Three science credits are required for graduation. Students must have one credit from a physical, life, and an upper-division science.

All Freshmen must choose one of these two sciences.

Freshman Science

Physics I

Physics 1 is a freshman-level science course. It provides a foundation for further science courses and lifelong learning. Physics 1 is a conceptual course, focused around explaining how the natural world works through the exploration of engaging phenomena. Phenomena are thought-provoking real-world events. In physics, these include energy, electricity and magnetism, wave phenomena, motion in one and 2 dimensions, gravitational forces, motion in the universe, and the energy of the Earth system. The course will ask students to actively engage with real-world phenomena through questioning, gathering data, reasoning, and communicating findings. Focus skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and cooperative learning. All mathematical reasoning is presented at the algebra level.

Grade(s): 9

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Physics I Honors

Physics 1 Honors is the advanced level freshman science course, for students who are motivated and demonstrate a particular interest in the sciences. This course provides a foundation for further study and lifelong learning. Physics 1 Honors is a conceptual course, focused around explaining how the natural world works through the exploration of engaging phenomena and experimental research. Phenomena are thought-provoking real-world events. In physics, these include energy, electricity and magnetism, wave phenomena, motion in one and 2 dimensions, gravitational forces, motion in the universe, and the energy of the Earth system. The course will ask students to actively engage with real-world scenarios through questioning, gathering data, reasoning, and communicating findings. Honors students will be asked to plan and carry out self-selected experimental research. Focus skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and cooperative learning. All mathematical reasoning is presented at the algebra level.

Grade(s): 9

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Requirements: Additional homework. Students in any Honors course should maintain a C average to remain in any Honors class.

Life Science

All 10th graders must take a Life Science.

Biology

Biology focuses on the patterns, processes, and relationships of living organisms. Students will apply concepts learned to real-world situations and investigations using science and engineering practices to fully explore phenomena and to develop solutions to societal problems related to food, energy, health, and the environment. The standards for life science encompass the areas of cells and organisms; ecosystems, interactions, energy and dynamics; heredity; and biological diversity.

Grade(s): 10-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Biology Honors

Biology Honors is the advanced level of the required biology science course, for students who are motivated and demonstrate particular interest in the sciences. This course focuses on the patterns, processes, and relationships of living organisms. Students will apply concepts learned to real-world situations and investigations using science and engineering practices to fully explore phenomena and to develop solutions to societal problems related to food, energy, health, and the environment. The standards for life science encompass the areas of cells and organisms; ecosystems, interactions, energy and dynamics; heredity; and biological diversity. Honors biology will challenge students to understand biology concepts to a greater in-depth degree of analysis and discussion than general biology requires

Grade(s): 10

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Passing grade in 9th grade science

Requirements: Increased workload and long-term projects. A passing grade in 9th-grade science is a requirement to enroll in Biology Honors

Upper Division Science

AP Biology

As an AP Biology student, you get to dig deeper into the intricacies of living systems, develop advanced research and communication skills, and learn to tap your creative, problem-solving, and analytical potential! AP Biology is an immersive course, you get to learn how things really work and we’ll tackle concepts that will stick with you long after the class is through. AP Biology is a college-level course and the discussions and dialogue will challenge you to think beyond a high school level. As an AP scientist, you’ll carry out Investigations that will require you to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting. AP Biology is intended to be a Junior/Senior level class (sophomore's are welcome with teacher approval). Students are expected to have taken an introductory Biology and an AP Biology student you get to dig deeper into the intricacies of living systems, develop advanced research and communication skills, and learn to tap your creative, problem-solving, and analytical potential! AP Biology is an immersive course, you get to learn how things really work and we’ll tackle concepts that will stick with you long after the class is through. AP Biology is a college level course and the discussions and dialogue will challenge you to think beyond a high school level. As an AP scientist, you’ll carry out Investigations that will require you to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting. AP Biology is intended to be a Junior/Senior level class (sophomore’s are welcome with teacher approval). Students are expected to have taken an introductory Biology and Chemistry course.

