Science

Physical Science (CP) – 9th

1.0 credit

Prerequisite: none

Physical Science is laboratory oriented to give the students an understanding of the basics of physical science and offer insight into the acquisition of scientific knowledge. With approximately two-thirds of the year devoted to the study of basic chemistry concepts and one-third devoted to concepts in physics, this course provides an excellent foundation for the study of other sciences. The instructional method is student experimentation with guided reasoning on the results of the experimentation. The curriculum places heavy emphasis on graphing, measurement, data analysis, and reporting of lab results, as well as the application of mathematical concepts to scientific phenomena.

Chemistry (CP) – 10th 
 1.0 credit

Prerequisite: Physical Science

Chemistry covers the concepts, vocabulary, and mathematical aspects of chemistry. It is designed for college bound students who plan to pursue both scientific and nonscientific fields. Topics include the structure of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, states of matter and their changes, acids, bases, and solutions. Laboratory work emphasizes fundamental laboratory skills and the practical applications of chemistry such as production and testing of commercially used products and environmental chemistry.

PreAP Chemistry (Honors) – 10th 
 1.0 credit

Prerequisite: Physical Science (Honors) or teacher/department recommendation

The honors level of Chemistry is a lecture/laboratory course designed to challenge students who excel in math and science. Offered as preparation for AP Chemistry or college chemistry, this course moves at an accelerated pace in order to cover more laboratory exercises and more topics such as behavior of gasses, chemical periodicity, and solution chemistry. The goal is the development of higher level reasoning and mathematical skills.  Prerequisites include grades of A or B in all previous Honors science classes and/or an A in all College Prep level science classes. Applicants must also have an A or B in all previous or concurrent math classes. Students desiring to take AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics are highly encouraged to complete both Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology prior to the end of sophomore year.

Biology (CP) –10th or 11th 
 1.0 credit

Biology is lecture/laboratory based and covers traditional biology topics including cells, cell processes, ecology, genetics, photosynthesis, DNA replication, and classification. Extensive lab work offers students an excellent preparation for college courses. Laboratory work emphasizes fundamental laboratory skills and the practical applications of chemistry such as production and testing of commercially used products and environmental chemistry.

PreAP Biology (Honors) – 9th – 11th 
  1.0 credit 

The honors level of Biology is designed to challenge students who excel in science. It is a lecture/laboratory course which emphasizes topics that provide a strong foundation for students planning to study AP Biology or a rigorous college biology course. Prerequisites include grades of A or B in all previous Honors science classes and/or an A in all College Prep level science classes. Applicants must also have an A or B in all previous or concurrent math classes.  Students desiring to take AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics are highly encouraged to complete both Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology prior to the end of sophomore year.

Biology II - Anatomy and Physiology (Honors) – 11th – 12th 

1.0 credit

Prerequisite: Biology I

Biology II is a course in human anatomy and physiology, is an elective that students may choose following their completion of Biology or Honors Biology.  The course focuses on the structure and function of the body’s major systems and includes mandatory dissection labs.  Prerequisites include grades of A or B in all previous Honors science classes and/or an A in all College Prep level science classes.  Applicants must also have an A or B in all previous or concurrent math and English classes.  

Engineer Your World (EYW) I: Engineering Design and Analysis is a hands-on, design-based, inquiry-focused engineering course for all learners. In this course, students discover the engineering design process, make data-driven decisions, and work in multi-level teams to solve complex challenges.

Environmental Science offers an overview of topics and disciplines needed to understand the environmental issues and challenges of today’s world.  The course integrates aspects of biology, earth science, and chemistry. Specific topics include preserving biodiversity, human population growth, energy, pollution, and sustainability.  Laboratory components of the course include hands-on work in a student run garden. 

Physics (CP) – 12th 
 1.0 credit

Prerequisite: Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology

Physics is a course designed to teach students the fundamental concepts of motion, energy and electricity.  It allows students to draw on and apply algebra, geometry, trigonometry and critical thinking skills in the pursuit of answers to everyday problems.  Labs help students apply any and all information learned in and outside the classroom.  Overall, this class teaches students why and how to understand the world around them. 

PreAP Physics (Honors) – 11th – 12th 
 1.0 credit

Prerequisite: Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology

The honors level of Physics is designed to challenge students who excel in science. It includes the same content as the physics course but investigates the topics in greater depth and involves solving more complex problems. Students use the same computer interfacing, video-tape analysis and simulations as the College Prep physics course but are required to use higher level thinking skills. Prerequisites include grades of A or B in all previous Honors science classes and/or an A in all College Prep level science classes. Applicants must also have an A or B in all previous or concurrent math classes, the minimum level being Honors Pre-Calculus.

