3.0 credits are required for graduation. Biology 1 and 2, and a choice of Chemistry/Honors Chemistry 1 and 2 OR Physics/AP Physics 1 and 2 are required for graduation.
Biology 1 and 2
9
This introduction to biology stresses biology from a molecular point of view. Major topics include analysis of biological data, community and ecosystem ecology, evolution, cell chemistry, cell energy, structure and function of cells, photosynthesis, cell respiration, cell division, and genetics. Skills will include metric measurements, production and analysis of graphs, determination of pH and usage of a light microscope, and experimental design.
Earth Science 1 and 2
10
This course will use laboratory activities and projects to engage students in the discovery of earth science topics followed along with lecture, note taking, and small group work to help reinforce material taught. Topics covered include formation of the solar system and the earth, maps, composition of the earth, minerals, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics. Skills will include metric measurements, graphical investigation, analysis of topographic maps and rock identification. Second semester students will continue to explore earth science topics by analyzing activity from volcanoes and earthquakes by determining location of and preparation for earthquakes and volcanoes, the atmosphere, weather and climate, river systems, weathering and erosion, glaciers, extreme weather and the geological history of the earth.
Skills include producing and analyzing graphs, researching and presenting a debate on volcanoes, researching evidence for climate change in relation to greenhouse gases, and an investigative design lab structured within the MYP relating to glaciers.
Honors Chemistry 1 and 2
10
This course integrates lecture and laboratory experience. Math is an integral component of this course. First semester topics covered include: SI measurements, significant figures, dimensional analysis, the mole, atomic theory, introduction to the periodic table and periodicity, electron configurations, forms of condensed matter, chemical bonding and VESPR theory. Skills include the use of the chemistry lab equipment, designing experiments and analysis of lab data and techniques for the identification of unknown substances. Second semester topics include: nomenclature, equation writing and product prediction, stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, equilibrium, acids/bases and thermochemistry. Laboratory skills continued to be honed.
(PREREQUiSITES: Grades of B+ or better in both semesters 1 and 2 of Honors Geometry or Integrated Math.)
Horticulture 1 and 2
10 11 12
This course explores the science, technology, business, and art of plants through the use of the greenhouse, exploring the green industry, and using outdoor experiences.
The first semester covers the science and technology used in the horticultural industry. Students will study plant taxonomy, plant growth and development, plant and soil nutrition, propagation, grafting and budding, vegetable, fruit and nut production, and pest/disease management among plants.
The second semester delves into the business and art of plants through the lens of the horticulture industry. Students will study and investigate horticulture business management, environmental conditions for growing plants, greenhouse operations and maintenance, twenty-first century horticultural techniques, landscape design, floral design, interior plantscaping, landscape installation and maintenance, turfgrass management, and vegetable, fruit and nut production.
Students may elect to take either or both semesters of Horticulture.
Astronomy 1 F
11 12
This semester course gives students a summary of astronomical facts in addition to furthering their understanding of their relationship to the rest of the universe. The topics covered include a detailed history of astronomy, the techniques and tools used to study information from space, and the structure and scale of our solar system.
(May take one or both semesters)
Astronomy 2 S
11 12
A continuation of Astronomy I or a semester course taken separately, Astronomy 2 covers the terrestrial planets, the Jovian planets, the formation of our solar system, our sun, stellar formation, evolution and death, and a discussion of the probability of life in other parts of the universe.
(May take one or both semesters)
Chemistry 1 and 2
11
This course integrates lecture and laboratory experience. Algebra is an integral component of this course. Topics covered include: measurement, significant figures, exponential notation, density, dimensional analysis, the mole, writing and balancing chemical equations, and identifying chemical reactions. Skills include use of Bunsen burners, balances, metric measurements, designing experiments and dimensional analysis. Second semester topics include stoichiometry, energy, modern atomic theory, chemical bonding, solutions, acids and bases, and gas laws. Skills include graphic analysis, identification of metals with flame tests and writing electron configuration.
(REQUIREMENT: Concurrent enrollment in Honors Geometry or Algebra 3 or as previously taken course)
IB Biology HL 1 and 2
11
This course is the first year of a two-year, college level, lab-based course in biology. Topics covered include cells, chemistry of life, genetics, biotechnology and evolution.
