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Science Courses

Biology
9th Grade
Full Year - 1 credit

Biology gives students the foundations of biology in preparation for further scientific studies. The course centers on the examination cell biology, energy and metabolism, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, genetics, principles of evolution, and ecology.

Honors Biology
9th Grade
Full Year - 1 credit

This course covers the same material as Biology but at a more challenging level that involves more detail and uses a more advanced text book. Students are expected to read and think critically, research, write scientifically, and be responsible for constructing their own ideas.

Chemistry
10th Grade
Full Year - 1 credit

Chemistry gives students the foundations of matter and its interactions as well as motion and stability. The chemistry curriculum emphasizes the facts, principles, and theories of general chemistry including: math operations, matter and energy, atomic structure, symbols and formulas, nomenclature, the periodic table, bonding concepts, equations, reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, phases of matter, solutions, pH, and equilibrium reactions. Students will learn the following skills through this course: critical thinking, problem solving, conducting safe laboratory experiments, mathematical, and computational skills.

Honors Chemistry
10th Grade
Full Year - 1 credit

This course covers the same material as Chemistry but at a more challenging level that involves more complex laboratory experiences, higher level mathematical problem solving, and generally more depth in covering the topics of chemistry.

Physics
11th Grade
Full Year - 1 credit

Physics provides students with foundational content regarding properties of physical matter, physical quantities, and their interactions. The course provides the required science background preparation for students who plan to pursue postsecondary studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Students learn through investigation, analysis of data, and experiments. Students take part in active learning involving authentic investigations and engineering design processes. The Physics course provides a rich learning context for acquiring knowledge of the practices, core ideas, and crosscutting concepts that lead to the development of critical-thinking, problem-solving, and information-literacy skills. 

AP Physics 1: Algebra Based
11th or 12th Grade
Full Year - 1 credit

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves. Laboratory experience is required in all AP Physics courses. Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for laboratory, so students are encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials. 

AP Physics C: Mechanics
12th Grade
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation
One semester - 1/2 credit

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation. Laboratory experience is required in all AP Physics courses. Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for laboratory, so students are encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials. 

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
12th Grade
One semester - 1/2 credit

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism is a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation. Laboratory experience is required in all AP Physics courses. Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for laboratory, so students are encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials.

AP Biology
12th Grade
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Full Year - 1 credit

AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The AP Biology course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.

Anatomy & Physiology
12th Grade
Full Year - 1 credit

The Human Anatomy & Physiology course is designed to address the structure and function of human body system from the cellular level to the organism level in an approach that complements the natural curiosity of high school students. The course addresses the interactions within and between systems that maintain homeostasis in an organism. It is designed for students who have an interest in learning how the human body works and for those interested in health-related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.