Physics C: Mechanics (AP) – 12th 
 1.0 credit

Prerequisite: PreAP Physics (Honors)

AP Physics is designed to be equivalent to a one-semester, college physics course. This course follows the College Board's syllabus for Physics-C.  It is designed to be a continuation of Honors Physics and covers many of the same topics as that course with more complex calculations, including the use of calculus. Additional topics are included particularly relating to rotation and static equilibrium. With appropriate scores on the AP exam, students may receive four hours of college credit.  AP Physics-C is the only type of Advanced Placement physics credit that colleges allow for science majors. The applicant must have earned a grade of A or B in Honors Physics as well as a grade of A or B in Honors Pre-Calculus. The applicant must also either be taking AP Calculus AB concurrently or have taken that course and earned an A.

Chemistry II (AP) – 12th 

Biology (AP) – 11th or 12th
 1.0 credit 

AP Biology is designed for juniors or seniors planning a career in the biological sciences such as nursing, medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, medical research or pharmacy. Students study organic chemistry, biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, zoology, physiology, anatomy, histology, and botany.  Labs accompanying this course follow the College Board's requirements. College credit is available with approval from a college and appropriate AP exam scores. Applicants must have earned a grade of A or B in Honors Biology as well as grades of A or B in all previous Honors science classes and/or an A in all College Prep level science classes. Applicants must also have an A or B in all previous or concurrent math classes.

Robotics (CP) – 9th -12th 
 0.5 credit 

Robotics is a lab-based course that uses a hands-on approach to introduce the basic concepts of robotics, focusing on the construction and programming of autonomous mobile robots. Course information will be tied to lab experiments; students will work in groups to build and test increasingly more complex mobile robots.  Sphero robots/curriculum will be used.

Intro to Computer Science (CP) – 9th -12th    

*online through ProjectSTEM 0.5/1.0  credit

Prerequisite: None

An interactive introductory course for students brand new to programming that teaches the foundations of computer science using the Python language. Not only will this semester- or year-long course prepare students for AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles, but it will teach students how to think computationally and solve complex problems, skills that are important for every student.  This course is offered online through a partnership with Edhesive.

AP Computer Science Principles(AP) – 10th -12th  

*online through ProjectSTEM 1.0  credit

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

AP Computer Science Principles is a complete, full-year course developed in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin’s UTeach Institute that focuses on the 7 “Big Ideas” in computer science using project-based approaches.  The course introduces students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity, and how computing impacts our world. Students will develop the computational thinking skills needed to fully exploit the power of digital technology and help build a strong foundation in core programming and problem-solving.

• Engaging Students New to Computer Science: The course is designed to engage students from diverse backgrounds and those new to computing – and excite students with a curriculum that focuses on the core ideas that shape the landscape of computer science and its impact on our society.

• Project-Based and Collaborative Learning Approach: Using project-based lessons and materials throughout, students will work to address real-world problems and design solutions to put computational thinking into practice. These culminate in a capstone Performance Task project where students can demonstrate what they've learned - to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them.

This course will prepare students for the end-of-course AP Exam.

Intro to Drone Piloting (CP) – 11th -12th 

0.5 credit 

Prerequisite: None

The drone class is both for recreational and career interest. It focuses on learning to fly drones in three steps: using drone simulation software to fly under a variety of real life scenarios such as high winds, obstacles, and other challenging situations, then learning to fly small drones indoors without the effects of wind, and finally to fly the bigger drones outdoors for a full application of the previous two steps. Students 16 or older may also prepare for the FAA’s Remote Pilot’s Certificate if they wish to look for work piloting drones.

Fundamentals of 3D Printing (CP) – 11th -12th

0.5 credit 

Prerequisite: None

3D printing is a semester-long course that introduces students to the fundamentals of 3D printing through project based learning. Projects include printer workflow and maintenance, printing from a stl file, lithophanes, designing in Tinkercad and Fusion360, 3D scanning, and designing novel items to print in addition to service projects for the school and community.  

Gaming Concepts (CP) – 9th -12th

0.5 credit

Prerequisite: None

Gaming Concepts is a DOE approved course with curriculum developed by the High School Esports League. This course teaches good sportsmanship in gaming, healthy nutritional habits, and the nature of gaming. It also covers basic knowledge of home networking technology. The class time is divided into 45 minutes of academics and 45 minutes of practical application of gaming skills.