Sciences
Course Descriptions
Earth Space Science
Earth Space Science is taught by Jean Lake-Brown. It is a beginning
level course for physics. It uses the concepts of chemistry
and physics to explore our earth. This course will identify the
building blocks of matter, how they are connected, and the forces
that act on them. The students will be exposed to a wide spectrum
of problem solving techniques, designed to prepare them for more
advanced studies in chemistry and physics. The class will
require intensive lab studies and some out of class projects.
Biology
Modern Biology is a course designed to challenge students to
investigate individually. One unique feature is the
interdisciplinary approach. The course integrates biological
science with social perspectives and humanistic
disciplines. Because humans are a biosocial organisms, they
are becoming more aware of their place in the ecology of the world.
Ecology is presented as a major and continuing theme.
Investigations to be carried out by the students are
included. These investigations give students a chance to work
with living organisms and computer software on which existing
concepts, facts and principles are based.
Applications in Biology/Chemistry
Applications in Biology/Chemistry integrates topics in biology
and chemistry for application to real-life situations. This course
is designed for non-college bound students and presents science in
the context of major life issues such as work, home, society and
the environment. It also provides access to basic science
principles for those students who do not want to enroll in
traditional science courses. A variety of instructional
methods are used with an emphasis on hands-on learning.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the properties and structure of
matter. The periodic table is studied, in depth, and is related to
chemical bonds, quantitative relationships, and structure of
matter. It is strongly recommended for college bound or
technical students. It requires extensive laboratory and out of
class work as well as investigations.
Prerequisites: Algebra I (grade B), Enrolled in Algebra II,
Junior
Advanced Biology
Course offered according to enrollment. It covers the major
anatomical systems of the body. Including integumentary, skeletal,
muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory,
digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Information is
presented in an explanatory way and the relationship between
structure and function is stressed. It begins with simple,
easy-to-understand facts and builds systematically upon them until
a complete understanding is achieved. The class requires
extensive laboratory studies and some out of class projects using
technology for both research and presentation.
Prerequisites: Biology
Physics
Physics explores the way nature works. It investigates motion,
forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, and the composition of
atoms. In this course students will be required to solve
problems and investigate vocational opportunities in the field of
physics. Students must have completed Geometry before enrolling.
This course can be beneficial for both college bound and vocational
oriented students.
Prerequisites: Algebra II (grade B), Enrolled in
Trigonometry
A.P. Chemistry
This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general
chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college.
The course is designed for those students who have already
completed Chemistry. A primary goal of the course is for students
to attain a depth of understanding of fundamental concepts and to
be competent in dealing with general chemistry problems. Each
student's goal is to pass the AP Chemistry Examination in May.
Prerequisites: Chemistry
Advanced Topics In Science
Course offered according to enrollment. The course is designed
primarily for students who have enrolled in all the sciences and
two math courses. This course includes topics in biology,
chemistry, physics, astronomy, meteorology, and geology. It is not
rigidly instructed; instead it is based upon an inquiry system of
teaching and learning. The student will be required to do research
projects throughout the course which includes in depth studies of
current topics in science the course is sufficiently flexible
to allow for adjustment to individual preferences.
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior
Zoology
Zoology is an upper level Biology course. It uses the life
sciences to explore the huge world of the animal kingdom in detail.
Students will learn the different groups in the animal kingdom.
They will investigate many live species at various levels of
development, and they will dissect many species to compare their
internal structures with those of other species and with humans.
They will collect specimens of and learn to classify a variety of
animals. The class requires intensive lab studies and at least one
out of class project.
Prerequisites: Biology, Junior or Senior
