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Science
he Science Department works to develop a richness and excitement of the natural world through basic understanding of anatomy, earth science, marine biology, biology, chemistry, and physics. Many of these courses are offered at the Honors and AP level. The department goals for students include developing critical thinking and problem solving skills for success in scientific endeavors, developing research skills and understanding the scientific process through experimentation, relating abstract concepts to concrete, real-world problems, encouraging students to explore individual scientific interests via a variety of learning opportunities, and participating in collaborative learning experiences to maximize academic and social growth. Students will utilize technology, such as computers, graphing calculators, and Vernier software, for research and experimental analysis. Students will also become aware of the role and responsibility of the scientific community as it relates to the global community.
BIOLOGY 431
The course is an introduction to biological science with an emphasis on themes that guide modern biological research. The main focus of content includes structure and function, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, inheritance and variation of traits, and natural selection and evolution of living organisms. Labs enhance the methods by which students understand the underlying themes. Students will dissect animal tissue.
BIOLOGY HONORS 430
PREREQUISITE: BK honors criteria
This course covers a wide range of basic biological principles including structure and function, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, inheritance and variation of traits, and natural selection and evolution of living organisms. Although the content is similar to Biology, the depth of the content requires students to have higher level memorization and critical thinking skills. A meaningful part of this course is laboratory work, where concepts learned in the classroom are reinforced and/ or clarified. Students are required to make connections between what they study in class and what they observe in the real world. In addition, students use the scientific method to investigate scientific principles. Students will dissect animal tissue and complete a science project.
AP BIOLOGY 470
PREREQUISITES: Biology, Chemistry, and BK honors criteria
AP Biology is a college level introduction to biology that can result in the attainment of college credit based on performance on the AP Exam. The course content will cover a wide range of material from cellular components of life, genetics, population biology, microbiology (viruses/bacteria), plant and animal diversity, comparative animal biology, to ecological systems. This lecture-based course requires students to complete laboratory activities. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. Students must attend mandatory afterschool sessions scheduled throughout each semester.
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