Science
Courses Offered, Course Descriptions, Course Syllabi:
Conceptual Science
(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grade 9
AIMS: Understanding that basic principles of physics builds a strong foundation for the study of other sciences such as biology and chemistry.
CONTENT: This course includes the study of Newtonian Laws; elementary chemistry concepts; characteristics and origin of life; and interactions of the ecosystems in our environment. The basic principles of physics are integrated into each of these areas.
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Honors Conceptual Science
(Year course--5 periods per week --1 credit)
Grade 8
Note: Based on test scores and teacher recommendations.
AIMS: Understanding that basic principles of physics builds a strong foundation for the study of other sciences such as biology and chemistry.
CONTENT: This course includes the study of Newtonian Laws; elementary chemistry concepts; characteristics and origin of life; and interactions of the ecosystems in our environment. The basic principles of physics are integrated into each of these areas. At the Honor level, students will delve deeper into the principles of physics including mathematics.
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Biology
(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit) Grades 10
AIMS: To provide students with the basic concepts in selected biological topics. To develop self-discipline, responsibility, inquiry skills, report writing techniques, and the acquisition of scientific knowledge through teacher-student interaction.
CONTENT: Students will learn the essential facts and concepts in such areas as ecology, taxonomy, cell biology, heredity, evolution, plant and animal diversity, etc. Laboratory work, multi-media, speakers and laboratory investigations are used.
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Biological Science
(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grade 10
Note: Not intended for college bound student.
AIMS: This course demonstrates for students that human beings are one part of a great interrelated network called the biosphere.
CONTENT: Three major areas are included: 1) the human body and how it integrates into the world of living things; 2) the procedures and technology that contribute to our well-being; and 3) the effect of our ecology/environment on the human body and the procedures which contribute to healthy living.
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Pre-AP Biology
(Year course--5 periods per week -- 1 credit)
Grades 9
Prerequisite: A "B" average and recommendation of instructor.
AIMS: To give a solid foundation course in high school biology. To provide a wide range of relevant field and laboratory experiences.
CONTENT: Topics to be studied include ecology, taxonomy, microbiology, paleontology, genetics, cytology, biochemistry, evolution, behavior, physiology, and others. Laboratory work, field trips, speakers, reports, demonstrations, technology, and a variety of assessments will be included to achieve the aims of this course.
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Advanced Placement Biology
Note: Offered every other year: rotates with Advanced Placement Chemistry.
(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in Pre-AP Biology; one year of Chemistry completed, and teacher recommendation, are required.
AIMS: It is designed for students who intend to specialize in biological science and therefore need a thorough knowledge of biology. It will help the students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology as well as an appreciation of science as a process. The major concepts are covered through extensive laboratory, computer-based and student-centered activities.
CONTENT: Students will explore and master the topics of molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, diversity of organisms, structure and function of organisms, and ecology. Guided by the Advanced Placement curriculum.
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Chemistry
(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I and/or recommendation of teacher.
AIMS: To provide a background in chemistry for students who plan to attend a technical school or college as a non-science major.
CONTENT: This course involved the study of the metric system, scientific notation, significant figures, dimensional analysis, energy and matter, atomic structure, electron configuration, the Periodic Table, chemical formulas and bonding, chemical reactions and equations, the mole, and stoichiomety.
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Pre-AP Chemistry
(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grades 10, 11
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Algebra I and teacher recommendation, is required.
AIMS: To enable students to understand the composition of matter and changes that it undergoes. To enable students to apply knowledge gained from class in lab experimentation.
CONTENT: This course involved the study of the metric system, scientific notation, matter and its changes, atomic structure, electron configuration, periodic law, Lewis structures, chemical bonds, formula writing, balancing chemical equations, chemical composition, stoichiometry (chemical mathematics), gases and how they behave, solution process, and liquids, solids, and water.
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(Year course 5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grade 11, 12
NOTE: Rotates with AP Biology
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Honors Chemistry I and/or recommendation of instructor.
AIMS: To develop concepts in acid-base theory; to develop concepts in organic chemistry --especially organic nomenclature; to better prepare students seeking careers in medicine, dentistry, engineering, nursing, or other related fields.
CONTENT: This course involves reviewing concepts from Chemistry I (metric system, scientific notation, Lewis structures, chemical bonds, formula writing, stoichiometry, gas laws, and the solution process). This course also involves ionization, acid-base theory, pH, normality, molarity, carbon and its compounds and organic nomenclature of carbon compounds. Guided by Advanced Placement curriculum.
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(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Algebra II and completion of Honors PreCalculus, or concurrently taking Honors PreCalculus. AIMS: To assist the student in developing an understanding of the meaning of physical phenomena so that he/she may relate this knowledge to his/her life. To aid the student in acquiring the competencies needed for successful living in a highly technological society. To relate the role of science with the other education he/she acquires; to develop a scientifically literate citizen.
CONTENT: This course involves the study of physics as the science of energy, measurement and problem solving, nature and cause of motion, resolution and composition of forces, curvilinear and harmonic motion, conservation of energy and momentum (including mechanical advantages of machines), phases of matter, thermal energy and its effects, heat and work, and wave motion.
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(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grades 11, 12
Note: Not intended for the college bound student.
AIMS: To give a non college bound student an opportunity to assimilate science topics that are an integral piece of today's society. Also, it is designed to "break-down" difficult and complex scientific concepts into an easy and meaningful way for the student to apply to his or her life.
CONTENT: This course portrays science as a critical human endeavor conducted by ordinary people through the study of the process, culture and society in which we live. Science is depicted as a way of viewing the human enterprise and the whole world. News and current events are springboards to explore science, health, environment, and technology.
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(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grades 11, 12
CONTENT: This course involves the study of Mendel’s principles and chromosomal theory, molecular genetics, quantitative genetics, and evolutionary genetics, as well as prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular development and reproduction.
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