SCIENCE
Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 9-10
Credit: 1
In IPC, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during
investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problemsolving. This course integrates the disciplines of physics and chemistry in the following topics:
motion, waves, energy transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter, and solution
chemistry.
Biology I
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 9-10
Credit: 1
In Biology, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during
investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problemsolving. Students in Biology study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of
cells and viruses; growth and development of organisms; cells, tissues, and organs; nucleic acids
and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living
organisms; living systems; homeostasis; ecosystems; and plants and the environment.
Pre-advanced Placement Biology*
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 9-11
Credit: 1
This is an advanced course that prepares students for Advanced Placement Biology. The course
emphasizes field and laboratory experiences.
Chemistry I
Prerequisite: Biology
Grade level: 10-12
Credit: 1
In Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during
investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem
solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: characteristics of matter; energy
transformations during physical and chemical changes; atomic structure; periodic table of
elements; behavior of gases; bonding; nuclear fusion and nuclear fission; oxidation-reduction
reactions; chemical equations; solutes; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and chemical
reactions. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives.
Pre-Advanced Placement Chemistry*
Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I
(concurrent enrollment in Algebra II recommended)
Grade level: 10-12
Credit: 1
Pre-AP Chemistry includes the in-depth study of the measurement of matter and energy, atomic
structure, chemical formulas, equations, bonding, kinetic theory, matter and gas laws. The
course emphasizes field and laboratory experiences.
Physics
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Grade level: 11-12
Credit: 1
Physics is an organized investigation of environment with an emphasis on energy. This course
includes a descriptive analysis of equilibrium, motion, momentum, energy, forces, waves,
thermodynamics, and quantum phenomena. Simple to complex problems are addressed using
mathematics to solve these problems.
Pre-advanced Placement Physics*
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry
Grade level: 11-12
Credit: 1
This is an advanced course that prepares students for Advanced Placement physics. The course
emphasizes field and laboratory experiences.
Advanced Placement Biology *
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry
Grade level: 11-12
Credit: 1
AP Biology is a college-level study of the chemical and structural organization of cells, energy
transformation, cell reproduction, genetics, and evolutionary processes. Laboratory and
independent investigative skills are developed through statistical evaluation of data and use of
technical scientific readings and research reports. This course prepares students for the College
Board AP Biology Examination for possible college credit.
Advanced Placement Chemistry *
Prerequisite: Chemistry
Grade level: 11-12
Credit: 1
AP Chemistry is a college-level study of organic chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry,
macromolecules, colloids and properties of solutions. It emphasizes mathematical
quantification, statistical evaluation of data and independent investigative skills. This course
prepares students for the College Board AP Chemistry Examination for possible college credit.
Advanced Placement Physics *
Prerequisite: enrolled in or completed Pre-AP Pre Calculus
Grade level: 11-12
Credit: 1
AP Physics is a college-level study and organized investigation of the environment with an
emphasis on energy. This course includes a descriptive analysis of equilibrium, notion,
momentum, energy, forces, waves, thermodynamics, and quantum phenomena. Simple to
complex problems are addressed using mathematics to solve these problems. This course
prepares students for the College Board AP Physics Examination for possible college credit.
Astronomy
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Grade level: 11-12
Credit: 1
In Astronomy, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods, and
make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study
the following topics: astronomy in civilization, patterns and objects in the sky, our place in
space, the moon, reasons for the seasons, planets, the sun, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and space
exploration. Students who successfully complete Astronomy will acquire knowledge within a
conceptual framework, conduct observations of the sky, work collaboratively, and develop
critical-thinking skills.