This is a general survey course that presents the facts of biology within a pattern of unifying themes that helps students understand the larger significance of the details that they are learning. Examples of themes studied are natural selection, reproduction and inheritance, development, structure and function, energy relationships, ecology, and science and society. Emphasis is also placed on developing critical thinking, laboratory and writing skills. At the completion of two semesters of Biology, students take a statewide end-of-course exam.

PreAP Biology is an advanced course designed for very capable science students who may wish to take AP Biology. This course generally covers the same themes as the Biology course, but it has correlation to contemporary molecular biology. Students are required to analyze and synthesize concepts and draw inferences from new information. Laboratory work is designed to emphasize investigation rather than illustration and greater emphasis is placed on independent thinking. At the completion of two semesters of PreAP Biology, students take a statewide end-of-course exam.

While open to all students who have completed one year of biology, this is a college-preparatory course designed for students who have taken PreAP Biology. Previous concepts studied in PreAP Biology and new concepts will be covered in greater detail. Greater emphasis will be placed on laboratory investigations. Students will be performing laboratory investigations included in the AP Biology curriculum as well as designing their own experiments.

Explore atoms, molecules and compounds…and learn the difference between all those terms! Practice working in the lab, gathering data, and coming to conclusions. This course is an introduction to the vast world of chemistry. Algebra skills are a must!

Inquire into the world to understand how atoms for molecules and compounds that create everything we see…and can’t see. This is a fast-paced course that requires regular homework and study time. This course will prepare students for college General Chemistry. Good algebra skills are a must!

While open to all students who have completed one year of chemistry, this is a college-preparatory course designed for students who have taken PreAP Chemistry. Previous concepts studied in PreAP Chemistry and new concepts will be covered in greater detail. Students will be performing laboratory investigations emphasized in preparation for the AP Chemistry Exam along with critical thinking skills.

Physics is a first year comprehensive physics course covering all topics including but not limited to the following: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves and Sound, Light and Optics, Electrostatics, and Electricity and Magnetism. It is intended for the the student who would like to learn physics more conceptually without an emphasis on the more complex math concepts. Labs and critical thinking are the foundation of this course.

AP Physics 1 is a first year physics course aligned with the AP course document which can be found here. The course focuses on mechanics topics ending with an exploration of fluids with high expectations for critical thinking and complex problem-solving. It is the expectation that all students taking the course take the AP exam in May.

While open to all students who have completed one year of physics, AP Physics C is made up of two semester long physics courses combined into one year. The fall semester covers mechanics (which is highly aligned tot he AP Physics 1 curriculum) while the spring covers electricity and magnetism. While most concepts have been covered in prior physics courses, the depth and complexity of problem-solving increases dramatically. Due to the mathematical demands of this course, students are required to take or be co-enrolled in AP Calculus. AP Physics C may be tough, but work is excellent preparation for those interested in pursuing STEM fields in college. At the end of this course, students are expected to take both AP Exams.

Earth and Space Science looks at the Earth and its surrounding solar environment through the strands of Systems, Energy, and Relevance. Starting with an exploration of weather and fluid systems in the fall, the course moves to the solid Earth and ultimately the solar system (and beyond) in the second semester. This senior level course is intended to blend the knowledge and skills acquired in prior science courses.

Students completing this course will gain an understanding of environmental issues and their individual role in impacting the planet. The course provides students with an overview study of air and water pollution, endangered species, human population, recycling, ecology and energy. This course is lab-based, hands-on and focused on current issues.

This course focuses on students’ writing for a variety of purposes and in a variety of modes as well as reading and analyzing selected texts from all genres of literature. Based on a curriculum that integrates both writing and reading concepts and skills, this course empowers students to use the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing) as they write to learn about themselves, their world, and their print-rich environment. Students in English I read extensively, write responsively, listen critically, work cooperatively, and think independently. Students should expect to work no more than 1 hour per week outside of class.