Science Department Course Descriptions

Middle School

Science 7 and Science 8
1 year

The Middle School Science Program is designed to allow students to explore key areas of science (Life, Physical, Earth, and Chemistry) through a thematic approach. The seventh grade’s theme for the year is the major cycles that occur on our planet: The Life Cycle, the Geological Cycle, and the Atmospheric Cycle. Some of the topics covered during the year are evolution, biology, ecology, geology and weather. The eighth grade’s theme is water. Some of the topics covered during the year are properties of matter, atomic structure, properties of water, the water cycle, water environments, ocean motions and zones, and aquatic animals. This course of study emphasizes hands-on examination of the world with the scientific method serving as the basis for inquiry. This method leads to the reinforcement of the following skills: classification, observation, hypothesizing, analyzing, graphing, interpreting, concluding, contrasting and comparing. Students investigate science and problem solving using a variety of tools including written lab reports and dissections. Research and class presentation projects on relevant science issues enhance computer skills as well as deepening science knowledge.

High School

Integrated Physics
1 year
1 credit

Integrated Physics will identify all the major ideas of Physics, including forces, motion, enrgy/heat, light, electricity, magnetism, waves and sound, and show their applications in the world and universe. The emphasis will be placed on the logic and application, not on memorization. At the same time, you must know the material to be able to apply it. There will be a strong integration of mathematics, chemistry and astronomy throughout the year. The class discussions will apply these concepts to the practical events of everyday life and our technological society. Frequent laboratory activities and in-class demonstrations will relate physical theories to environmental situations. The foundation will be laid for scientific principles that will continue in their following science courses.

Biology I (10-12)
1 year
1 credit

Biology I introduces students to the basic concepts and principles important to the study of living things. Areas of focus include major fields of biology, such as cytology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, microbiology, botany, zoology, and human biology. Class discussions, laboratory exercises and investigations, required dissections, and research projects are the primary methods used to increase each student's knowledge and understanding of the natural world. Laboratory activities are also designed to develop basic science skills and provide opportunities for students to explore technologies important to the field of biology. This course can prepare students to take the SAT II and is available to tenth through twelfth grade students.

Chemistry (10-12)
1 year
1 credit

(Prerequisite: C in Algebra or consent of the instructor)

This introductory course is presented by means of an integrated computer and print curriculum and includes the following major concepts: classification of matter, reaction types, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, atomic structure, periodic table and periodic properties, bonding, states of matter, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases. Nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and oxidation-reduction reactions are introduced as time permits. The laboratory exercises, accompanied by written reports, are designed to relate specifically to each module's concepts and to develop skills in the safe and proper use of laboratory equipment. This course can prepare students to take the nationally normed SAT II Test in Chemistry.

Anatomy and Physiology (11-12)
1 year
1 credit

(Prerequisite: Biology)

Anatomy & Physiology is a specialized science course designed to explore the major organ systems of the human body. The course uses an inquiry-based approach to learning with emphasis on two major conceptual themes: the relationship between structure and function (including required dissections) and homeostatic mechanisms within the body. Current health issues, particularly those related to women's health, will be researched and discussed throughout the course.

Honors Physics (11-12)
1 year
1 credit

(Prerequisite: C+ in Advanced Algebra or consent of the instructor)

Honors Physics is a foundational course in physics developing the fundamental concepts in kinematics (unaccelerated and accelerated motion), dynamics (forces and Newton’s Laws), energy, wave motion, heat, light, and as time permits, sound. Extensive experimentation introduces and refines both conceptual and mathematical models for the phenomena being studied. Formal lab reporting skills will be taught to prepare students for future college level science courses. Related readings and problems from the text book will be assigned when appropriate.

Advanced Placement Biology (12)
1 year
1 credit

(Prerequisite: B- in Biology I, B- in Chemistry, and permission of the instructor and the Principal)

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college general biology course. The cognitive content of this course is divided into three major areas: biochemistry and cytology (first quarter), genetics and evolution (second quarter), and population biology (second semester). This content is related to the organizational levels of the cell, the organism, and the population. The laboratory activities, including required dissections, are designed to emphasize specific content objectives. Written laboratory reports are required. This course can prepare the student to take the nationally normed Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.


APEX Advanced Placement Chemistry (11-12)
1 year
1 credit

(Prerequisite: B+ in Chemistry and Permission of the chemistry instructor
and the Principal)

This course is an on-line, independent study course. It is an Advanced Placement curriculum with an on-line professor and an on-campus mentor. Students who take this course must be self-motivated and have a strong interest in the subject matter. Students will pay an additional fee for the course. They will be expected to take the Advanced Placement exam.

Back to top