SCIENCE

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (SC1001)
This course is limited to those students who have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) developed with the Child Study Team. This physical science course is designed for ninth grade students as the first course of a three-year science requirement. Physical science is a survey course which provides the necessary background for biology, chemistry and physics. Whenever possible, physical science is taught in a hands-on, cooperative atmosphere through activities that reinforce scientific laws and principles. Grading is based on class work, homework, quiz and test grades. Students will be taught to use basic mathematical equations that relate to motion, mechanics, force and energy. TOP
PHYSICAL SCIENCE COLLEGE PREP (SC1101)
This course is designed for ninth grade students as the first course of a three-year science requirement. Physical science is a survey course which provides the necessary background for biology, chemistry and physics. Students will be taught to manipulate mathematical equations that relate to motion, mechanics, force and energy. Students will gain a basic understanding of the classification of matter, atomic structure and the use of the periodic table. A unit on outer space will be added in which theories of the origin of the universe will be discussed along with the effects of the solar system on Earth, and the benefits of space exploration on technology. Whenever possible the course will be taught with hands-on activities that reinforce scientific laws and principles. Grading is based on class work, homework, quiz grades and test grades. TOP
BIOLOGY
It is a basic survey study of biological concepts. Topics include characteristics of living and nonliving things, cell structure and activities, genetics and premises in genetic engineering, theories of evolution and natural selection, energy’s pathway in an ecosystem, and interactions of organisms within ecosystems. Students will develop a variety of learning techniques such as note taking, group discussions, class lab exercises, project development, cooperative learning, supplemental readings, and short research papers. There will be daily homework, weekly quizzes, tests, projects, organizational and participation evaluations, and a final exam. TOP
LIFE SCIENCE/INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY (SC1002)
Life science is designed for the non-college or vocational bound student. It will ordinarily be taken in the sophomore year. It is a content oriented course that focuses on the human body. The topics include nutrition, digestion, blood, circulation, muscles, bones, and nervous system, senses, endocrine glands, respiration, reproduction, development, drugs, and behavior, and genetics. Activities are incorporated into weekly lessons. TOP
BIOLOGY COLLEGE PREP (LAB) 5
This is the recommended course for students preparing for college. The students will conduct an experiment using a control, communicate experimental finding, complete group and individual projects, follow current events in the newspaper, identify and explain the structure and function of molecules that control cellular activities, explain how plants convert light energy to chemical energy, describe how information is encoded in genetic material, assess environmental risks and benefits associated with human activity, and investigate the impact of natural phenomena on the environment. Students will experience both cooperative learning and independent learning. There will be daily and weekly homework assignments, quizzes, tests and a final exam. An organized biology notebook is recommended. Teachers will discuss career opportunities that are related to the student of biology. TOP
BIOLOGY HONORS (LAB)
Biology Honors is for the highly motivated academic student whose interests include the sciences and related fields. Recommendation of the current teacher is strongly suggested for admission to this course. Required knowledge of course content is often detailed and demanding. Significant independent study is expected for the mastery of the content. The content emphasis in this course is on cellular biology along with aspects of molecular biology. Students are expected to work well both independently and in a group. Daily homework is an expectation for this honors course. Research reports, projects, journal reading, and synopses will be required in this course. TOP
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY HONORS
This course is an honors level course open to high achieving students in their senior year. The course will proceed as a survey of human population growth and impact, global warming, depletion of the ozone shield, alternative energy choices, acid rain, the water cycle, groundwater pollution, natural phenomenon, ecosystems, and air pollution. Students will participate in class discussions that look at all sides of environmental issues and will play various roles that help to foster understanding of these issues. There will also be homework assignments, quizzes, tests and a comprehensive final exam at the end of the year. Teachers will take time to discuss career opportunities in environmental science and the possible directions students can take in this area. TOP
CHEMISTRY (LAB)
This course provides a general overview of the principals of chemistry from an experimental perspective. Topics covered include atomic structure, chemical formulae and reactions, phases of matter, colligative properties, acids and bases, and electrochemical, thermal, nuclear, and organic chemistry. Students will have the opportunity to employ all that they have learned during quarter investigations and projects. TOP
CHEMISTRY COLLEGE PREP (LAB)
Chemistry College Prep is intended for those students who are interested in attending college or some other form of post high school education. Basic chemistry theories, principles, laboratory techniques and related calculations are studied. Material is geared toward students who are confident in math skills, and who have proven ability in previous math and science courses. All students are expected to complete daily reading and/or problem solving assignments.TOP
CHEMISTRY HONORS (LAB)
This accelerated course is designed for the highly self-motivated, science-oriented students who are considering a major in the sciences, math, or medical fields in college. The students in this course will be expected to independently extract and synthesize much of the textbook information, and mathematically manipulate the material to solve related problems. Additionally, students will be expected to perform weekly labs and write corresponding reports involving detailed analysis and calculations as well as completing daily assignments. These expectations must be met in order to successfully complete this course. Students selecting this course need to be proficient in mathematics. This challenging course requires daily preparation. TOP
PHYSICS HONORS (LAB)
Physics Honors is a junior/senior course for students who have mastered Algebra II. Previous math or science recommendations are required for course admission. The course is based on mathematical, theoretical, and practical applications related to the disciplines of physics (the interactions between matter and energy). Major areas of study are classical mechanics, kinetic and molecular theory, wave mechanics, light, optics, and electricity. Students are expected to perform lab experiments in which observations, interpretation, mathematical and graphical analysis will be required. TOP