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SCIENCE DEPARTMENTThe Science Department offers a variety of courses in the biological, earth, and physical sciences. The science program is structured to provide students of all abilities the opportunity to experience four years of science. Upon completion of the science program, students will understand interconnections among the physical, biological, and social worlds. These understandings will enable our students to achieve an increasingly comprehensive and reliable understanding of the human species and its environment. Students develop awareness of the natural world by: observing, critical thinking, experimenting, and validating. Mathematical skills and knowledge are required to some degree in all science courses. Students should be careful to select science courses that align with their proficiency in mathematics. Courses Offered:
Spatial Analysis and Modeling- I 310 College Preparatory Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Semester 2.5 Credits The Spatial Analysis and Modeling-I course employs project-based learning focused on remote sensing, global position satellite (GPS) systems, geographic information systems (GIS), as well as digital modeling and statistical analysis technologies to explore life, earth, and physical systems and phenomena. The spatial technologies used in the course let students observe, explore, and analyze real-world conditions and phenomena using computer models and computer maps to reveal hidden patterns, relationships, and trends. Students will learn how to apply these state-of-the-art spatial analysis and modeling technologies to a broad range of real-world scientific studies. No special computing skills are required for entry into the course. During the semester, students will be assessed on their individual portfolio of work, as well as individual progress towards the completion of short and long-term projects. Projects undertaken in the Spatial Analysis and Modeling-I course cover topics and issues related to the fields of biology, chemistry, Earth science, environmental science, mathematics, and physics. Prerequisite: Grade of C+ or better in Algebra I This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1C, 2, 3A, 3C This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 1D, 3B Spatial Analysis and Modeling- II 311 Honors Grades 10, 11, 12 Semester 2.5 Credits This course builds on the knowledge students gained in Spatial Analysis and Modeling-I, and provides advanced opportunities for independent studies focused on remote sensing, global position satellite (GPS) systems, geographic information systems (GIS), as well as digital modeling and statistical analysis technologies to explore life, earth, and physical systems and phenomena. During the semester, students will be assessed on their individual portfolio of work, individual progress towards the completion of short and long-term projects, as well as individual field studies and a cooperative semester project. The projects undertaken in the Spatial Analysis and Modeling-II course cover topics and issues that require advanced knowledge of spatial analysis and modeling technologies and techniques. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better In Spatial Analysis and Modeling I (313). This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1C, 2, 3A, 3C This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 1D, 3B Earth Science 316 Honors Grades 9, 10 Full Year 5.0 Credits Earth Science Honors serves as an introduction to the study of the Earth, its history, its changes over time, and its place in the universe. The course explores four major disciplines: geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. Through a variety of methods, including laboratory activities, multimedia presentations, and independent long term projects students will learn about Matter and Energy in the Earth System, Earth’s Sources of Energy, Earth’s Processes and Cycles, and The Origin and Evolution of the Universe. Students will be assessed on daily homework, notebooks, tests, quizzes, laboratory activities, and long-term independent projects. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 2, 3A, 3B This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3C, 3D, 1D Earth Science 317 College Preparatory Grades 9, 10 Full Year 5.0 Credits Earth Science College Preparatory serves as an introduction to the study of the Earth, its history, its changes over time, and its place in the universe. The course explores four major disciplines: geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. Through a variety of methods, including laboratory activities, multimedia presentations, and short projects students will learn about Matter and Energy in the Earth System, Earth’s Sources of Energy, Earth’s Processes and Cycles, and The Origin and Evolution of the Universe. Students will be assessed on daily homework, notebooks, tests, quizzes, laboratory activities, and short term projects. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 2, 3A, 3B This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3C, 3D, 1D Biology 321 Honors Grades 9, 10 Full Year 5.0 Credits Biology Honors serves as an introduction to the concepts crucial to life on Earth. Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular and Medelian Genetics, Classification, Evolution and Diversity, and Ecology are the main topics covered in this yearlong course. Through a combination of lectures, experiments, multi-media presentations, and longitudinal projects students gain an understanding into the complexity and wonder of life. Utilization of this material will allow the student to understand, analyze, and make critical decisions about modern biological issues. Student projects will be carried out during the year affording students an opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of concepts illuminated throughout the course. Success in Honors Biology is highly dependent on strong language ability. Enrollment guidelines: A minimum grade of B+ in Grade 8 science and English. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): Biology 322 College Preparatory Grades 10, 11, 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits Biology CP provides students with an introduction to the various ideas key to the understanding of modern Biology. Basic Chemistry, Cells, Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology are the major concepts of this introductory course. Each concept is presented in various formats including multi-media, discussion groups, and lectures. Students demonstrate their understanding of biologic concepts through self-directed investigations, topic presentations, and laboratory experiments. This foundation of learning will provide students with the information necessary to understand such modern biological issues as acid rain, hazardous wastes, disease control, cloning, and pollution. