2010-2011Science Curriculum
Biology I
This course is designed to help students develop skills in the areas of cooperative learning, critical thinking, the scientific method, and the utilization of technology in the research of contemporary problems and issues. The study of life processes will include measurement, cellular biology, genetics, ecology, animal and plant anatomy and physiology, as well as an introduction to the structure and function of the human body. Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are an essential component of the course.
Biology I Honors
In this course students will explore the relationship between organisms and their environments, and between individual cells and biological systems. The processes of life will be approached from the viewpoints of cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, classifi cation of organisms, physiology, biochemistry, and biological changes through time. Students will be presented scientific concepts at an advanced level. Laboratory activities are a significant component in the course and offer students an opportunity to become familiar with scientific instruments and experimental methods.
Chemistry I
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the study of the composition, properties and changes associated with matter. Topics include, but are not limited to, atomic structure of matter, periodic table as an informational tool, types of chemical bonding, kinetic molecular theory, and water solutions. Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are an essential component of the course.
Chemistry I Honors
In this course, students will be provided with the study of composition, properties and changes associated with matter. The content shall include, but not be limited to the following: measurement, classification and structure of matter, atomic theory, moles, periodicity, chemical bonding, formula writing, nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, kinetic theory, gas laws, acids and bases, energy relationships, solids, liquids and solutions. Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are essential components of the course.
Physical Science
The purpose of this course is to provide opportunities to study the concepts of matter, energy, and forces, and their applications through exploratory investigations and activities.
Physics I Honors
This course will provide students with an introductory study of the theories and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy, and the forces of nature. The content shall include, but is not limited to, mechanics, wave phenomena, electricity, magnetism, optics and sound. Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are essential components of the course.
Integrated Science III
The purpose of this course is to provide opportunities to investigate the theories and ideas associated with the biological, earth, and physical sciences in a way that is relevant and usable. Students construct science knowledge by formulating questions, making predictions, planning experiments, making observations, classifying, interpreting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating.
Integrated Science III Honors
The purpose of this course is to give students the opportunity to participate in a hands-on, projectbased science course that combines cooperative learning and community service as a venue for applying scientific thinking and experiments. Students construct science knowledge by formulating questions, making predictions, planning experiments, making observations, classifying, interpreting, and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating.
Research and Critical Thinking
The Research I course is designed to promote research experiences for those motivated and inquiring science students who are willing to commit to the time and effort that this course requires. This course is open to students in grades 10-12 but is specifically developed for interested and creative students who want an opportunity to acquire research and laboratory skills through planning and implementing investigations which may lead to advancing career and educational goals. Original research that relates to real-world issues will be encouraged with the supervising science teacher’s help in facilitating laboratory time and equipment needed. Research conducted in this course should be suitable for participation in a variety of individual and team projects and contests such as local science fairs, SECME, and NCSSMST.
AP Biology
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course. Students will engage in an in-depth study of the following three areas: molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and an appreciation of science as a process.
AP Chemistry
Content includes, but is not limited to, the structure of matter, the states of matter, chemical reactions, and descriptive chemistry.
AP Physics B
This course prepares students for appropriate placement in college physics courses. The content shall include, but is not limited to, kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, conservation laws in classical mechanics, topics in mechanics, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics. In order to take this course, students must have already taken or are currently taking Algebra II honors.