SCIENCE

SCIENCE

COURSE CP Biology Hon. Biology CP Chemistry Hon. Chemistry CP Physics Hon. Physics AP Physics 1 AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science LENGTH CREDIT GPA WEIGHT 2 Semesters 1.00 0.00

2 Semesters 1.00 2 Semesters 1.00 2 Semesters 1.00 2 Semesters 1.00 2 Semesters 1.00 2 Semesters 1.00 0.666 0.00 0.666 0.00 0.666 1.333

2 Semesters 1.00 2 Semesters 1.00 2 Semesters 1.00 1.333 1.333 1.333

AP Physics C 2 Semesters 1.00

CP Astrophysics

2 Semesters 1.00 Hon. Anatomy and Physiology 2 Semesters 1.00 Hon. Marine Science Seminar 1 Semester 0.5 1.333 0.00 0.666 0.666

Hon. Materials Science/Engineering 2 Semesters 1.00 0.666

CP BIOLOGY

Grades: 9

Biology, the study of life, is deeply rooted in the human spirit and human curiosity about all forms. This course is designed around the following unifying themes: evolution, diversity and unity, genetic continuity, organisms and the environment, behavior, structure and function, regulation, science as inquiry, history of biological concepts, and science and society.

HON. BIOLOGY

Grades: 9

Honors Biology is a rigorous treatment of the concepts and topics covered in life sciences. Emphasis is on the in-depth, laboratory-oriented application of the content knowledge with a focus on analyzing, synthesizing, and formulating logical conclusions. Students investigate such major themes as the complementarity of structure and function, evolutionary theory, homeostasis, energy transfers, molecular biology, genetic continuity, and organism-environment interdependence.

CP CHEMISTRY

Grades: 10 Prerequisites: Biology; Algebra I

This introductory, lecture-laboratory course is designed to familiarize students with the laws of chemistry and solidify their understanding of these laws through laboratory and student activities. The students’ understanding and interest in particular topics play an important role in setting the pace. With an emphasis on analytical thinking skills, students learn to effectively organize their thoughts and to express them clearly in both written and oral communication.

HON. CHEMISTRY

Grades: 10 Prerequisites: Hon. Biology, Algebra II

This lecture-laboratory, introductory chemistry course explores the properties and interrelationships of matter and energy. Major topics survey nomenclature; reactions; stoichiometry; atomic and molecular structure; bonding; kinetics; equilibrium; oxidationreduction; nuclear chemistry; and organic chemistry. The chemistry content is presented in its societal, environmental, and political contexts.

CP PHYSICS

Grades: 11 Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I

Through inquiry practices, such as modeling methods, use of computer-based probes, and computer simulations, students discover and test the physical laws of the universe. An emphasis is placed on data collection, scientific reasoning, and scientific communication. Topics studied may include kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, energy, conservation laws, electric circuits, and waves (including sound and light).

HON. PHYSICS

Grades: 11 Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II Co-requisite: CP or Hon. Trig/Pre-calculus

This is an algebra-based physics course that implements technology with a hands-on laboratory, along with problem solving skills to study kinematics, Newton’s Laws, circular motion, gravitation, energy, momentum, electrostatics, and simple circuits. Application and synthesis of concepts, as well as mathematical manipulations, are emphasized via inquiry, data collection, scientific reasoning, and scientific communication. The course combines the study of physical phenomena with an emphasis on problem sets.

AP PHYSICS 1

Grades: 11 Prerequisites: Biology, Hon. Chemistry Co-requisite: Recommendation for Honors Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound.

AP PHYSICS C: Electricity, Magnetism, and Mechanics

Grades: 12 Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, AP Physics I or Hon. Physics, Hon. Trig/Pre-calculus Co-requisites: AP Calculus

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The course explores topics such as electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. Introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course. AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based, college-level physics course. It covers kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation.

AP BIOLOGY

Grades: 11, 12 Prerequisites: Hon. Biology, Chemistry

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. *Juniors in AP Biology may postpone their physics requirement to senior year or double science.

AP CHEMISTRY

Grades: 12 Prerequisites: Biology, Hon. Chemistry, Hon. Algebra II

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Grades: 12 Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Physics

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. *If space permits, juniors they may take this course while also taking the junior physics requirement.

CP ASTROPHYSICS

Grades: 12 Prerequisites: Chemistry, Physics

Astrophysics provides a broad survey of the field of astronomy, including the solar system and galaxies, stars, nebulae, and constellations. Students learn observational techniques along with the nature of light that allows astronomers to study the heavens and make new discoveries. Cultural history and relevance is emphasized in the sections on observational astronomy and astronomy and society. Students learn about astronomical investigations from ancient peoples to the most modern methods.

HON. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Grades: 12 Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Physics

The course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The topics include: body organization, homeostasis, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory work includes dissection of preserved specimens, microscopic study, physiologic experiments, and computer simulations. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships and take this understanding to excel in a college level anatomy and physiology course. *If space permits, juniors may take the course while also taking the junior physics requirement.

HON. MATERIALS SCIENCE/ENGINEERING

Grades: 12 Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Physics

This hands-on laboratory course links chemistry directly to useful products. The course engages the students in projects and coursework critical to science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM) careers. Topics include solids, metals, corrosion, polymers, ceramics/glass, and composites used in modern building and manufacturing. Students present information on various new materials to fellow classmates. Students also create various materials and evaluate the success or failure of their designs. *If space permits, juniors may take the course while also taking the junior physics requirement.

HON. MARINE SCIENCE SEMINAR (Summer Course)

Grades: 9, 10, 11 Prerequisites: Biology

The seminar is an interdisciplinary elective that focuses on the ocean ecosystem and its inhabitants. The course uses lecture, field trips, projects, and inquiry laboratories to explore the marine world. The course includes the study of physical oceanography and a detailed survey of the characteristics and ecology of the major taxonomic groups of marine organisms found in the