science

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology/Honors Biology and Chemistry/Honors Chemistry. Open to students in grades 11 and 12.

This course is designed to provide students a detailed and comprehensive look at the human form and its individual systems (anatomy) as well as how those systems function physically, mechanically and biochemically (physiology). Students will learn more than just the bones and muscles of the human body. It is our goal that students gain a strong understanding of each of the body’s systems as well as a familiarity of how the body moves, responds to stimuli and deals with adversity in the form of injury, infection and disease. As part of the bodies total functioning, some basic nutrition and exercise information will be discussed.

Ap Physics

Prerequisites: See pages 6, 12

Physics

Prerequsite: Algebra II. Open to students in grades 10 through 12.

In Physics, students explore the fundamental laws of the universe. They refine their algebraic abilities as they learn problem-solving techniques that apply to many scenarios and translate to many others, including a water balloon launched out of a slingshot, a rollercoaster rounding a loop, a sound wave striking the eardrum, a beam of light bouncing through fiber optic cable, a light bulb in an electric circuit and an electromagnetic motor. Toward the end of the year, students research the physics involved in any topic they choose and present their findings to the class. Students develop self-confidence in their ability to effectively retain challenging material, and they strengthen critical thinking skills through engaging classroom discussion and challenging self-directed laboratories.

AP Physics stretches students to become self-directed learners by reinforcing skills to think critically, analyze situations and make informed connections. Students refine their ability to understand the effect a variable has on any system, conceptually and mathematically. They master fundamental principles and problem-solving techniques that, when applied appropriately, help them solve any physical problem. Whether designing and building a soda can barge, determining the coefficient of friction for a material or predicting the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field, students expand their abilities in creative problem-solving and experimental design as they explore the first semester of introductory algebra-based, collegelevel Physics.

Underclassmen are required to take the AP exam. Seniors are required to take the exam but may apply for an exemption in consultation with the teacher and the College Counseling Office.

Physics In The Modern Age

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

This course investigates a breadth of physics topics not commonly taught in high school physics courses with an emphasis on concepts rather than mathematics. Topics include: astronomy/astrophysics, quantum mechanics, special/general relativity, magnetism, nuclear physics/radiation, thermodynamics, waves, and circuits. Each semester will cover one major topic and at least two minor topics. Because this course focuses on topics that are less mathintensive, it is also ideal for a student who wants to take or needs to take physics, but doesn’t have the requisite algebra or trigonometry skills to find success in Newtonian Physics. Alternatively, this course could be taken by a student after Newtonian Physics if the student was not interested in AP Physics 1. Additionally, students who have completed AP Physics 1 could take this course to investigate topics not included in the AP curriculum.