Grade(s): 11-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Requirements: This course will require dedicated amounts of time above that of other courses and requires students to make a strong commitment to display their devoted work ethic on a daily basis. Students should maintain at least a C average to remain in any AP class. Additional homework. Summer work. Students should maintain at least a C average to remain in any AP class. Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science is the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college lab science course. Environmental science is the study of the relationships between humans and the natural world. Students will analyze environmental problems through questioning, gathering data (via fieldwork and lab work), and analysis of data. Students will be asked to apply scientific principles to propose and justify solutions to real-world environmental problems, such as feeding a growing population, water availability, climate change, and biodiversity loss. This laboratory-based, interdisciplinary course incorporates topics from geology, biology, ecology, chemistry, and geography. Students taking this course should be interested in the natural world and social issues and should be motivated to think critically. College credit is earned based on AP exam performance.

Grade(s): 11-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Biology

Requirements: Additional homework. Summer work. Students should maintain at least a C average to remain in any AP class.

Chemistry AP

Advanced Placement Chemistry is designed to follow Chemistry Honors to complete the amount of content and level of understanding gained in a year of college chemistry. Topics covered include the structure of matter, properties of matter, chemical reactions, rates of reactions, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Students can expect a conceptually and mathematically rigorous fast-paced course. Students will perform and write up 23 different labs over the two semesters.

Grade: 11 – 12

1 Credit

2 semesters

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry Honors and chemistry teacher’s signature required. Requirements: Students are required to take the AP exam (testing fee required). Summer work will be assigned.

Fee: see class fee chart

Chemistry

Chemistry class covers ranging topics in chemistry and will give students a big head start on college chemistry. Students are expected to participate actively in learning and learning activities. Topics throughout the year include:
• How do the elements get made and make us.
• How we organize and use elements.
• What makes up the materials that our civilization depends on.
• How does carbon move through different forms on Earth and how we interact with them.
• How we use chemicals for energy.

Grade(s): 10-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisite: Algebra II (or concurrent). Students should have completed Algebra I, Geometry & Biology

Chemistry Honors

This course is a chemistry class taught to prepare students interested in pursuing a college education in science. The class requires sufficient background in writing, math, lab, and study skills. This course has a stronger math and research emphasis than general chemistry. This course covers most of the topics addressed during entry-level college chemistry including atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding and nomenclature, stoichiometry, the gas laws, solutions, and acid-base chemistry. This course is good preparation for college credit transfer CLEP tests.

Grade(s): 10-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Algebra II (or concurrent). Students should have completed Algebra I, Geometry & Biology

Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology

This yearlong honors course is designed for students that are curious about how the human body is built and functions. Students interested in medicine, nursing, veterinary science, physical therapy, sports medicine, and biological research should really consider the class. Students will be dealing with the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for growth, development, and maintenance of it. Includes the study of atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Safe practice and skill development with dissection tools will be a big part of the course. Students will work with worms, cow and sheep organs, and a year-long analysis of anatomical structures and functions of rabbits. The class will be a hands-on learning experience and dive into new material extending beyond simple memorization.

Grade(s): 11-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry or Honors Chemistry

Fee: See class fee chart

Marine Science

This course is designed to explore the great frontier of Earth’s oceans. Combining aspects of Physical Science, Biology, and Chemistry, Marine Science is a 2-semester course that attempts to explain the oceans’ significant impacts in the sea and on land. The coursework includes collaborative discussion, hands-on activities, and scientific modeling to answer important questions about them. First semester MS focuses on the physical and chemical properties of the ocean, which are integral to understanding the biology of the marine world. This includes plate tectonics, ocean currents, tides, and water chemistry. 2nd-semester topics shift to living marine organisms ranging from microscopic invertebrates to the largest animals ever to have existed on the planet. Throughout each semester, it is common practice to analyze the impacts of global climate change on ocean properties and, thus the entire planet. This class requires students to actively participate, logically use evidence to prove scientific claims, and meet the rigorous demands of an upper-division science class.

Grade: 10-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Prerequisites: Passed Biology/Honors Biology, Passed Chemistry/Honors Chemistry Co-requisite? Chemistry/Honors Chemistry

Physics 1 AP

This course is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.

Grade: 11-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Requirements: Additional homework. Summer work. Students should maintain at least a C average to remain in any AP class.