SCIENCE

Course Sequence

Credit 1

Grade 9

643 Biology

The goal of the course is to extend science laboratory, inquiry, and analytical skills through exploration of core biological themes of cell structure and function, genetics, evolution and ecology. Emphasis is placed on the unifying concepts of evidence and explanation, form and function, and evolution Laboratory investigations extend skills in experimental design and data analysis. This course is required for 9th graders not enrolled in Honors Biology.

Credit 1

Grade 9

624 Honors Biology

The goal of the course is to thoroughly explore core biological themes of cell structure and function, genetics, evolution and ecology, while extending students’ science laboratory, inquiry, and analytical skills. Emphasis is placed on the unifying concepts of evidence and explanation, form and function, and evolution. Laboratory investigations extend skills in experimental design and data analysis This course is intended for students who

❏ Placed through admissions process, based on standardized test scores, math wish to move at a fast pace and to study some topics in greater depth. This curriculum includes a summer assignment such as a poster project or assigned reading/report

1 credit Grade 10 662

Chemistry

Chemistry is a lecture and laboratory course The goal of the course is to acquaint students with modern chemical principles. Laboratory work provides the basis for development of unifying principles. Careful attention will be given to the development of problem solving skills, and to scientific process skills of measurement and equipment use

1 credit Grade 10 661

Honors Chemistry

This course is a lecture and laboratory course, designed for students who are interested in pursuing a science-related career. The goal of the course is to acquaint students with modern chemical principles. Laboratory observations and measurements will lead to the development of unifying principles, which are used to interrelate diverse phenomena. Topics include atomic theory, the nature of matter, chemical periodicity, the mole concept, chemical reactions, acid-base behavior, oxidation-reduction and chemical bonding. Careful attention is given to the development of problem solving skills and to scientific process skills of measurement and equipment use placement and prior academic performance

1 credit Grade 11-12

Elective

* 669 Physics

This course is designed for students who wish to further understand and appreciate the laws that govern matter and energy and their interactions. The course will take a conceptual approach to cover topics such as mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism

❏ Biology (A) or Honors Biology (B)

1 credit

Grade 11-12

Elective

* 695 AP Physics 1

This course is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, and power, and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits.

❏ Biology

Chemistry

❏ Geo (A), Hn Geo (B), Pre-Cal (A), HnGeoTrig (B), Hn PreCal (B), or Hn Adv PreCalculus (B) ❏ Recommendation

1 credit

Grade 11-12

Elective

* 690 Earth and Space Science

This course will address three driving questions: (1) What is the universe, and what is Earth’s place in it? (2) How and why is the Earth constantly changing? and (3) How do Earth’s surface processes and human activities affect each other? Students will investigate natural phenomena through hands-on activities. They will compile data, analyze research, and learn how to make astronomical observations. Topics include the universe and its stars, Earth and our solar system, Earth materials and systems, plate tectonics, the role of water in Earth’s surface processes, weather and climate, biogeology, natural resources, natural hazards, human impact on Earth, and global climate change

0 5 credit

Grade 11-12

Elective

* 671 Food Science A

Food Science is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates many branches of the natural sciences, technology, and consumer sciences. In this lab-based course, students will actively develop a unique food product over the semester. While it is not a cooking class, students will gain experience in basic cooking skills and kitchen safety.

0 5 credit Grade 11-12

Elective

As well, students will learn food safety, production measurements and calculations, baking chemistry, and food evaluation

* 674 Food Science B

Food science is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates many branches of science and technology to improve our food supply and quality. This is a lab-based course that centers on experimental investigations and an active learning philosophy. While it is not a cooking class, students will gain experience with cooking skills and kitchen safety As well, students will learn nutrition, food chemistry, applications of microbiology, technology used for food production, and chemical reactions of food.

