Science education should help the student develop an attitude of curiosity about the nature of all phenomena, combined with an ability to use an approach of systematic inquiry toward the solution of problems. Students should, through the practice of systematic inquiry in the science disciplines, accumulate a broad base of knowledge, which will help them develop organizing principles around which they can direct their activity.
Faculty Members
Mrs. Amy Eastham
Mr. Kevin Moseley
Mrs. Sabra Sauer
Mr. Jordan Schott
Biology
This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Students will explore a range of topics including cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and the scientific process. In essence, this course provides a basis for students to develop a deep conceptual understanding of biology as well as opportunities to integrate biological knowledge and scientific practices through inquiry-based activities and laboratory investigations. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. This biology course satisfies one year of the high school graduation requirement for science.
Biology Honors
This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Students will explore a range of topics including cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and the scientific process. In essence, this course provides a basis for students to develop a deep conceptual understanding of biology as well as opportunities to integrate biological knowledge and scientific practices through inquiry-based activities and laboratory investigations. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. Biology Honors is a new course. The expectation is that students will study in greater depth, at a more rapid pace, and with more opportunity for inquiry-based labs and activities than in the regular Biology sections. This biology course satisfies one year of the high school graduation requirement for science.
Human Anatomy and Physiology - Honors/Dual Credit
Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry
Human Anatomy and Physiology is an advanced study of the science of life. It is a laboratory-oriented course that includes the study of basic concepts and principles of specific life processes. Coursework includes a variety of hands-on, practical laboratory activities.
Chemistry
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Biology
This course is a survey of general chemistry exploring the principles and concepts of chemistry and basic laboratory techniques. Chemistry is the study of matter and its changes. All matter is composed of particles. The constant motion and interaction of these particles determine the properties of matter that we can observe. Breaking and forming these interactions leads to chemical and physical changes in matter during which energy is transferred. At the completion of this course, students should have an appreciation for how atoms and molecules and their interactions comprise the world we experience.
Chemistry Honors
Prerequisites: Algebra II Honors and Biology Honors (Concurrent Enrollment Acceptable), Fulfillment of Honors Program Requirements and Teacher Recommendation
This course is a survey of general chemistry exploring the principles and concepts of chemistry and basic laboratory techniques. Chemistry is the study of matter and its changes. All matter is composed of particles. The constant motion and interaction of these particles determine the properties of matter that we can observe. Breaking and forming these interactions leads to chemical and physical changes in matter during which energy is transferred. At the completion of this course, students should have an appreciation for how atoms and molecules and their interactions comprise the world we experience. In honors chemistry students will be expected to study concepts in greater depth and at a more rapid pace with additional opportunities for inquiry-based labs and activities than in the regular Chemistry course. Successful completion of this course with a grade of at least an 88% is a prerequisite for the AP Chemistry course.
AP Chemistry
Prerequisites: Chemistry Honors with at least an 88% and Algebra II or Algebra II Honors with at least an 88%. Students in Chemistry with at least a 94% may enroll with instructor approval if space is available.
AP Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. As such, the course is suitable only for high school students who exhibit high levels of commitment, motivation, and academic maturity. Students are expected to be self-motivated and spend extra time studying outside of class. The course requires two class periods each day and is organized into nine units: Atomic Structure, Molecular & Ionic Compounds, Intermolecular Forces, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Acids & Bases, and Applications of Thermodynamics. Our underlying goal is to develop independent, critical, and analytical thinkers. The problem-solving strategies obtained during this course will prepare college-bound students for careers in the sciences, medicine, engineering, and other technical areas. They will become flexible thinkers with a real understanding of how to apply the concepts learned to novel situations.
Physics
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra II (may be concurrent)
This course will emphasize hands-on experimentation as the class studies motion, forces, work, energy, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. There is a mathematical emphasis on problem solving with examples and questions reflecting real life situations.
Physics Honors
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Honors, concurrent enrollment in Calculus Honors, Chemistry and fulfillment of honors program requirements
This course will also emphasize hands-on experimentation, problem solving, and real life questioning. Physics Honors students will have a chance to experience independent study, and project constructions. The students will inter-link the topics covered in the Physics course. Completion of or enrollment in Pre-Calculus is necessary.
Environmental Science
1 Credit ~ 2 Semesters ~ Grades 11-12
Environmental Science is the study of the Earth, the organisms on Earth, the interconnectedness of Earth's systems, and the ways in which humans both interact with and impact the earth and its systems.
Forensic Science
1 Credit ~ 2 Semesters ~ Grades 11-12
Forensic Science is a course that introduces students to the application of science to connect a violation of law to a specific criminal, criminal act, or behavior and victim. Students will learn terminology and procedures related to the search and examination of physical evidence in criminal cases as they perform laboratory investigation.
Engineering Your World - Design (Elective)
1 Credit ~ 2 Semesters ~ Grades 11-12
Engineer Your World - Design uses a curriculum developed by The University of Texas in collaboration with NASA engineers. This course will engage students in authentic engineering design and computing practices in a problem-solving, inquiry-focused, project-based environment. Students discover the engineering design process, make data-driven decisions, and work in multi-level teams to solve complex challenges. They explore mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering through design challenges. Through the work on these projects, students develop engineering habits of mind and skills needed for the 21st century – creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration.
Engineering Your World - Computer Science (Elective)
1 Credit ~ 2 Semesters ~ Grades 11-12
EYW: Engineering Applications of Computer Science is an engineering course that engages students in programming and computational thinking to solve hands-on engineering design challenges. For students with an interest in engineering, the course provides opportunities to design computing-enabled solutions to engineering problems. For students with an interest in learning to code or to apply coding skills, the course’s hands-on, human-centered approach motivates the development of programming and other computational thinking skills. For both groups, the course sparks curiosity and provides valuable experiences with computing, design, and problem-solving that will benefit all students, regardless of their future goals.