Science

Introduction to Scientific Thinking integrates science topics while stressing the ways in which scientists seek to understand the natural world. This course seeks to expose students to some of the fundamental principles of science in both a conceptual and quantitative fashion, primarily through the application of authentic design challenges. Topics of study will be drawn from the core laboratory sciences: biology, physics and chemistry. The course is intended for students who are concurrently in Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Accelerated. Full year course. Grade: 9-10. Prerequisites: None

General Physics is the first physical science course taken by students who have demonstrated a strong quantitative aptitude. This course seeks to expose students to some of the fundamental principles of physics in both a conceptual and quantitative fashion. Topics of study include waves, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and mechanics. Typically students are concurrently in Algebra 2. Full year course. Grade: 9-11. Prerequisites: Typically students are taking Algebra 2 concurrently..

The goals of this course are to develop an understanding and knowledge of biological concepts from the molecular level to the place of humans in nature. General units include ecology, chemistry of life, cellular biology, photosynthesis, genetics, human systems, and the theory of evolution. Exploration of the nature of science inquiry as a dynamic open ended endeavor is essential. This course places a heavy emphasis on students “constructing a framework” of biology concepts through a variety of classroom activities such as laboratory investigations, class discussions, writing assignments, and special projects. Typically students are concurrently enrolled in geometry. Full year course. Grade: 9-10. Prerequisites: None

The goals of this course are the same as general biology, but are covered in greater depth and at faster pace. There is more reading and writing. The goal is to develop an understanding and knowledge of biological concepts from the molecular level to the place of humans in nature. General units include ecology, chemistry of life, cellular biology, photosynthesis, genetics, human systems, and the theory of evolution. Exploration of the nature of science inquiry as a dynamic open ended endeavor is essential. This course places a heavy emphasis on students “constructing a framework” of biology concepts through a variety of classroom activities such as laboratory investigations, class discussions, writing assignments, and special projects. Full year course. Grade: 9-10. Prerequisites: See AP/Honors Course Prerequisites

AP Biology is structured around four big ideas described in the AP Curriculum Framework, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories, and processes governing living organisms and biological systems. Those ideas are the process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life; biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis; living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes; and biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. Class discussions may be based on animations from various sources (textbook, CDs, Internet, etc.) to help the students visualize what they have read. “Clicker” style quizzes are interspersed throughout the units and inform how instruction may need to be adjusted to improve student learning. Lectures may be provided online in some cases, units may be “flipped” so that more class time can be devoted to laboratory and discussion. The course prepares students to successfully complete the AP Biology exam. Full year course. Grade: 10-12. Prerequisites: Strong grades in Honors Chemistry. See AP/Honors Course Prerequisites

General Chemistry develops the thinking skills required to integrate basic chemical concepts with analytical application. Laboratory experiences and research projects are woven into the lectures and demonstrations so that students can see connections between the material and the real world. Students completing the course should have an appreciation for how chemistry affects their daily lives and are prepared for freshman college chemistry. Typical topics include nomenclature, bonding, periodic table analysis, chemical reactions and equations including writing and balancing, oxidation.reduction reactions, gas laws, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics, and nuclear chemistry. Full year course. Grade: 10-12. Prerequisites: Students typically concurrently taking Algebra 2.

Honors chemistry is an exceedingly fast-paced course designed to provide the student with a good foundation in basic chemical principles, help him understand how to solve chemical problems and demonstrate how chemistry is relevant in all aspects of everyday life . Honors Chemistry is principally in lecture format, using chemical demonstrations and problem solving to reinforce the academic material. The theoretical models studied in the classroom are explored and verified in the laboratory by using stimulating and practical chemical experimentation. The course stresses analytical thinking and problem solving strategies as applied to chemical phenomena. Typical topics include nomenclature, bonding, periodic table analysis, chemical reactions and equations including writing and balancing, oxidation.reduction reactions, gas laws, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics, and nuclear chemistry. Full year course. Grade: 9-11. Prerequisites: Students typically concurrently taking Algebra 2 Honors. See AP/Honors Course Prerequisites

Advanced Chemistry stresses chemical calculations, scientific writing and the mathematical formulation of chemical principles. Topics are similar to those in Honors Chemistry but are pursued at considerably greater depth. Longer and more challenging experimentation verifies the academic material covered in the classroom. Classes are principally discussion based, in conjunction with demonstrations, scientific writing, and problem solving. The course prepares students to take the AP Chemistry course at year's end. Full year course. Grade: 10-12. Prerequisites: Strong grades in Honors Chemistry. See AP/Honors Course Prerequisites

Advanced Physics C is designed to serve as the foundation in physics for students who plan to major in the sciences or engineering in college. The first semester is devoted to a study of Newtonian Mechanics, while the second semester focuses on electricity and magnetism. Methods of calculus are used whenever appropriate in formulating physical principles and applying them to problems. This is also a lab portion of class which is designed as a practical way to discover and apply the concepts of class. Full year course. Grade: 12. Prerequisites: Students typically concurrently taking or have taken AP Calculus BC. See AP/Honors Course Prerequisites

AP Physics 1 is an advanced physics course designed for students who are interested in learning how to apply mathematical and physical principles to understand the world around them. This course delves into the principles of physics through hands-on laboratory inquiry, conceptual discussions of cause and effect, and quantitative analysis. Students will investigate the traditional topics of translational and rotational kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, and torque as well as vibratory motion and fluid dynamics. Because this course requires a strong mathematical foundation, students should be concurrently enrolled in Honors Calculus or higher. Full year course. Grade 12.

