SCIENCE

Course: Physical Science 1 Term
Grades: 9, 10, 11 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

This is an introductory course to the fields of chemistry and physics. The major emphasis is on the practical uses of chemistry and physics in everyday life.

Course: Physical World Concepts 1 Term

Grade: 9 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Physical Science

This course is an Algebra I based conceptual physics course for ninth grade students. Content covered will include Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves and Sound, Light and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. World Physical Concepts offers a basic introduction to physics concepts with an emphasis on developing a qualitative conceptual understanding of general principles and models in addition to the nature of scientific inquiry. Coursework concentrates on conceptual development and provides an enriching laboratory experience that prepares students for future, more mathematically rigorous science courses.

Course: Honors Physical World Concepts 1 Term

Grade: 9 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Physical Science
Co-requisite: Geometry

This course is offered to those students with a high interest in science. The honors course covers the same content as the standard course. Topics will be covered in greater depth and students will be required to complete additional rigorous assignments using problem solving and inquiry.

Course: Chemistry 1 Term

Grade: 10,11,12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Chemistry is a course that explores the properties of substances and the changes that substances undergo. Students will investigate Atomic Structure, Matter and Energy, Interactions of Matter, Properties of Solutions and Acids and Bases. Content is covered using a variety of strategies, for example, inquiry, hands on projects and laboratory experiments. Upon completion of chemistry I, students should be able to relate chemistry to real world issues. Students should also demonstrate appropriate safety in the lab and classroom settings.

Course: Honors Chemistry 1 Term

Grades: 10, 11 1 Credit

Co requisite: Algebra II

This course is designed for students with an expressed interest in science and a strong math background. Topics covered will include those covered in the standard class but in greater depth with an emphasis on preparing students for an Advanced Placement Chemistry or a Chemistry II class. Content is covered using a variety of strategies, for example, inquiry, hands on projects and laboratory experiments. Additional projects and laboratory experience increase the rigor of this class.

Course: Honors Chemistry II 1 Term

Grades: 10, 11 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Algebra II, Chemistry I,
Biology

Chemistry II is a continuation of Chemistry I and considered an Honors level course. We will review the topics from Chemistry I but in greater depth. The students will also investigate the structure and states of matter, gas laws, reactions, thermochemistry, electrochemistry and solution chemistry. This course may be used as the basis for an AP Chemistry class.

Grade: 10,11 Biology 1 Term

Prerequisites: Freshman level 1 Credit
science course

Biology is a course which explores the living world around us. This course covers topics such as the basic Processes of Life, Ecological Principles, Energy Transfer, Genetics and Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Biological Change. This course includes lab work involving the use of microscopes and electrophoresis. All state standards are covered in this course.

Course: Honors Biology 1 Term

Grades: 10, 11 1 Credit

Prerequisites: Freshman Level
Science Course

This class is recommended for students with a high interest in science. The topics covered are the same as in the standard course but will be covered in greater depth. The course also involves additional laboratory work, more rigorous assignment load, a scientific novel and test questions involving higher order thinking. Generally, freshmen level science teachers recommend students for this class.

Course: Honors Physics 1 Term

Grades: 11 1 Credit

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus,

A senior level physics course that deals with the relationship between matter, energy and their interactions. Topics taught will include the areas of Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves and Sound, Light and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Students will carry out investigations using inquiry based learning, hands-on laboratory investigations, observation of demonstrations, individual studies, and group activities. Physics is intended to build on the foundation attained in Conceptual Physics using a more rigorous application of algebra, trigonometry, and some basic calculus. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the main principles of physics, preparing them for the college level physics courses required in health-related majors, life science, and other science majors.

Course: Anatomy & Physiology 1 Term

Grades: 11 1 Credit

Prerequisites: Biology I and
Chemistry I

Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the body’s structures and respective functions at the molecular/biochemical, cellular, tissue, organ, systemic, and organism levels. Topics covered in the curriculum include Anatomical Orientation, Protection, Support, and Movement, Integration and Regulation, Transportation, Absorption and Excretion and Reproduction, Growth, and Development.

Course: AP Physics B 2 Terms

Grade: 12 2 Credits

Prerequisites: World Physical Concepts,
or Physical Science, Chemistry I;
Algebra I, II, and Geometry

Category B AP Physics builds on the conceptual understanding attained in World Physical Concepts. This course provides a systematic development of the main principles of physics emphasizing problem solving and helping students develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. It is assumed that students are familiar with algebra and trigonometry although some theoretical developments may use basic concepts of calculus. Content includes Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. In most colleges, this is a one-year terminal course including a laboratory component and is not the usual preparation for more advanced physics and engineering courses. However, AP Physics B provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences and health careers.

AP Physics C: Mechanics Fall Term
Grade: 12 1 Credit

Prerequisites: World Physical Concepts, or
Physical Science, Chemistry I; Algebra I, II,
Geometry, Pre-calculus

Co-requisite: AP Calculus

Category C AP Physics also builds on the conceptual understanding attained in World Physical Concepts. This course normally forms the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. The sequence is parallel to or preceded by mathematics courses that include calculus. Methods of calculus are used in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The sequence is more intensive and analytic than in the Category B course. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems some requiring calculus as well as continuing to develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. Mechanics is the first semester in the AP Physics C sequence and includes Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy and power, systems of particles and linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, and oscillations and gravitation.

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Spring Term

Grade: 12 1 Credit

Prerequisites: World Physical Concepts, or
Physical Science, Chemistry I, AP Physics C: Mechanics;
Algebra I, II, Geometry, Pre-calculus

Co-requisite: AP Calculus

This course is the second semester of the AP Physics C sequence. Content includes electrostatics, conductors, capacitors and dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism.

AP Physics B is a year-long course, and AP Physics C is divided into two semesters: Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism.