A total of three (3) Science credits are required for graduation.  

Fundamentals of Science
9th Grade               1.00 Credit             Year-long          Course # 1510

This course is designed to provide 9th-grade students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of science, with a primary focus on life sciences. The course will also cover essential concepts in chemical science, physical science, and earth science to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the scientific principles that govern our world.

Biology
 Grade 9     1.00 Credit      Level 1     Course # 1511
Biology is specifically designed to prepare students for the topics covered on the Biology Keystone Exam.  Students will develop skills by reading the BIOZONE text, keeping an organized Drive, completing daily Bell-Ringers, and using these resources during Unit assessments.  Students will bring their charged Chromebook to class to engage in Google Classroom, EdPuzzle, Quizlet, GIZMOs, and laboratory activities to explore the biological world.  The structure and leadership provided within this course will help students in developing a solid work ethic and life-long learning skills.  Cooperative activities and computer-based simulations permit students to express their knowledge while learning to work alongside others.  Students who take this course will be scheduled to take the Biology Keystone Exam in May.

Topics include:  basic biological principles, the chemical basis for life, bioenergetics, homeostasis & transport, cell growth & reproduction, genetics, theory of evolution, and ecology.

Honors Biology
 Grades 9    1.00 Credit     Level 2     Course # 1512 
Honors Biology is designed for career-minded students planning to take AP science courses and furthering their education at a four-year university.  Students must be self-motivated learners who can quickly process the BIOZONE text, grasp concepts, and make relevant applications within the biology curriculum.  Honors Biology students will exhibit critical reading skills; will demonstrate exceptional writing skills; will streamline their learning through G Suite for Education; and will utilize laboratory methods to investigate the biological world.  Daily Chromebook use connects students to Google Classroom, USA Test Prep, EdPuzzle, Quizlet, GIZMOs, and daily Bell-Ringers.  Cooperative, inquiry-based activities and creative, computer-based simulations permit students to express their knowledge while collaborating with others.  Students who take this course will be scheduled to take the Biology Keystone Exam in May.

Topics include:  basic biological principles, the chemical basis for life, bioenergetics, homeostasis & transport, cell growth & reproduction, genetics, theory of evolution, and ecology.
 

AP Biology
 Grades 11-12    1.00 Credit     Level 3     Course # 1513
AP Biology is an introductory college level biology course that is designed to be the equivalent of the general biology course taken during the first college year. Students will further build upon scientific skills learned in Biology while focusing on the application of concepts through in-depth laboratory explorations.  The overall focus will be based upon the four big ideas of Biology: the process of evolution driving the unity of life, the use of energy to grow, reproduce and maintain dynamic homeostasis, the storage, retrieval, transmission and response to information essential to life processes, and the interactions of biological systems to include biochemistry, cellular processes and molecular genetics.  This course will involve intense laboratory investigations, independent reading assignments, class lecture, and in-class activities.  Students will be required to take the AP Exam or take a final exam at the end of the school year.  Students will be responsible for the cost of the AP Exam.

Chemistry
 Grade 10    1.00 Credit     Level 1     Course # 1521
Chemistry knowledge is used to make informed decisions about issues involving science and technology in our society. Students will realize the important role that chemistry plays in their daily lives. These goals are accomplished through teacher-directed note- taking, class discussion, concept reviews, chapter tests, and laboratory and inquiry-based activities. Students will write laboratory reports and use the internet to increase research skills. Emphasis is placed on student-involved hands-on demonstrations, laboratory techniques, and safety skills.
 
 Topics include: Metric Units and Prefixes, Structure and Properties of Matter, Organization of the Periodic Table, Naming and Writing Chemical Formulas, Predicting Chemical Reactions, Properties of Acids, and Bases, Safety and Laboratory Techniques, and Renewable/Non-renewable Resources.  

Honors Chemistry
 Grade 10    1.00 Credit     Level 2    Course # 1522
Students completing this course will have a foundation in chemical concepts needed for a first year college course. The class includes lectures, activities, cooperative and inquiry-based laboratories, creative projects, and homework assignments. Students will take notes, participate in class discussions, solve algebraic problems dealing with chemistry, balance equations, interpret laboratory data, increase research skills using the internet, and write formal and informal laboratory reports including error analysis. Safety in handling equipment and chemicals is stressed. Everyday applications and the role of chemistry in society are discussed.

Topics include:  Physical and Chemical Properties and Changes, Metric Problems, Atomic Theory, Electron Notations, Formula Writing and Nomenclature, Mole Concept, Chemical Equations, Stoichiometry, Gas Laws, Acid Base Theories.

