Science

 

3410 – PRACTICAL PHYSICAL SCIENCE (9-REQ) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
This is a preparatory class for those students needing assistance in basic science skills. The first semester entails the chemical basis of matter while the second semester will be an integration of physical/life laboratory skills. This is an elective course in preparation for the required Physical Science A& B and Biology A & B sequence. In order to enroll in this class, a student must obtain a recommendation(s) from a previous science teacher(s) and/or counselor.

3440 – 9th PHYSICAL SCIENCE (9-REQ) Semester 1 1 Credit/1 Semester
3120 – 9th BIOLOGY (9-REQ) Semester 2 1 Credit/1 Semester

3130 – 10th BIOLOGY (10-REQ,11,12) Semester 3 1 Credit/1 Semester
3450- 10th PHYSICAL SCIENCE (10-REQ) Semester 4 1 Credit/1 Semester
This four semester sequence introduces students to Physical Science and Biology. The Physical Science portion is a laboratory course dealing with the process of scientific investigation of objects and phenomena in our physical universe. This course introduces the interrelated nature of matter and energy and the physical laws that govern their behavior as well as their mathematical relationships. The organized nature of matter and energy and our understanding of physical laws that have produced an advanced technology and its effect on society will be emphasized. The subject matter of the Biology semesters has been selected from both traditional and new areas. It includes a general coverage of the protist, plant and animal kingdoms, and the role each fills in the environment. Much emphasis is placed on the functioning of the individual cell, the chemistry involved in living things and the continuity of life.

3235 - IB Biology, SL (11,12) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
 This lab science class is a pre-college biology course. SL biology students will cover the history as well as the current nature of this globally universal subject. SL concepts will stress building strong analytical skills necessary in all science areas. The course will include but not be limited to: biochemistry, cells, genetics, animal systems (covered in dissection format), evolution and ecology.

3240 - BIOLOGY/CHEMISTRY (11,12) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
This third year science class emphasizes the technical aspects of the health and medical related support fields with a hands-on application. Units covered are: continuity of life, animal life processes, and plant growth and reproduction. Laboratory application explores the techniques and skills needed in various careers.
Prerequisite: Biology 1

3215 – HONORS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (11,12) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
This is an advanced elective lab class taken primarily for students wanting to pursue careers such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, physical education, occupational therapy, athletic training and chiropractic. The course will study the interrelationship of body organ systems and the complement of structure and function.
Prerequisite: Biology

3530 - CHEMISTRY (10,11,12) "The Central Science" 2 Credits/2 Semesters
This course is designed for students who do not plan on pursuing a science, math, or technology related career, but who intend to continue their education in other fields after high school. After developing a background in the fundamentals of chemistry, the thrust of this class will be real-life applications of chemistry in the social problems of today. Issues such as: energy sources, household chemicals, drugs, food, fitness and health will be studied from the view points of social, economic, political, and scientific awareness.
Prerequisite: A "C" or better in Algebra 1

3615 - PHYSICS (10,11,12) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
A full-year course in physics preceding heavy mathematical development. Strongly recommended for any college bound student, but without the math background for Honors Physics. Suitable for gifted sophomores with superior Algebra 1 background and motivation to proceed to Honors Engineering Physics in Grade 12. Topics include forces, motion, wave theory, momentum, work and power, electricity, magnetism and astronomy.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1

3635 IB PHYSICS, SL (11,12) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
3636 IB PHYSICS, HL (11,12) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
Students will explore the core topics of measurement, mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electricity and magnetism including additional optional topics; quantum physics, nuclear physics, biomedical physics, relativity, astrophysics, optics and the history of physics. Students entering the program will be given a summer assignment, which will review basic mathematical skills and introduce concepts of analytical reasoning.

3730 - IB ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, SL (11,12) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
This lab science class will explore topical environmental problems in the world today from international and global perspectives. Neither geologic formations nor environmental issues such as pollution plumes, or tsunami waves follow politically derived boundaries. The course will stress fundamentals of science, usually found within geology, biology and chemistry curricula.

3551 - IB CHEMISTRY 1, SL (11) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
3552 - IB CHEMISTRY 2, HL (12) 2 Credits/2 Semesters
This course gives the student the fundamentals of the atomic nature of matter and the consequences of this atomic nature. Topics will cover the basics of chemistry, from atoms and subatomic particles to chemical reactions (qualitative and quantitatively), guiding principles of nature (thermodynamics and energy, shape and function), and common types of chemical processes in nature. The course will then look at chemical processes applying directly to our own lives, both individually and on a global scale.