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Program of Studies » Science Department

Science Department

The science courses are designed to enable all students to select a balanced science curriculum. Each student will enroll in one introductory biological science course and one introductory course in the physical sciences. These courses should be followed by other physical science or biological science electives based on the interest of the student to further compliment his/her educational perspectives. Students who plan to major in science should take two sciences per year during their junior and senior years. Included in these should be chemistry and physics.
 
This lab-oriented course in Biology is designed for those students interested in pursuing an Advanced Placement science track. This course begins the Advanced Placement (AP) Science Program. The students will comprehensively study the biochemical aspect of life for analysis of information and apply knowledge to personal and societal issues. Through laboratory experiments and activities, students will investigate the structure, function and molecular make-up of living things from unicellular to multicellular organisms. They will compare various life forms systemically, as well as, phylogenetically, noting the evolutionary progression and interrelationships. An emphasis will be placed on genetic inheritance and the human genome. Students will perform various dissections. Throughout the course, students will research various topics, both independently and in a cooperative learning group.
Placement by Student Personnel Services; review of standardized test scores; and an “A” average in 7th and 8th grade science.  
 
This course is designed to develop an understanding and appreciation of life from the microscopic unicellular level to multicellular level. Students will focus on the nature of scientific methods, laboratory experiments and activities. The lab and textbook provide insight into molecular biology, which allows the student to better understand the advances in biotechnology. An emphasis will be placed on genetic inheritance and the evolutionary process of life. Students will develop an understanding of technology as an application of scientific principles. Various animal dissections will be performed as well as microscopic study of organisms.  
 
This course will begin with examining the core themes of Biology. Students will be able to view life from a microscopic level following the basic cell to the formation of a complete organism. An emphasis will be placed on the process of genetic inheritance and evolution of life. Students will be required to participate in laboratory exercises to develop critical thinking skills, scientific techniques, and a practical understanding of the biological concepts discussed in class. Laboratory exercises will include the use of scientific technology and dissection.
 
The goal of this course is to help the student understand the concepts and ideas of physical science. Mathematical computations are used as a means of predicting behavior in the physical world. This course will enable students to practice critical thinking and logic and will lay the foundation for future courses. Topics include: mechanics, heat, sound, light, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics and measurement. Lab activities are integral to this course.
 
Placement by Student Personnel Services and review of standardized test scores.  
 
This course is designed to provide background in the basic tenets of the principles of physical science. Topics include a study of the laws of motion, force, work and waves. The introduction and understanding of the Scientific Method and basic laboratory skills are included in this course.
 
This course is designed to meet the requirement of a Chemistry course on the college level. The following topics are covered with a major emphasis on problem solving: atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, states of matter, stoichiometry and chemical reactions, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam for possible college credit. Successful completion of Advanced/Honors Algebra II with a “B” average or enrollment in Advanced Algebra II and teacher recommendation is required.
 
Successful completion of Honors Biology with a “B” average and teacher recommendation is also required. Students are required to take the AP exam. 
 
Honors Chemistry will be one of the hardest courses you will take in high school. Many sophomores struggle with the course because it is the first time they have ever had to apply mathematics to real world problem solving situations, including the practical use of Algebra. It is also a course that requires a great deal of abstract thinking, visualization in three dimensions, and the use of logic and critical thinking skills. The goal of Honors Chemistry is to provide students with a foundation to understand the structure and properties of chemical substances and to make predictions in regards to the movement of energy in a system. This course is designed to give you the background and skills to prepare you for more advanced science classes, such as AP Chemistry. By nature, this course is lab-based with special emphasis on quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. Students taking this fast-paced course are expected to be prepared for class each day and are expected to participate in all class activities.
 
Successful completion of Honors Algebra II with a “B” average and completion of Honors Biology with a “B” average.  
 
This course will explore the principles governing the chemical behavior of matter. An emphasis on problem solving will require skill in mathematics as well as in the use of a hand-held calculator. The topics will include mole concept, writing and completing chemical equations, states of matter, atomic structure solutions, and acids and bases.
 