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): Biology 323 Standard Grade 10, 11 Full Year 5.0 Credits Biology Standard is an interesting, understandable, and practical approach to the study of living things. The student’s everyday experiences coupled with classroom projects and activities are the contexts in which students learn about basic chemistry, cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology. A readable text, review booklet, and laboratory exercises are employed as instructional tools. Students are required to do homework and projects outside of class time Chemistry Overview: The chemical nature of matter, use of the Periodic Table, introductory atomic structure, chemical bonds, radioactivity, introductory stoichiometry, and chemical nomenclature, thermochemistry, and kinetic molecular theory are the major topics explored in the following courses. The laboratory experience directly supports the concepts introduced in the classroom. The language of chemistry is incorporated in class discussion and laboratory experiences. Upon completion of any of the chemistry courses students will be able to describe the atomic nature of matter, apply their knowledge of atomic structure to predict chemical bond formation, write chemical formulas and chemical reactions. Students will also be able to solve quantitative problems through the use of specific chemistry-related math skills. Recommendations for placement in Chemistry-–Honors (331) or Chemistry– College Preparatory (332) are based, in part, on students’ achievement on a mathematics diagnostic test given in February. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): Chemistry 331 Honors Grades 10,11,12 Full Year 5.0 Credits This course is for the self-motivated student interested in pursuing a career in science, engineering, and medical fields. Content is presented at an advanced level and pace. Students in Honors Chemistry will explore the chemical and physical nature of matter, atomic structure, Periodic Table, chemical bonds, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, kinetic molecular theory, solutions, acids and bases, nuclear reactions, equilibrium, and kinetics. The laboratory experience directly supports the concepts introduced in the classroom. The language of chemistry is incorporated in class discussion and laboratory experiences. This course takes a traditional mathematical approach to chemistry and requires well developed mathematical reasoning and skills. Students will experience greater success in the course if they are currently enrolled in Algebra II Honors. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3C, 3D Chemistry 332 College Preparatory Grades 11, 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits This course is an introduction to chemistry concepts for the college-bound student. Emphasis is placed on the qualitative concepts of chemistry, but includes some mathematical applications. The course takes an issues-based approach in the study of matter. Using a curriculum developed by the American Chemical Society, students will learn traditional chemistry concepts through investigations of realworld, societal issues. This course proceeds at a moderate pace. Students will engage in discussion and debate of chemistry-related social issues as well as developing proficiencies in fundamental laboratory techniques, including measurement, data collection and analysis, and the manipulation of laboratory apparatus. Grades in College Prep Chemistry will be based on daily homework, tests, quizzes, laboratory activities, and projects As prerequisites, students must have: (1) Completed Algebra 1 with a minimum grade of “C”, (2) Completed Geometry with a minimum grade of “C” or be concurrently enrolled in Geometry. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3C, 3D Physics 341 Honors Grades 11, 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits This course is for the student who intends to pursue higher education in the sciences and/or engineering. The problem-solving approach emphasizes the application of physical science principles to real-life situations and requires a significant mathematics background. Course topics include the study of mechanics (kinematics and dynamics), forces, work, energy and waves (sound and light). Laboratory experiments and activities are integrated to allow the students to experience “the way physics works” as they study the concepts. Special topics from outside sources will supplement the class material. Each student is required to complete three design and construction projects in addition to the laboratory work. Successful completion of this course is required for enrollment in Physics AP. After completing this course, students will be able to quantitatively define/describe the dynamics between forces, work, and energy. Students will show proficiency in solving motion problems cinematically. Students will accurately analyze motion graphically. Students will show a working knowledge of waves and how they are related to the concepts of sound and light. Students will be able to show how the concepts studied are integrated into understanding the universe. Historically, students who performed well in this course had successfully completed Geometry Honors and Algebra II Honors and were concurrently enrolled in Algebra III/Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 4A This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3C, 3D Physics 342 College Preparatory Grades 11, 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits This course is for the student who has interest in the physical sciences. A traditional presentation of the concept of motion, forces, work, power, energy, and waves (sound and light) is made with emphasis on problem-solving techniques. Although the approach is more qualitative than quantitative, a sound background in mathematics is necessary. To be successful, students should have completed Algebra II with a grade of C or better. Laboratory experiences are used to emphasize the concepts and allow students to become familiar with apparatus. Students are required to design and construct three projects. Outside readings are required to augment the class material. After completing this course, students will be able to define/describe the dynamics of motion and demonstrate an ability to solve problems involving motion. Students will be able to show the interconnection of force, work, power, and energy. Students will be able to construct motion graphs and make conclusions from graphs of this type. Students will show a basic knowledge of waves and how sound and light behave as waves. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 4A This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3C, 3D Human Anatomy and Physiology 363 Honors Grades 11,12 Full Year 5.0 Credits Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the structure and function of the human body. Students in this course will be exposed to the physiologic and morphologic underpinnings of the vertebrate body plan. Topics covered within this course include: movement and support (the muscular skeletal system), integration and coordination (the nervous system), processing and transport (the digestive and cardiovascular systems) and reproduction (form and function of the placental mammalian reproductive system). Students enrolled in the course will, by its completion, have gained an understanding of the major human organ systems and their respective roles in the maintenance of systemic homeostasis. Students are expected to complete 3 short papers (500-750 words) each marking period on class-generated topics. In addition, students are required to complete two large research projects. Requirements: Students electing this course are expected to have successfully completed Biology (H) and Chemistry (H) and should possess strong verbal and communication skills. