechnology. The student must be willing to
assume
responsibility for keeping up with the work as assigned
because of
the depth and pace of the class.
CHEMISTRY
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology.
This lecture/laboratory science course provides a general
background
in chemistry with emphasis on laboratory experience to
reinforce
key concepts and to develop lab safety and good laboratory
techniques.
Chemistry is the study of matter, its composition and
structure,
and the changes it undergoes. Topics range from atomic
structure
(which forms the basis for understanding chemical bonding,
composition,
formulas and equations) to stoichiometry to phases of matter
and
the laws which govern them. Because of the nature of the
laboratory
experience, students are required to adhere strictly to lab
safety
rules. All mathematical concepts are modeled in class and example problems are worked in their entirety.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology, recommendation of previous science teacher, and a suggested SAT/PSAT Math score of 530 or higher for rising juniors or ACT Math score of 18 or higher for rising sophomores.
This laboratory/lecture science course provides an extensive
background
in chemical theory with emphasis on the mathematical
computations
and problem solving that pertain to chemistry. This course
covers
the same topics as general chemistry but in greater depth
with emphasis
on laboratory experience to develop an investigative style
of thinking
as well as good laboratory technique. In order to adhere to the
pace of
the course, students are required to develop some
independent study
skills that will prepare them for advanced levels of study. Required of students planning to take Advanced Placement Chemistry, this course curriculum includes atomic theory, stoichiometry, physical and chemical properties, periodic relationships, thermochemistry, bonding, gas laws, solution chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry and electrochemistry.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology and concurrent enrollment or successful completion of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. This
lecture/laboratory science course is an introduction to human anatomy
and physiology focusing on the structure and function of the human body.
The course follows a systematic approach to the study of the human body
and includes examinations of cell, tissue and organ structure and
function. The pace and depth are suitable for those students whose
specific interest and background are basic but who wish to pursue
greater knowledge in the area. Laboratory experiments and procedures,
including dissection, are also a part of this course. Credit earned for
this course counts toward the science graduation requirement.
| 11th and 12th Grade CoursesADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: Honors Biology and Chemistry, science teacher
recommendation
based on classroom performance and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 530 or higher.
This is a college-level lecture/laboratory course offered to a selected
group
of advanced science students. With a good deal of emphasis on
biochemistry, the
range of topics include molecular and cell biology, genetics, organismal
survey,
human biology, ecology and evolution. Students are expected to work
independently
to realize how concepts apply throughout the biosphere. The engineering
of living
systems and their efficiency is emphasized and explored in all topics.
All students
are required to complete a summer assignment.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Average yearly grade of 85 or higher in Honors Chemistry and recommendation of the Honors Chemistry teacher or approval of the AP instructor. Corequisite: Precalculus or higher math.
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a college-level course, which includes an in-depth analysis of the basic topics covered in introductory chemistry with advanced problem solving techniques in stoichemetry, kinetics, equilibrium, qualitative and quantitative analysis, acid/base and buffer chemistry, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, gas laws, nuclear chemistry and oxidation/reduction reactions. Topics are covered in greater depth than the first-level course and include additional work from the AP syllabus in order to prepare students for the AP Chemistry exam. Because advanced laboratory experiments are an integral part of the curriculum, classes will meet for two periods.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry achievement and science
teacher
recommendation.
This is a college-level lecture/laboratory course designed to
provide
students with the scientific principles, concepts and
methodologies
required to understand the interrelationships of the natural
world,
to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural
and human-made,
to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems,
and
to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or
preventing them.
While preference will be given to juniors and seniors, sophomores taking Honors Chemistry will be considered if space is available. All students are required to complete a summer assignment.
PHYSICS
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trig, Honors Algebra II/Trig, a suggested SAT/PSAT Math score of 500 or higher and science teacher recommendation.
This lecture/laboratory science course is intended to provide a
strong,
conceptual and practical base of concepts. The student should
have
good algebra skills. Major physics concepts covered include:
mechanics
of movement, wave motion, electricity, light and optics, and
thermodynamics.
Throughout the course, primary emphasis will be placed on
conceptual
understanding and “real world” applications. Group projects
and laboratory
experiments will reinforce these concepts.
HONORS PHYSICS
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or successful completion of
Honors Precalculus, a suggested SAT/PSAT Math score of 600 or higher and science teacher recommendation.
This is a college-level, algebra-based lecture/laboratory
science course.
Major topics include kinematics, optics, thermodynamics,
electricity
and magnetism, waves, and modern physics. Throughout the
course, emphasis
is placed on mathematics and problem solving, theoretical
concepts
and practical applications.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C
Grades 11, 12Prerequisite: Honors Physics, concurrent enrollment in or successful completion of Advanced Placement Calculus BC, a suggested SAT/PSAT Math score of 700 or higher and science teacher recommendation.
In accordance with the College Board, this calculus-based lecture/laboratory science course is designed to be a student's second physics course, taken after Honors Physics. Comparable to a one-semester sequence course required of physical science, math and engineering students at the university level, AP Physics C is intended for qualified seniors who expect to pursue further study in these areas. Major topics include mechanics, electricity and magnetism. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on theoretical concepts, problem solving, and practical applications, with about 20 percent of time spent of lab projects. For this reason, AP Physics classes will meet for two periods. Although mechanics topics will be covered, the AP Physics C Mechanics exam is optional; however, all students must take the AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism exam. All students are required to complete a summer assignment.ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCEGrades 10, 11, 12Prerequisite: Geometry or Honors Geometry.
Designed to serve as a first course in computer science for students with no prior computing experience, Advanced Placement Computer Science is equivalent to a one-semester college-level course. Because the development of computer programs to solve problems is a skill fundamental to the study of computer science, a large part of the course is built around the development of computer programs or parts of programs that correctly solve a given problem. The course also emphasizes design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable, and, when appropriate, reusable. In addition, an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are integral parts of the course. Necessary prerequisites include facility with mathematical reasoning, comfort with algebraic functions and function notation, and the ability to communicate thoughts clearly in written form. This course will prepare students for the AP Computer Science A exam.SCIENCE SEMINARGrade 12Prerequisite: Biology.
This non-laboratory course is designed to provide an in-depth study of a variety of science topics. Fundamental concepts will supplemented with activities to stimulate individual interests in the sciences. Students are required to research a topic and give an oral presentation to the class during each unit of study. Credit earned for this course does not count toward the science graduation requirement.
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