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A science curriculum should promote literacy in science, mathematics and technology in order to help people live responsible, productive, meaningful and interesting lives. In a culture increasingly pervaded by science, mathematics and technology, a high level of science literacy has become an essential asset for all. Each individual must make sense of how the natural and designed worlds work, think independently and critically, recognize and weigh alternative consequences of policy decisions, explain events, analyze design trade offs, and deal with problems that involve evidence, numbers, patterns, logical arguments and uncertainties.

Educational preparation should also enable one to consider the ethics of decisions and solutions to problems. The curriculum is shaped by our vision of the lasting knowledge and skills we want students to acquire by the time they become adults. At the same time we seek not to lose sight of the importance of diversity and value of the individual. The curriculum attempts to combine a common core of learning with a flexibility that addresses the needs and interests of individual students while offering enrichment for those possibly interested in a career in science, engineering or technology.

Note: The above philosophy was developed with input from all science faculty and was based on premises for curriculum reform put forward by the Project 2061 committee. (Benchmarks for Science Literacy page XI).

Environmental Earth Science

Grade 9

Levels I & II

Credits: 1.00

Full Year

This course will use management of natural resources as a basis for learning scientific principles by studying the inter-relationship of humans to land, sea, and space. Emphasis will be placed on why we need to understand the impact of decreased natural resources, increased population and what must occur for continued human survival. Complete lab reports are required for many lab activities and students will be expected to complete nightly homework assignments and readings. Students are evaluated through formal tests and quizzes, homework, lab assignments, and class work. Environmental Earth Science will serve as a foundation for skills and content which are necessary for further study in biological and physical sciences. Students will be guided in the development of self-directed study techniques in science aimed at fostering independent learning. This course is required for all freshmen for science credit.

Biology: The Science of Life

Grades 10

Level I & II

Credits: 1.00

Full Year

This is a comprehensive course designed to introduce sophomore students to the major concepts of biology. Topics in the course include: scientific investigation, cellular biology, CAN, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, taxonomy, microorganisms, disease, and a survey of the five kingdoms. The topics are explored through reading, discussions, demonstrations, laboratory exercises, videos, computer activities, and projects. The course utilizes skills of scientific observation, data collection, scientific illustrations, group work, inquiry, and pre-college study skills and habits. Typed lab reports are required for many lab activities and a mandatory research project will be assigned. Students should expect to spend five hours a week on independent study.

Anatomy and Physiology

Grades 11, 12

Level II

Credits: 1:00

Full Year

The purpose of the course is to study anatomy which is the study of the form, structure and development of the body, it’s arrangements and organs and also study physiology which is the study of how cells, tissues and organisms function, the processes inside the living organism and the study of how and why the parts of the body work and relate to each other. The anatomy and Physiology course is designed to provide students with an awareness and understanding of the structure fits function theme, to enhance student understanding of life and how living systems function and to offer an elective science course that will allow students to learn about themselves and the medical field. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory work including multiple dissections of preserved organs as well as entire organisms.

Advanced Placement Biology

Grades 11, 12

Level AP

Credits: 1.00

Full Year

This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year of college. AP courses differ significantly from the traditional high school science program with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done, and in the time and effort required of students. The goals of the course are derived from analysis of information given by professors in recent nationwide surveys and cover three main areas: molecules and cells, 25 percent; genetics and evolution, 25 percent; organisms and populations, 50 percent. AP Biology aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Complete write-ups are required for all lab activities. In order to ensure successful completion of the AP course, students must be willing to spend seven hours weekly in individual study. Students are evaluated through formal tests and quizzes, homework, lab assignments, and class work. The student registering for this course must register and take the AP Biology exam.

Chemistry

Grades 10, 11

Level I & II

Credits: 1.00

Full Year

This course is designed to develop chemistry literacy among students, to enhance development of strong problem solving skills as well as process and inquiry skills necessary for competency in the laboratory. Units covered include: scientific method, measurement, and observation; matter and energy; equations and reactions; stoichiometry; atomic structure, periodicity of properties, bonding; kinetic theory, gas laws, kinetics and equilibrium; solutions, ionization and electrolytes, acids, bases and salts. Lab reports are required for all lab activities.

Advanced PlacementChemistry

Grades 11, 12

Level AP

Credits: 1.00

Full Year

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken during the first year of college. It is designed to be taken only after the successful completion of a first year in high school chemistry. Emphasis in this course is on chemical calculations and mathematical formulation of principles. Theoretical aspects of chemical concepts will be stressed. The text used is a college text, and the laboratory program is the equivalent of a college lab experience. In order to ensure successful completion of the AP course, students must be willing to spend at least ten hours weekly in individual study. Complete lab write-ups are required for all lab activities. Students registering for this course must take the AP Chemistry exam.

Physics

Grades 11, 12

Level I & II

Credits: 1.00

Full Year

This course covers the nature of matter, energy, and interactions involving matter and energy. Specific topics include Newtonian mechanics (forces, mass, momentum, kinetic and potential energy, gravitation, and collision dynamics), heat, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure, nuclear forces, special relativity, and sound. The course involves extensive laboratory work usually requiring independent decision-making by the student on methods and techniques. Qualitative (non-numerical) understanding is required, with quantitative (numerical) work where time permits. Material in the course is described wherever practical in terms of everyday objects and experiences. Career opportunities related to the various topics are described during the topic studies. Lab reports are required for all lab activities.

Advanced Placement Physics

Grades 11, 12

Level AP

Credits: 1.00

Full Year

The Advanced Placement Physics course is designed to be the equivalent of the general physics course taken during the first college year. It is designed to be taken as a first course in high school physics. Mathematical and theoretical aspects of physics concepts will be stressed. The text used is a college text, and the laboratory program is the equivalent of a college lab experience. In order to ensure successful completion of the AP course, students must be willing to spend at least seven hours weekly in individual study. Complete lab write-ups are required for all lab activities. Students registering for this course must take the AP Physics exam.

Physical Science

Grades 11, 12

Level II

Credits II

Full Year

The course content is a combination of the fundamental topics addressed in Chemistry and Physics. Some of the topics addressed in the area of Chemistry will be: structure of the atom, chemical interactions, acids and bases, etc. In the area of Physics, topics will be: forces, motion, energy, etc. The major emphasis of the course will be to acquire lab skills, and reasoning and problem solving skills.