0.5 credit Grade 11-12

Elective

* 689 Marine Science

This course builds on the physical science and life science concepts learned in previous science courses and applies that knowledge to the exploration of the living and nonliving environments of the bays and oceans Students will acquire fundamental knowledge of the various aspects of oceanography (chemistry, plate tectonics, sediments, ocean and atmospheric circulation, waves, tides, and coastal processes) and marine biology (plankton, algae, plants, animals, marine ecosystems, and ecology)

0.5 credit Grade 10-12

Elective

* 642 Zoology

This course introduces students to the evolution and diversity of animal life on Earth. Emphasis will be placed on form and function, adaptations, behavior, and evolutionary relationships among the different animal groups. The course is constructed on the philosophy that learning is best when the student is active in their learning rather than passive. Students will be expected to actively conduct research, work collaboratively in teams, analyze text and video, and solve problems. Laboratory skills within the biological sciences will be developed through experimental investigations and dissections.

1 credit Grade 11-12

Elective

* 651 Anatomy & Physiology 1

Anatomy and Physiology provides an introduction to the study of the human body, its components, and how they function. The course and lab work will acquaint the student with the fundamental concepts of anatomy, and the physiological processes by which the body performs the many interrelated tasks of daily life Themes which recur in the course are the relationship of structure and function, and homeostasis. Dissection is an integral and required part of this course. Outside reading and independent research are required of all students.

❏ Biology

1 credit

Grade 11-12

Elective

* 653 Honors Anatomy & Physiology 1

This honors level course will explore the structure and the function of the various systems in the human body. Emphasis will be placed on gross anatomy and basic physiological functions of the body in relation to maintaining homeostasis. The course is presented through class lectures, text readings, and laboratory activities. Dissection is an integral and required part of this course; therefore, all students will be expected to participate in the dissection labs. Students in the honors course will be expected to apply analytical reasoning to the topics discussed and to complete outside reading and independent research on related medical topics.

1 credit * 654 Honors Anatomy & Physiology 2

❏ Biology (A) or Honors Biology (B)

❏ Chemistry (A), Honors Chemistry (B)

❏ Anatomy and Physiology 1 (C) or

Grade 12

Elective

This honors level course will build on the concepts and terminology learned in the previous anatomy and physiology course The course will begin with a review of the structural levels of organization within the human body with an emphasis on cells and tissues. Focus will then be on the detailed exploration of the gross anatomy and physiological functions of the Lymphatic, Digestive, Respiratory, Urinary, and Reproductive systems. The course is presented through class lectures, text readings, and laboratory activities, including dissection activities

Honors Anatomy & Physiology 1 (C)

2 credits

Grade 11-12

Elective

* 625 AP Biology

AP Biology is the equivalent of a college introductory biology course Therefore, students are expected to be active participants and maintain the expectations of a college biology class. Students will take the AP Examination in Biology for possible college credit AP Biology includes detailed study of molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, principles of biochemistry, plant and animal physiology, and ecological systems. Laboratory exercises provide opportunities for students to learn about problem solving, techniques of research and the use of scientific literature

NOTE: This 2-credit course meets every day and requires two blocks.

1 credit

Grade 11-12

Elective

* 660 AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry is the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course Students will take the AP examination in Chemistry for possible college credit. AP Chemistry includes a detailed study of atomic and molecular structure, periodic law, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, oxidation-reduction reactions, kinetic molecular theory, equilibrium, and thermodynamics Lab experiments will be conducted in small groups and require either an informal or formal lab report. All topics are based on College Board syllabus #4.

❏ Biology (A) or Honors Biology (B)

❏ Chemistry (A) or Honors Chemistry (B)

❏ Double block class so meets every day

1 credit

Grade 11-12

Elective

* 640 AP Environmental Science

The AP Environmental Science course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world The course helps students identify and analyze natural and human-induced environmental problems. It enables them to learn how to assess the risks associated with these problems and evaluate alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them.

❏ Chemistry (A) or Honors Chemistry (B)

❏ Algebra 2 (A) or Honors Algebra 2 (B)

❏ Complete additional labs outside of class

❏ Biology (B) or Honors Biology (C)

❏ Chemistry (B) or Honors Chemistry (C)

1 credit

Grade 11-12

Elective

* 687 Forensic Science

❏ Biology ❏ Chemistry