Suggested science sequence:
Standard:
9th grade Physical
Science
10th grade Biology
11th grade Chemistry or Anatomy
12th grade Chemistry, Anatomy,
or Honors Physics
Honors and AP:
(To follow this track, the student must have
credit in 8th grade Honors Physical Science.)
9th grade Honors Biology
10th grade Honors Anatomy or Honors
Chemistry
11th grade Honors Chemistry, Honors
Anatomy, or Honors Physics
12th grade Honors Physics, AP
Biology, or AP Chemistry
Criteria for registering for an honors science course:
A grade of 85+ in current Honors science
(except a grade of 90 in Honors Chemistry) and Honors math courses (1st semester
average).
A grade of 90+ in current Standard
science and Standard math courses (1st sem. avg.)
A completed application submitted to
the current science teacher (AP Biology and Chemistry only)
A recommendation from the current
science teacher
1504
Physical
Science 1 credit
This course is a study of the concepts of energy, matter, motion, and chemistry.
Laboratory techniques and basic problem-solving skills are emphasized. Word
problems involving mathematics are an integral part of the course. The course
gives students a general knowledge of chemistry and physics and is a foundation
for upper-level science courses. This course is a prerequisite to all other
science courses. Eighth-grade Honors Physical Science students are not eligible
for this course.
2504
Biology
1 credit
Prerequisite: 8th grade Honors Physical
Science or 1504 Physical Science
Biology is an introductory laboratory course exploring
the fundamental concepts of biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics,
microbiology, botany, and zoology. Class lectures are supplemented with laboratory
sessions which emphasize laboratory skills and scientific processes. Dissection
is required.
2506
Honors Biology
1 credit
Prerequisites: 8th grade Honors Physical
Science or 1504 Physical Science and fulfillment of honors course criteria.
Honors Biology is an in-depth laboratory
course that focuses on biochemistry, cytology, genetics, microbiology, botany,
zoology, and ecology through laboratory investigations, lecture, and independent
study. This course emphasizes unifying themes that provide a foundation for
biological concepts and processes, such as energetics, genetic continuity,
homeostasis, growth and development, etc. Developing laboratory skills and
improving critical thinking skills are also stressed. Dissection is required.
3504
Chemistry
1 credit
Prerequisites: 1504 Physical Science, 2504 Biology,
or 2506 Honors Biology
Chemistry is concerned with discovering the fundamental
nature of matter. Laboratory, lecture, and demonstrations about chemical concepts
as they specifically relate to understanding complex chemical interactions
and mathematics will be used. Topics studied include classification of matter,
chemical nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, periodicity, molecular
structure, gas laws, solutions and the principles of reactions.
3506
Honors Chemistry
1 credit
Prerequisites: 1504 Physical Science
or 8th Grade Honors Physical Science and 2506 Honors Biology.
Honors Chemistry is a laboratory-intensive course
concerned with the fundamental nature of matter, including classification of matter, chemical nomenclature,
chemical equations, stoichiometry, periodicity, molecular structure, gas laws,
solutions and the principles of reactions. The course is designed to prepare the student for entrance
into the first year of college chemistry. The core objectives of the course
include those which have been identified by colleges and universities as basic
to the further understanding of the subject. Also included are objectives
identified as being more challenging than those in the standard chemistry
course, but which are appropriate for potential majors in chemistry, engineering,
and biology. The course stresses understanding the basic theoretical concepts
of chemistry as opposed to the study of descriptive chemistry. The content
includes a strong emphasis on measurement and calculation and, therefore,
requires the student to apply basic mathematical skills to events observed
in laboratory operations.
3524
Anatomy and Physiology
1 credit
Prerequisite: 2504 Biology or 2506 Honors
Biology
This course begins with a review of cytology and
histology and an introduction to the basic fundamentals of chemistry. Students
then make a study of the human body systems and some conditions and diseases
associated with these systems. Students also study and consider the positive
results of taking care of their bodies through proper nutrition and exercise,
as well as the negative effects of drugs, alcohol, and sexually-transmitted
diseases. Intensive memorization is required. Dissection of a cat and other
mammal organs is required.
3526
Honors Anatomy
and Physiology 1 credit
Prerequisite: 2504 Biology or 2506 Honors
Biology and fulfillment of honors course criteria.
This course begins with a thorough review of cytology
and histology and an introduction to the basic fundamentals of chemistry,
followed by an in-depth study of human body systems and many related conditions
and diseases. During dissection, students will obtain a fuller understanding
of the functions of body organs. Students will study, make observations, and
write papers on issues from alcohol, to drugs, to sexually-transmitted diseases.
Studies and Power Point presentations on nutrition, diet, and proper care
of the body will be made. Students are called upon to not only memorize, but
to process the information given and form opinions based on fact. Independent
study and dissection of a cat and other mammal organs is required.
4506
Honors Physics
1 credit
Prerequisites: An 80+ in Honors Algebra
II and Honors Chemistry or a 85+ in standard Algebra II and Chemistry. 4104
Pre-calculus or 4106 Honors Pre-calculus is a prerequisite or co-requisite.
(An exception to these prerequisites may be made by the teacher and the chairmen
of both the Mathematics and Science Departments. A student may only by-pass
the chemistry requirement of the chemistry course was full. Also, a student
must have an average of 80+ in Honors Algebra II.)
Physics is the mathematical study of
one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, Newtons laws, momentum,
work and energy, simple harmonic motion, waves, sound and light, optics, electricity,
and magnetism. Concepts are developed through lecture, demonstration, and
experimentation. Those concepts are also thoroughly analyzed mathematically
through algebra and trigonometry. Techniques of problem-solving and critical
thinking are required.
4538
Advanced Placement
Biology 1 credit
Prerequisite: 3504 Chemistry or 3506
Honors Chemistry and fulfillment of honors course criteria. An AP application
is required, with science department approval.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent
of a college-level introductory biology course. Primary emphasis is on developing
the ability to integrate content information from multiple units using a thematic
approach. Students are expected to understand biological processes at the
chemical and molecular level and to use mathematical analysis in completing
lab work. Because successful completion of the curriculum will enable students
to take the College Board Advanced Placement Examination, the course follows
the outline recommended by the College Board. Course content includes molecules
and cellular biology (25%), heredity (25%), organ systems and populations
(50%).
4548
Advanced Placement Chemistry 1 credit
Prerequisite: An average of 95+ in 3504 Chemistry or 92+ in 3506 Honors Chemistry
and completion of AP application, with science department approval.
This course is intended for the serious science student who is building upon
the material successfully learned in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Topics
include mathematics of chemistry, structure of the atom, chemical bonding,
gases and kinetic theory, acids, bases and salts, oxidation-reduction, chemical
equilibria, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, hydrocarbons, functional
groups, macromolecules, etc. This is a laboratory course.