Science

Teaching Staff

The science department is designed for both the science-oriented student and the student whose interests lie in other fields. The program offers courses in the four basic laboratory sciences biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Biology, chemistry and physics are also offered on the advanced level. All students are required to take three years of science, one of which, biology, is required in the ninth grade.

Course Offerings

The science department is designed for both the science-oriented student and the student whose interests lie in other fields. The program offers courses in the four basic laboratory sciences biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Biology, chemistry and physics are also offered on the advanced level. All students are required to take three years of science, one of which, biology, is required in the ninth grade.

Basic Biology (5 credits)
The subject matter includes basic life processes, ecology, classification of organisms including a study of bacteria and viruses and an in-depth study of each of the systems of the body.

College Prep Biology (5 credits)
This course is an in-depth study of life processes at a cellular level, heredity, evolution and classification. Students will perform labs and will be required to write up formal lab reports. Emphasis will be placed on notetaking skills and strategies necessary to be a successful student.

Biology Honors (6 credits)
This course is designed as an in-depth study of life processes at a cellular level, heredity, evolution, classification and the fundamental chemistry of life. Students will perform weekly labs and be required to write formal laboratory reports showing a clear understanding of concepts studied. Students should be self-directed, have good organizational skills and a commitment to spend significant time at home on biology. Teacher recommendation is strongly recommended.

Advanced Biology (5 credits)
This is a second year college preparatory anatomy & physiology course. Labs are conducted throughout the year including mandatory dissections and formal lab write-ups. A grade of C or better in C.P. or Honors Biology is required and chemistry is recommended.

Advanced Placement Biology (6 credits)
This course is designed to cover the same basic topics as a college freshman biology course. It is designed for the student who intends to major in science. It is assumed that the student will have a sound basic knowledge of first year Honors Biology. C.P students will need teacher approval. The course includes weekly labs and a summer reading assignment. Students are encouraged to take the A.P. test in May for college credit. A minimum grade of B average in Honors Biology and Chemistry, preferably Honors, is a prerequisite.

Chemistry (5 credits)
This course is designed for students going to attend college. It covers the major principles of inorganic chemistry, atomic structure, bonding, chemical mathematics, solutions, oxidation-reduction, and states of matter. This course is a lab course, but not as rigorous as Honors Chemistry. Students should have received a C or higher in both their Biology and Algebra courses for admission.

Chemistry Honors (6 credits)
This course covers the major principles of inorganic chemistry, atomic structure, bonding, chemical mathematics, solutions, oxidation-reduction, states of matter, and equilibrium. It is a rigorous course designed to prepare students for further study in Chemistry (A.P. Chemistry). Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiments and the development of problem-solving techniques. This class meets six periods a week. Should be selected by only high-level students who have received a B or better in both Honors Biology and Algebra.

Advanced Placement Chemistry (6 credits)
This course is designed to cover the same basic concepts as a freshmen college chemistry course. It assumes that the student has a sound basic knowledge of the topics covered in Honors Chemistry. The overall purpose of the course is to prepare the student to take the A.P. exam in May. This course revisits all of the concepts covered in Honors Chemistry in more detail as well as thermodynamics, kinetics, buffers, organic, and nuclear chemistry. The labs performed are used to supplement and strengthen the concepts covered in class. This class meets six periods a week. There is a summer assignment included with this course. Students should have received a B or better in Honors Chemistry for admission.

Physics (5 credits)
The regular physics course is designed for those students who are interested in physics but who do not necessarily intend to pursue science or engineering. The aims of the course are to make the college-bound student more aware of the principles of physics, to become more 'science literate', and to stimulate an interest in science. Algebra II/Trigonometry is a prerequisite.M/p>

Physics Honors (6 credits)
This course is designed to investigate the interaction of matter and energy as expressed by mathematics. Basics of motion, thermal effects, sound, magnetism and electricity are introduced along with concurrent laboratory demonstrations and student experiments. Proficiency in problem analysis in mathematics is a necessity. The class meets six periods per week which includes lab activities. A minimum grade of B in Algebra II/Trigonometry is a prerequisite.

Advanced Placement Physics (6 credits)

Earth Science (5 credits)
This course deals with the concepts of time, space, and matter as broadened through studies of earth history, astronomy and space travel, and the changes in the earth's crust, oceans, and atmosphere. Earth Science involves laboratory activities and field trips which help the student better understand the planet on which the student lives.

Integrated Science (5 credits)
This course is designed to assist students in meeting the new three year Science graduation requirement. As a supplement to the Biology and Earth Science sequence, it will focus on topics in science such as Conceptual Chemistry and Physics that are at a level appropriate for students taking the minimum three year Science program.