Science

Academy students must complete a minimum of two science courses before graduation. The Science Department laboratory courses are divided into three divisions: (1) the Life Sciences, (2) the Physical Sciences, and (3) the Earth Sciences. Students may also select from a variety of one semester, non-laboratory enrichment courses.

Each student must receive a passing grade for a minimum of four semesters of laboratory science. It should be recognized, however, that the laboratory science graduation requirement is not sufficient for a student who is college bound. A good guideline for acceptance into most colleges is that a student, while in high school, should complete a minimum of three years of laboratory science, two of which come from either biology, chemistry or physics.

Acceptance into a class for the freshman year is based upon grades earned in junior high school, on student performance on standardized tests and on the recommendations of junior high school personnel. Students may be recommended for modified placement based upon the same criteria. Students are not “tracked” in the science curriculum. For example, a student who takes Regular Chemistry one year might choose to take Honors Physics the next year. Science teachers will assist students in trying to determine the level that is most appropriate for each student based upon his/her own strengths and limitations.

Biology 9 – Regular: 1 Credit

In this introductory course, students investigate the application of biological principles to everyday life.  The topics covered include scientific method’ scientific measurement; microscopy’ basic and organic chemistry; cell theory and division; reproduction and development; genetics; evolution; classification; anatomy and physiology. Throughout this course, students will develop their skills in reading comprehension, note-taking, critical thinking, organization, and the application of information.
Homework requirement: 3 hours per week

Concepts of Biology: 1 Credit

This course invites the student to explore the world of living things and to appreciate his or her relationship with these other life forms and how we all interact with the environment.  In addition to teaching the fundamentals of biology, the course devotes time to developing and strengthening the skills necessary to be an effective learner.  Students will focus on note taking, study skills, and research techniques. Throughout the course, lab experiments are done to enrich and concretize the week’s discussion. Individual and group projects are assigned regularly, allowing the students the opportunity to research varied topics, and present oral and written reports.
Homework requirement: 3 hours per week

Physical Science: 1 Credit

Through lecture, lab and various hands on projects, students will investigate the nature of matter, the nature of energy, forces and motion, and historical perspectives. Some of the topics covered include: atomic structure, bonding forces, radioactivity, periodic table, pH, energy, waves, motion and various theories.

Chemistry 10 – Regular: 1 Credit

This is an introductory, college preparatory course. It begins with an in-depth study of the structure and properties of matter, the formation of chemical reactions, and the energy associated with these reactions. Other topics studied include kinetic theory, equilibrium, oxidation-reduction reactions, acids, bases, and organic chemistry. The homework and laboratory components of this course are extensive; however, the double period classes allow students to complete most assignments in-class.
Homework requirement: 4-5 hours per week

Chemistry 10 – Honors: 1 Credit

This first year Honors Chemistry course is geared for students with a strong math background. The topics covered in-depth include the structure and properties of matter, the formation of chemical reactions, the energy associated with these reactions, kinetic theory, equilibrium, oxidation-reduction reactions, acids, bases, and organic chemistry. Students collect and analyze data using the scientific inquiry approach to problem solving. This course is intended for the self-motivated students, and will strengthen independent problem solving skills.
Homework requirement: 4-5 hours per week

Physics 11 – Regular: 1 Credit

This course covers topics of modern physics that have been so important in shaping the world and modern society.  Students study a wide range of topics including kinematics (the study of motion), Newtonian mechanics, conservation of energy, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Class discussion and lab activities are an exceedingly important part of the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on multiple representations of physical systems such as graphs, mathematics, diagrams, flow-charts, and motion maps.. In this course, students will build on their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week

Physics 11 – Honors: 1 Credit

In this Honors Physics course, the goal is to lead students to construct a sound background of Newtonian mechanics in terms of particle models. The class will extend these models to other situations including electricity, magnetism, waves and light. This process gives students a real scientific experience that will be helpful in future science courses. This class utilizes a hands-on approach to learning. All models and representations will be developed through experimentation; thus much of the student’s time will be spent developing labs and writing lab reports. In addition, class presentations are used to develop models from experimental data. Emphasis is placed on multiple representations of physical systems such as graphs, mathematics, diagrams, flow charts, and computer programs.
Homework expectation: 3-4 hours per week

Physics 11 – Accelerated: 1 Credit

This Accelerated Physics course moves at a faster pace than the Honors course. Students will be expected to do more independent work, and less time will be spent for mathematical review. The goal of this class is to lead students to construct a sound background of Newtonian mechanics in terms of particle models. The class will extend these models to other situations including electricity, magnetism, waves and light. This process gives the student a real scientific experience that will be helpful in future science courses. This class utilizes a hands-on approach to learning. All models and representations will be developed through experimentation; thus much of the student’s time will be spent developing labs and writing lab reports. In addition, class presentations are used to develop models from experimental data. Emphasis is placed on multiple representations of physical systems such as graphs, mathematics, diagrams, flow charts, and computer programs.
Homework requirement:  3-4 hours per week

A. P. Physics: 1 Credit     

Prerequisite – Accelerated Physics
The primary focus of this course is to prepare students for the Newtonian Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism exams administered by the College Board in May. The first half of the course focuses on classical mechanics. Students will be expected to use calculus to solve problems, as the course progresses. New topics in mechanics that are not covered in Accelerated Physics include: rotational motion, air and fluid resistance, center of mass, and Newton’s law of gravitation. The second half of the course builds up to Maxwell’s Equations with significant use of calculus. Students expecting to take this course must have completed Accelerated Physics, and be currently enrolled in or have completed, A. P. Calculus.
Homework requirement: 4-5 hours per week                

A. P. Biology: 1 Credit     

Prerequisite: Open to seniors; minimum grade point average of B in both Biology 9 and Chemistry 10
In this college-level biology course, considerable talent and interest in science are necessary for success. This course covers content in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and physiology, with evolution as the unifying theme. Emphasis is placed on the scientific method and scientific writing through extensive laboratory work and formal lab reports. Laboratories include gel electrophoreses, fruit fly genetics, bacterial transformation, and plant and animal dissections. This course prepares students for the college-level examination of the Advanced Placement Program. Success on this exam may entitle students to college credit, advanced college placement, or both. This course meets 10 periods per week.
Homework requirement: 5-10 hours per week