Integrated Physics and

Chemistry (IPC)

Grade 9

Prerequisite

1.0 Credit

None

Required

Two Semesters

IPC is a lab-based course designed to guide students in learning to think like scientists.  Labs are related to real world situations and everyday examples.  Students are taught to read critically, explain concepts verbally and in writing, predict experimental results, solve problems, and manipulate variables to achieve the desired results both mathematically and in the lab.  Concepts in the first semester deal with chemistry and in the second semester physics concepts are stressed.  This class is recommended to students who are concurrently enrolled in Algebra 1

Physics

Grades 9, 10

Prerequisite

1.0 Credit

Algebra 1

Required

Two Semesters

Physics introduces students to the basic concepts of mechanics, dynamics, energy, electromagnetism, and wave phenomena.  Emphasis is placed on learning science by doing science.  Students participate in lab activities, read selected texts, use research-based note-taking and summary strategies, and synthesize concepts and principles into original projects.  This course is somewhat unique in that lab experiences usually come first, then reading and lecture or discussion

Chemistry

Grades 10, 11

Prerequisite

1 Credit

Algebra 1, Physics or IPC

Required

Two Semesters

Chemistry is a basic introduction to how the structure of matter on the atomic/molecular level determines the properties of matter and to how physical and chemical changes result from interactions between matter and energy.  Students participate in lab activities, read selected texts, use research-based note-taking and summary strategies, and function as a scientific community with open ended challenging labs throughout the year

Grades: 10, 11

Prerequisite:

1 Credit

Algebra 1, Physics or IPC with

grades of 85+

Restricted Enrollment

Two Semesters

Chemistry Honors is a detailed introduction to how the structure of matter on the atomic/molecular level determines the properties of matter and how physical and chemical changes result from interactions between matter and energy.  Students participate in lab activities, read selected texts, use research based note-taking and summary strategies and function as a scientific community with open-ended challenge labs throughout the year.  Differences between Chemistry and Chemistry Honors include more use of mathematical models, more memory work, and greater depth in some topics, especially during the second through the fourth quarters.

Biology

Grade: 11, 12

Prerequisite:

1 Credit

2 credits of IPC, Chemistry or

Physics

Required

Two Semesters

Biology is a laboratory-centered, upper level course which synthesizes concepts and information from all three basic sciences necessary for living things. This course includes the fundamental concepts of cell chemistry and its structure and function; the chemistry of photosynthesis and respiration; meioses, mitoses; and genetics.  The biological kingdoms of animal and plant are studied from the laboratory view using microscopes, dissection, and experiments.  Also included are the systems of human biology and ecology

Biology Honors

Grade: 11, 12

Prerequisite:

1 Credit

2 credits of IPC, Chemistry or

Physics with grades of 85+

Restricted Enrollment

Required

Two Semesters

In addition to meeting all the requirements of regular Algebra 2, this is an accelerated course designed for the mathematics students desiring a four-year program in Math.  This course will presume a very strong Algebra I background and be taught as a college preparatory course and contain ACT/SAT preparation.

Environmental Studies

Grade: 12

Prerequisite:

1 Credit

3 prior science credits or

instructor referrall

Required

Two Semesters

Environmental Studies is an in-depth study of biotic and abiotic factors and their effects on the environment.  This includes ecological relationships in ecosystems such as symbiosis, predator-prey, food chains, food webs, and the flow of energy through the ecosystems and biosphere.  Locations and characteristics of the different biomes will be studied as well as the types of organisms common to each.  Climatic conditions such as temperature and precipitation will be compared and contrasted among the biomes of the world.  The effects of human actions on such things as pollution, global warming and habitat destruction will be evaluated.  Recycling and conservation of energy resources will also be an important topic for discussion and ideas

Anatomy & Physicology Honors

Grade: 11, 12

Prerequisite:

1 Credit

Biology and Chemistry with

grades of 85+

Restricted Enrollment

Elective

Two Semesters

This course is an in-depth study of the design and functions of the human body.  This course will provide students with a conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical and scientific skills through a variety of techniques.  Students will study levels of organization, support and movement, control and regulation fluids and transport, environmental exchange, and continuity of life.  Dissection is an integral part of the second semester curriculum.

Advanced Placement Chemistry

Grade 11, 12

Prerequisite

1.0 Credit

Chemistry or Chemistry

Honors, completed and/or

concurrent enrollment in

Algebra 2, 85+ in

prerequisite courses,

approval of Instructor

Restricted Enrollment

Elective

Two Semesters

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a college-level course designed to give academically exceptional students the opportunity to study advanced chemical topics  such as structure and states of matter, chemical changes, equilibrium, and chemical kinetics in depth while preparing for the College Board’s AP Chemistry exam and possible college credit (up to 8 hours).  Taking the AP chemistry exam in May is mandatory

Health

Grade 10

Prerequisite

1.0 Credit

None

Required

One Semester

Health is a one semester course that focuses on an individual’s choices about healthy life styles.  This course offers instruction in how to recognize what the choices are and then how to make choices that will enhance a healthy life style.  Topics include various developmental theories and theorists, nutrition, physical fitness, the decision-making process, and the consequences of unhealthy behavior