SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Prerequisite: None

This is a required course for all students who do not elect to take Biology Honors. It is a general biology course which fulfills the laboratory life science requirement. An overview of living things is covered, with a practical application of the material to everyday life. Laboratory work and experimentation is included.  

Prerequisite:  Grade 9 – Honors at entrance.  Grade 10 - GPA of 3.3 or better including two semesters of Algebra 1 or Algebra Honors

This is an honors course with laboratory experience for all students who do not elect to take the Biology CP course. This course fulfills the laboratory life science requirement. Cooperative learning, hands-on demonstrations and laboratories are utilized in an in‑depth study of genetics, evolution and a review of the domains of life. Critical thinking and a practical application of material are stressed.

Prerequisite: Biology CP and Algebra 1

Students will be introduced to the foundational concepts of chemistry and physics in preparation for Chemistry CP and Physics or can be used as the second year of science with a lab necessary for graduation. Physical Sciences will allow students to learn crosscutting concepts central to chemistry, physics, and the earth and space sciences. The curriculum will include scientific and engineering practices to support students in developing usable knowledge to explain ideas across the science disciplines. Fulfills G requirements and meets NCAA eligibility requirements.

Prerequisite: Biology CP or Biology Honors. Four semesters of mathematics with a math GPA of 3.5 or better and Algebra 2 taken previously or concurrently.

Chemistry is the science of change. This includes the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. Laboratory, computer and cooperative learning experiences are used to develop inquiry and critical thinking skills. The importance of the relationship between mathematical concepts and chemistry is stressed throughout the course. Chemistry is a math-based science with emphasis on algebraic and problem solving skills. A strong math background is necessary to understand chemistry concepts.

Prerequisite:  Biology Honors and teacher approval. Students must be concurrently enrolled on Algebra 2 Trig, Trig-Pre Calculus or Calculus AP and have a math GPA of 3.5. 

Chemistry Honors will provide the student with an increased level of complexity and scope of study. This course is an in-depth study of the principles and concepts in chemistry. Students are required to demonstrate an understanding of these principles through application in a laboratory situation. Content includes structure and bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics and quantitative analysis. The importance of the relationship between mathematical concepts and chemistry is stressed throughout the course.

Prerequisite:  Biology CP or Biology Honors with a grade of 3.0 or above

This course is designed to explore in much greater detail the human anatomy and physiology that is introduced in biology courses.  It provides an experience for those students who are planning to major in the life science field or are interested in the how, what, and why of the body as well as the structures and function of the different organ systems.  Fulfills G requirements.

Prerequisite: Six semesters of mathematics with a GPA in these classes of 3.0 or better, and trigonometry taken previously or concurrently and instructor approval.

The physics course gives an understanding of contemporary views of the physical world. Scientific phenomena are described in terms of matter and energy; the units include measurement, force, motion, energy, heat and the structure of matter, wave motion, light. 

Prerequisite: Recommendation from Biology teacher.

This is an elective course focused on the ocean and marine organisms. Aspects of marine chemistry, geology and marine ecology are also explored. Cooperative learning, discussions projects and hands-on laboratory experiences are utilized with an emphasis on practical application and appreciation for marine life and human impact on the sea. Fulfills G requirements.

Prerequisite: None

This is an elective course focused on how the earth is constructed and the processes that have formed the earth: rocks and minerals; types of volcanoes; rivers and groundwater; earthquakes and plate tectonics will be investigated. Cooperative learning, discussions projects and hands-on laboratory experiences are utilized. Fulfills G requirement.

Prerequisite: "B" or above in both Biology and Chemistry and teacher approval

Biology AP includes those topics regularly covered by a college program in introductory biology. The college course in biology differs significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students and the time and effort required of the students. The textbook used by Biology AP is also used by college biology majors and the kinds of labs done by AP students must be equivalent to those done by college students. The course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.

For more information on this course contact department chair:

Ms. Shelly Gianelli

Ext: #148