Science

Physical Science

The Physical Science course is designed to educate students about the physical world from scientific perspectives and observations, and will prepare students for further studies in specific areas of science. Students will learn about the methods scientists use to make observations and record data, and how to that data is applied to various subjects. Students will participate in lab activities designed to create and reinforce learning. As students progress through the course, they will use a skillset of organization, research, analysis and reporting to adequately and effectively complete assignments.

Biology

Biology is a lecture/laboratory course designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of living systems. Student will learn the skills necessary to examine alternative scientific explanations, actively conduct controlled experiments, analyze and communicate information, and gather and use information in scientific literature. The history of biological thought and the evidence that supports it are explored, providing the foundation for investigating biochemical life processes, cellular organization, mechanisms of inheritance, dynamic relationships among organisms, and the change in organisms through time. Students will study the following topics: cell structure and function, survey of kingdoms, the methods and tools of biology, an introduction to chemistry, vascular and nonvascular plants, cell reproduction, heredity, and the basic structure of human systems.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is a lecture/experiential seminar course that will present an interdisciplinary study of how we interact with the earth, and how science and society play roles when we seek solutions to environmental challenges. The central theme of this course is inter-relatedness. Students will learn the historical perspective needed to appreciate the economic and political realities related to the environment. They will learn to integrate social experiences and ethical issues with the science that describes the natural world and the human impact upon it. General topics will include pollution of waterways, lakes, and oceans; loss of forests; climate change; the effects of fishing on oceans; loss of biodiversity; and how the actions of locals can affect other parts of the world. Instruction will take place through a variety of media, both in and outside the classroom.

AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science is a lecture/experiential seminar course that will present an interdisciplinary study of how we interact with the earth, both scientifically and socially when we seek solutions to environmental challenges. The four main areas covered in AP Environmental Science will include: Energy Transfer, Interactions between Earth Systems, Interactions Between Different Species and the Environment, and Sustainability. Students will be expected to take the AP Exam.

Chemistry

Chemistry is a college preparatory laboratory science course that investigates and provides an understanding of the molecular structure of our physical world and the laws governing it. Chemistry must be taken concurrently with Algebra 2 or a higher math. This course examines the interactions of matter and energy through laboratory techniques and manipulation of chemicals. Scientific methodology is employed in experimental and analytical investigations, and concepts are clarified with practical applications to real-world situations and problems. Class involvement and laboratory exploration will enable students to develop and strengthen their critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and reasoning abilities through scientific investigation.

Physics

Physics is an algebra-based, introductory physics course. Students must have completed Algebra 2. In this course, students will cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, direct current (DC) circuits, and mechanical waves and sound.

*AP Physics 1

Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Student must have completed Algebra 2. In this course, students will cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, direct current (DC) circuits, and mechanical waves and sound.

Sports Medicine

The Introduction to Sports Medicine and Athletic Training course is designed for students who are interested in fields such as athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, nursing, fitness, physiology of exercise, nutrition, EMT, and other professions related to sports medicine.  It is offered as a classroom and lab course to provide students with an avenue through which to explore these vocations.  This course will focus on the basic information and skills important in the recognition of care, prevention, and preliminary rehabilitation of athletic injuries.  The course includes class work and hands-on application.