Science

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1
Prerequisite: None

This course will focus on providing a foundation for subsequent science courses by providing students with fundamental concept knowledge from chemistry and physics. It will present students with experience in chemical reactions, structures and properties of matter, forces and interactions, energy, waves, and electromagnetic radiation. Engineering practices have been integrated into this curriculum, as well as a focus on scientific practices to help students prepare for more expanded studies as they progress through additional science courses.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

 

This course will focus on three major units of study: nature of science and evolution, chemical biology, and genetic transmission and biotech. The curriculum will be taught using a wide variety of methodologies including reading and writing in the content area, interactive hands-on lab work, research, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry activities. To be successful, students will need to design and execute experiments, analyze experimental data, and conduct independent research and/or other projects outside of class.

Level: Pre-AP

Credit: 1 (Weighted)

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in Honors Physical Science—Integrated or qualifying score

 

This course will focus on three major units of study: evolution and natural selection, cell theory, and genetics. The curriculum will be taught using a wide variety of methodologies including reading and writing in the content area, interactive hands-on lab work, research, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry activities. To be successful, students will need to design and execute experiments, analyze experimental data, and conduct independent research and/or other projects outside of class. A heavy emphasis will be placed on higher-level

understanding of the connections between the experiments and the concepts. This course is suitable preparation for AP Biology.

Level: Advanced Placement

Credits: 1 (Weighted)

Prerequisite: Completion of the summer assignment

 

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. This course is designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement test and earn up to eight credit hours. Topics in lecture and laboratory include molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, organisms, and populations.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

 

This course will investigate the fundamental concepts of modern chemical laws and theories. These concepts will be established by gathering evidence from both classroom activities and from performing classical and modern laboratory investigations. Some topics include graphing, using laboratory instruments, chemical reactions and the equations that describe them, properties of gases, mole relationships, kinetic molecular theory, acids and bases, and atomic structure and bonding.

Level: Pre-AP

Credit: 1 (Weighted)

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in Honors Biology or qualifying score

 

Students study the basic concepts of modern chemistry covered in the academic chemistry course, but at a more rapid pace and in greater depth in the study of each concept. These concepts will be developed through hands-on activities and laboratory experiments, mathematical problem-solving, and class discussions of theory. The course is recommended as the second laboratory science in the honors sequence after Honors Biology. It meets the chemistry prerequisite for AP Biology. Students who are good mathematical problem solvers and interested in science, engineering,

or medicine as possible careers are successful in this course.

Level: Dual Enrollment

 

This course surveys the basic principles of college chemistry and prepares students to enter more advanced courses in college. Organic and physical chemistry concepts are explored in depth.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisites: Fluency in Algebra and Trigonometry concepts suggested

 

An experiential inquiry-based approach to Newtonian mechanics and basic electric circuits. Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws, momentum and collisions, circular motion and gravity, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, work and conservation of energy, electrostatics, and basic DC circuits. Fluency in algebra and trigonometry is required.

Level: Advanced Placement

Credit: 1 (Weighted)

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in Physics or qualifying score

 

A mathematically rigorous pre-engineering approach to Newtonian mechanics and basics electric circuits with a passing score in the AP Physics 1 exam as the objective. Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws, momentum and collisions, circular motion and gravity, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, work and conservation of energy, electrostatics, and basic DC circuits. Fluency in algebra and trigonometry is required.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

 

This course will focus on four major units of study: astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography. Emphasis will be on the changing environment and how Earth systems are affected by human activity. The curriculum will be taught using a wide variety of methodologies including reading and writing in the content area, interactive hands-on lab work, research, problem solving, and scientific inquiry activities. To be successful, students will need to design and execute experiments, analyze experimental data, and conduct independent research and/or other projects outside of class.

Level: Advanced Placement

Credit: 1 (Weighted)

Prerequisite: None

 

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory university course in environmental science. It is an interesting, complex, and applicable science that is constantly changing and expanding. Environmental issues are in the news every day, and it is more important than ever to understand the science behind the stories. The course will stress scientific principles, processes, and analysis, while also providing opportunities to explore the many social, political, economic, and ethical issues that are relevant to the environmental topics studied. In both breadth and level of detail, the content of the course reflects what is found in many introductory college courses in environmental science. All students are expected to take the AP Environmental Science exam upon completion of the course.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1 MHS & 3 DTCC

 

This course includes structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on gross anatomy, as well as all organ systems and their relationship to homeostasis. Coordinated laboratory activities are an integral part of this course.

Level: Dual Enrollment

Credit: 1 MHS & 5 DTCC

Prerequisite: Essentials of Health Careers and SAT 480 ERW, Accuplacer Reading 78, Writing 84, or 75% grade in Technical Reading & Writing

 

This course introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of humans including the structure and function of cells, tissues, and integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Coordinated laboratory experiments are an integral part of this course. Students learn the physiology of each body system, as well as how to investigate common diseases, disorders, and emerging diseases. The prevention and diagnosis of disease and treatment are addressed.