Science Department

Biology is a full-year laboratory science course designed for sophomores. This introductory biology course addresses the study of life on Earth, with collaborative inquiry-based student-centered assignments that focus on ecological relationships, genetics and inheritance, evolution mechanisms, cell biology, human impacts on the environment, and the structures and systems of diverse living organisms. The nature of science and experimental design are emphasized throughout the course. Students strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills as they determine meaning from collected data. Students also develop laboratory skills with methods and equipment used by actual field and laboratory biologists.

 

Prerequisite: Entering freshmen students who score in a qualifying percentile or above on the combined science, mathematics, and reading portions of the entrance exam will be placed into Biology or may apply to take Honors Biology** as freshmen.

 

 

Honors Biology is a more challenging version of Biology I, where concepts are covered in greater depth and at a faster pace. Assignments are collaborative, inquiry-based, and student centered that focus on ecological relationships, genetics and inheritance, evolution mechanisms, cell biology, human impacts on the environment, and the structures and systems of diverse living organisms. The nature of science and experimental design are emphasized throughout the course. Students strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills as they determine meaning from collected data. Students also develop laboratory skills with methods and equipment used by actual field and laboratory biologists. Students also are required to read a non-fiction scientific novel during the summer prior to the start of the school year. Past readings have included: The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Students must read the assigned book, complete an assignment about the book, and take a test on the reading during the first week of school. Also, animal dissections will be completed throughout the school year.

 

Prerequisite: Incoming freshmen who score in a qualifying percentile or above on the combined reading, mathematics, and science portions of the entrance exam are eligible to apply for this course. Those who qualify to apply will receive their application materials at the time of registration. Incoming sophomores who are interested in being considered for this course need to complete the application, present a letter of recommendation from a science teacher, and pass a qualifying assessment. The final decision for admittance to the class is determined by the department, even if students meet the academic requirements.

 

This course is designed for students who have already completed chemistry during the previous academic year, or previous summer term, and who wish to pursue honors credit in chemistry. This three-week course is designed to expand upon the knowledge gained in Chemistry and to provide more in-depth laboratory experimentation. Scientific (non-graphing) calculators are required. Concepts covered include reaction energy, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological chemistry. Students must apply for entry into this course during the previous spring semester. Students must earn a C or higher to receive credit for this course. A student’s transcript will reflect honors credit for chemistry upon completing this course; however, the grades earned in the student’s original chemistry class will be used on the transcript.

Prerequisite: B+ (85% or higher) in Chemistry, B+ (85% or higher) in Algebra II/Trig, or Pre-Calculus, application required.

This Advanced Placement course is equivalent to the pace and rigor of a first-year college science course. This is a unique science course in that it is comprehensive of all the other sciences, in addition to some history, economics, law, and math. APES will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand Earth’s natural systems and human impacts on them. Topics of study include: Earth systems, resources, and structure; biogeochemical cycles and energy flow through ecosystems; endangered species; population dynamics; land and water uses (agriculture, forestry, mining, fishing, solid waste); human energy resources and consumption; urban planning; water quality, air pollution, waste management, and recycling; human health and toxicology; biotechnology; climatology; and other global environmental concerns. Students will review case studies, identify, and analyze environmental problems, evaluate risks associated with those problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolution, restoration, or prevention. Labs are designed to support and put into practice the concepts being studied. Frequently, students are required to conduct and maintain more than one lab at a time, depending on the duration needed to collect data. Successful students are prepared for college-level expectations which include good time management skills, self-motivation, discipline, and flexibility to handle a great deal of independent work outside the classroom (reading for comprehension, note-taking from a variety of sources, daily studying, frequent essay writing assignments, and preparation for complex lab activities and class discussions).

 

This course investigates the basis for understanding the physical world from a variety of viewpoints with emphasis on problem solving and real-world applications. The majority of the course focuses on an in-depth understanding of classical mechanics. Student interest will determine what additional topics may be covered, including: optics, sound, magnetism, electricity, and nuclear physics.

Prerequisites: C (75% or higher) in Chemistry or B (80% or higher) in Principles of Chemistry, and B (80% or higher) in Algebra II/Trigonometry; OR C (75% or higher) in Honors Algebra II / Trigonometry.

This is an adaptation of an environmental science course designed for students who have identified as being on a non-scientific academic path. This course promotes an understanding of the dynamic and integrated processes of Earth’s natural systems; the delicate natural balance of resources that must be maintained to sustain life; and the impacts that human activities have on these systems. The course comprehensively integrates life science (biology) and physical sciences (chemistry, Earth, ecology, ocean, atmosphere), as well as some (light) engineering, for a practical application and experience. Topics include natural and complex cycling of Earth’s energy and matter; ecosystems and evolution; sustainability of natural resources; human health, toxicology, consumption, and impacts; and environmental concerns with evaluation of mitigation strategies. Some activities may include energy and water audits, maintaining raised bed gardens, hydroponics, composting, and review of environmentally focused case studies, as well as analysis of energy and resources used in the food industry. Additionally, students are required to complete and present an environmentally beneficial citizen science project with a local organization in their community.

Prerequisites: At a minimum, completion of Science and Engineering Practices, Biology I, and Principles of Chemistry are required prior to enrolling in this course. Students may only take this course
for an elective fourth credit in science if they are ineligible for every other science elective; essentially this is any student who earns less than a C (74% or lower) Chemistry or a 79% or lower in Principles of Chemistry.