SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

3.0 credits are required for graduation.  Biology 1 and 2 or Honors Biology 1 and 2 required for graduation.  Chemistry 1 and 2 or Honors Chemistry 1 and 2 are highly recommended.

Biology 1 and 2
9
This introduction to biology stresses the chemistry of living organisms, ecology, and cell structure and functions, such as transportation, photosynthesis and cell respiration.  Skills will include metric measurements, producing and analyzing graphs, and usage of a light microscope.  The second semester will continue the study of living organisms with the study of the process of cell division, while emphasizing the structure and function of DNA, reproduction.

Honors Biology 1 and 2
9 
The honors level introduction to biology stresses biology from a molecular point of view.  Major topics include analysis of biological data, cell chemistry, cell energy, cell structures, and function of cells, such as transportation, photosynthesis and cell respiration.  Skills will include metric measurements, production and analysis of graphs, determination of pH and usage of a light microscope.  Second semester deals with formation and interaction of DNA, protein production and use, genetics, reproduction, cell division, chromosomal mutations, viruses, and evolution.
(BY PLACEMENT)

Earth Science 1 and 2
10
This course will use laboratory activities and projects to engage students in the discovery of earth science topics.  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 expolore earth science topics by analyzing activity from volcanoes and earthquakes, the atmosphere, weather and climate, rivers, weathering and erosion, glaciers and the geological history of the earth.  Skills include producing and analyzing graphs, researching and presenting a debate, a national parks project and determining time and location of earthquakes. 

Honors Chemistry 1 and 2
10
This course integrates lecture and laboratory experience. Math is an integral component of this course. Topics covered include: structure of atoms, ions and isotopes; introduction to the periodic table and nomenclature; SI measurements, significant figures, exponential notation, density, and dimensional analysis; the mole and writing and balancing chemical equations; and gas laws.  Skills include using chemistry lab equipment, such as Bunsen burners, metric measurements, designing experiments and dimensional analysis.  Second semester topics include stoichiometry, energy, modern atomic theory, chemical bonding, VESPER theory, solutions, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry.  Skills include graphic analysis, identification of metals with flame tests and writing electron configurations.
(PREREQUISITES:  "B"  IN BIOLOGY 1 OR HONORS BIOLOGY 1, AND CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN HONORS GEOMETRY 1)

Chemistry 1 and 2
11 12
This course integrates lecture and laboratory experience. Math is an integral component of this course.  Topics covered include: significant figures, exponential notation, density, and dimensional analysis, the mole, writing and balancing chemical equations, and identifying chemical reactions.  Skills include using Bunsen burners, 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.
(CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN HONORS GEOMETRY OR ALGEBRA 3)

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, the structure and scale of our solar system, and a close look at the terrestrial planets.

Astronomy 2 S
11 12
A continuation of Astronomy I or a semester course taken separately, Astronomy 2 covers the Jovian planets, the formation of our solar system, our sun, the various types of stellar objects, stellar formation, evolution and death, the Milky Way Galaxy, and a discussion of the probability of life in other parts of the universe.

Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 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, integuments, nervous and sensory systems. This is done on a cellular, tissue, and organ level. Also covered are the effects of disease on these systems and the body’s defenses against such diseases.  Second semester covers the endocrine, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and reproductive systems in the human body. Also covered is how the body as a whole works together to keep itself in balance. (Homeostasis).
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN BIOLOGY 1 OR HONORS BIOLOGY 1)(Anatomy may be taken in the fall as a one semester course.)

Honors Physics 1 and 2
11 12
An honors course that is a blend of theoretical and experimental exploration having a rigorous use of mathematics.  Topics covered include graphs and uncertainties, one and two dimensional kinematics, Newton's laws and their applications, selected topics in modern physics, work, energy and power.  Second semester topics covered include circular motion, oscillations, waves, sound, nature of light and optics. 
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "B" IN HONORS CHEMISTRY 1, OR "A" IN CHEMISTRY 1, AND CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN HONORS ALGEBRA 3 OR HIGHER IS MANDATORY)

Physics 1 and 2
11 12
This class covers the topics of Honors Physics 1 and 2 /  IB Physics 1 and 2 without as rigorous use of Math.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN CHEMISTRY OR HONORS CHEMISTRY)

IB Physics SL 1 and 2
11
An honors course that is a blend of theoretical and experimental exploration having a rigorous use of mathematics.  Topics covered include graphs and uncertainties, one and two dimensional kinematics, Newton's laws and their applications, selected topics in modern physics, work, energy and power.  Second semester topics covered include circular motion, oscillations, waves, sound, nature of light and optics.  IB Physics 3 and 4 to be taken the following year completes the IB Physics SL two year requirement.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "B" IN HONORS CHEMISTRY 2, OR "A" IN CHEMISTRY 2, AND CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN HONORS ALGEBRA 3 OR HIGHER IS MANDATORY)

IB Physics SL 3 and 4
12
An honors course that is a blend of theoretical and experimental exploration having a rigorous use of mathematics.  Topics covered include sight and wave phenomena, electric and magnetic fields and forces, electric currents, atomic and nuclear physics, thermal physics and climate change,

(Those interested in continuing Honors Physics 1/2 may elect to take the IB Physics 3/4 course their senior year)
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "B" IN HONORS PHYSICS 1 / IB PHYSICS SL 1)

IB / AP Biology HL 1 and 2
11 
This course is the first year of a two-year, college level, lab-based, survey course in biology.  There will be almost daily homework and frequent lab reports.  The internal assessment for this course is based on the lab reports written throughout the year.  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 pace in the spring of the second year.  Topics covered include cells, chemistry of life, genetics, and evolution.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "B" IN HONORS BIOLOGY AND HONORS CHEMISTRY)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM MAY BE TAKEN IN SPRING OF THE 2ND YEAR)

IB / AP Biology HL 3 and 4
12 
This course is the second year of a two-year, college level, lab-based course in biology.  There will be almost daily homework and frequent lab reports.  The internal assessment for this course is based on the lab reports written throughout the year.  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 pace in the spring.  Topics covered include ecology, plant structure and function, and animal structure and function (focusing on human health and physiology).
(PREREQUISITE:  COMPLETION OF IB /AP BIOLOGY HL 1)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM MAY BE TAKEN IN SPRING)

AP Biology 1 and 2
12 
An in-depth study of biology from a molecular point of view, with an emphasis on laboratory work.  The following topics will be covered in this course:  Structures and functions of the cell; Nucleic acids and genetics; Evolution and natural selection.  Second semester areas to be covered are the study of viruses, bacteria, and protists; the plant kingdom; invertebrates and vertebrates; concluding with a study of ecology.
(PREREQUISITES:  "B" IN BIOLOGY 21AND CHEMISTRY 1)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED). 

AP Chemistry 1 and 2
11
IB / AP Chemistry is a college level, lab-based, survey course in inorganic chemistry, plus a synopsis of organic chemistry.  There will be almost daily homework, and lab reports about every third week.  The internal assessment for this course is based on the lab reports written throughout the year.  Expected time investment outside class is three to five hours per week.  Student are required to take part in a Group 4 science project.  Extra tutoring sessions and participation in a study group will be needed in the spring to prepare for the exam.  Topics covered include stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and organic chemistry.  One year class is IB Chemistry SL and AP Chemistry.  Two year class is IB Chemistry HL.
(PREREQUISITES:  "B" IN HONORS CHEMISTRY 1, PLUS CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN ALGEBRA 3 AND 4 OR HIGHER)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM MAY BE TAKEN IN SPRING OF THE 1st YEAR)