Earth Science: Policy Sheet

Earth Science is a full year laboratory science offered in the Freshman year. This course is an exploration of Earth and Space Science, and covers topics in the fields of Geology, Astronomy, Oceanography, Hydrology, and Meteorology. Along with covering important content in these fields, students examine the relationship between Earth Science and the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This makes Science I a valuable high school science introduction and lays the foundation for the next four years. Developing study and organizational skills, note taking, and writing laboratory reports are covered. Cooperative learning, hands on projects and laboratory investigations supplement the lecture format. Current issues and environmental values and perspectives are emphasized.

     Biology: Policy Sheet

Biology is a full year laboratory science offered in the Sophomore year. This high school level survey course focuses on the scientific study of life. Topics covered range from Microscopic Life Forms to the study of Human Life. Cellular Biology, Genetics, Evolution, a survey of Plant and Animal Kingdoms, and Ecology are among the topics covered. Classroom lecture, cooperative learning, research projects, laboratory investigations, and activities are all part of this course which emphasizes the importance of utilizing the scientific method, developing academic skills, and critical thinking.

     Honors Biology: Policy Sheet

Honors Biology is a full year laboratory science offered in the sophomore year. This is a faster paced high school level survey course which takes an in depth approach to the style of life. Topics range from Cellular Biology to Human Biology. Genetics, Ecology, Microbiology, Botany, and the Plant and Animal Kingdoms are among the topics covered. This course will allow students who are interested in pursuing the sciences to sharpen their organizational and study skills through advanced research in topic areas. Critical thinking skills are also developed through laboratory studies and individual laboratory experiments.

     Biology II: Policy Sheet

Biology II is a full year science elective offered in the senior year which contains both classroom and laboratory components. Topics of study include a review of sophomore biology (albeit in more depth), followed by intense study in topics such as genetics, evolution, forensic science and animal biology. Current and environmental concerns are incorporated into the class as appropriate. Prior application and approval of the science department is required.

     Applied Chemistry: Policy Sheet

Applied chemistry is a full year laboratory science offered in the junior year. This course studies the basic principles of chemistry without the emphasis on mathematics. The chemical theory is designed for application to consumer processes and their impact on society. This basic level college preparatory course is designed to use chemistry in making informed decisions about issues involving science and technology, including their impact on the student's personal and professional life. The course uses a variety of methodologies including but not limited to: lecture, laboratory experiments, demonstration and cooperative learning activities to encourage active problem solving. Science and guidance department approval are needed for entrance into this course.

     Chemistry: Policy Sheet

Chemistry is a full year laboratory science offered in the junior year. The fundamental principles of chemistry are covered with laboratory activities providing reinforcement for, and application of the class topics also helping to further the development of reasoning skills. Current issues and developments in science and technology are discussed as well as relationships between various science disciplines.

     Organic Chemistry: Policy Sheet

Organic Chemistry is an elective in the senior year. The course is designed for advanced and highly motivated students with a particular interest in science. Topics covered include: bonding of carbon, functional groups, reactions and their mechanisms, polymerization and nomenclature. Projects and regularly scheduled laboratory activities reinforce the lecture format.

     Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry: Policy Sheet

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a full year laboratory science class set up according to the standards put into place by the College Board. This class is designed only for the highly motivated and interested student, as it is conducted on the level of a college freshmen class. Students have the opportunity to take the AP test in the spring possibly earning college credit for their effort. As this is a highly demanding course, parental permission is required as well as recommendations from the math, science, and guidance departments for entry into this class.

     Anatomy and Physiology: Policy Sheet

Anatomy and Physiology is a full year elective course designed for the student with a particular interest in the biological sciences. Through classroom and laboratory activities human structures and functions are viewed on a system by system basis. As the year progresses the big picture of the human organism is brought into greater focus and understanding. Throughout the year the student is asked to think critically and cooperatively further developing those skills which will help them to succeed in higher education. Student application and approval by the science department is required.

     Physics: Policy Sheet

Physics is a full year, senior elective course which is designed to help students describe and explain the physical world from systems smaller than atoms to ones larger than galaxies. Units include mechanics, properties of matter, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism. If time permits, the properties of matter and heat will be covered. The topics are explored through lectures and demonstrations by the instructor as well as through laboratory investigations performed by all students. Concepts of physics, critical thinking and problem solving are emphasized. Prerequisites are three years of high school science and two years of Algebra. This course is a value to students having various academic abilities.