Science Courses

Environmental Science
Environmental science is the study of how humans interact with their environment.  During the course of this year-long course, students can expect to explore a variety of scientific topics drawing from many different scientific disciplines in order to better understand the complex interdependent relationship that we humans share with our environment.  From Geology, to Atmospheric Science to Chemistry to Engineering, the course covers the intricacies of man’s relationship with the natural world and discusses ways in which we can best balance the pursuits of man with the preservation of our environment through the use of our textbook, articles, current events and laboratories.

Biology
Biology, simply put, is the study of life.  However, the more scientists learn about life, they more they realize how little is actually known.  In this introductory Biology course, we will attempt unveil clues to the mystery of life from a variety of different angles.  What are the hallmarks of all living organisms?  What are the components of living organisms and how do they work in concert to accomplish such tasks as reproduction or breathing?  How do organisms interact with each
other and what influences do these interactions exert on the organisms themselves?  What are some of the predominant theories on the origin and diversity of life?  What are the similarities and differences between animals, plants and humans? Through this course, students will gain insight into the basic mechanisms of life and explore relationships among and between living organisms through the textbook, supplementary articles, and laboratories.

Chemistry
This course focuses on the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study the behaviors of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions; investigate changes and relationships in chemical systems; and explore how chemistry is used in developing new products and processes that affect our lives and our environment. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of chemistry in other branches of science.This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular
structure. Students will further develop problem-solving and laboratory skills as they investigate chemical processes, at the same time refining their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in daily life, and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.

Physics
The goal of physics is to use a small number of basic concepts, equations, and assumptions to describe the physical world.  Topics include kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotational kinematics, torque, angular momentum, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves electricity, magnetism, and light. Topics include electric charge, electric forces and fields, electric potential, capacitance and resistance in direct current circuits, basic circuit analysis, magnetic forces and fields, induced emf, inductance, reflections, refraction, geometric optics as applied to lenses and mirrors, interference, and diffraction.

Honors AP Environmental Science
Prerequisite: 3.5 GPA and B+ in Eighth Grade Science. Environmental science is the study of how humans interact with their environment.  During the course of this year-long course, students can expect to explore a variety of scientific topics drawing from many different scientific disciplines in order to better understand the complex interdependent relationship that we humans share with our environment.  From Geology, to Atmospheric Science to Chemistry to Engineering, the course covers the intricacies of man’s relationship with the natural world and discuss ways in which we can best balance the pursuits of man with the preservation of our environment through the use of our textbook, articles, current events and laboratories. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of the course and students will be expected to write formal lab reports based upon their investigations. Above all, this course will emphasize the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills so that students will gain a deep understanding into the wonders of the life.

Honors Biology
Prerequisite: 3.5 GPA and B+ in Environmental Science. In this introductory course, students will cover topics that include cell biology, ecology and the environment, molecular and human genetics, animal, plant and human reproduction and development, and the origin of species. In addition to the textbook, supplemental articles and current events will be used to reinforce classroom concepts and provide depth in the subject material.  Laboratory investigations are an integral part of the course and students will be expected to write formal lab reports based upon their investigations.
Above all, this course will emphasize the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills so that students will gain a deep understanding into the wonders of the life.

Honors Chemistry
Prerequisite: 3.5 GPA and B+ in Biology.  Honors chemistry is the appropriate lab course for any student considering a career in medicine, science, engineering or higher-level math. This course will provide an in-depth coverage of the basic topics of chemistry. This is a rigorous, accelerated course in chemistry designed to prepare students for the SAT in chemistry in May.

AP Chemistry 
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Chemistry. AP Chemistry challenges students to widen their understanding on the general principles of compounds and bonding and focus their learning on the interactions of their composition, properties, and behavior. In-depth chemistry topics such as protein structures and other structures of matter will be covered in addition to extra practice in Stoichiometry and other chemical calculations. The course is directed to students who show interest in chemical and physical sciences, as well as biological sciences. This course gears students toward taking the AP Chemistry test offered in May. 

Honors AP Physics B
Prerequisite: 3.5 GPA and B+ in Chemistry.
Honors AP Physics is designed for the senior who would like to take the Physics Advanced Placement test (Version B). A student who succeeds in this course will be well prepared for any introductory college physics course. This course will expand the concepts of mechanics, light, will expand the concepts of electricity and magnetism. It will additionally cover thermal physics and modern physics and sound.

Science Courses to Add In The Future
Marine Biology
Forensics Science
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Physics C: Mechanics