Successful completion of Advanced Biology with a “B” average. Also enrollment in Advanced Algebra II or successful completion of Advanced Algebra II with a “B” average and teacher recommendation is required.
 
This course will explore the principles of the chemical nature of matter. Students will deal with each of the basic areas of chemistry: general, organic, inorganic, bio-chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. There will be weekly lab sessions as well as outside research projects. A degree of math skills is needed as well as good skills with a hand-held calculator. Additional research work will be assigned using both the library and the internet as sources of “real-life” chemical experiences.
 
Successful completion of Biology and enrollment in Algebra II is required.
 
This course is designed to meet the requirements of a physics course on the college level. In this course students will gain understanding of facts and principles of physics so they can better deal with their world through critical thinking. The following major topics are covered: laws of motion, work and energy, wave theory, heat, light, electricity and magnetism with an emphasis on lab based problem solving. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Physics B exam for possible college credit. Successful completion of AP Chemistry with a “B” average and teacher recommendation is required.
 
Successful completion of Advanced Algebra II or a higher math with a “B” average and teacher recommendation is also required. Students are required to take the AP exam. 
 
This course is designed to help students gain an understanding of the fundamentals of physics. The following major topics are covered: Newtonian mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, wave theory, light and electricity with lab work as a major component of this course. Problem solving is used to develop logical thinking skills.
 
Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra II are required, and a “B” average is recommended in all three subject areas.
 
This study is a two-semester course devoted to the examination of the structure, organization, and functions of the human body. During this course, each student will gain an appreciation for the mechanics and efficiency of the human body. Students will explore the individual body systems and how they function together to sustain human life. Diseases, techniques to prevent and heal illness, and medical ethics topics surrounding the human body will also be studied during this course. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the different professions that involve Health and Anatomy. Each student will be required to participate in laboratory exercises to develop critical thinking skills, scientific techniques, and a practical understanding of the human body. Laboratory exercises will include the use of scientific technology and dissection. Evaluations will consist of Laboratory exercises, tests, quizzes, and research topics presented in an oral and written manner.
 
Successful completion of both Biology and Meteorology and Astronomy with a “C” average is recommended.
 
This study is a two-semester course devoted to the examination of the structure, organization, functions and biochemistry of the human body. Students will identify the integration between body systems and relate the mechanisms of health vs. disease. Careers and diagnostic modalities of allied health professions are highlighted throughout the course of study. Students must perform various dissections (select organs, rat, frog and pig) to assess their proficiency of anatomy and physiology. In addition to regular tests and quizzes, students will research published sources for oral and written presentations. Successful completion of Chemistry is required and an “A” average is recommended.
 
Successful completion of Advanced Chemistry is required and a “B” average is recommended. Also, successful completion of Advanced Biology is required and a “B” average is recommended, or successful completion of Biology and an “A” average is recommended.
 
Environmental science is organized around the themes of global change and sustainability. This course looks at the earth and its residents as interrelated systems, as well as focusing on the use of natural resources and the need for conservation. This course offers an analysis of ecology, human population studies, water and soil quality analysis, and the global warming debate. There is also a focus on both local and Federal regulations governing the development of our fragile marine ecosystem. Through experimentation, research and field studies, students will leave the course with an understanding that all the Earth systems are connected.
 
Successful completion of Biology with a “C” average is required.  
 
This course is designed for students interested in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Nutrition and the Medical needs of athletes. The fundamentals of five disciplines will be explored: Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Athletic Training, Human Anatomy, and Exercise Physiology. This course is appropriate for those students interested in pursuing careers as: Sports Medicine Physicians, Physician Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Chiropractors, Certified Athletic Trainers, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists, Sports Nutritionists or Sports Psychologists.
 
Successful completion of Human Health & Anatomy or Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology with a minimum of a “C+” average in the course is recommended.