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1C, 2, 3B, 5 This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s):3C, 3D Human Anatomy and Physiology 362 College Preparatory Grades 11, 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the structure and the function of the human body. Topics of discussion include: movement and support, integration and coordination, processing and transport and reproduction. At the conclusion of the course students will: develop an appreciation of the form and function of the human body and gain an understanding of the role each organ system plays in the homeostasis of the human organism. Students are expected to complete five outside readings each marking term. Students are also required to complete one major research project. Students electing this course should have successfully completed Biology and should possess strong verbal and communication skills. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1C, 2, 3B, 5 This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3C, 3D Behavioral Science 352 College Preparatory Grades 11, 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits Behavioral science examines and compares animal and human behavior. Both biological and environmental influences on behavior will be studied. Topics will include innate vs. learned behaviors, communication, predator/prey relations, social behavior, courtship and mating strategies, migration, dominance and territoriality, and rhythmic behaviors. After completing this course, students will be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of both how and why an organism behaves as it does (biology vs. environment); Design and carry out labs that will examine various behaviors discussed in class; Analyze data in order to write formal lab reports; Provide routine care and maintenance of animals us in the course. Students will be required to write four research papers, and complete a human behavior field experiment using a topic approved by the instructor. Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed a course in biology. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1C, 3B, 3C, 4A This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3D Environmental Science CP 361 College Preparatory Grades 11,12 Full Year 5.0 Credits This course is a science elective offered to students in the 11th and 12th grades that have successfully completed Biology. Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary discipline that draws from all the sciences, as well as other fields, to help better understand the relationship between humans and the world in which we live. Topics covered in this course include: the effect of humans on the environment, water resources, energy, population dynamics, and pollution. Laboratory activities and research projects, within and outside the classroom, act as a core for the curriculum. On completion of this Environmental Science course students will be better equipped to understand and solve current and future environmental issues. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1B, 3B, 4A, 4B This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 1D, 3A Biology AP 320 Advanced Placement Grade 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits The Biology AP course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college Biology course. Its aim is to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. This course teaches an understanding of concepts, science as a process, scientific inquiry methods and the application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. The major themes in this course include: science as a process; evolution; energy transfer; continuity and change; relationship of structure to function; regulation; interdependence in nature; and science, technology and society. The AP program mandates twelve labs, and several additional experiences are included to increase proficiency in the required labs. Lab work is designed to develop skills such as detailed observation, accurate recording, experimental design, manual manipulation, lab safety, data interpretation, statistical analysis, and operation of technical equipment. Laboratory experiences are a major component of the AP Biology program and constitute approximately one third of the course credit. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology, which may result in college credit and/or advanced placement. Students who enroll in this course must have attained a minimum grade of B+ in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry. They should also have a keen interest in the biological sciences and complete a summer reading assignment. Prerequisite: Refer to information and requirements on pages six. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1C, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3C, 3D Chemistry AP 330 Advanced Placement Grades 11, 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits Advanced Placement Chemistry is the equivalent of a general chemistry course taken during the first college year. The theoretical aspects of chemistry are explored with emphasis on mathematical modeling. The major topics include Kinetic Molecular Theory, Structure of Matter, Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamics. Students must be self-motivated and well organized with good time management skills. The course requires students to spend at least five hours per week in independent study. Students electing this course must complete a summer requirement including basic problem solving strategies and atomic structure. To enroll in AP Chemistry, students should have completed or be enrolled in Pre- Calculus. Prerequisite: Refer to information and requirements on page three and four. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s):3C, 3D Physics AP 340 Advanced Placement Grade 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits Physics AP is a second year course for students who are expressly interested in majoring in the physical sciences or engineering in college/university and who plan to pursue a career in one of these areas. After a review of topics from Honors Physics, other classical topics such as electricity, magnetism, optics, and energy will be studied as well as modern physics concepts and astronomy/cosmology. Laboratory work will be integrated into the course and involve traditional experiments of these topics. Much use will be made of video series to study the modern concepts. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam for Physics that is given in May. A series of selected reading/problem solving assignments is a requirement as preparation for this course. Prerequisite: Completion of Physics Honors course with a minimum grade of “B+” and recommendation from current science teacher. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 4A This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 3C, 3D Environmental Science AP 360 Advanced Placement Grade 12 Full Year 5.0 Credits This course is offered to students in the 11th and 12th grades that meet the prerequisites and is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students who enroll in this course must have attained a minimum grade of B+ in Honors Biology or Honors Chemistry. They should have an interest in environmental science and will be required to complete a summer reading assignment, to submit at least one research project/paper per quarter, and to take the advanced placement exam in May. This course supports the following Academic Expectation(s): 1A, 1B, 3B, 4A, 4B This course assesses the following Academic Expectation(s): 1D, 3A |
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