Science

This first year Physics course uses a conceptual and quantitative approach to introduce motion, forces, momentum, energy, waves, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Physics CP provides a conceptually-based exposure to the fundamental principles and processes of the physical world. Students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, which will be practiced during laboratory and other active learning activities.

Honors Physics First develops the mathematical and critical thinking skills necessary throughout students' lives and helps them understand the physical world around them. This is a rigorous course that begins with kinematics, dynamics, momentum, and energy. It continues with waves, sound, light, optics. This course ends with electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. These topics are explored on both a qualitative and quantitative basis using a variety of different techniques such as investigations, complex laboratory activities, and challenging projects. The format and structure of the course is designed for students to gain experience as independent, self-motivated learners and prepare them for Honors and AP upper-level science courses.

AP Physics 1 is based on six Big Ideas1, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world.  Strong emphasis is placed on problem solving and understanding of formula derivations. Knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course. Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems are the major goals of the course.

This course is equivalent to the first semester of introductory general physics at the college level. Students explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits.

Twenty-five percent of instructional time is devoted to hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations. Investigations will require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress.

 Link to Collegeboard website

AP Physics C: Mechanics forms the first part of the university level physics sequence that serves as a foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering.

Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate throughout the course in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The sequence is more intensive and analytic than that in the AP Physics 1 and 2 series of courses. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. AP Physics C: Mechanics includes the following six content areas: kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation.

This course is for high school juniors or seniors that wish to learn about the physical world around them. It presents a historical and philosophical approach to matter, energy and motion. The careful blending of practical and theoretical Physics makes concepts relevant to a wide spectrum of students. The course uses techniques of problem-solving that improve critical thinking skills and build and understanding of quantitative relationships. Using a project-based format, students learn physics by exploring material through thought provoking experiments and applications that reinforce the course's basic concepts. Topics include kinematics, forces, momentum, energy, optics, and modern physics.

This course is designed for students who wish to investigate the world of living things. The students are guided to discover some of the important facts upon which the concepts of Biology are based and to experience the process of inquiry.  Study aids, meaningful laboratory activities, and exploration of scientific fields in an effort to strengthen students' comprehension will be available.

This course covers the fundamental biological concepts with a blend of biological principles and applications.  Concise presentation in familiar language clearly connects Biology to everyday living.  Complete comprehensive coverage includes new material on photosynthesis, respiration, protein synthesis, viruses and the human organism.  A wealth of study aids, meaningful laboratory activities, and enriching career close-up features strengthens students' comprehension.

This comprehensive course focuses on unifying principles and major life processes, not just terms and facts.  At both the molecular and biochemical levels, the program traces the development of biological organization from the simplest to the most complex levels. Study aids, informative research/career reading features, laboratory investigations, and group research projects give the students a solid understanding of the major ideas in biology.

This introductory college level course is a comprehensive, rigorous balance between the eight major themes of biology as determined by The College Board. Topics included in the course of study are biochemistry, cell biology, energy transformations, molecular and classical heredity, evolution, and basic ecology. The material will be divided into 4 major units: Evolution, cell biology and energy transformations, genetics, and ecology. Other features include current research readings with follow-up discussions that put benefits and applications of modern biology into perspective in today's world. Also, computer integration, numerous photos, charts, diagrams and DVD presentations are utilized to help visualize complex relationships. Students will become familiar with the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) method of scientific explanation. Accompanying chapter study guides enhance student's success. Laboratory activities will be conducted on a regular basis. The required AP labs will be conducted throughout the year. Students will also design and conduct their own scientific investigations. Students' goals should include Advanced Placement Testing, which will take place in May.

More information about this course can be found at www.collegeboard.com.

This laboratory science course is a basic introduction to the composition of matter and the physical and chemical changes it undergoes.  Students use science process skills to study chemical principles, the development of atomic theory, and the interactions between matter and energy.  Students explore chemistry concepts through an inquiry-based and hands-on approach where they will engage in problem-solving and laboratory activities for reinforcement of concepts covered.

This course is a mathematically based laboratory science course in which students investigate the physical and chemical changes matter undergoes. Students use science process skills to study chemical principles, the development of atomic theory, and the interactions between matter and energy. Students explore chemistry concepts through an inquiry-based approach where they will engage in problem-solving and laboratory activities for reinforcement of concepts covered.

Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. Honors Chemistry is an inquiry based learning approach to developing the major chemistry concepts. As an honors course, it is distinguished from the standard chemistry course by the depth at which concepts are examined. In order to achieve this deeper understanding a higher level of mathematical aptitude is expected. Students apply their knowledge of mathematics including algebra, geometry and algebra II to test models, evaluate data and to solve chemistry problems. It incorporates laboratory experiments and classroom discussion as well as traditional lectures and hands on activities. Atomic theory, the nature of matter in its various phases, chemical periodicity, and the mole concept are studied early in the course. Among the basic principles included are energy, reaction rates, reaction equilibrium, and characteristics of chemical reactions, acid-base behavior, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry

AP Chemistry is designed for students who have demonstrated both aptitude for and interest in the sciences. Students will learn the basic principles of chemistry including, fundamental concepts of matter and energy, structure and properties of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding and properties of aggregates, and principles of reactions. Descriptive chemistry will be used by students to study all areas more effectively, and to understand how chemical phenomena are included in everyday activities. Extra laboratory periods are required during the school day. All students enrolled in an AP class are encouraged to prepare for and take the AP exam in May.

More information can be found about this course at www.collegeboard.com.

This course is an integrated discussion and laboratory course intended to introduce students to environmental concepts and issues from an interdisciplinary approach. Environmental matters and controversies are explored from geological, ecological, social, economic, ethical, and governmental policy positions. The students gain an understanding of earth system science, and analyze issues such as population growth, resource management, toxicology, industrial and municipal pollution (air, water, and waste), global warming and ozone depletion. The environmental decision making process and relevant case studies of human interactions with the environment and the challenges of preserving sustainable soil and drinking water quality are also investigated.

The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these problems. Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a challenging interdisciplinary course; it incorporates a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. However, strong emphasis is placed on several unifying themes, including: scientific problem-solving, energy conversions in ecosystems, change of natural systems over time, human impact on natural systems, the scientific, social, and cultural context of environmental issues, and development of sustainable environmental practices. This is a rigorous introductory College Environmental Science course, and students' goals should include Advanced Placement Testing. Laboratory and research activities are conducted weekly. This course requires a strong background in earth systems, biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as algebra.

More information can be found about this course at www.collegeboard.com.