There will be almost daily homework and frequent lab reports. The internal assessment for this course is based on one independent research lab report (approximately 10-12 pages, with ten hours of class time provided). Students will also be required to take part in a Group 4 science project. Expected time investment outside of class is three to five hours per week. Students are required to take part in a Group 4 science project. The IB exam will take place in the spring of the senior year.
(PREREQUISITE: Grades of B or higher for both semesters of Biology, grades of B or higher for both semesters of Honors Chemistry).
Engineering for Social Good (1 Semester Course):
11 12
A course designed to research the impact of engineering and technologies on society and to invent a new kind of engineering and technological development for the common good. Course involves creating an invention and business plan. Using the Project Invent Curriculum, students will integrate Engineering and Technology in authentic social contexts using a design based engineering project. The course culminates with a product and business plan.
Human Anatomy & Physiology 1
11 12
This course covers the histology, morphology and the physiology of the human organism. This course describes the structures that make up the human body and analyzes the functions of the muscular, skeletal and sensory systems. This is done on a cellular, tissue, and organ level. Second semester covers the nervous system, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and urinary systems in the human body. Also covered is how the body as a whole works together to keep itself in balance. (Homeostasis). Microscopy skills are refreshed and basic dissection skills are introduced. Lab practical experiences are provided.
(PREREQUISITE: Grade of C or higher in Biology 1 and 2)
(Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 may be taken in the fall as a one semester course. Human Anatomy 1 must be taken in order to continue on to Human Anatomy and Physiology 2.)
Human Anatomy & Physiology 2
11 12
This course covers the histology, morphology and the physiology of the human organism. This course describes the structures that make up the human body and analyzes the functions of the muscular, skeletal and sensory systems. This is done on a cellular, tissue, and organ level. Second semester covers the nervous system, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and urinary systems in the human body. Also covered is how the body as a whole works together to keep itself in balance. (Homeostasis). Microscopy skills are refreshed and basic dissection skills are introduced. Lab practical experiences are provided.
(PREREQUISITE: Grade of C or higher in Biology 1 and 2)
AP Physics: Algebra-Based
11 12
AP Physics is college-level, lab-based, survey course designed for those who have no previous physics experience. AP Physics is a year-long course which is equivalent to a first semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and an introduction to electrostatics and electric circuits. There will be almost daily homework and lab activities about once per week. Expected time investment outside of class varies markedly but should average about four to six hours per week. Extra tutoring sessions and participation in a study group will prove helpful. The course requires a proficient use of algebra and trigonometry-based mathematics.
(PREREQUISITE: Grades of B or higher in semesters 1 and 2 of Honors Chemistry or A or higher in semesters 1 and 2 of Chemistry AND concurrent enrollment in Honors Trigonometry or higher. )
(The College Board Advanced Placement exam is REQUIRED.)
*AP testing fee required by the Advanced Placement College Board
IB Physics SL 1 and 2
11 12
IB Physics is a college level, lab-based course that seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. There will be almost daily homework and lab reports about every other week. The internal assessment for this course is based on one independent research lab report (approximately 10-12 pages / 10 hours of class time provided). Students will also be required to take part in a Group 4 science project. Topics covered include measurements and uncertainties, mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electricity and magnetism, circular motion and gravitation, atomic, nuclear and particle physics, and energy production. All students in IB Physics are required to take the May IB Physics exam.
(PREREQUISITES: grades of B or better in both semesters 1 and 2 of Honor Chemistry AND concurrent enrollment in Honors Trigonometry or higher. Prior enrollment in Physics 1 and 2 is strongly encouraged).
*IB testing fee charged to non-diploma program student
Physics 1 and 2
11 12
This year-long course is a blend of experimental and theoretical exploration using an algebraic and trigonometric-based approach. Knowledge is constructed by the learner through experience. Students will organize their observations of nature and will build the central model of physics. These models are developed through a variety of modes of communication; laboratory and kinesthetic experiences, seeing, writing, hearing, graphing, collaboration and critical thinking. Inquiry-based investigations will foster student engagement. First semester topics covered include experimental design and data analysis, one- and two-dimensional kinematics, and Newton's laws and their applications. Second semester topics covered include work, energy, and power, momentum, circular motion, and electrostatics and circuits.
