Biology (College Prep) and Biology (Honors) 

Grade:  9

Credit:  1.0

Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of biology and highlight the impact biology has on their lives. Topics range from cell and molecular biology to environmental studies such as ecology and biodiversity.

Topics will be developed thematically utilizing a variety of methods including readings, laboratory exercises, demonstrations, discussions, projects, and more. Emphasis will be placed on developing laboratory, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Biology (Advanced Placement)

Grade:  12

Credit:  1.0

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in Biology (H) and Chemistry (H).

Course Description: 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.

Chemistry (College Prep)

Grade:  10

Credit:  1.0

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and previous instructor approval.

Course Description: The student will learn about the existence of atoms, the building blocks of matter, and their structure. They will learn how these atoms make up all the known elements and compounds. Students will study the elements and their arrangement on the periodic table. They will study the dynamics that go into elements combining to form new substances/compounds. They will study their properties both physical and chemical. They will learn to write the symbols of elements, the formulas of compounds, and express their reactions in the form of chemical equations. All of the measurements used in understanding the above are done in the metric system; therefore, students will study and use the metric system.

Chemistry (Honors)

Grade: 10

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “B” or better for both semesters in (CP) science courses already taken, a “B” or better for both semesters in Algebra (H).

Course Description: Students will learn about chemical bonding, the quantum mechanical model of the atom, molecular structure, chemical reactions, and mathematical applications wherever possible.

Chemistry  (Advanced Placement)

Grade level: 12

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Earned a “B” or higher in Biology (H), Chemistry (H) and Physics (H). Approval of the instructor required.  If AP Chemistry is taken junior year, Physics may be taken in advance or concurrently.

Course Description: The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Created by the AP Chemistry Development Committee, the course curriculum is compatible with many Chemistry courses in colleges and universities.

Physics (College Prep)

Grade:  11, 12

Credit:  1.0

Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “B” for both semesters in Algebra 1.

Course Description: This course is designed for students who want to have a well-rounded scientific education.  The language of physics is mathematics, so problem solving is a key element of this course.  The following topics will be covered:  Motion, forces, momentum, gravitation, work, energy, heat, waves including sound, and light, electricity and magnetism, and atomic physics.

Physics (Honors)

Grade:  11, 12

Credit:  1.0

Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “B” for both semesters in Algebra I (H) and Chemistry (H).

Course Description: This course is designed for students who want to pursue a degree in science on the college level.  This course is math intensive.  Students are expected to solve difficult, multi-step problems. Laboratory experiments are also an essential part of the course.   The following topics will be covered: Motion and forces, momentum, gravitation, work  and energy, heat and thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism,  atomic physics and quantum mechanics.