[Required Course, 9th grade]

This course is designed to give students a comprehensive coverage of life science. Topics included are: biochemistry, cell structure and function, DNA and genetics, taxonomy, survey of the animal kingdom including human anatomy and physiology, and evolution. Frequent laboratory work, including several animal dissections, reinforces conceptual understanding and develops analytical skills. The class incorporates new developments in biology and explores current-day applications. Students will be evaluated on homework, laboratory reports, tests, class participation, and various papers and projects.

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry completed with a “B” average, or permission from course instructor

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college biology course. Its goal is to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Laboratory experiments are integrated wherever possible in support of the subject areas which include: biochemistry, cell biology, molecular genetics and biotechnology, evolution, taxonomy, human anatomy and physiology, plant anatomy and physiology, ecology, and animal behavior. The course includes review in the spring in preparation for the AP Biology exam.

[Required Course, 10th grade]

Prerequisites: Algebra II or departmental recommendation

This course serves as a general introduction to chemistry and as a solid foundation for more advanced work in science. A balance is sought between descriptive material, designed to stimulate interest and appreciation for the subject, and more quantitative (computational) material, which stresses the mastery of key concepts. A rather informal lecture-discussion-demonstration format is followed, with students as active participants in all class activities. Extensive student laboratory work is designed to reinforce concepts and develop the student’s skills in laboratory analysis and use of appropriate materials.

Prerequisites: Algebra II, B or above, and one year of Chemistry, B+ or above, or permission from course instructor

This is a course for those who wish to investigate major concepts in chemistry more thoroughly in preparation for a scientifically-based career. Class discussion and problem-solving, using a college-level text as the focus of effort, are the prime activities in the class. Laboratory work, as recommended by Advanced Placement guidelines, is incorporated as appropriate. At the end of the course, all students will take the AP Exam, and, if successful, may test out of the first year of chemistry at many colleges.

Prerequisites: Algebra II and Chemistry; 11th or 12th grade only

This introductory algebra-based physics course is intended for students seeking a basic, broad-based background in physics with particular emphasis placed on qualitative reasoning skills and the ability to conceptualize a variety of natural phenomena. This hands-on course also utilizes frequent demonstrations and laboratories to develop the quantitative skills in measurement, graphical analysis, and problem solving necessary to prepare students for a college level course. Physics follows a curriculum similar to Physics Accelerated, differing mostly in pace and mathematical complexity. This course is designed to provide a survey of topics in the areas of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and sound, optics, and a brief introduction to modern physics. Students who successfully complete Physics may opt to enroll in AP Physics (B) upon completion of the course.

Prerequisites: Algebra II and Chemistry; 11th or 12th grade only

Students must have a B+ average in BOTH Chemistry and the math course taken the year prior, or written permission from both teachers.

Physics Accelerated is an introductory physics course intended for students with strong backgrounds in math and science. This algebra-based course covers a similar curriculum to Physics, but in greater depth and at a rapid pace, using more nuanced applications of mathematics. Topic areas of study include: measurement, graphical analysis and vectors, mechanics, waves and sound, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, light and geometric optics, and a brief introduction to modern physics. Problem-solving is the primary tool for study, with frequent class demonstrations and student laboratory experiments selected to reinforce concepts studied. Students who successfully complete Physics Accelerated should be well prepared to take the SAT II (subject) physics test and to enroll in AP Physics (B or C) upon completion of the course.

Prerequisites: Accelerated Physics or Physics (B+ or permission from course instructor)

Within this course, students may elect to prepare for and take the exams for AP Physics B, AP Physics C Mechanics and/or AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism. The student’s transcript will reflect the student’s exam and curriculum choice.

AP Physics B is a college level, non-calculus-based course in physics, using a more advanced text than first year. Though the course is non-calculus-based, some methods using calculus are presented at times for clarification or comparison. Students taking the course are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics Examination in May. In the first semester, students work on advanced level problem-solving and review of topics studied in the first-year course. Second semester work emphasizes electricity and magnetism, light and optics, modern physics, and AP test preparations. Laboratory experiments are incorporated into the course to further students’ investigative techniques, with students at this level taking a larger role in experimental design. More advanced analysis techniques with the calculator, calculator-interfaced instruments and computer-interfaced probes are included.

Students electing AP Physics C Mechanics will study all the topics listed for the Physics B course but will have a few extra assignments during first semester that reinforce the calculus necessary for the C exam. They will do the same laboratory work, since the Mechanics C labs are subsumed by the Physics B labs (including some calculus and advanced analysis). Students electing to prepare for both the AP Physics C Mechanics and the C Electricity and Magnetism exams will assume a significant commitment in second semester: advanced E and M problem sets with assigned reading, and four additional laboratory experiments.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry; B average or permission of instructor

This class examines the relationships between living things and their environments and prepares students for the AP Environmental Science exam. Students will learn through a wide variety of media, including textbook, labs (both indoor and outdoor), and online activities. Some environmental service will be required. Topics include: sustainability; biomes and climate regions of the earth; basic earth science, weather and climate; ecology; soil science; endangered species and loss of biodiversity; growth and control of populations; water use and water pollution; air pollution; climate change and ozone depletion; waste disposal and environmental toxicity; and energy conservation.

Prerequisite: Biology

The Anatomy and Physiology fall semester course examines the basic biological concepts of structure and function of the human body. Body systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive, muscular, skeletal and reproductive, will be surveyed. Lab work will include a significant amount of dissection, including an intensive multi-week dissection of the fetal pig. Students will also perform several organ dissections, including dissection of the heart, brain and eye. This fast paced course uses a college level text as a resource. 

Human Anatomy and Physiology (Spring)

Prerequisite: Biology

The Anatomy and Physiology spring semester course will focus on the structure and function of the human nervous system, muscular system, skeletal system, immune system, endocrine system and integumentary system. This laboratory based class will include several anatomical organ dissections, as well as various physiology labs. After a brief introductory unit, students will fully investigate each of these body systems through lab work, textbook reading, research projects, videos and classroom discussions. The course will also include the study of diseases and disorders of each system and strategies for maintaining and improving health. Biology is a prerequisite for the course. Students are not required to take the fall semester course as a prerequisite.

Independent Laboratory Research (Fall or Spring)

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry, completion of required science credits, approval of science faculty review committee in semester prior to enrollment, and administrative approval

This class is in place for those students interested in continuing a previous research project for credit. It is possible for a student to earn a half credit in science by fulfilling the following requirements. However, this one-half unit may not count toward the first three credits for graduation. To be eligible, a student must have initiated significant research on the topic prior to submission of the proposal to the Science Chair. The final approval for credit includes consideration of time spent per week (based on the student log and notebook), quality of the research project, submission of a final paper, and entry of the project into at least one approved competition. In general, students must demonstrate evidence of involvement with independent research prior to the semester in which they enroll for credit.