Chem/Phys - 1.0 credit (2 semesters) GRADUATION REQUIREMENT Grade Level: 10–12
Fee: $4
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra 1 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1 and successful completion of Biology.
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tudents considering Chem/Phys should have a basic understanding of Algebra, use units to solve problems, and participate effectively in conversations and collaboration with partners, expressing ideas clearly and persuasively through written and verbal communication.In this laboratory based course, students will be presented with a fundamental introduction to chemistry and physics. Students will experiment with, discuss and study the basic chemical and physical interactions that drive the world around them. Students in this course will utilize a problem-solving approach in which they will be required to identify a problem or hypothesis, devise an experimental method to solve the problem, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusion(s) from the data.
Science Department
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Chemistry - 1.0 credit (2 semesters) GRADUATION REQUIREMENT Grade Level: 10–12
Fee: $12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra 1; Concurrent enrollment in Geometry suggested.
This course is appropriate for 10th grade (and up) students who have a good working knowledge of Algebra, with current enrollment in Geometry suggested. Successful students are able to interpret laboratory data in order to write and solve equations, participate effectively in conversation and collaboration with partners, and express ideas clearly and persuasively.
The study of chemistry includes but is not limited to topics such as matter and energy, atomic structure, the periodic table, gases, bonding, thermodynamics, chemical reactions, acids and bases. Students who select chemistry should note that it requires active, laboratory based learning, problem solving skills, and the ability to successfully communicate results verbally and in written form.
Honors Chemistry - 1.0 credit (2 semesters) weighted GRADUATION REQUIREMENT Grade Level: 10–12
Fee: $12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Biology, concurrent enrollment in Geometry or Honors Geometry strongly suggested.
This course is appropriate for 10th grade students who have a strong working knowledge of Algebra, with current enrollment in Geometry suggested. Successful students use units as a way to understand multi-step problems, participate effectively in conversation and collaboration with partners, and use evidence and deductive reasoning to support conclusions.
In this enriched and rigorous chemistry course, students will utilize the problem-solving skills of logic and deductive reasoning. Student participation in ongoing discussion and experimentation is required, with an emphasis on data analysis and understanding of the chemical principles that explain the behavior of matter. This course is appropriate for 10th grade (and up) students above average skills in
mathematics, English/Language Arts reading and writing, and for students who are considering taking AP Chemistry.
AP Chemistry - 2.0 credits (2 semesters, blocked) weighted CORE ELECTIVE/OPEN ELECTIVE Grade Level: 11-12
Fee: $90
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry and Algebra 2 preferred.
Students who enroll in AP Chemistry should have a strong understanding of advanced Algebra and Chemistry.
Students enrolling in AP Chemistry will cover topics equivalent to a first-year college general chemistry course. Students will be
encouraged, though not required, to take the AP Chemistry exam. Scoring well on this test will usually allow students to take second-year chemistry courses as a college freshman, as well as preparing them for medical and science related careers. Taking the AP Chemistry exam is strongly encouraged.
Successful completion of both semesters and the AP exam is required to earn college credit.
Physics - 1.0 credit (2 semesters) CORE ELECTIVE/OPEN ELECTIVE Grade Level: 10-12
Fee: $5
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 or concurrently enrolled.
A good understanding of Algebra and beginning understanding of Trigonometry are required to solve problems presented in this course.
Physics provides a background in the physical laws that describe our universe. This course relies heavily on laboratory experimentation and mathematical modeling to give the students an understanding of the major concepts of physics. Student participation in ongoing discussion and experimentation is required, with an emphasis on data analysis and understanding of the physical concepts.
Science Department
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AP Physics 1- 1.0 credit (2 semesters) weighted CORE ELECTIVE/OPEN ELECTIVE Grade Level: 11-12
Fee: $5
Prerequisite: Successful completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2.
A strong understanding of algebra and trigonometry is required to solve problems presented in this course. Successful completion of AP Physics 1 is required prior to attempting AP Physics C.
AP Physics 1 is an enriched physics course which provides a background in the physical laws that describe our universe such as
Newtonian mechanics, work, energy, power, waves, and sound. This course relies heavily on laboratory experimentation and mathematical modeling to give the students an understanding of the major concepts of physics. Student participation in ongoing discussion and
experimentation is required, with an emphasis on data analysis and understanding of the physical concepts.
Successful completion of the AP exam is required to earn college credit.
AP Physics C – 2.0 credits (2 semesters, blocked) weighted CORE ELECTIVE/OPEN ELECTIVE Grade Level: 11-12
Fee: $65
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of AP Physics 1 and Honors Precalculus
Concurrent enrollment in or completion of Calculus is required for successful completion of AP Physics C.
Advanced Placement Physics C is a calculus-based, college level, physics course designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exams. Students will study in-depth topics in mechanics during first semester, and in-depth topics in electricity and magnetism during second semester. Students can earn as many as 8 college credits upon successful completion of the AP exam.
Successful completion of both semesters and the AP exam is required to earn college credit
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Forensics - 1.0 credit (2 semesters) CORE ELECTIVE/OPEN ELECTIVE Grade Level: 11-12
Fee: $14
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry
This course is appropriate for 11th and 12th grade students who have a strong working knowledge of Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry.
Successful students use units as a way to understand multi-step problems, participate effectively in conversation and collaboration with partners, and use evidence and deductive reasoning to support conclusions.
This course involves components from all of the sciences including content from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math and ELA Writing Skills.
Forensic students will use critical thinking, deductive reasoning, advanced chemical laboratory techniques and problem-solving skills.
Reality and research-based activities are used to investigate criminal scenarios; the scientific method is used for solving such problems.
Students will address the application of science to the processes of law, and be involved the collection, examination, evaluation and interpretation of evidence. This course is designed to familiarize those individuals interested in criminalistics and/or related fields with the methods and techniques currently employed by forensic scientists.
Please note: Photos of crime scenes are an essential aspect of the curriculum and may be graphic. These may be used throughout the course.
Science Department
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Earth and Space Science - 1.0 credit (2 semesters) CORE ELECTIVE/OPEN ELECTIVE Grade Level: 10-12
Fee: $15
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology
This course is appropriate for students with average Algebra and ELA skills.
Earth and Space Science is the study of various sciences (Geology, Astronomy, Oceanography, and Meteorology) that examine the origin, composition, and physical features of the Earth. This two semester laboratory course explores origins and the connections between the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the earth system. In this course, students will collect and interpret real-time data, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking to gain an understanding the Earth. Earth and Space Science provides the opportunity for students to engage in problem solving and ethical decision making about scientific and technological issues
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Honors Earth and Space Science - 1.0 credit (2 semesters) weighted CORE ELECTIVE/OPEN ELECTIVE Grade Level: 10-12
Fee: $15
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a Physical Science course and Biology.
This course is appropriate for students with strong Algebra and ELA skills.
Earth and Space Science is a laboratory based, in-depth course that integrates the study of Earth with the characteristics of the solar system and builds upon those concepts. The study of the Earth will include its geological history, composition, structure, atmosphere, and place in the universe. The characteristics of the solar system include (but are not limited to) the motion of the universe and its structures.
The tools required for space exploration may also be studied. In this course students will collect and interpret real-time data, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking to gain an understanding of events happening in the real world.
Meteorology – 0.5 credit (1 semester) CORE ELECTIVE/OPEN ELECTIVE
Grade Level: 11-12 Fee: None
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth and Space Science suggested
Meteorology is a laboratory course that is designed for students who are curious about weather and seek to understand the weather phenomena that affects their daily lives. Students will develop and understanding of the meteorological principles and mechanics of the atmosphere, climate and weather prediction.