Science

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course where 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.  There is an emphasis on experimental design and the analysis and interpretation of data.

AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level course where students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics involving scale, proportion, quantity; structure and properties; transformations and energy.

AP Environmental Science is an introductory college-level interdisciplinary science course in which students identify and analyze environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.

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, and fluids.

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: fluids; thermodynamics; electrical force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic and nuclear physics.

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

Biology is an introductory life science course that explores structure and function, inheritance and variation of traits, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, and natural selection and evolution. This course follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) HS-LS1-1 to HS-LS1-7, HS-LS2-1 to HS-LS2-8, HS-LS3-1 to HS-LS3-3, HS-LS4-1 to HS-LS4-5.

Biology Honors is an introductory life science course that explores structure and function, inheritance and variation of traits, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, and natural selection and evolution. Student capacity for self-motivation, independent learning, higher-level critical thinking skills are expected. This course follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) HS-LS1-1 to HS-LS1-7, HS-LS2-1 to HS-LS2-8, HS-LS3-1 to HS-LS3-3, HS-LS4-1 to HS-LS4-5 and include deeper extension of topics at a faster pace.

Chemistry is an introductory course that explores bulk properties of matter, atomic structure, patterns in the periodic table, bonding, reactions, quantitative chemistry, thermochemistry, rates and equilibrium. The scope of this course includes Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) HS-PS1-1 to HS-PS1-7, HS-PS2-6, HS-PS3-1 to HS-PS3-4.

Chemistry Honors is an introductory course that explores atomic structure, patterns in the periodic table, bonding, reactions, quantitative chemistry, thermochemistry, rates and equilibrium. Student capacity for independent problem solving, mathematical reasoning and higher-level critical thinking is expected. Perseverance in study habits and having a genuine interest in chemistry is needed. The scope of this course includes Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) HS-PS1-1 to HS-PS1-7, HS-PS2-6, HS-PS3-1 to HS-PS3-4 and include a deeper extension of topics at a faster pace.

Earth and space science is an introductory course that aims to explore topics in astronomy, geology, meteorology and environmental science. Topics include the Big Bang theory, life cycle of stars, Earth’s geological history, plate tectonics, natural hazards, weather and climate, biogeochemical cycles and environmental issues. The course covers Next Generation Science (NGSS) standards HS-ESS1-1 to HS-ESS1-6, HS-ESS2-1 to HS-ESS2-7, HS-ESS3-1 to HS-ESS3-6.

Forensic Science is the application of science to the investigation of crime. Emphasizing the development of problem-solving abilities, the curriculum involved in this subject exposes students to both relevant laboratory techniques and medical- legal developments. Students involved in this course will benefit from casework experience through practicing forensic laboratory techniques. It is essentially a laboratory based study and profession which puts into practice principles and practices of the three major fields of science; chemistry, biology, and physics, in conjunction with analytical reasoning skills necessary to incorporate the science into legal situations.

Human Biology, Health and Sport is an introductory course in human body systems. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to study anatomy and physiology from the perspectives of health, environment, fitness and performance in sport.

This hands-on, lab-based science elective course will provide students with the opportunity to explore various applications of molecular biology. After reviewing the basics of nucleic acid structure and function, students will complete a series of lab experiences that investigate the basic concepts and lab procedures used in a modern-day molecular biology lab. Students will leave this course with a solid understanding of the applications of molecular biology, and a proficiency in molecular biology lab techniques. This course is not recommended for students who have taken or are taking AP Biology, as there may be considerable overlap between the labs performed in these two courses.

This course is a non-mathematical introduction to chemical engineering as illustrated through the roasting and brewing of coffee. The curriculum for this course is designed by engineers, involving hands-on coffee experiments that demonstrate key engineering principles. The curriculum includes material balances, mass and heat transfer, fluid mechanics, conservation of energy, environmental considerations, and colloidal phenomenon. The course culminates in an engineering design competition that involves a classic engineering optimization problem.

Physics is an introductory course that explores the topics motion, forces, momentum, energy, gravitational and electric fields, electric current, magnetic fields, waves and information. The scope of this course includes Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) HS-PS2-1 to HS-PS2-6, HS-PS3-1 to HS-PS3-4, HS-PS3-5, HS-PS4-1 to HS-PS4-5.

Honors Physics is an introductory physics course that explores the topics motion, forces, momentum, energy, gravitational and electric fields, electric current, magnetic fields, waves and information. Student capacity for independent problem-solving, mathematical reasoning and higher-level critical thinking is expected. Students will be expected to exhibit independence and perseverance in their study habits and to have a genuine interest in physics. The scope of this course includes Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) HS-PS2-1 to HS-PS2-6, HS-PS3-1 to HS-PS3-4, HS-PS3-5, HS-PS4-1 to HS-PS4-5 and include deeper extension of topics at a faster pace.