Science

Principles of Science

This is a one-year lab science course that will present integrated concepts in earth science, biology,
environmental science, chemistry, and physics. Demonstrations and/or lab experiences will be an
important part of instruction. Students will learn about the nature of science and develop critical thinking skills
through inquiry, experimentation, collaboration, and data collection and analysis. This course prepares
students for discipline-specific science courses. This course will satisfy one of the two science credits required
for high school graduation and will meet college entrance requirements for a laboratory science.
NOTE: This course meets entrance requirements as a laboratory science for college and universities.

Enviromental Science

This one-year course is designed for the students who want to learn about the environment through
research and experimentation. It deals with the basic concepts of ecology and their application to today’s
controversial topics of overpopulation; pollution of the soil, air, and water; and conservation of natural resources.
This course will fulfill one of the two science credits required for graduation, and will meet college entrance
requirements for a laboratory science.
NOTE: This course meets entrance requirements as a laboratory science for college and universities.

Earth Science
This course is designed to integrate the principles related to the earth and its environment. Topics included
are scientific method, the metric system, astronomy, geology, topography, ecology, meteorology and
oceanography. Demonstrations and/or lab experiences are to be an integral part of instruction.
NOTE: This course meets entrance requirements as a laboratory science for colleges and universities.

Earth Science Honors

This course is designed to integrate the principles related to the earth and its environment. Topics included
are scientific method, the metric system, astronomy, geology, topography, ecology, meteorology and
oceanography. Demonstrations and/or lab experiences are to be an integral part of instruction.
NOTE: This course meets entrance requirements as a laboratory science for colleges and universities.

AP Physics

This college-level course is designed to provide a comprehensive background for those students desiring
an in-depth study of physical concepts. Topics in mechanics include kinematics, dynamics, energy, rotational
motion, oscillations and gravitation. Topics in electromagnetism include electrostatics, circuits, magnetostatics,
and induction. Other topics may include heat and thermodynamics, waves, optics, modern physics, nuclear physics,
and relativity. This course is highly math oriented and will prepare the student of the AP Physics B exam. It is
expected students will take the AP exam in May. See your school counselor if you have a financial hardship.

Genetics Honors

This one-year course is designed for those students who exhibit an interest in science, especially Biology.
Topics included are: Mendelian analysis, the chromosome theory of inheritance, structure and replication of
genetic material, gene expression, control of gene expression, gene cloning, recombinant DNA technology,
gene mutation, chromosome mutation, population genetics, genetic disorders, and modern applications of
DNA technology.
NOTE: This course meets entrance requirements as a laboratory science for college and universities.

Chemistry
This one-year course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Algebra I and exhibit
interest in science, especially chemistry. Topics included are: metric system, atomic theory and structure,
periodicity of the elements, element-compound-mixtures, bonding, equation balancing, the mole concept
and kinetic theory. Additional topics may include selections from the following: history of chemistry, various
types of chemical reactions, oxidation-reduction, electrochemical cells, nuclear reactions and biochemistry.
NOTE: This course meets entrance requirements as a laboratory science for college and universities.

Chemistry Honors

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra I and are interested in Chemistry.
Topics included are: mathematics of chemistry, safety, laboratory procedures, atomic theory and structure,
structure and organization of the periodic table, chemical bonding, gases-liquids-solids-solutions, equilibrium,
thermo-chemistry, organic-chemistry, chemistry of the environment and career opportunities. Additional topics
may include: history of chemistry, biochemistry, qualitative chemistry and research projects. A science project is suggested for this course.
NOTE: This course meets entrance requirements as a laboratory science for college and universities.

Physics I
This course is an in-depth presentation of the theory and mathematical concepts of physics. Topics included are:
scientific method, laboratory procedures, mathematic review, heat, mechanics, energy transfer, electricity and
magnetism and atomic structure. Students planning to study science, engineering, medicine, etc. in college,
should take this course. Emphasis is placed on synthesis, analysis, and evaluation of information covered
in the textbook, class discussions, and collected in the laboratory.

Physics I Honors
This course is an in-depth presentation of the theory and mathematical concepts of physics. Topics included are:
scientific method, laboratory procedures, mathematic review, heat, mechanics, energy transfer, electricity and
magnetism and atomic structure. Students planning to study science, engineering, medicine, etc. in college,
should take this course. Emphasis is placed on synthesis, analysis, and evaluation of information covered
in the textbook, class discussions, and collected in the laboratory.

Biology

This course is designed as a general survey course that deals with living things and their relationship
to their environment. Major topics to be covered are: the cell, plant and animal diversity, general plant and
animal physiology, basic ecology and genetics. Also, basic skills of experimentation, measurement, collecting
and interpreting data, and reporting will be emphasized.
NOTE: This course meets entrance requirements as a laboratory science for colleges and universities.

Biology Honors

This one-year course is a rigorous presentation of introductory biological concepts designed for the
serious, academically-oriented student. Emphasis is particularly placed on developing critical thinking skills,
research skills, and laboratory techniques. Independent study projects are an integral part of course
requirements.
NOTE: This course meets entrance requirements as a laboratory science for college and universities.