Curriculum

Physics

Students taking this course will study theories and laws that are the foundation of classical physics. Through laboratory activities students make observations and relate them to various phenomena they have experienced every day. Through guided inquiry and problem-solving teamwork, students get first-hand experience with how engineers think. Topics include Newton’s laws, circular motion, gravitation and satellite motion, momentum, work, energy, power, fluid mechanics, properties of sound and light, electricity and electromagnetism, waves and nuclear physics. (Ninth grade requirement) Credit: 1

Advanced Placement Physics

This course is geared towards students with a strong interest in pursuing physics at the college level. Students taking this course will experience the academic discipline that is required to succeed in science and engineering fields. The following topics will be covered: kinematics, Newton’s Laws, work, energy and power, linear momentum and collisions, circular motion and rotation, oscillations, gravitation, and electricity and magnetism. Taking the AP Physics B or C exam is required for juniors. (Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Calculus or higher, and departmental approval. Credit: 1

Biology

Eleventh grade biology students will study 21st century topics by using problem-based approaches. Students will make observations, pose questions and design investigations in the laboratory setting. Collaboration, scientific inquiry, laboratory explorations and discovery are central to this course. Research projects may involve blogging with scientists and participating in debates. Technology integration includes generating video microscopy, web quests and on-line collaborations. Main topics include the interconnected nature of living and nonliving systems, sustainability, biodiversity, evolution and genetics, homeostasis, growth and differentiation. (Prerequisites: Physics and Chemistry) Credit: 1

Honors Biology

Honors biology emphasizes independent work with a focus on self-designed lab procedures. Assignments include more open ended inquiry requiring the ability to independently research information to support observations. Students are expected to engage with challenging supplemental sources, as well as demonstrate strong reading comprehension and fluency in fundamental math skills. This course is a fast paced, technical and rigorous study of life science, which takes a biochemical and molecular approach. Self-directed laboratory experiences will involve more abstract biological topics. Students work with video microscopes equipped with image capture hardware and software. Specific laboratory techniques will be introduced to prepare students for advanced work in the life sciences (AP biology). Topics include ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, embryology, evolution, gene regulation, molecular genetics and heredity. (Prerequisites: Completion of Physics, Chemistry, departmental recommendation, and passing the entrance exam.) Credit: 1

Honors Molecular Biology

Molecular biology focuses on a hands-on approach to learning modern molecular biology, molecular biology techniques and DNA analysis software. Students will focus on fundamental, common aspects of life on earth with an emphasis on DNA replication. Students will learn how to mine genome databases for information, use software to analyze downloaded genetic data and to plan experiments. Laboratory experiments will be a primary focus and a course lab book will be required to be kept in a manner similar to typical research laboratories. Students will learn a wide variety of microbiological and molecular biological techniques culminating with cloning and expressing a gene in both bacteria and baker’s yeast. (Open to seniors. Prerequisites: Completion of Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology or concurrent enrollment in Honors Biology with completion of a summer packet prior to the course and departmental approval.) Credit: 2/3

Advanced Placement Biology

This course is equivalent to a 2-semester, 8-credit college level course. The concepts covered include: evolution, energy transfer, information transfer, and the interactions of biological systems. The new College Board AP Biology curriculum emphasizes scientific practices via inquiry labs. Taking the AP Chemistry Exam is required for juniors. (Prerequisite: completion of Honors Biology and departmental approval) Credit: 1

Chemistry

Tenth graders in this course will study applications of chemistry in industry, medicine, and economics. Students will conduct laboratory investigations that examine chemical properties and behaviors of substances following a universal laboratory notebook-keeping format used in colleges and in the working world. Research projects involve relating lab findings to current advances in the industry. Laboratory experiments precede classroom discussion of concepts whenever possible so that chemical theory is developed from observations and data analysis. Topics include: periodic trends; covalent, ionic, and metallic behaviors; acids, bases, and salts; stoichiometry; solutions, biochemistry, biofuels, green chemistry, art restoration, and nuclear chemistry. Credit: 1

Honors Chemistry

Honors Chemistry involves the study of the chemical and physical properties of the elements, with an emphasis on the physical world around us. Topics covered in this course include an introduction to chemistry and matter, the atom, chemical formulas and reactions, stoichiometry, the phases of matter, solution chemistry, chemical equilibria and organic and nuclear chemistry. Lab work is a central aspect of this course. (Prerequisite: passing the entrance exam and departmental approval. Credit: 1

Advanced Placement Chemistry

This course is geared toward students with a strong interest in pursuing chemistry at the college level. The focus of this course is on chemical principles and relationships. Topics include the properties of matter, bonding, states of matter, physical chemistry, chemical reactions, chemical equilbrium, kinetics, and acids and bases. Students will be required to keep a comprehensive lab notebook. Taking the AP Chemistry Exam is required for juniors. (Prerequisite: completion of Honors Chemistry and departmental approval). Credit: 1

Environmental Science I and II

The first trimester of this course introduces students to general concepts in environmental science and will explore a number of environmental issues facing our world today. The course will focus on current issues and ask students to propose viable solutions. The second trimester focuses on environmental ethics and will allow students to critically evaluate the relationship that exists between humans and nature. We will discuss whether or not we can ethically defend our actions and the impact they might have on the environment; students will also examine the inherent value and status of the environment. Students will have an opportunity to grapple with real life issues and to propose viable solutions. Students will be forced to reflect on their personal choices and the actions of those around them with respect to the environment. (Open to juniors and seniors. Register for one or two terms. Prerequisite: Physics and Chemistry or Honors Chemistry) Credit: 1/3 per trimester

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the scientific method used to investigate, analyze and prevent or control a health problem in a population. Data gathered by the Epidemiologists steers public health decision-making, as well as aids in developing countries and evaluating interventions to control and prevent health problems. Searching and identifying causes or factors that play a role in chronic diseases, environmental problems, behavioral problems, injuries and infectious disease is the job of an Epidemiologist. The students who take the Epidemiology will experience an interdisciplinary course with contents of biology, math, sociology, psychology, medicine and statistics. Credit: 1/3

Research Design and Methods

This is an advanced course for junior students with the maturity, independence, and motivation necessary to conduct their own research. Students will analyze research done in a number of STEM (science technology engineering and math) areas in order to understand the logic behind investigation design and the soundness of data produced. Students learn research methods and experimental design in preparation for creating their own research project their senior year. Students will draw from experiences in prior STEM courses to find an area of interest for their senior-year capstone experience and write a literature review on a topic of interest to them. Throughout the term students read from primary STEM literature and participate in discussion groups on current issues in STEM-related fields. (Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: Approval by the STEM Coordinator and Academic Dean) Credit: 1/3

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine is a program designed for students interested in fields such as athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, fitness, and physiology of exercise, kinesiology, nutrition, and other sports medicine-related fields. The Athletic Training Concepts course provides for the scientific examination of exercise physiology, kinesiology and the skillful application of first aid, emergency care, prevention and treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. As a blended course, Sport Medicine meets three days a week. (Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors) Credit: 1/3