AP Chemistry 1 and 2
11 12
AP Chemistry is a college level, lab-based, survey course in inorganic chemistry, plus a brief overview of organic chemistry. There will be almost daily homework and lab reports about every other week. Expected time investment outside of class varies markedly but should average about four to six hours per week. Extra tutoring sessions and participation in a study group will prove helpful. Topics covered include stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids/bases, oxidation/reduction, and organic chemistry.
(PREREQUISITES: grades of B+ or better in both semesters 1 and 2 of Honors Chemistry AND concurrent enrollment in Algebra 3 and 4 or higher.)
(The College Board Advanced Placement exam is REQUIRED.)
*AP testing fee required by the Advanced Placement College Board
IB Chemistry SL 1 and 2
11 12
IB Chemistry is a college level, lab-based course in organic and inorganic chemistry. There will be almost daily homework and lab reports about every other week. The internal assessment for this course is based on one independent research lab report (approximately 10-12 pages / 10 hours of class time provided). Students will also be required to take part in a Group 4 science project. An interest in writing and problem solving will be an asset to success. Topics covered include stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium acids/bases, oxidation/reduction, organic chemistry and biochemistry. All students in IB Chemistry are required to take the May IB Chemistry exam.
(PREREQUISITES: grades of B or better in both semesters 1 and 2 of Honor Chemistry AND concurrent enrollment in Algebra 3 and 4 or higher.)
*IB testing fee charged to non-diploma program students
IB SL Environmental Science
11 12
The Environmental Systems and Societies course regards the economic, historical, cultural, socio-political, and scientific elements of environmental issues while providing a holistic perspective. The course promotes understanding of environmental processes at a variety of scales from local to global; provides a body of knowledge, methodologies and skills that can be used in the analysis of environmental issues at local and global levels thereby enabling the application of such knowledge; promotes critical awareness of a diversity of cultural perspectives; recognizes the extent to which technology plays a role in both causing and solving environmental problems; appreciates that human society is both directly and indirectly linked to the environment at a number of levels and a variety of scales. This course is considered transdisciplinary, placed both in the Science department as well as the Social Studies department. Therefore, this course fulfills a credit requirement for either department, but not both. All students are required to take the IB examination at the end of the year.
The internal assessment for this course is based on one independent research lab report (approximately 10-12 pages / 10 hours of class time provided).
(This course is open to both Junior/Senior, IB and non-IB students.)
(PREREQUISITE: grades of C or better in both semesters 1 and 2 of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry or Physics.)
*IB testing fee charged to non-diploma program students
AP Biology 1 and 2
12
A fast paced and challenging year-long course designed to be the equivalent of a two semester college introductory course taken by first year biology majors. The labs, textbook, and topics covered are equivalent to those used in college. The topics covered include evolution, biochemistry, cellular structure and function, metabolism, genetics, ecology, and organismal physiology. Inquiry and laboratory work will be emphasized. Strong reading, writing, and problem solving skills essential for success in this course and the AP Biology Exam in May.
(PREREQUISITE: Grades of B or higher for both semesters of Biology and grades of B or higher for both semesters of Honors Chemistry.)
(The College Board Advanced Placement exam is REQUIRED.)
*AP testing fee required by the Advanced Placement College Board
IB Biology HL 3 and 4
12
This course is the second year of a two-year, college level, lab-based course in biology. Topics covered include ecology, plant structure and function, and animal structure and function (focusing on human health and physiology). There will be almost daily homework and frequent lab reports. The internal assessment for this course is based on one independent research lab report (approximately 10-12 pages, with ten hours of class time provided). Students will also be required to take part in a Group 4 science project. Expected time investment outside of class is three to five hours per week. Students must complete their Group 4 science project by March. The IB exam will take place in the spring.
(PREREQUISITE: Completion of IB Biology HL 1 and 2)
(The IB Biology HL exam will be taken in Spring of the 2nd year.)
*IB testing fee charged to non-diploma program students