AP Chemistry
 Grades 11-12    1.00 Credit     Level 3    Course # 1524
AP Chemistry is an intensive laboratory-oriented, senior class designed to be the equivalent of a first year, general college chemistry course. Lectures, class discussions, extensive homework assignments, and traditional chemical laboratories are utilized. Concepts from Honors Chemistry and Honors Physics will be used as foundations, and are reinforced and expanded upon in this class. Students are expected to complete multiple step, advanced algebraic problems outside the classroom. A strong emphasis will be placed on investigating chemical concepts both safely and accurately in laboratories. In-depth, written laboratory reports are required which incorporate a preliminary lab assignment, recording of data properly, calculations involving that data, interpreting the information to form conclusions, and error analysis. Students will be required to take the AP Exam or take a final exam at the end of the school year.  Students will be responsible for the cost of the AP Exam.
 
 Topics covered in class will include: Gas Laws, Solution Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Kinetics, Oxidation Reduction, Acid Base Theories, Quantum Mechanics, and Introduction to Organic and Nuclear Chemistry.

 
Physics
 Grade 11    1.00 Credit     Level 1     Course # 1531 
Physics is a science course that introduces the basic concepts in describing motion and the interactions of matter and energy. The course includes lecture on theory, practical applications in both the general environment and industrial fields, laboratory investigation in support of discussed theory, and the basic analysis of data using formulas, graphing including computer based graphing, and numerical analysis. The students will write laboratory reports showing these results.  Independent problem solving, group investigations, and inquiry-based activities will be used in class activities. 

Major areas of study include Linear Motion, including Vector Mapping, Forces and Free Body Diagramming, Simple Machines, Rotational Motion, Energy: Production and Conversions of Energy, Matter: States and Properties, Electricity and Magnetism.  
 

AP Physics 1
 Grades 11-12    1.00 Credit     Level 3    Course # 1533
AP Physics 1 is a mathematically based science course that investigates motion and the interactions of matter and energy. The scientific method is the foundation for practical insight into real-life situations and experiences. In-depth theory is strongly supported by laboratory and inquiry-based activities. Mathematical analysis of data and the written communication of technical data reinforce theory and applications. Independent problem solving and research, as well as cooperative group activities are used. A strong background in algebra, geometry, and graphing techniques is recommended.   Computer-based graphing will be used.

Major areas of study include Linear Motion. Vector Analysis. Projectile Motion. Forces and Free Body Diagramming. Impulse and Momentum: Collisions. Energy: Kinetic and Potential Energies; Conversions of Energy. Rotational Motion including Universal Gravitation and Electricity (Static and Current) and Magnetism.  
Students will be required to take the AP Exam or take a final exam at the end of the school year.  Students will be responsible for the cost of the AP Exam.

AP Physics 2
 Grade 12    1.00 Credit     Level 3    Course # 1534
AP Physics 2 is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. This course is recommended for students planning to enter any type of engineering, medical, math or science-related field. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It also introduces electric circuits, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. This course utilizes a college-level textbook and is supplemented with in-class activities, projects, demonstrations, lectures, and laboratory investigations. Students should have completed Geometry and Algebra II or an equivalent course. Although the AP Physics 2 course includes basic use of trigonometric functions, this understanding can be gained either in the concurrent math course or in the AP Physics 2 course itself. Students will be required to take the AP Exam or take a final exam at the end of the school year.  Students will be responsible for the cost of the AP Exam.
 

Honors Anatomy and Physiology
 Grades 11-12    1.00 Credit     Level 2    Course # 1542
Anatomy and Physiology is a course designed to give a more complete understanding of the basic structures of the human body along with their functions and interactions.  Focus will be placed on individual systems and the interdependent reactions within them.  Students interested in a profession such as nursing, physical therapy, physical education, pharmacy, and public health will be introduced to basic anatomical and physiological concepts to build a solid foundation for future educational opportunities.

Topics include:  Organization of the body, the Digestive System, the Respiratory System, the Circulatory System, the Immune System, the Excretory System, the Endocrine System, the Reproductive System, the Nervous System, the Sensory System and the Musculoskeletal System.  Dissection of organs and organisms is part of the course of study.

Biological Forensics
 Grades 11-12    .50 Credits     Level 1     Course # 1543

This course is designed to expose students to the use of science in the forensic field, which can be applied to careers in science, medicine, law and law enforcement. The course will cover testing procedures and analysis of various types of forensic evidence focusing on the application of biological science. Topics include, crime scene observation and documentation, admissible evidence, DNA fingerprinting, bite mark analysis, blood typing, hair and fiber analysis, pollen identification, forensic entomology, and the analysis of footprints. A student wishing to take this course would have successfully completed biology and chemistry.
 

Chemical Forensics
 Grades 11-12    .50 Credit     Level 1     Course # 1544
This course is designed to expose students to the use of science in the forensic field, which can be applied to careers in science, medicine, law, and law enforcement. The course will cover testing procedures and analysis of various types of forensic evidence focusing on the application of physical science. Topics include: eyewitness basics,  fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, toxicology, blood spatter and trace evidence, such as tool marks, tire tracks. Class and individual evidence will be collected and analyzed in this laboratory based class. A student wishing to take this course should have successfully completed biology and chemistry.