Because we live in a world dominated by the influence of science and technology, the ability to make informed decisions as voters and consumers requires an understanding and appreciation of the nature of science. Since science is both a body of knowledge and a process of investigation, these two components are an integral part of each science course offering. Students should expect a rigorous course of study that encourages higher-level reasoning, incorporates the use of technology, and involves laboratory inquiry. The science curriculum emphasizes reading, writing, discussion, analysis, synthesis, scientific reasoning, and research skills. Reference works include texts, primary sources, and current science news publications. Since all students have their own laptops and every classroom has wireless network connection, current scientific information available through Internet access is used frequently.
Biology
(required for grade 9)
Major topics studied include ecology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and the six kingdoms of organisms. Rather than skimming through many topics, fewer topics are studied but at considerably more depth than is traditionally done in high school biology. Laboratory activities are conducted and coordinated with each of the areas of study. The labs stress the development of observation skills and critical thinking.
Chemistry
This 10th grade course is a survey of theoretical and quantitative chemistry. Topics include matter, energy, measurements, atomic structure, molecular shapes, electron arrangements, bonding, periodic law, chemical formulas, composition and reaction stoichiometry, solids, liquids, gases, thermochemistry, solutions, acids and bases, equilibrium and kinetics. Laboratory work provides hands-on experience with the chemical concepts presented in class.
Honors Chemistry
Tenth grade Honors Chemistry includes the same topics as the chemistry course but in greater depth, and requires higher demands on laboratory work and more emphasis on the mathematical concepts in chemistry.
AP Biology
(open to sophomores – seniors)
The AP Biology course matches a yearlong college-level survey course and covers a broad range of biological topics in depth in order to prepare students for the AP Biology exam. The three broad areas studied are molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. Emphasis is on conceptual understanding, vocabulary, and writing in the style required for the AP Biology exam given in May.
Physics
(open to juniors)
This 11th grade course is a survey of a broad range of topics, including Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. Hands-on experiments enhance understanding of these concepts.
AP Physics B
(open to juniors and seniors)
The AP Physics B course matches a yearlong college-level survey course that uses algebra and trigonometry and covers a broad range of topics in physics. The level of problem-solving difficulty is high, and strong demands will be placed on the individual student to incorporate his or her mathematical skills with the concepts presented in the course. The AP exam is given in May.
AP Physics C
(open to seniors who score a 3 or higher on the AP Physics B exam)
The Physics C course is two separate, semester-long classes geared toward students with a strong interest in science and engineering. The first semester covers Newtonian mechanics, while the second semester is devoted to electromagnetism. The problems will require the use of calculus, a subject in which the student must be concurrently enrolled or have already taken. The AP exam given in May consists of 1.5 hours in mechanics, and 1.5 hours in electromagnetism.
Environmental Science
(spring semester course open to juniors and seniors)
The course serves as an introduction to environmental science and environmental studies with a focus on sustainability. Topics include the use of basic scientific concepts and tools for solving environmental problems; human population growth; cycles of carbon, water, and other matter; weather and climate; and the use of natural resources, in particular water and energy. The course evaluates natural environmental processes, as well as human impacts on these processes. Students consider sustainability issues in general, campus sustainability, and individuals' contributions toward environmental sustainability. Fieldwork, class discussions, and laboratory exercises reinforce scientific principles.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
(open to sophomores – seniors)
This is a fast-paced, one-semester anatomy and physiology course covering basic cell biochemistry and the study of the 10 body organ systems. Biochemistry topics covered include DNA replication, protein synthesis, cellular respiration, ion pumps, and enzyme functions. The anatomy of all organ systems is surveyed; the physiology of selected organ systems is studied in depth. Labs correlate with current course topics. Labs also include dissection of several major organs as well as a full-term gestation mammal.
Astronomy
(semester course open to seniors)
In the first quarter the students cover the introductory topics of astronomy and the solar system with emphasis placed on the objects visible within the solar system for that particular quarter. The second quarter of covers stellar evolution, galaxies, and the Big Bang Theory, with emphasis placed upon the deep space objects visible for that particular quarter. Astronomy meets three times per week in the classroom and one night per week at the Speer-Lyell Observatory.
Cloning, Transgenics, and Bioethics
(open to juniors and seniors. Students must interview with teacher for approval to take the course. Prerequisites: biology and chemistry with a minimum grade of B+ in each course.)
The course is divided into several parts, with the instructor leading early and students taking more and more responsibility as the course proceeds. The course includes a brief review of important topics in basic chemistry, such as bonding, energy changes, intermolecular interactions, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics. An overview of organic chemistry is included, as is a more detailed look at protein and nucleic acid structure and function, with particular emphasis on replication, transcription, translation, and gene expression. The ethics component of the course begins early, with the introduction of some of the controversial ideas surrounding cloning, transgenics, and stem cell research. As the course progresses, students read and present articles to the class for discussion. As interests develop, small groups of students are assigned sides of issues to debate in front of the class, with discussion to follow. The emphasis is on understanding all sides of an argument, not just coming to a conclusion. Class discussions and current events determine subsequent topics.
Psychology
(fall semester course open to juniors and seniors)
This course serves as a broad introduction to contemporary psychology, which will be explored as a social science, as well as a means of promoting a greater understanding of self and others. Other disciplines relevant to psychology, including concepts from the fields of sociology and anthropology, will be studied in order to give students a wider perspective of human behavior as it relates to the individual and the community. The course will help students formulate their own perspectives for understanding human behavior.
Robotics
(fall and spring semester course open to juniors and seniors)
Robotics integrates computer programming in C/C++, mathematics, engineering, physics, critical thinking, problem-solving, and robotics. Students are provided with the robots, parts, and a list of projects to get them started in programming and robotics. Students work independently or with a partner during class to build the robots and to write the codes to program their robots. More advanced students have the option to work on independent robotics projects.
Honors Advanced Science Research
This is a yearlong course which earns the student ½ credit. Each student designs and executes an original research project and then must participate in at least three science competitions or two competitions and one presentation to an adult or student group. This is a course that does not meet during a regular class period; however, the student must communicate regularly with the teacher. There will be deadlines for completing various aspects of the research project.