Countless generations throughout history have been fascinated with the night sky and have sought for explanations for the wonders observed in the heavens. This semester elective course is designed to give students the opportunity to see how the science of astronomy affects our everyday lives, to understand the observational tools and methods of science used to answer our questions, and to give them an idea of our place in the universe. Topics will include planetary motion, the solar system, moon phases, and constellations. Principles of light and the methods of observation will also be explored as well as an overview into the most recent exciting discoveries and questions involving black holes, dark energy, and dark matter. Semester course. Grade: 11-12. Prerequisites: None

The human body is a complex structure that takes years to completely understand. This class will give the student a better understanding of how the human body works and what professions are out there in the world of sports medicine. The student will engage in intriguing lectures and be exposed to a wide array of guest speakers. This class would be a great advantage for the student wanting to study sports medicine in college or to attend medical school, and that earlier exposure to anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology would put him ahead of the game. Semester course. Grade: 11-12. Prerequisites: None

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is 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. The students will participate in hands-on, laboratory and field investigations to apply scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies in order to better understand our natural systems and to critically think about environmental issues and potential solutions. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. Year-long course. Grade: 11-12. Prerequisites: See AP/Honors Course Prerequisites

Building Design will address the systematic way that buildings function to keep human beings comfortable while inside their spaces. Focusing on residential structures, the course would address the site prep, building styles, the building envelope, mechanical systems within a home, and vernacular architectural in a holistic way. The outcome should be to understand what causes a house to last 15 or 150+ years. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the course would address issues of economics, land use, public policy, architecture, and sustainability within the design and construction of buildings. Through the semester the course would have both theoretical and practical lessons with the goal of giving students hands-on experience with actual building and design techniques. Semester course. Grade: 11-12. Prerequisites: None

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the study of exercise science. Through exercise science research, we continue to learn more and more about the physiological adaptions that take place in the body when it is faced with different demands. As new research comes out, we are able to apply this knowledge in order to prevent injury, increase sport performance, and improve general health. Topics covered in this course include: research methods, exercise physiology, exercise prescription, nutrition, and career paths related to exercise science and sports medicine. Semester course. Grade: 11-12. Prerequisites: None

Should we allow parents to choose the genetic traits of their future offspring? Should we remove feeding tubes from a long-term, non-responsive patient? Should it be legal for a hospital to ignore a parent's request to withhold medical treatment from a sick child based on faith beliefs? These are not easy questions. There is both science and philosophy at the center of each challenge. This course intends to help students develop a moral and ethical reasoning process to sort through complex issues in life, using medical case studies as our way to uncover core approaches to living. Semester course. Grade: 11-12. Prerequisites: None

This unique course exposes students to some of the foundational experiences they will have engineering in college and career using a collaborative project-based learning approach. Through projects that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including  aerospace, the strength of materials and structures, comparing simulation and test, managing risk and reliability, engineering ethics, project management, and writing and executing a proposal for a project of their own choice. Emphasis is heavily placed on key collaboration skills and processes as well as excellence in engineering communication.  Skills are developed in rapid prototyping, using spreadsheets to perform analysis, computer aided design, and using varied simulation software to assess flight and fluid dynamics.  Semester course. Grade: 11-12.  Prerequisite: Algebra 2

This challenging course is designed to prepare students with a proven ability for engineering and technical problem solving to become future leaders in the field. Through projects that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including aerospace, the strength of material and structures, comparing simulation and test, managing risk and reliability, project management, and writing and executing a proposal for a project of their own choice. Emphasis is heavily placed on key collaboration skills and processes as well as excellence in engineering communication. Students continue to face tough questions in engineering ethics, learn to program and use microcontrollers for engineering purposes, apply basic calculus concepts to solve engineering problems, simulate, design, build and launch solid fueled rockets, and learn to collect and analyze engineering data. While collaborative projects remain the foundation of this course, a far greater emphasis is placed on excellence in the technical and mathematical side of engineering. Semester course. Grade: 11-12. Prerequisite: Engineering from First Principles. Corequisite: Calculus AB or Higher Math (Exceptions made with students finishing with A or higher in Engineering from First Principles)