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