SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
TITLE
Intro to
Chemistry
GRADE
9
LENGTH
1 term
CREDIT COURSE FEE PREREQUISITE
0.5
None
None
Introduction to Chemistry is required of all freshmen students and consists of chemical concepts, laws,
and relationships in nature. Laboratory investigations, student activities, and discussion of current
scientific events expand topical investigation. Students explore classifications of matter, atomic
structure, and bonding and delve into examples of chemical reaction and chemical bonding. Problem
solving skills are developed and exams reflect daily assignments, textbook activities, and laboratory
investigations.
Intro to Earth
Science
9
1 term
0.5
None
None
Earth Science explores the basic concepts of geology, meteorology, and astronomy. Topics covered
include the rock cycle, plate tectonics, weather patterns, the solar system, and planetary motion. Methods
of instruction include laboratory exercises, discussions, field trips, and cooperative group activities.
Assessment activities include tests, quizzes, and lab performance assessment.
Intro to Physics
9
1 term
0.5
None
None
Introduction to Physics is required of all freshmen students. It is designed to strengthen scientific
reasoning skills, measurement techniques, and safety procedures in the area of physics. Content includes
Kinematics (describing speed and acceleration), Dynamics (forces and 2D motion), Wave Mechanics
(general properties, acoustics, and light), and Energy (forms and conservation). Problem solving is
stressed along with building resourcefulness. Students also investigate the application of concepts in
technology. Unit and term exams along with daily assignments, text activities, and laboratory
investigation make up student grades.
Advanced Earth
Science
10-12
1 term
0.5
None
All frosh Science
courses
Advance Earth Science builds upon the lessons of Intro to Earth Science, furthering student interest and
understanding of local, national, and global environmental phenomena. Topics of investigation include
meteorology, geomorphology, and glacial geology. Students will partake in hands-on, inquiry-based
educational experiences, which require students to investigate and interpret their surroundings. Student
investigations, independent studies, group discussions, oral & written reporting, and assessment activities
are included in this course.
Biology
9-10
2 terms
1.0
None
Intro to Physics & Intro
to Chemistry
Biology investigates the facts of biology, concepts, and processes of life through a survey of general biology, and
encourages critical thinking, decision making, and relating of modern biological concepts to the world in which we live,
including current events and problems. Topics discussed include characteristics of life, heredity, biological change, plant
and animal structure, and function, diversity of life, ecology, scientific methodology, and biotechnology.
Ecology &
Environmental
Sciences
11-12
1 term
0.5
Field Trip fees
$10
Biology
Ecology & Environmental Science explores the processes of the interaction between organisms and their
environment. Emphasis is on exploring local ecosystems as case studies in making smart environmental
decisions. Other topics discussed include; global warning, nonrenewable vs renewable energy,
water pollution, effects of human population growth, etc. Student evaluation is based on projects,
tests, labs, current event discussions and a final scientific research paper. Field work is an
important and unique aspect of this course and as such, participation in all field trips is required.
Some field trips may require students to provide aqua socks, knee-high rubber boots, or waders
for their own use.
Biotechnology
11-12
1 term
0.5 credits
None
Freshmen science
series & Biology
Biotechnology explores many of the modern applications of biology and biotechnology in agriculture,
medicine, evolution, and the environment. Topics include transgenic crops, gene therapy, genetically
engineered pharmaceuticals, genetic forensic science, biological molecules in computers, cloning and
pre-natal testing. The course will also examine the ethics involved in biotechnology. Some of the areas
explored will be cloning animals to boost the populations of endangered species, creating designer
babies, using genetic testing to qualify for health insurance, genes and behavior, stem cell research and
animal rights. Methods of instruction will include discussions debates, lab activities, field trips, and
cooperative group activities. Assessment will include tests, debates and presentations, quizzes and lab
performance assessment.
Chemistry 1
10-12
2 terms
1.0
None
Algebra 1, Biology
Chemistry 1 investigates the composition of substances and the changes that occur in their composition.
Studies include the various forms of matter and their physical and chemical properties. Units discussed
include the metric system of measurement, the classification of matter, a study of the important elements
of hydrogen and oxygen, atomic structure, chemical periodicity, chemical nomenclature, chemical
calculations, solutions, equilibria, metals and nonmetals, carbon, an introduction to nuclear chemistry,
and an introduction to organic chemistry. Daily assignments, quizzes, unit or chapter tests, laboratory
work, and term examinations will make evaluation of student progress
Chemistry 2
11-12
2 terms
1.0
None
Minimum of
Biology, Chemistry 1
with a B-, Algebra 1
Chemistry 2 further acquaints students with the physical and chemical world around them, as well as the
forces that control the chemical changes taking place around them. This course better prepares those
students interested in further specialized work in scientific, technical, or medical fields. Units include
chemical structure, bonding, solution process, acids-bases-salts, reaction energy and equilibrium,
individual elements (metals, nonmetals, and metalloids), radioactivity, and carbon chemistry
(substitutions and biochemistry). Problem solving skills and techniques are extensively covered.
Evaluations are based on daily assignments, quizzes, unit and chapter tests, and laboratory work and term
examinations. One major research paper is required each term.
Physics
11-12
2 terms
1.0
None
Adv Algebra, Biology
Physics relates to the physical every day world and the general laws and forces, which govern the universe. Physics is
taught from a mathematical and conceptual perspective, balanced in a way to benefit both those interested in careers
related to physics as well as those simply interested in the subject itself. Areas of study include motion, properties of
matter, energy (heat, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism), relativity, and some nuclear applications. Lab
investigations include a variety of materials ranging from computer probes to water balloon launchers. Student evaluation
is based on daily assignments, lab research, lecture, discussion, quizzes, chapter tests, and term projects.
Advanced
Biology
11-12
2 terms
1.0
None
Biology, Algebra 1 &
Chemistry 1
Advanced Biology builds upon the basic knowledge gained in the introductory biology course and
emphasizes the detailed relationships of the systems of biology including biochemistry, cells,
photosynthesis, respiration, genetics, zoology, botany, and some ecology where applicable. Technology
tools are used. Evaluation is based on daily work, quizzes, labs and lab practical exams, individual
written research papers and projects, and oral presentations.
Anatomy &
Physiology
11-12
2 term
1.0
None
Biology, Algebra 1,
Chemistry 1
Anatomy & Physiology is a course that presents the basic human anatomical and physiological
knowledge and understanding, as discovered and presented by the latest advances in the various areas of
the subject. The emphasis is on the human body and all it interrelated functions, and is designed for the
student with a career goal in the health fields or allied fields requiring knowledge of human anatomy and
physiology. This course utilizes lectures, demonstrations, lab investigations, and AV-materials.
Evaluation is based on quizzes, practical lab exams, chapter exams, current event discussion, lab writeups, research projects, written and oral presentations, and two term exams.